Choosing an Automotive GPS Navigation System

Tired of getting lost while your family is on vacation? No idea where to make your deliveries? Wish you had known there wouldn't be another gas station for 200 miles?

All of these hazards, and more, can be avoided with a dedicated gps for your car. Once used only by the military, civilian GPS has been adapted to the consumer's needs for the better part of the last decade. Precise location fixes and powerful trip computers are now standard with just about any GPS device. Manufacturers such as Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, and TomTom have expanded the capabilities of GPS from a simple readout to specific street-level directions for any address in North America. Automotive GPS models range from $150 on the low end to over $1000 for top-of-the-line, fully functional complete navigation systems. So how do you choose the one that's right for you?

When picking a GPS system, the most important question to ask is "What am I going to do with it?" Nearly any automotive GPS unit available on the market will tell you where you are and where to go and make sure you are able to get to where you need to be in the shortest possible time. The first factor to consider, price-wise, is how much map you need. Most value-level models include maps for the continental United States; you'll have to upgrade to a higher model for maps of Canada and Alaska. In addition, some manufacturers have European maps available. Models such as the Garmin nuvi 770 and TomTom GO 920 include maps of both North America and Europe built-in, so there's nothing more to add!

Another important feature to look for is "text-to-speech." Most voice-prompting GPS devices will give an audible command such as "Turn right in 200 feet" or "Take next exit." A unit with a text-to-speech function will not only give directions but the street name as well: "Turn left on Main Street in 500 feet" or "Take Exit 38B." This is a huge help for many people, as they can avoid missing important turns and exits or navigating those confusing intersections. You won't even have to take your eye off of the road to know where to go.

A new feature to consider is live traffic service. Available in larger cities, a subscription to a traffic service gives you real-time, up-to-the-minute updates on traffic and road conditions. Your GPS will notify you of potential problems and offer an alternative route. Often there is a free trial period, then monthly fees which typically cost about $5/month. Some Garmin units also offer MSN Direct, which provides not only traffic but weather, movie times, Starbucks locations and more. With some of the newest models such as the Garmin nuvi 780 and nuvi 880 adds the above features plus news, stock tickers and event listings.

One of the newest additions available on a new automotive GPS navigation system is the integration of a Bluetooth chip. If your cell phone and GPS unit are equipped with Bluetooth technology, you can pair them up for hands-free calling, dial-a-POI features and more, making your take-it-to-the-streets-for-work-and-play-combo completely integrated.

So which is the "best?" That depends entirely on your needs and how much you want to spend. There are enough models to choose from that will suit just about anyone's taste for features as well as your budget.