GPS Buying Guide – The Comprehensive Users Guide

Global Positioning System or GPS systems are a great way to help you save time, avoid traffic and get to your destination; no matter where you are. While many people purchase GPS systems every single year, not everyone knows what they’re looking for and some people end up spending money on features they are never going to use. In our GPS Buying Guide, we are going to help you understand all the most common features GPS systems offer so you can make the best decision for your trip experience.

First and foremost, it is important to think about what type of screen you are looking for. Many people find it much easier to have a widescreen, not only because it’s going to be larger but because more of the map is going to show up; making it much easier to read the text and see where upcoming turns are. It’s also a good idea to compare various GPS systems in order to see which types are the most user-friendly. You want a device that will easily allow you to enter addresses and search for important things in the area. This means, more time at your destination and less time trying to figure out how to get there.

Another thing to think about is whether or not you want the GPS to allow you to search for your destination by speaking or if you don’t mind typing in each destination before you leave. Voice command is a great feature, but many people have trouble with it understanding them. If there is a lot of background noise in your car (maybe you have children), you may want to invest in a device that does both or just allows you to type in where you want to go.

A feature that many people look for is the ability to work around possible obstacles. Many GPS systems can allow you to select the fastest route, shortest distance, the route that will use the least amount of gas and so on. Some systems even let you avoid certain roads altogether, giving you more control over your route. The more control you have over your GPS, the better.

Some GPS give you lifetime maps, while others charge you to receive new maps. Make sure to research a GPS system before purchasing so you know which areas are included. Most often, the US and Canada come free with every GPS.

If you like using your cell phone in the car for those important calls, you may want to look into GPS systems that come with Bluetooth. This allows you to get where you’re going and keep in contact with the people you care about most.

Live traffic updates are nice to have because when an accident happens or if there is construction that you are unaware of; your time on the road can be greatly increased. These usually come with a monthly subscription but keep you informed of all the latest changes on the road so you can adjust your route accordingly.

Text to Speech is a good feature to have if you want to avoid looking at your GPS as much as possible. Some devices will even go as far as to tell you which lane you need to be in; making merging much safer. Lane assist helps you avoid missing those awkward turns that seem to come out of nowhere.

If you’re an avid traveler, you may want to have Points of Interest (or POI) on your GPS. This allows you to quickly search for popular local areas like gas stations, restaurants, banks or attractions. This gives you the ability to quickly alter your route and enjoy your trip that much more. Depending on which GPS system you select, there may be millions of POIs available to you.

Many GPS systems will allow you to save your favorite destinations. This way, you can easily click on your favorites (which can be titled much of the time) and be on the fast track to getting there. You can save things like your friend’s house, your favorite restaurant, store and so forth.

If you are looking for even more features, you may be interested in a GPS system that can display photographs from an SD card or that can hook up to you MP3 player. Some will not only allow you to listen to your favorite music, but also watch movies. Of course, this wouldn’t be a good idea when you’re driving but can be a great way to entertain your passengers when you know where you’re going.

Lastly of this GPS Buying Guide, do not forget to double check and see what comes with the GPS you decide to purchase. Does it come with a mount and/or data cables? If not, you’ll need to find a mount/cable that meets your needs.