GPS Systems and Reviews

reviews of handheld gps systems

Understanding and using reviews of handheld gps systems

reviews of handheld gps systems

Reviews of handheld gps systems are a great way to learn about them.  By reading them you can learn the good points and the bad points of some models.  You can also learn what to watch for when it comes time to shop for your own.  Yet, understanding reviews can be a little confusing.

Where should you begin?

You should begin by identifying whether the review is an actual review or a sales pitch for a product.  How can you tell the difference?

Your first clue may be the fact that the only things told about the handheld gps system is good points.  There is no discussion at all about the negative points.  Lets face it, even the best devices will have one negative aspect or two about it.

Your second clue may be the web address of the review itself.  If the web address link ends up looking like a sales site chances are it is.

Of course, if the site gives you the option to buy the product in question it is a sales site.

Yet, some sales sites will give real customers a chance to voice their opinions of a product. These opinions and comments are usually located at the bottom of the pages. The top of course is devoted to praises and sales pitches of the product.  One site that is built like this is amazon.com.

Are you having trouble finding real review sites?  Try searching at consumerreports.com.  This site is built to give honest opinions and facts about the products they cover.  The people who are writing the opinions and the facts are experts on the products.  They are not sales people.  They do not receive money if you buy or don’t buy a product. 

Now that you have found a good review or two to read about the handheld gps system that interests you the most, what should you look for first in the review?

You may want to begin with the rating the system got.  Most sites will break down the reviews by a rating system.  Sometimes this system will be based on stars.  The higher the number of stars a product gets the better ratings it received. 

Now begin reading the comments one by one.

Do they cover the items that matter to you most?

Be sure to pay close attention to how the gps system works.  How easy it is to use.  How accurate is it?  Does it give exact addresses? 

What about performance?  Is it quick at finding those exact addresses?  Does it have a long battery life?  

Does the functions perform accurately and easily?  Do maps load as they should?  Can you easily download more maps onto your computer or can you change a route of a course easily? 

What about the display feature?  Does it work in many forms of lighting?  Does it work at night?  Does it have easy to locate buttons and are they made for most people (even those with bigger fingers)?  Does it work by a touch screen?

How are addresses given?  Do the turn by turn directions actually take you to the exact address you wanted?  Are the speak to text directions easy to understand?

Of course, you should also look at what other’s are saying about the price of the system.

Do most people seem to think it is worth the money they paid?  Do they say it is a deal or that they could have known better if they would have waited and purchased else where?

Are most people saying positive or negative things about the handheld gps system in question? Do their comments and responses sound reliable?  Do they use the correct terms in describing the gps system?  Do they seem to be using the gps system in the same ways as you would be using one? 

Can you believe each comment?  It probably would be wise not to believe every one.  Yet, if there are ten comments stating that the gps system failed to load or that it couldn’t find most addresses requested (and these were addresses that should be easy to find).  Then something inside of your brain will tell you to be weary of that system.  It may pay to listen to that something and those comments.

Reviews can give you a better since of which handheld gps system would suit your needs and wants the best.  They also can pinpoint when a possible good deal isn’t a good deal. 

For these reasons and more, if you have the time before purchasing, consider checking some reviews of handheld gps system. 

 

 

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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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