Driving without a map in an unfamiliar place is like driving during the night without headlights. This only one thing – you are headed for trouble! Trouble is not a good word to hear especially if you have your precious family with you in the car. To avoid this, you must ensure that a map is stuffed inside your dashboard storage. Or, if you don’t want to deal with paper maps, you can always have a portable GPS navigation system. This device is more convenient than a paper map anyway. By simply proving the device with the destination, it will automatically design a route, even speak out directions, and provide turns that you need to take.
However, here’s the problem. At present there is already a lot of GPS available that car owners find it hard to choose sometimes. Experts offer tips on how you can choose the best GPS for your car and your needs. Read on for the tips by Yahoo Autos.
Navigation is the priority. We recommend focusing first on how well the system works for navigation, using the ratings to prioritize nav features and map database coverage, over entertaining, nonessential extras.
Ease of use. Look for a unit that scored well for entering a destination. Some interfaces are more intuitive than others, and low-scoring units can be awkward, slow, or both.
Built-in battery convenience. Look for a unit with good battery life, especially if you want to use it for walking. While all systems include a plug for your car’s 12-volt outlet, a built-in battery leaves you the option to use the power port for another device, such as a cell phone, and it eliminates cord clutter. A battery also enables you to preload a route before you enter the vehicle. Some models are also packaged with a traditional AC plug for in-home use and recharging.
Spoken street names. A system that speaks street names rather than says simply “turn left” can help you negotiate an unfamiliar area and is especially useful in urban driving, where streets can be close together. It is a handy feature that reduces the need to take your eyes off the road to scan the on-screen map.
Avoiding traffic. A system with traffic-information capability can be helpful if you travel a lot in cities that have good traffic-monitoring coverage. Between the map and detour functions, the system can help you route around traffic congestion and alert you to accidents and road construction. But as with traditional radio traffic reports, there are some weaknesses in the nav-system-based services, specifically related to available data and the timeliness of the report. Unless specifically stated that a unit has an internal receiver, many devices need an external receiver or a cell phone to obtain traffic data and most will require a subscription fee for the information. (Typically, only the premium-priced units have a built-in receiver and that is noted on the product pages, accessed through the Ratings chart.)
Modern features. A full-featured model can effectively upgrade an older car with features like Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability, MP3 player, an iPod connection, and an FM transmitter.
Travel gear. If you travel outside the United States, look for a unit that offers maps for navigating overseas. Most will function in the U.S. and Canada, but some models, such as the Garmin 770 and TomTom Go 920t, will also work in Europe and other countries.
Size matters. The more portable the unit, the better-especially if you frequently pack it in a suitcase. Some are no bigger than a wallet and weigh less than 7 ounces, while others are as large as a paperback book and weigh considerably more-two pounds or more.
Mounting. Most models mount to your windshield using a suction cup attached to either a ball-in-socket, rigid, or gooseneck-type arm. We find the rigid arms are better at holding the units in place, especially over bumps. (Note: Windshield mounting is prohibited in California and Minnesota.)
Source: Yahoo Autos
