GPS Systems and Reviews

Rating GPS Systems

What goes into Rating Gps Systems?

Rating GPS Systems
How does one rate a GPS system?  What goes into the commercial rating systems, the rating systems you see on the review pages across the net and in some magazines?  Are they written by consumers, writers or the people who are selling the GPS systems?

Many sites and many consumers have different concerns when it comes to shopping for GPS systems. These sites and magazines also have different ways in which to display their ratings. 

Some system uses a star method.  This method generally uses a five star method.  The more stars a product has the better quality, better price, better overall rating it achieved.  This means if the product got five out of five stars, it is an amazing product.  Yet, if it only got a one star product you can assume it is a fair product.

Other systems may use an alphabetical rating type system, like is used in schools:  ABCD or F. 

Then there are the systems that may use a rating system based on usefulness or lack of usefulness.  Finally, there are rating systems that are based on actual tests and the proven results after the tests were finalized.

These reviews and ratings are sometimes written by writers, people selling the product, or other consumers.  You should beware of the actual website address to help you decide which of the three could have written or helped to write any rating you read.

But the common ratings are based on such things as:

Price

Yes, price is a definite consideration.

A consumer can compare one model to another model, price wise.  But the consumer should remember that the GPS system that has the most capabilities may very well be the most expensive.  Yet, at the same time could definitely be worth the amount of money. 

When looking at the prices consider all the capabilities and then consider how many of these capabilities you actually need.

Accuracy:

Does the GPS system actually take you the address you wish?  Does the GPS system actually show you the actual speed you are driving? Does the GPS system actually pinpoint the correct mileage between destinations?

How close was the GPS system to being right or how many times was it right?  These factors do matter.

Extra fun capabilities we all love

The more fun stuff that is added to the GPS system that more stars the GPS system will get or the higher rating it will receive.  Rating systems and reviewers love extra capabilities such as:

Blue tooth capabilities
Text to Speech Capabilities
Size of the display
Easy bigger, buttons
MP3 player and audio players

Yet, beware that some of these extra fun capabilities will definitely raise the price level of the GPS system.

Ease of programming

Face it, we all are not that the great when it comes to programming or using our new techno toys. Ratings are definitely made that includes how easy each GPS system is for the common consumer to use.

Visibility of the onscreen directions

This is important because although we want to know where we need to go, we need to be safe going there.  If we have problems seeing the screen clearly, this can be a cause for accidents.

Voice compatibility and ease of understanding

If the GPS system comes included with a built in speaker, how easy is it to understand the voice and how clear is the directions?  This is also very important.  If you have trouble understanding the directions, you will still have trouble finding your destination and the GPS system would be useless.

Actual performance levels

This rating is in place if the product is actually tested on the road.  If it is being tested, rest assured that more than likely it will be tested more than once for reliability.
Beware though, that each rating system may not be alike.  You may read a review and the ratings of a particular GPS system on one site and find that it got a low star rating.  Then you may find that the same GPS system got a five star rating on another site.  The reason could be that the consumer and reviewers of each site favors different aspects and different rating qualities.  For instance, one may care more about the extra capabilities and functions than anything else whereas the second group of reviewers and consumers may feel that the overall performance is the key to any good GPS system.

For this reason, take the GPS rating system as a learning tool, not a decision making tool.  Use it to learn more about your different choices and options when it comes to buying a GPS system.  But use your overall decision of what is important to you as the basis as to which GPS system you ultimately buy.

 

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Want to Know the Best Handheld GPS Devices?

Have you been wanting to search for the best handheld GPS devices on the market but don’t know how to get started? This article will help you learn how to determine not only the best available, but the best for you.

What to Choose … What to Choose …

Sometimes it’s hard to make a decision as to what is the best for you when others are already shoving what they see as the best handheld GPS devices down your throat. So how do you choose? The best way I’ve found to have success with choosing anything that I know will be somewhat of a substantial financial investment is to take my time until I decide what it is I want – despite what others say. I know you’re thinking, “Okay … but what if I don’t know ANYTHING about what I’m about to purchase?” That’s where research comes in. There’s nothing wrong with learning something new is there? I love the challenge of buying something I know absolutely nothing about, because by the time it’s found its way into my home, I’m an expert in its field.

To help you learn more about not just choosing the best handheld GPS device, but choosing the best one for you, feel free to use the question and answer session I give myself so that I make sure I really want what I’m purchasing:

Do I care more about money or quality?

When dealing with electronics, this can be a tricky question to ask yourself because money may or may not be directly related to quality. For example, you know that you can visit a dollar store and find a perfectly acceptable bottle of ketchup that probably will taste great, but if you buy a camera from there, you may not be happy with the quality. However, you may very well be able to buy a camera for $100 that works just as well as one for $200. This is why when searching for the best handheld GPS system; you need to read magazines for expert reviews that can help you determine what is best for the money.

What features am I looking for?

This is another important question to consider. Think about it. If you are not a gadget lover, then you are not going to be interested in the navigation device with Bluetooth, MP3 player, and games. You are probably going to be more interested in sticking to the basics. However, if you do love those extras then you’ll want to seek out the devices that have more features. You will also want to consider that many handheld devices are meant for those who love to trek around outdoors. Some work to navigate on the roads, but they are not as convenient portable devices that mount on the dashboard. So be sure to keep this in mind when choosing. 

Have I seen the device in person?

We are in an age where online purchases are taking over. And there is nothing wrong with buying items online seeing that you often find better deals on the Internet. However, when you buy online, you don’t get the benefit of touching the device, something that is important for these types of systems. The ease of using the interface, the color sharpness in dark and light, the map and navigation quality, and even how it feels in your hands are all important when deciding the best handheld GPS system. You can’t take any of these factors for granted, which is why I suggest visiting them in person – even it you have to go back home to purchase one at a discount online. 

So Which Are the Best?

After going on about what strategies you should use to determine the best, I will offer those known as the best handheld GPS devices on the market today. The Garmin eTrex Camo is a great device for those who love to have fun in the outdoors and want to fish or hunt. It is rugged and durable, is able to keep track of up to 500 paths you’ve trekked, and is waterproof in case it gets submerged. Another device to consider is the Magellan SportTrack, a device that works for tons of sports, including fishing, hunting, biking, boating and hiking. It is extremely accurate, working with all 12 orbiting satellites for perfect geographic precision. It also tells you the Sun’s and Moon’s positions in the sky and can let you know perfect times to seek fish and game, making it one of the best handheld GPS devices on the market according to reviewers.

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