GPS Comparison Research that Will Make it Easy in Deciding Which GPS to Buy

When it comes to finding a place in an area I have never been, chances are that it will take me twice the time, a large headache, and an emotional breakdown to find where I need to go. Even with printed or scribbled directions from the Internet, I still manage to get lost. When you have to get to a place on time, it can be stressful. So before I purchase my GPS Navigator, I decided to do some research. Here is what I have learned:

1. Saves time. Again, when you have to be there, you have to be there. Instead of wandering for hours, use a GPS to get you to all your appointments early.
2. Saves money over the long haul. Think about it, how much money do you waste on gas? When you get lost, you drive in circles, which may empty your gas tank. Pay a one-time large fee and save cash.
3. Helps you avoid traffic. Many GPS navigation systems come with immediate traffic updates. Once you know where the traffic is, the GPS can calculate another route so that you do not have to sit in traffic.
4. Helps you find local treasures. If you are hungry in an area unfamiliar to you, the GPS may be able to help you find the nearest eatery, restaurant, or fast food chain. The same generally goes for shopping, gas, etc.
5. Allows for spontaneity. If your friends decide to change up the plans, quickly input the new address and you are on your way. If you don’t have a GPS, it makes it much more difficult to change directions.

Garmin Ltd.

Co-founders Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao opened the company in 1989 in  Olathe, Kansas, with a promise to provide innovative products—ranging from automotive, marine, aviation, fitness, outdoor recreation, and wireless applications. According to their official website, they provide “automotive products [that] help drivers reach their destination effortlessly while getting the most out of the journey.”

TomTom International BV

Founded in 1991, TomTom boasts to be the “world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions” on their website with offices in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Statistically, forty-five million people use their portable navigation devices every day, and hundreds of millions use their digital maps via phone or internet.

Magellan

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Ca., the Magellan company partners with AAA, Penske Racing, NAVTEQ and National Geography to bring customers award-winning handheld navigation devices. Magellan, also known as MiTAC Digital Corporation, is also the creator of the RoadMate App for the iPhone and subsidiary of Taiwan’s MiTAC International Corporation. 

1. Locations Offered. Some GPS systems only have maps for Europe, Canada, or USA, or all three plus other countries. Make sure that the GPS you are looking into offers the location you reside in. Also, plan ahead; if you travel often, think about purchasing one that offers multiple locations.
2. Size of the screen. All GPS comes in widescreen but size helps especially for those that need it. A 4.3 to 5 inch widescreens are very common, not too big, but not too small either.
3. User Interface. What information is on the screen? What information is said aloud? Are you the type that likes few words and more images, or vice versa? Pick an interface that is right for you. Most interfaces come with a zoom in, zoom out, menu, arrival time, street name, and brief description of directions. For a more complicated one, you can expect longitude, latitude, speed limit in area, and speed you are driving.
4. Battery Life. Depending on your daily commute, this could be very important. Most GPS systems boast a four to five hour lasting period.
5. Portability. You want a GPS system that is portable—you can move from car to car, take with you on walks, take on an airplane while traveling, etc. Portability is a great asset.
6. Locking feature. Many individuals forget to hide their GPS navigators when they exit the car; therefore break-ins to steal this luxury item occur often. Remember to hide your GPS, but also having a locking feature that requires a code will help.
7. FM Transmitter. This means that the voiceover will give you directions over your FM system in your car. This is important for those that like to listen to music, and would rather have the music interrupted, than no music at all.
8. Traffic Updates. For many GPS systems this does not come in the standard version, and many times you will have to pay a monthly fee. Look for GPS systems that come with a lifetime Traffic updates if you live in traffic-prone areas; for those that do not, it may be more cost effective to opt out of this option.
9. Points of Interest Notifications. This feature helps you find the local gas stations, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. A great tool to invest in for those that road trip frequently.

1. Text-to-speech. This feature allows you to hear exactly which street to turn on, instead of the stereotypically “turn left in ___ feet.” TomTom products even allow you to change the voice over to popular movie characters such as Yoda and Darth Vader from Star Wars.
2. Safety features. Some GPS systems offer customers the ability to contact local emergency providers hastily. This is great for those that like to hike, cycle, etc. in dangerous and remote terrain. Also, some GPS offer nightview that makes the GPS easier to see in the dark.
3. HotFix. This word was dubbed by Garmin as a “long term ephemeris prediction” that finds the satellite faster. For those impatient or for those that speed too fast for the GPS to update, you may want a GPS that comes with this feature. That being said, you will have to pay more.
4. 3D shaded terrain features. Do you go off-roading a lot? Look into purchasing a 3D shaded terrain feature to help you avoid any large objects or cliffs. I definitely recommend this feature for the highly adventurous.
5. Custom icon. Many GPS systems allow you to change the vehicle icon to personalize your system—from a motorcycle to a tank, you decide.
6. Advanced Lane Guidance. Described by TomTom, this feature allows you to see photorealistic images of complex multi-lane exits, so you know exactly where to go. This is great for the anxious that worry about getting into the appropriate lane in enough time.
7. Travel features. These are any features that make the travel more fun from being able to post and view pictures, calculate different types of currency, view world time zones, and/or find the cheapest gas.
8. Personal modification to maps. Let’s face it, not every map is perfect. If you see something wrong with the directions, this feature will allow you to go in a readjust it on the map to never be fooled again.
9. Bluetooth. With all the recent driving phone laws coming into play, it may be beneficial for you to purchase one that offers Bluetooth capability.