Best GPS
The best GPS units are the ones that focus on navigation and map database coverage. Because the basic GPS signal is free, there are many phone and electronic companies who have entered the GPS market and have flooded it with an overwhelming amount of options. This has made purchasing GPS units more confusing than ever. To find the best GPS device, make sure that what you are purchasing is primarily a navigational tool and not just an electronic device that has GPS capabilities. If mapping and navigation are listed as secondary features, you may want to look at devices from a company whose primary goal is to develop tracking and mapping technology.
Currently, the largest manufacturers of GPS devices are Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, TomTom, Cobra, Mio Technology, and Nextel. These are the names to look for first. Other, lesser-known names may either be new to the market or knock-offs of other company’s established brands. Again, the most important feature to look for is the power of the GPS receiver. A prime example for a great receiver is the SiRFstar III chipset. This is a component that locks onto satellites quickly and gets a great signal for more accurate navigating. Having a poor signal or no signal at all because of a weak receiver will result in erroneous information and will probably get you lost or at least frustrated.
The best GPS units for those who are starting out are the personal navigators. The Nuvi 200 from Garmin, the Cobra 100, the TomTom One, and the Mio Digiwalker H610 are simple to use and go almost anywhere. Each model comes with preloaded maps, so if you want to get directions, you can turn the navigator on, let it acquire a fixed position, and enter the destination where you want to go. The system will display a map with street names and way points like restaurants, highway exits and other recognizable landmarks that lead to your final destination.
As you journey towards your destination you will receive text and spoken turn-by-by turn directions. If you get lost, the unit will make a note and recalculate to get you back on route. If you are traveling on the highway, more advanced units like the Magellan Maestro 4250 will let you choose guidance options that plot the route by distance, speed or even to avoid heavy traffic. An internal database also includes common points of interest such as gas stations and ATMs, so if you run low on gas, the navigational system can send you to the nearest one on your route. You can even choose a nearby restaurant by the type of food they serve if you get hungry.
While GPS navigators of this size are small enough o be put into a backpack or purse so they can be taken from car to car or carried on a walking tour, be careful about getting one that is too small, because the screen will be small as well. If you purchase a handheld unit that is small enough to be worn around your neck on a lanyard, the screen may only be two inches wide diagonally. This is not very big, considering the fact that you will be entering most of your commands on this tiny touch-screen. The best size display to have is about 3.5” to 4”. While the unit will be a little larger, it will still be small enough to carry around.
No navigation systems are absolutely perfect. Even accurate data isn’t always a good substitute for local knowledge, and all databases have minor errors when it comes to street locations. However, a portable GPS system will usually get you to your destination faster than asking for directions, and provide you with peace of mind when you are traveling around unfamiliar areas. Simply put, the best GPS models are more reliable than imitations and knockoffs.
Posted in General GPS Information
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