How to Find the Best GPS for Your Lifestyle
If you don't have a GPS yet, chances are you are thinking about purchasing one. From being embedded in cell phones to automobile units and the many handheld models, GPS units has come a long way in just a few short years. There are dozens of GPS brands on the market and many more models to choose from. Most GPS units are designed for specific applications, such as driving, boating, or hiking, and each type of model comes in an array of different styles, forms, and price ranges. Shopping for the best and the lowest price GPS can be a frustrating experience. Just figuring out which model is appropriate for your needs, and then making GPS price comparisons to find the lowest price can be trying, especially when there are so many choices. Where do you even start? The truth is, picking out a GPS can be overwhelming. There is a lot of information and technology in this little piece of equipment, and while prices have gone down dramatically in the last year, they are still a few hundred dollar investment.Let's start at the beginning.
What is GPS?
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a network of around 30 satellites orbiting the earth. The technology was developed by the United States military in the Cold War era at a cost of over $10 billion. Fortunately, the government made the technology available to civilians in 1980 free, so there are no service charges associated with GPS. Unlike cell phones, for example, where you must purchase the phone AND pay a monthly service fee, you only need to purchase a GPS unit to take advantage of this great technology. With the help of satellites above, GPS pinpoints your position on a digital map so you know where you are, where you are going, and where you have been. Interestingly, GPS units only work if you have a clear view of the sky, in GPS lingo, the line of sight. Trees, underground tunnels, buildings, and other overhead distractions can affect the performance of any GPS. When the view of the sky is clear, however, GPS can perform a multitude of helpful tasks including the ability to:- Provide voice-guided directions for in-car GPS models
- Re-route your course if you get lost while driving
- Point out nearby gas stations or restaurants while driving
- Track where you've hiked, how far you've gone and at what average speed
- Communicate with others and help you pinpoint exactly where they are
- Plot onshore and offshore maps and identify fish hotspots for marine applications
This guide is designed to help illuminate you on the many models, styles types of GPS units. But most importantly, it will help you figure our which features will be important to YOU. This guide will also help you make GPS price comparisons once you've found a model you are interested in.
Step #1: Which Type of GPS Do You Need?
To narrow the focus of your search, first identify which of the three GPS units is best for you.Automobile GPS
 |
Cost: Generally, automobile GPS' cost between $150, while the highest end models cost around $1500.
Dealio's Pick: The Garmin Nuvi 660 is one of the top-rated automobile GPS. Reviews on both PCmag.com and consumer reviews online have made this a top road-warrior pick.
Handheld GPS
 |
Cost: The lowest price GPS in this category is around $50, while newest and best models can run as high as $2000!
Dealio's Pick: An easy choice for many is the Magellan eXplorist 200, it was named one of the best GPS units in the handheld category for its user-friendly features.
Module GPS receiver for use with a Palm or PC
 |
Cost: Generally, these GPS' range from $50, while the higher end models cost around $300.
Dealio's Pick: The Pharos iGPS-500 is a great, cheap GPS receiver. Outstanding user-reviews have made this GPS receiver a top-pick this year.
Step #2: Compare GPS Features
Once you have figured out which GPS unit is best for you, the next step is to understand the different features that are available. Shopping for the best GPS for you will be much easier after you compare GPS features, and understand what they all mean.
Included database
Some GPS have databases that store maps and cities within the actual unit, so you don't have to upload them manually before you travel to new places. If your GPS does not have an internal database, you must upload specific maps based on the specific regions you plan to travel in.
Memory capacity
GPS' can store only a certain amount of data, which directly translates to the coverable map area it can track you on. Obviously, GPS models with the most memory capacity will give you a larger map, while GPS models with lower memory capacity will require you to load specific maps based on the specific regions you plan to travel in.
Number of channels
 |
POI-Point of Interest
Many GPS have preloaded POIs. If you are going to a museum or other well-known areas, the address are preloaded so you don't have type in the address. Compare GPS to find how many POI's come standard. Some have many, others not.
Routing
We all know the fastest route from point A to point B is a straight line. Unfortunately, mountains, rivers, or other obstructions prevent us from following this path, but GPS can map out the fastest possible route taking into consideration these obstacles, this feature is especially important on handheld GPS units. Many automobile GPS units now feature traffic routing which checks traffic conditions and directs you to alternate routes in case of an accident or other delay.
Tracking aka the Breadcrumb Feature
Some GPS can record your exact travel path, which is ideal for backtracking to where you began.
Acquisition time
Some GPS are better than others when it comes to acquisition time, which is the time is takes for your GPS to calculate its location when you turn it on initially. In general, the longer your GPS is turned off, the longer the time it will take your GPS to calculate your location (cold acquisition), while the shorter your GPS is turned off, the shorter the time it will take your GPS to calculate your location (hot acquisition).
Sunrise or sunset time
Based on your position, some GPS can display the sunrise and sunset time for a given day. This can help you plan to maximize activity in available daylight, or just catch a great sunset.
AMPS
Some GPS come equipped with AMPS (Analog Mobile Phone System), which gives you the ability to communicate with others.Step #3: The Best GPS For Your Needs...
Now that you understand some of the basic features, you can compare GPS units much easier. A few extra, fancy features many users enjoy are:Day to Night Screen - The screen's brightness will adjust to the light level in the car. See the Garmin Nuvi 350
MP3 and Photo Compatibility -
The TomTom GO 920 runs pretty high, but is one of the best GPS for photo and music compatibility.
Rechargeable Through Car - Some GPS run on batteries, others can be charged through your cars outlets.
Vocal Direction - Voice guidance will help make driving easier. You will not need to look at the GPS, rather it will tell you what to do. The StreetPilotU c550 has been commended on PCMag.com for its voice guidance.
 |
 |
 |
| Garmin Nuvi 350 | TomTom GO 920 | StreetPilotU c550 |
We've presented a lot of information in this guide and hope that you can take this knowledge and apply it toward your future GPS purchase. The best way to find a GPS unit that's right for you is to buy and test. Because of many retailers' flexible return policies, one suggestion is to buy a couple, test them all out and then keep your favorite. Either way, we are living in a mobile world and getting lost can be a thing of the past. Maps are great, but they are difficult to navigate on small scales and hard to look at when you are on the road. With these new GPS, you can get where you want to go, fast. And since the maps are constantly updating through the satellites, your product is sure to stay up-to-date for many years to come.
GPS Units on Dealio: Compare Prices & Find the Best Deal.
