How to choose the best gps navigation systems for your car!

2009-08-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

A global positioning system is very useful if you don't want
to stop every time to ask for directions or if you don't want to
consult a map on a trip.

GPS navigation systems for cars these days do more than just
telling the fastest route from point A to point B. They can
show you which route will take the less time, routes with less
stops, toll booths which is another benefit because it will
save the driver gas, which does cost a pretty penny these days.

Usually when one person buys a GPS system, there is no reason
to buy a new one as it is something that doesn't need to be
upgraded regularly.

Plus, the information provided doesn't cost the owner one cent,
ie free. Although some models charge a small monthly fee to get
optional information such as the weather.

GPS manufacturers like Tom Tom, Garmer and Nuvin want a piece
of the pie in terms of market share, so they will often load
their models with such features as the ability to sync it with
your cell phone via Bluetooth or a voice that will tell you the
name of the street.

Others will tell you if you exceed the speed limit, will connect
your mp3 player to it or even view pictures.

For the driver who takes the same roads or simply
drives locally, there's no need to buy a gps system. If you
regularly take streets with big traffic, a gps can warn you
ahead so you can take measures to avoid it.

If you want to buy one, be sure to check for sizes as many
models can weigh close to a kilogram. Be sure to pick one
with a big screen so you can enter data more easily.

Nowadays, gps systems come with a rechargeable battery,
useful if you want to take with you for a walk. You can
either charge with an electric plug or with a computer usb.

If you rent or travel often, buying one could be useful as most
of them can fit in your pocket and can be easily installed
on the dashboard. Your cellphone can act a navigation system too
but you will have to pay a monthly fee, be sure to check your
cell phone provider.

Here are the best gps systems at the lowest price by categories:

Basic:

+ Small.
+ Can view pictures.
+ Calculator converts currency and units.
+ Pronounces the street names well.

- Doesn't have an usb cable.
- Voice quality is not that good.
- You cannot take out a particular street from a pre-arranged route.

+ Bluetooth.
+ MP3 player included.
+ Will tell you the street names.
+ Shows a big arrow on the screen for easier reading.
+ Trip computer and log.
+ AC plug.

- Weak battery life at around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Mount comes with the cord.

If you want traffic information with an optional receiver:

+ Bluetooth.
+ Connects with your iPod.
+ Can view photos.
+ Multi-lingual.
+ Shows interstates and junctions.
+ Shows closest emergency services with a "help" features.

- Doesn't have a suction cup to make it stick on the dashboard/winshield.
- Traffic reception optional at extra expense.
- T-Mobile and AT&T are the only provider for Bluetooth traffic.

Can receive traffic:

+ Multilingual.
+ Can show closest emergencies.
+ With MSN, it provides local events, weather, gas prices.
+ Calculator, converts money, plays video games, mp3 music.
+ Tells you the street names.
+ Connects with Bluetooth.
+ Views photos.

- A bit more expensive.
- Battery doesn't last as long, around 120 minutes.
- MSN service can be a bit sluggish.

+ Bluetooth
+ Has a mode called "Pedestrian".
+ Can receive traffic info with its receiver.
+ Will you the street names.
+ Cheaper.

- You cannot take out roads from a route.
- No AC plug.
- Has some difficulty to make another route around troubled places.

The best gps navigation systems for cars today!

How to choose the best gps navigation systems for your car!