GPS Systems and Reviews

Make Sure You’re Never Lost Again With GPS Navigation Systems

It’s not easy to be a person who is not good with directions. You automatically know that as soon as someone tells you the way to go, you’re going to get confused. It’s not your fault you don’t know your right from your left. It’s not your fault that you hear “go forward” then shift the car into reverse. You have more on your mind than trying to remember how to get to the grocery store a mile away from your house, right? Right! So if you are what others call “directionally challenged,” then show them your new and improved driving power by getting one of the great GPS navigation systems on the market. You will not only have no more problems navigating through the streets, but you’ll probably even find your away around more easily than those negative nay-sayers in your ear.

Popular Brands and Models on the Market

There are tons of affordable GPS navigation systems available today because there is more demand from customers. Of course, as the products become more affordable some competitors will try to push out devices that don’t measure up in quality. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t know the better brands from those that were created in someone’s backyard. Just do your research and trust that you will find exactly what you need to make navigating through the streets easier.

In this article, I will touch on a few brands and models that have a good reputation in the industry to hopefully make researching the products a little easier. But definitely don’t stop here when you’re finished. Keep searching through reviews of GPS navigation systems until you find the one that works for you.

TomTom

This company has a great reputation for putting out reliable devices in a variety of price ranges. Of course, the more you pay, the more features you get. But if you don’t need a wide variety of options, then a less expensive device may be the way to go.

Go 700 – The Go 700 is ideal for the family that has more than one vehicle but doesn’t want to purchase more than one device. It is portable and able to switch cars easily. In addition, it offers Assisted Satellite Navigation, which monitors your progress when passing through areas of the country that don’t offer a GPS signal. It also has preloaded maps of both United States and Canada, real-time traffic and weather updates, and is Bluetooth friendly so that you can make wireless calls with no problems.

Garmin

Garmin is a highly reputable company and is known for putting out some of the best GPS navigation products available. They have tons to choose from, but in this article we will look at two: the Nuvi 350 and StreetPilot c530

Garmin Nuvi 350 – All of Garmin’s Nuvi products are considered top quality, however this one in particular is very high tech (and very expensive sitting at close to $1,000). For the price, you get a traveler’s reference, touchscreen controls, spoken directions, a digital entertainment system, an SD memory card slot, real-time weather and traffic updates, and automatic reroutes in case of traffic jams.

StreetPilot c530 – If you want a less expensive alternative to the Nuvi 350, then the StreetPilot c530 is a great alternative. It costs around $250 and still offers great navigation options that are extremely accurate. It is a “plug and play” device, which means you pull it out of the box and start using it immediately. And it offers great features, including 2D and 3D maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, and traffic jam monitors.

Magellan

Magellan offers the RoadMate 2000, one of the less expensive GPS navigation systems available costing around $200, but still has a reputation for being reliable. It is very simple to use and doesn’t bother with a lot of extra features. What it does have, however, is an easy-to-read touchscreen, accurate reroutes in case of a traffic jam, and perfect instructions to travel between locations. If this is all you need in a device then why pay for more?

Finding GPS navigation systems that are accurate and trustworthy is going to become more difficult as more non-reputable companies release their own products. So it will be increasingly important that you do a great deal of research to determine which products not only offer the features you want, but also can deliver consistently. If they operate appropriately, GPS navigation systems can save you from a lot of hassle when trying to locate business addresses and even a friend’s residence.

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Choosing Personal GPS Systems Is Easier Than You Think

Are you scratching your head at the tough decision you have to make regarding a GPS purchase? If you have never been introduced to the world of global positioning systems, then it may be a bit perplexing at first. But don’t worry! Companies make their units very user friendly, so as long as you are open to learning the differences between types of devices, and you know what you like in optional features, then you won’t have any problems choosing personal GPS systems that suit your needs.

What Are The Differences?

The first thing you will want to do is determine whether you are looking for a system that is primarily used for mapping, navigation or tracking. While there will be many units available that combine the features, you will need know what you are mainly trying to accomplish before choosing personal GPS systems.

Mapping – If your primary goal is to have directions handed to you when traveling between destinations – and you’re good at following maps – then you will want to consider a mapping device. They are usually a little less expensive than the other types and still offer other great options like photo sharing, MP3 players, and maybe even Bluetooth capabilities. The maps may be 2D or 3D and look similar to those of online mapping services. And many even offer directories in the device so that you don’t need to know an address to a business before mapping the directions.

Navigation – Navigation devices are the slightly more advanced version of the mapping system. Whereas the mapping system will give you instructions and a map to view, navigation units actually give you turn-by-turn directions to a location, and even alert you as to whether you’re about to miss a turn or exit. Some mapping systems come with complimentary navigation services, but many do not, meaning you will have to pay more for the navigation feature. So when choosing personal GPS systems, definitely keep in mind whether you are fine with just viewing a virtual map, or whether you want to have turn-by-turn instructions. This will make a huge difference in the unit you purchase.

Tracking – Tracking devices are great for those who want to keep tabs on their cars, pets, or even family members more easily. Usually there are two parts to these units, one that goes for the ride and tracks where it is going, and the other that displays where the first device is traveling. These systems are ideal for those who have teens who drive the car and want to keep track of where they are traveling.

Determining which one of these systems meets your needs is the first step in choosing personal GPS systems. Now we will look at other uses of the units in helping you choose.

In-Dash, Portable or Handheld

Choosing personal GPS systems usually also relies on how you plan to use the device. For example, if you are primarily planning to use the device to get around town in your car, then you might want to consider getting an in-dash system that cannot be removed unless done professionally. However, if you have more than one car and you would like to utilize the services in both cars without having to buy two separate units you can take advantage of a portable device that can easily go from one car to the next.

Then there is the world of the handheld device. Handheld devices can be used in cars, or they can usually be used outside of the vehicle also. For example, if you want to go on a hiking expedition with your friends and family, you can utilize the handheld unit to get you to the area in which you plan to hike. Then, when you get out of the car, it can lead you through trails with the promise that you won’t get lost.

Usually the mapping and navigation devices are those that are either portable or in-dash, while the tracking units are typically handheld. However, there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t expect these devices to suddenly have no exceptions. 

Choosing personal GPS systems is not a difficult task if you have a basic idea of who you are and what you like in general. After you make those determinations, you can figure out the rest. There may be technical terms to get in the way that have the ability to intimidate you, or even let you allow a salesperson to sell you on a system that has way more than you actually need. But if you do your research and assert yourself during the process then chosing personal GPS systems will be a piece of cake for you.

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