Are you still using paper maps to navigate in your car? Of all the high tech gadgets that have become popular in the 21st century, the GPS navigation device is one of the best and must-have. This device can help you tool around town or guide you on a cross-country trip. Convenient and helpful, GPS navigation systems come in a wide range of styles and prices. Depending on what you need and want in a GPS unit, you can surely find one within your budget.

A GPS navigation device can save you time by helping to guide you to your destination. You don’t need to waste time looking at a map or stopping to ask for direction along the way. Instead, you’ll have instant access to your directions in real-time format.

It is cumbersome to look at a paper map while driving. The only safe way of looking at it is to pull over to the side of the road or get a passenger to read it for you.

For female drivers who drive alone or at night, traveling with a gps navigation system offers safety and prevents them from getting lost. They don’t have to stop at unknown places to ask strangers for direction.

The GPS navigation system is like having a map that is constantly updated with the latest information. No more guessing is involved. The GPS device gets its information from a large bank of data that is constantly being updated to ensure accuracy.

For the most complete navigation, choose a system that gives you both audio and graphical directions. This allows you to see the map on the screen as well as to hear the specific spoken directions. Some GPS navigation systems integrate the radio speaker system to speak to you. Before purchasing a GPS device, be sure to think about your need for audio and visual guidance.

There are various brands, features and types of GPS navigation systems to choose from. More sophisticated systems obviously will cost more than simpler models. Some units are portable and can plug into the cigarette lighter. Others require technical installation. Keep in mind that some manufacturers will void the warranty unless the unit is installed by a certified dealer. As technology is constantly evolving, you should purchase a GPS navigation device that is upgradable.

Think about how you will be using your GPS navigation system. Some units can tell you where the nearest point of interest. For example, you can ask to search for the nearest grocery store and the GPS device may be able to give you several options along with directions. Stucked in a traffic jam? Use a GPS navigation device to help find alternative routes. If you want to get your destination in the quickest way, a GPS system can give you direction and time of travel.

GPS navigation devices are becoming cheaper. You can get a basic one for less than $200 and it can do much more than paper maps. Isn’t it time to ditch the paper map for a gps navigation device?



Thanks to Alvin Toh for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Best Golf Gps

Map Capabilities

Most GPS models come with internal map capabilities. Manufacturer provides maps with details up to street level in the hard drive. The menu option enables you to access the desired data. Comprehensive street level maps can help you identify the coordinates of the destination on the map by using just the name, or locate the destination on map by giving the coordinates. For some models you will have to subscribe to a plan to update the maps on an annual basis. Check out some models with internal map capabilities at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?mapCapabilities=Internal

Some models provide map information in memory cards having detailed information of a particular region. Thus you will need extra cards if you have to store information for more coverage. Map cartridges are more flexible but can prove to be expensive. Check the few models at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?mapCapabilities=Map+cartridges+%2F+Data+cards

Models which enable one to download the latest maps are also available. Check such models at:

http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?mapCapabilities=Download+maps

Some brands provide map information in CD-ROM, DVD-ROM discs. Check out one such model at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?mapCapabilities=DVD

Receiver type

There are 24 GPS satellites in six orbits around the earth. GPS receivers track these satellites to compute the information of your location, the bearing, distance and time left to reach destination and other route options. Since there are 12 satellites at a time in view, each of them is tracked continuously to generate the information. Latest GPS receivers marketed today are commonly 12 parallel channel receivers. You can find some such models at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?receiverType=Parallel-Channel+%2812%29

The associated advantages of tracking more satellites are:

faster cold start

regular initialization

better reception

do not require an external antenna if you are in an open vehicle

Other receiver types are:

20 parallel channel receivers http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?receiverType=Parallel-Channel+%2820%29

16 parallel channel receivers http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?receiverType=Parallel-Channel+%2816%29

14 parallel channel receivers http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?receiverType=Parallel-Channel+%2814%29

Display size

Large displays are a visual treat when you consider buying TVs but not the same when it comes to buying a GPS. The map on the display gives you information regarding:

current location

where next turn is

name of street you are turning onto

estimated time of arrival

While driving, casting your glance away a second longer can prove to be risky, hence a device with a smaller screen will be advantageous. The display should be easy to read irrespective of surroundings. The navigation aids come in various sizes. Some units with screen size as big as 7in. (http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?displaySize=7+in.) enable you to get connected to external video devices. Some hand held ones are as small as 1.5in.X 0.9in. (http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?displaySize=1.5+in.+x+0.9+in.) Some of the convenient, easy to read GPS are:

3.5 in. (http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?displaySize=3.5+in.)

2.8 in. x 2.1 in. (http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?displaySize=2.8+in.+x+2.1+in.)

Resolution

Screen resolution decides how clearly you can see and read in broad daylight. Color, glare free LCDs are soothing to the eyes. High end models have color screens which gives information about weather and terrain. Some GPS units with different resolutions are:

320×240 http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?resolutions=320+X+240

480×272 http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?resolutions=480+x+272

PC Interface

The portable models have a USB or serial ports which gets you connected to a PC. It enables you to download latest maps and system software. GPS units with USB and serial ports can be found at:

USB: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?pcInterface=USB

Serial port: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?pcInterface=Serial+RS-232

Bluetooth GPS that communicates with mobile device wirelessly are also available. Some can be found at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?pcInterface=Bluetooth+Wireless+Technology

Built-in memory

With larger memory space one can store more route information and waypoints. Units with software that can transfer data from the unit to a PC can be used to gather more data than it can hold. So depending on how much map data and information you wish to store, you can select the units with the required memory space. You get various models with wide range of built-in memory space.

