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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cheap portable gps systems

Tips on finding cheap portable gps systems

cheap portable gps systems
You want to save money.  We all need to cut corners where we can.  Yet, we still want some luxuries and we still want to enjoy our life.  For that reason, we need to learn how to become more savvy shoppers.  Here are some tips that savvy shoppers uses when they are finding and searching for cheap portable gps systems.  Maybe you can use some of their tips, too.

First, realize that you can’t totally scrimp on your needs.  Think about it for a moment.  If you are really wanting a portable navigational gps system with certain specifications such as maps of a certain region, you won’t be satisfied if these are not included or if you can’t download them.   You might also want a portable gps system that is waterproof.  If you know for a fact, you will be spending a lot of time outside with the system and possibly even on boats, this is an essential need.  If you don’t get a system that caters to this need, the system you buy will fail quickly and you will be disappointed, plus you have just wasted a bit of money.

How do you really know what needs you want?  First, you stop and think.  

Thinking and evaluating one’s needs is something a savvy shopper always does.  

Get out a pen and paper and begin writing down the basic needs and capabilities you must have in your new portable gps system.  Think about such things as:

Durability (is this an issue?)
Size
Weight
Number of maps downloaded
Regions of maps downloaded
Points of interests
How the system records speeds
How the system records history and for how long
Location and size of the buttons
Should the display also have touch screen capabilities

Knowing some of the basic needs and capabilities you want, will help you decide which portable gps systems are best for you.

Now that you know a little bit about what you want, you might want to take a few more moments and do a little bit of research on the popular brands and styles.  This will give you information on which systems performs the best and which ones are the easiest to use.  It will also give you an idea on what the current prices generally are for each device, by model name and brand name.  This will help you to see if you are getting an average price or a cheap price for any system you consider to purchase.

You are now armed with a lot of useful information.  It is time to actually for that cheap portable gps system.  Where to begin?

How about online?

There are many online sites that cater to gps systems, even portable gps systems.  Some of these sites are electronic sites, name brand department store sites and even the actual maker of the gps system itself. 

Are you surprised to learn that you can find cheap prices at the brand name maker of the gps tracking portable device you are most interested in purchasing such as Garmin?  Really you shouldn’t be surprised.  Think about it.  Who else but the actual company who makes the gps system could offer a better deal?

Once you enter the site first look to see what the current deals are.  Most sites will have ongoing sales and sales that will last for a certain period.  Be sure to check these out and then look for a link where you can sign up for their newsletters.  These newsletters will appear generally in your email box and will not only announce new products, but may announce sales.

Finally, look for links for other online sites where the company sends their listed or refurbished merchandise.  These links may take you to other online sites or may appear as addresses to local stores near you.

What are refurbished or listed merchandise?

Refurbished merchandise is returned merchandise that has been tested by the factory and has lived up to all of its standards.  If repairs were needed, they have been completed and tested.  Now it lives up to the factory’s full standards.

Listed merchandise is merchandise that is a bit outdated, maybe by a month or a season.  This merchandise is sold at a cheaper price than it originally did.  The difference between it and the current selling model could be an extra feature or two, or it could be a small difference in style or color.

You can also find many cheap, yet, fully functional portable gps systems at online auction sites and  for sale message boards (Crigslist, etc.).

If you wish to shop locally, start your search at a local buyout store that features electronics.  Next try your local department store and finally if you have no luck check out your local sporting goods store, auto parts store or electronic store.  Be sure to look over any of their advertisements and fliers for sales, too.

Finding cheap portable gps systems can take a bit of work.  But when you end up saving money, yet still getting the quality equipment you wanted in the first place, you will be glad that you took the time to put fourth the effort.
 

 

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