  GPS SYSTEMS BUYER'S GUIDE
Portable GPS systems are
everywhere these days. They are easy-to-use, extremely capable and very
inexpensive. GPS systems have become commodity products and the pricing
reflects this, with products like the TomTom XL 330 or the Garmin nüvi 255W
hovering below $100. You will find that GPS systems with similar feature sets
are all priced similarly, and if you’re buying from one of the Big Three
(Garmin, TomTom, Magellan) you’re going to get high quality, great support and a
solid warranty. So the biggest variable is the reliability and customer support
of the retailer you choose, so choose carefully. When it comes to timely
customer support, low pricing and fast delivery, Amazon has always been our
first choice.
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How GPS Systems Work
(In over-simplified terms):
GPS systems
communicate with multiple NAVSTAR GPS satellites orbiting above the earth. By
communicating with multiple satellites they can pinpoint your location, current
speed, even your elevation. Using your longitude and latitude and map files
stored on the GPS unit, the GPS device can show you where you’ve been, where you
are and where you’re going. And the device constantly updates this information
and is always one step ahead of you. However, similar to cell phones, reception
is always a factor and can slow the device’s ability to pinpoint your location.
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True GPS Systems vs.
GPS-enable Smartphones:
Remember, GPS
systems use satellites that are orbiting above the earth. GPS-enabled
smartphones rely on fixed-location cell phone towers. Smartphones approximate
your location based on the location of a cell phone tower. GPS systems pinpoint
your location based on multiple orbiting satellites. The bottom line: In an
increasing number of states, you can’t use your smartphone as a GPS without
risking getting a ticket. An although GPS-enabled technology of cell phones is
getting better, it seems cell phone service is getting worse, so
for serious users, I would stick with a GPS device.
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Portable GPS or In-Dash
One of the first
decisions you have to make is whether to buy a portable gps or in-dash device. No
doubt, the in-dash systems look better in your car because you don’t have wires
to tangle with, power adapters in your cigarette lighter and suction cups
hanging from your windshield. But they don’t have the portability aspect (but
remember, they can still be stolen). One important note: If you go the in-dash
route, definitely opt for professional installation unless you have done this
type of work before. On the other hand, the portable gps systems can be
moved from car to auto to boat to 4-wheeler. Yes, you have wires and
suction cups and such, but the portability aspect is key for many buyers.
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Increasingly, portable gps systems are similar in features and functionality to more
expensive in-dash models, with the added benefit of being easily
transportable. Many easy-to-use portable gps models now offer reliable service and
excellent coverage using internally-stored maps and are ready to use right out
of the box. Look at two we have listed here: The Garmin nüvi 205W
and the
TomTom XL 340-S
. Both models have not just big, but beautiful touch-screens, are
easily transferrable to different vehicles and provide text-to-speech
(voice-guided) directions.
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There are smaller
and less-expensive models. We have several in our “Under $100” category (click
here!). Like cell phones and cameras, sometimes these low-end models deliver
the functionality you need and are incredibly simple to use. In most cases,
with a few touches to the screen you can find fuel, lodging, restaurants, parks
or the Grand Canyon.
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At the other end of
the scale is the “connected” GPS. These are the end-all, be-all of the GPS
world. These products are so packed with features it would take a page to list
them, and 10 pages to describe them. You can see two
examples of these top-end products, the Garmin nüvi 1690
and the TomTom GO 740
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One difference
between this class of GPS and some of the mainstream products is the addition of
integrated cellular data capability which gives them full-time access to the
Internet. This allows the GPS device to report up-to-the-minute traffic data,
fuel prices, local weather, etc. One thing to be aware of is that the access to
this information typically isn’t free – generally you have to subscribe. Some
of the flagship in-dash models also feature voice-activation which can accept
spoken street and destination inputs. This is a trend that is, and will continue
showing up in portable gps units.
[Our Philosophy on
being an early adopter] ;This will certainly cause some technologists to scream,
but rarely can anyone justify the cost of the latest and greatest. Technology
today, in most cases, so far exceeds our real needs that mid-range products do
far more than most people need. This is also the case with GPS systems.
But if you want the latest and greatest then you want the
Garmin Nüvi
3790T.
As with most, if not
all technology products, the price-to-feature curve gets better every year, if
not every day. Moore’s Law, which applies to processors, certainly applies to
GPS systems also. Simply put, Moore’s Law predicts that processing power (more
specifically, transistors) will double every two years. Just 7-8 years ago the
price of GPS device was prohibitive for most. Today, you can get good quality,
very functional models for under $100.
CLICK
HERE TO SEE
OUR FAVORITES FOR UNDER $100.
Here are a few
differentiating features to consider before you buy:
Screen Size: Bigger
is definitely better, unless of course, you want something to slip into your
pocket. This is one of the most obvious differences and something you have to
place a value on. Bigger screens are definitely worth a premium but most
manufacturers are stardardizing on a few screens sizes. Generally,
larger screens will cost more money so you have to decide if this particular
feature is worth your money.
Text-to-Speech:
Text-to-Speech is now common on all but the lowest end systems. It’s a hugely
convenient feature and makes for much safer driving. Most gps devices, except for
the lowest end models, and for most driving applications it is worth any extra
cost you may have to pay.
Auto Re-Routing:
This is a great feature and not having it can be a pain in the neck. This
feature will automatically re-route you if you take a detour, accidentally or on
purpose. Generally, one or two touches of the screen and 5 seconds later you
will have new directions to steer you back on course.
Bluetooth:
With
Bluetooth capability you can match your GPS to any Bluetooth-capable phone to
make hands-free mobile phone calls. This may be a redundant feature for most
people.
Make sure the
product you are considering includes street-level maps for the areas you will
use it most. Most products in the U.S. feature built-in maps for the lower 48
states, but you may find that Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico
and Mexico are not included. For most, this is not a problem but if you’re one
of the few that needs these extra maps, factor that extra cost into your
decision.
Keep in mind
that roads (and just as important, interchanges and entrance and exit ramps) are
always changing, It’s a good idea to keep your maps updated. Another
consideration is purchasing a product with “life-time maps”. You will begin to
see more promotions that include life-time maps and it’s just a matter of doing
the math to decide if it is worth the price. Life-time maps definitely add
value and convenience.
Generally, the
best-selling systems include name brand maps that can identify one-way streets,
dead-ends and other “nuances” of the road. A couple of the top map providers
are Navteq and TeleAtlas, and there are many others that provide up-to-date,
quality maps. Make sure you are buying a product with one of the good quality,
well-known mapping products. It’s doesn’t matter how good your GPS technology
is if your maps aren’t updated and accurate.
Summary
Of course, the more
features and functionality, the more you will likely pay for your GPS. But as
technology goes, so goes GPS systems and each day more “premium” features are
becoming standard at lower price points. Street-level maps are not available
across all price points. Text-to-speech is work down to lower price points as
well as point-of-interest databases for things like restaurants, gas stations,
hospitals, etc. |