GPS Systems and Reviews

Portable gps systems

Tips to help you find the perfect portable gps system for you

Portable gps systems
Portable gps systems are perfect for many occasions.  The main reason why is because they are mobile.  Mobile means you are able to move them from place to place.  For this reason, many people would love to buy their own portable gps system. Yet, they don’t know where to begin.  Here are some tips to help you find the perfect system for you.

First, begin at the beginning.  How much can you afford to spend?  Do the math.  Check your budget. 

Next consider the functions and capabilities you need.  To help you decide on these, consider such things as:

Do you plan on using this portable gps system mostly outside?
Do you need a portable system that is waterproof?
Do you need one that is durable, that can withstand a little abuse such as being scratched by tree limbs?
Do you plan on using one mostly as a navigational system to help you chart new jogging or hiking courses?
Do you plan on using one mostly as a navigational system to help you find exact addresses?
Do you plan on using one mostly as a navigational system to help you find your way from point A to point B.?
Do you plan on using in the woods or in dense areas?
Do you plan on using while on board a boat?

Once you have an idea on the basic reasons on how you will be using and where you will be using it, you can further decide on the functions and capabilities you want, such as:

How many preloaded maps do you wish for it to include?
Do you need maps of all fifty states? Do you wish it to also include maps of Canada?
How many preloaded points of interests do you wish for it to have? 
Do you wish to add your own customized points of interests?
Do you want to be able to store addresses on it?  How many addresses would you like it to hold?
Since this is a portable gps system, you definitely should consider such things as:

Size:

Do you wish for it to be small enough to fit in your purse or pocket?

Weight:

If you plan on carrying it around, it needs to be lightweight.

Style:

Is there a certain style that suits your tastes?  Does it have to come in a certain color or type?

The display unit:

The size of the screen
Whether you wish for it to be colorized
The size of the buttons (if they are small, are you still able to use it properly)
The placement of the buttons.

What about extra features?  Does the portable gps system have to include any of the following?

Audio player
Audio reader
Compass
Audible alarms
After you have a pretty good idea of the functions and capabilities you want in a portable gps system and a price set in your head, you are ready to start shopping for that system.  Where do you want to begin?

Online shopping?

There are various sites that sell gps portable systems.  You can look at sporting good sites, electronic sites and even some department store sites.   Look for their sales items and be sure to sign up for all their newsletters to get the latest on their upcoming sales.

Next you may want to consider checking out some auction sites, such as EBay.  You can find both used and new products at auction sites.  Just be sure, to factor in all shipping costs before you make a bid.

Local shopping?

Check your local sporting goods stores, electronic stores and big name department stores.  Watch their fliers for sales. 

Flea markets, etc.

You can find whole sale items at flea markets.  You can even find used items that are still in great shape at flea markets. 

As you are shopping, consider such things as rebates, warranties, return policies and exchange polices.  Make sure you understand everything before you make that purchase.

What about insurance? 

Many times when you are purchasing an electronic item, you may be asked if you wish to purchase an additional insurance policy on that item.  Rule of thumb is to consider the price of replacing the item, how often you will be using the item and how much you can afford.

Finally, don’t rush when buying your portable gps system and don’t buy something just because someone else says you should.  Buy the system that meets your needs and wants, suits your tastes and fits into your budget.

If you follow these basic tips you will find the perfect portable gps system for you.  Most of all, you will be happy with your purchase.

 

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Choosing personal GPS systems

Tips on choosing personal GPS systems

Choosing personal GPS systems
If you are on the market for a personal GPS system, you are probably wondering if there are any tips that can help make your purchase choice easier and more budgets friendly.  Of course, there are tips.  But it may take a little work and a lot of thinking on your part.

Tip number one

Know what you can spend.  This means you should know exactly what you can spend that will not hurt your monthly or weekly budget goals.  Yes, this may mean that you have to sit down with pen and paper and do the math.  If you decide to purchase your new personal GPS system with your credit card (and yes there can be advantages to this.  Some credit cards will offer you extended warranties on things you buy, etc) make sure you are able to actually afford it.

Tip number two

Actually know what type of GPS system you want. 

Do you want or need a personal GPS system that will work in your automobile to help you navigate your way?

Automobile GPS systems are great for finding exact addresses. 

They also come with many wonderful options.  Plus, they can either be dash mountable for a fixed position or be bought in a portable style so the user can move it from vehicle to vehicle.

Do you want a personal GPS system to help you with some of your sporting activities?  A personal GPS system is perfect for routing your jogging or hiking trails, for back tracking your courses, for measuring your speeds and distance.  Plus, they can help you find your way back to your course if you are to ever stray from it.

Tip number three

Understand the capabilities that you need and then make sure you purchase a system that comes with at least the basic of these.

If you scrimp on the capabilities that you think you need or know you need just to save money now, you won’t be happy with the system.  This means you have failed in purchasing the best system for your money or budget.

For this reason, it is also essential that you ask what each system can do and if you don’t understand something ask for further explanations.

Tip number four

Do your homework.   This means do some research on the different brands, models, types and styles of personal GPS systems that are on the market today.  As you are researching, think about which ones would fit your needs.  Does one style or model stand out above the rest?  If it does, this may be the one that is suited for your tastes and needs.

While you are doing your homework, read the reviews and the ratings systems of many of the different models and brands.  Remember that the basic things you want to know about each brand and model is:  Accuracy, price, ease of use, capabilities and then possible the extra added features.  By knowing what others feels about these factors you may want to change your first opinion of which gps system to buy and go with another choice.

Tip number five

Remember weight and style is also factors.  If you are going to be using personal GPS systems that are a portable or a hand held model, you need one that is light weight and that is easy for you to carry.  This is even a greater factor if you plan on using it during sporting activities.

Style can be a factor if you are one who worries about how things looks and blends.  If you want a system that comes in colors besides the basic black, your search may be a little harder, but well worth it to you.

Tip number six

Are there extra features that you have to have?   Yes, this can go along with tip number three under those capabilities.   But beware extra features such as Mp3 players, video players, etc, may cost you more in the long one.  Yet, if you just cannot stand to go running without your Mp3 player, it may be worth extra money to invest in a Gps system that has this addition so you do not have to mess with yet another device.

Tip number seven

Know when your local retail stores and online stores have sales.  This may mean signing up for newsletters, buying more local papers or just talking with sales people. 

The advantage?  You could save money on the brand you want to purchase.

If any of the sales staff are extra friendly, you could even ask if that certain brand you like is going to be on sale any time soon.
By following some of the above tips, you are more likely to find a quality gps system that will not only meet your needs, but one that you will actually enjoy owning.

 

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