Top 10 considerations when buying a GPS device
Aug
In the days before GPS, getting somewhere you’d never been before was a major time soak. Ideally, you had a good set of directions and a phone number to call for help. Failing that, you might have tried to consult a road atlas or a map, look for a landmark, and wander around until you got lucky. If you were really stuck, you might try pulling into a gas station and asking for directions.
When it came right down to it, finding something in the days before GPS could be terribly inconvenient. Fortunately, those days are over.
Today, both in-car and portable GPS navigation systems save time and trouble. Portable units are especially popular in vehicles due to their relatively low cost (ranging from $100 to $400) and ever-increasing gaggle of features. If you’re thinking about buying one of these units, there are ten things to consider:
1 – The Screen. If you need a portable GPS unit that doubles as a personal unit you might use out on the trail, then you don’t want to go too big. While portable GPS unit screens keep getting bigger and bigger, most people can’t comfortably hold a GPS unit if the screen is much bigger than 4″. On the other hand, if you plan on keeping the GPS unit exclusively in your vehicle, go with whatever screen size you like.
Also, there’s a difference between screen size and screen resolution. Basically, screens with good resolution are easy to read. Screens with poor resolution? Not so much. Some low-end manufacturers offer really big screens, but the resolution on these screens is poor. Not all screens are the same, so ask to see a demo model or pay special attention to the screen specs before you buy online.
2 – The Mounting System. Second only to the size of the unit, mounting options and “where the power comes from” are the most important aspects of any portable GPS unit. For most portable GPS devices, the standard mounting option is a low-tech suction cup windshield mount. Most of the time, this will work well enough. However, if your vehicle’s windshield has a very steep rake (a high angle windshield typically found on sports cars), a suction cup might not be a good fit. If the suction cup doesn’t work, check out a bean bag or friction mounts.
As for power, almost all portable GPS units use some sort of cigarette lighter adapter. Look for one that uses a low-profile plug (bigger plugs only get in your way), and consider a rechargeable unit that doesn’t always have to be plugged in. If you don’t have to constantly plug-in your GPS unit, it’s going to be much easier for you to stow it away when your vehicle is parked.
Sometimes, specialty make and model websites, such as this one for Toyota Tundra owners, allows you to find specific mounts for your GPS device.
3 – Automated Traffic Updates. This is the most compelling featured of many portable GPS devices. This feature promises to steer you clear of traffic jams and, when it works, it’s great to have. However, the emphasis here is on “when.” These systems tend to work best in large cities (e.g. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, New York, etc.), so if you don’t live in a major metro area you may find that this feature does you little good. Considering that some of these systems require you to pay a monthly fee, don’t look at this as a major benefit if you live in a smaller city.
4 – Text To Speech. This is a safety feature that will likely become mandatory in the very near future. Distracted driving has proven to be very dangerous, and portable GPS manufacturers are beginning to offer “talking” GPS systems as a result. Some of the more expensive portable GPS units have a “voice pack” feature that allows you to download a unique accent or tone for your GPS.
For example, your GPS will give you directions using a voice similar to Darth Vader, Christopher Walken, Homer Simpson or Barbara Walters. While it might not be able to improve the sound of your car’s exhaust (maybe look at using some noises from this exhaust sound clips website!), it’s definitely helpful when you’ve got your eyes glued to the road.
Funny voices or not, this is a great feature to have. Don’t buy a portable GPS without it.
5 – Lane Guidance. It’s just like it sounds. When you get on the freeway, the GPS not only tells you what exit to take, but it helps you prepare for that exit by telling you which lane to be in. This is a HUGE benefit, but it’s not available on a lot of low-end models. If you can afford it, it’s great to have.
6 – Maps. A portable GPS unit is only as good as the included map data. Most people will be satisfied with the “standard” data in these GPS units, but if you live anywhere outside the continental U.S., you may have to buy some additional map data. Also, remember that map data needs to be updated regularly. While some GPS units come with automated updates, the standard practice is to charge consumers for new data every year or two. Make sure you know what this charge is going to be before you buy.
7 – Reality View. Instead of seeing a very geometric map schematic, units with “reality view” try to show you a cartoon-like depiction of the road. If you find the standard map view confusing, this may be a helpful feature.
8 – Bluetooth and Hands-Free Phone Features. Some portable GPS units have the ability to be connect to your cell phone, the benefit being that you can look-up addresses on your phone to “send” to your GPS unit, initiate or answer calls via your GPS voice activation system, etc. This could be a nice add-on, but keep in mind that using Bluetooth reduces the battery life of both your phone and your GPS.
9 – Voice Recognition. If you have this feature, when you talk to your GPS it will listen. While not completely foolproof, voice recognition technology is as good as it’s ever been. It’s not a required feature, but it might save you a lot of time keying in addresses.
10 – Theft. There are two kinds of theft to be concerned about.
- People have been known to break into cars to steal GPS units. Obviously, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible to stow your GPS away when it’s not in use. This is why mounting and power are important considerations – if your GPS unit is hard to unplug and dismount to put away, it’s more likely to be stolen.
- While this situation is very rare, it’s worth mentioning: because most portable GPS units have the ability to remember your home address, thieves have broken into a car with a GPS system and then asked the unit to guide the “home.” These thieves will then rob your car AND your home. Obviously, this is bad news. Learn more about preventing car burglary.
Finally, keep in mind that many smart phones offer a lot of the same features that are found in a portable GPS. You may very well have a perfectly acceptable GPS sitting in your purse or pocket right now.
