Yes, you can get cheap portable gps systems that are also efficient and accurate. You just have to use your brains, you can't impulse shop and you must know exactly what you want to buy. All of these steps will aid you on your quest.
First, actually decide on how much you can spend wisely. By wisely this means an amount that will not hurt your budget for the week or month. Once you have that number figured than you have bases to shop.
Since you all ready know that you want a portable gps system instead of a dash mountable or in dash model, you can begin to narrow down a lot of your choices all ready. You probably all ready know that portable systems are systems that you can take easily with you from place to place. But did you realize that they come in a variety of styles, sizes and models. These are some of the reasons why it helps to narrow down your choices.
Next decide on how you will be using the system the most. This will help you decide if you need a navigational system or a tracking system.
A navigational system helps you to find exact addresses and places, as well as helping you to find directions and help course maps. These systems are used in automobiles to help you find your way and in sporting activities to help you chart your courses and study your speeds.
Tracking gps systems are used to track people or objects. They can also monitor distances and speeds. They provide a lot of useful data.
Once you have the type of system decided upon and an idea on where you will be using it the most (inside, outside and in what types of weather), you can narrow down the choices that you need and want the most.
Now consider all the options and functions you will be needing and wanting in a gps system. Some of the options you need to consider are:
Mapping abilities
How many downloaded maps are enough for you? How do you wish to download future maps? How many points of interests do you want all ready downloaded?
How many courses do you need to save at a time? Do you want backtrack ability? How many waypoints are enough?
Display qualities
Is a colored screen a must or would a gray screen be okay? Do you need night vision? What size of display do you want? What about size and location of buttons?
Size of the system itself
Does it need to be small enough to fit in your purse or pocket?
Now that you have asked yourself the basic questions and you have a budget to work with, you are ready to go shopping.
If you decide to shop online
First, shop at the actual websites of the major models such as Garmin.com and see what kind of deals you can get. Look for sales items and links to other sites that offer list pricing.
Sign up for newsletters. These will alert you of upcoming sales or bonus sales for preferred customers.
Check out sites that sell refurbished portable gps systems. Refurbished products are generally tested products with shorter warranties.
Check out auction sites and seller lists such as craigslist
Shop at local retail stores
These may include: department stores, electronic stores and sporting stores. Look for sales features and discounted models being sold at clearance prices. Just be sure to ask about warranties and return policies.
At both online sites and retail stores remember some key buying tips:
Some holidays may mean more savings on portable gps systems. This may include: Father's Day and Christmas.
In December look for end of the year clearances.
If you live in an area that has actually summer and winter months, look for mark downs at the end of the season.
Ask sales clerks about upcoming sales.
If a product offers a rebate, be sure to send in all the proper information before the deadline (yes there is always a cut off time for all rebates).
Finally, if there are some key functions, capabilities and even extra features that you feel you just have to have or must have, do not scrimp on another model that doesn't have them. If you do, you won't be satisfied with your purchase.
Cheap portable gps systems doesn't necessarily mean inferior products, it just means you were a savvy shopper who worked hard to find a deal and saved some money in the process
