GPS- What to look for and how much to spend?

Question

Can anyone advise me on what is important when purchasing a GPS navigation system. Is their a brand that is superior to the others, how much do you need to spend to get a decent GPS, is their anything I should look for or avoid.

Answer 1

1. Decide which type of GPS you need. There are four main types of GPS units; the car navigation system, the portable outdoors unit, the marine system, and the PDA/GPS hybrid. If you’re mainly planning on using your GPS to get you from point A to B in your car and don’t think you’d use it for much else, your best bet is the in-car navigation system. If you’re going to want a GPS device that isn’t limited to the car, then you may want to consider a handheld GPS. If being on the water and fishing is your thing then you should probably consider a marine GPS or GPS fish finder. These units are specifically designed to be on and around water. The final category of GPS tracking device is the PDA/GPS hybrid. This device offers a good combination of the auto GPS system and handheld device.



2. Decide what functions you want your GPS to perform. For example, for driving from Point A to B, spoken navigation instructions are considered essential. If you are a hiker, there are some important functions you are going to need including light weight, shower proof and screen backlit for night time viewing. For Marine GPS systems you may want your system to double as a GPS fish finder. PDA/GPS systems are convenient multi purpose systems but do they provide a good solution for your requirements, for instance talking instructions while driving.



3. What extra features are there? Extra functions are available in many GPS tracking devices, an example of this is using you in-car GPS system’s speakers as a hands free for a cell phone. These extra functions can make your life much safer, but do you need them? As appealing as it may be, don’t go for the GPS tracking device or auto GPS system with the most features, many of them are unnecessary for your average lover of the outdoors or vehicle owner. At the other end of the spectrum you don’t want to buy a cheap model either. A quality GPS and GPS accessory kit is worth the investment. Otherwise, you might end up having to replace your GPS tracking device just as fast as you bought it.