1 to 30MB http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?builtInmemory=1-to-30

30 to 512MB http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?builtInmemory=30-to-512

512 to 2500MB http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?builtInmemory=512-to-2500

2500 to 40000MB http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?builtInmemory=2500-to-40000

Antennas

External antennas are used when stronger signals are needed. If in a vehicle the system cannot be placed near the window, external Antenna hookups can prove to be ideal solution. Choice of external hookups is most practical for hiking under heavy tree cover, under tall buildings or in any place which doesn’t have a good view of sky. GPS devices with external antenna hookup can be found at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?antenna=External+Antenna+Hookup

Built-in antennas are less prone to breakage and can communicate with more satellites. Some such devices are available at:

http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?antenna=Built-in

Quadrifilar Helix- This is also an external antenna useful for situations where open sky is limited. Check the models at:

http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?antenna=Quadrifilar+Helix

Flip up antennas too give strong performance. Some such models are : http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?antenna=Flip-up

Price

This is one factor not to be compromised on, if you don’t wish yourself or your loved ones to get lost in the maze of roads. The technology in this field has developed rapidly and the old models which are cheaper may have crowded maps, or confusing menu options. Latest models high on price have more detailed maps. Of course, lesser the features lesser will be the cost. If you don’t need features like live traffic data or weather data, don’t invest money in models offering these features. Features like speech recognition for hands free operation, 3D maps, and information on fuel prices all come for additional price.

Under $200- http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?Price=59.5-to-199.99.You get good light weight portable navigation units in this range. Maps look great with reasonably timely route recalculations. Good value for money! Those of you looking for more memory space may check out models at higher range.

Between $200 to $312- You get better performance and features like anti glare, touch screen with good resolution. You also get good in-built memory space and battery life. http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?Price=199.99-to-311.99

Between $312 to $416- Good screen settings, voice guided directions and overall good performance. http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?Price=311.99-to-415.45

Between $416 to $1172- Accurate route guidance, easy to use and compatibility with Bluetooth cell phones are some attractive features of devices in the price range. http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?Price=415.45-to-1171.78

Brands

There are various manufacturers manufacturing GPS units with different features to suit a wide range of customers. The major brands available today are:

Garmin has many models of handheld and mounted types. Check its models at: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?BrandName=Garmin

Magellan: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?BrandName=Magellan

Mitac: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?BrandName=Mitac

Lowrance: http://www.reviewgist.com/gps-devices-reviews?BrandName=Lowrance



Thanks to Ryan for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Best Handheld Gps

Can you answer astros fan’s question about GPS?:

i was considering buying a sky caddie gps, but i was wondering if you can use a regular gps to map a golf course on your own. i’ve never used a gps so i really don’t know anything about them.

Best Portable Gps System

Several General Positioning System (GPS) maps are already provided with your GPS device when you buy it. Because these maps are offered for free, there is an overhead in getting them. Indeed, these maps do not allow any tweaking in order to meet your specific needs. Another drawback of these built-in maps is their lack of knowledge about your given destination. For instance, let assume you want to travel to Philippines; it is obvious that you will appreciate details about this location beforehand. If your device was purchased in Brazil, you will be very lucky if it has any knowledge about Philippines. Therefore this GPS map cannot act as a travel aid.

Many GPS devices are used as travelling guides for a trip. Therefore GPS devices have superseded our old map artifacts. You may be wondering how useful a GPS device is. It is obvious that having detailed information about your trip in advanced will only make it more enjoyable, faster, safer and reduce any risks during your trip.

Although there are several programs that can be purchased to install new GPS maps on your device, there are also several free programs that can be used for the same purpose. In order to use these, some software prerequisites should be installed at first. These include the cables of your device. You do not to worry about it because they are included with your device when you purchase it.

They are also many websites that can help you to design our own GPS maps. By customizing your maps, you will be able to pinpoint specific locations you are fond of. These include restaurants, bars, night clubs, schools and so forth. You may add traffic reports in your GPS maps in order to avoid traffic jam during your journey.

Another outstanding benefit of GPS systems is their ability to record several maps. For instance, if you are traveling a lot to the same place, your GPS device can save all your personal information once so that the trip you will not be asked to enter your personal details and preferences.

When you have a GPS system, you may find it easier to have many maps about your trips. This will make your trip very enjoyable. You should therefore spend some time looking at pre-installed maps as well as other amazing features of your system.

Briefly speaking, GPS maps offer you the unique opportunity you explore your final destination without heading there. This is very interesting because it is sometimes recommended to glance at a country before formally deciding to go there. Some GPS maps provide outstanding features such as an unlimited online access to view, print, save aerial pictures. Some of them also come with bunch of programs allowing you to personalize them, add texts, graphics, compute GPS coordinates, upload your GPS coordinates and plot them atop of your maps. Updating new GPS maps to your device can be a very daunting experience. There are available in many shopping centers not for free. If you are looking for free stuff, you should definitely look on the internet as several, interesting maps are available.



Thanks to John B. Mayall for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

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