Best GPS

How to Buy The Best GPS

There are various GPS devices available with so many features and it may be overwhelming to decide which one you should to choose. Moreover, there is an additional competition of smart phones with navigation applications.

There are lifetime map updates, free traffic reportings and local search engines are getting more versatile. The most common devices like phones or tablets PCs can do a lot of work and give you plenty of information. Thus, it becomes a bit more confusing to decide about a GPS device. But, it is beneficial to have a capable standalone GPS device that can work exclusively and conveniently for you as a navigation device. There are a number of factors you have to take into consideration to select the right GPS for you. The following are important features that you must look when you want to buy the best GPS device.

1. Standalone GPS:

There is a flood of iPhones and Android phones in the mobile market. Most of them include navigation applications. The Android Smartphones features Google Maps and also give voice prompts turn-by-turn directions. You can get done POI searches on Google for free. If you will like to use the phone in place of GPS, you need a windscreen mount for it. Moreover, its battery life will be hit and it will be quite inconvenient. It is better to go for a dedicated GPS device that will have more features and will suite the purpose. You can just install it in your car and use it when you actually need it.

2. Screen size:

The screen size is very important factor for a right type of GPS. At present most of the devices come with a 4.3 inch display screen. If you can manage with a smaller screen, you can save a lot of money. But, you may find it difficult to read the small text or see the smaller pictures. A larger screen or a larger device will be the right option for you. You will never need to squint to read the text. You will have to spend more for a larger screen and it will also occupy extra space on the dashboard or the windscreen. You can even go for 5 inch screen, if you really need and afford it.

3. Map coverage :

Most GPS systems virtual come with preloaded updated maps of the US, Europe and more. You can buy additional maps of Mexico, Canada or Puerto Rico from the manufacturer and download them through your PC and load them on an SD card. You may get free regular updates from the manufacturer depending upon its purchase price and policy, or you can subscribe for regular updates. Keeping maps updated is important. Latest maps may be of specific importance to you while traveling in foreign countries. However, there is no GPS coverage available in many countries and maps may not be updated for certain places in the world.

4. Points of Interest:

Points of Interest or POIs denote the certain places in the local area, which the people are generally interested. These places are highlighted on the GPS. These may include some tourist sites such as monuments, museums, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, gas stations, ATMs and various amenities. Due to the construction and developments, the POIs go on adding up or continue changing. The GPS is supplied with an integrated data of POIs. This enables you to locate an important place, say, a hotel nearest to you. POI database and sizes will wildly vary with all devices, as each device has a different way to search and give the results. Many GPS devices are designed to provide you the accurate and logical results. Some of them are also integrated with cellular radios and they search POIs on the internet and present the real-time information. You can get the reviews on the devices before you select a GPS.

5. Text-to-Speech Feature:

Many GPS come with a Text-to-speech feature that gives voice prompted information about upcoming street names or road names with the help of speech synthesis. This feature is very useful for going to an unfamiliar area and you do not have to squint to see the map while driving and you can select the correct road to take a turn.

6. Bluetooth Integration:

A number of GPS devices have Bluetooth capability. It is practically a more useful feature. You can integrate your mobile phone with the GPS unit with Bluetooth and access your contact list and dial safely without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Some devices with Bluetooth may not support all phones. You must check the manufacturer’s website to confirm that your phone is compatible with that device.

7. Real Time Traffic Updates:

You can get the latest information about traffic with real time local traffic updates. Some of the information is received instantly from other cars as well on the same GPS network. Some GPS devices also suggest you alternative routes to avoid the problem area. You can also get the estimated time of arrival that is continually updated in view of the changing road conditions. You can give information about your estimated arrival time to those who are waiting for you. Some advanced gadgets have ability to provide a real time information on local weather and traffic updates. You may have to go for a lifetime or a monthly subscription for these services.

8. Lane Assit and Junction View:

The GPS with the lane guidance feature will give you proper guidance to select the correct lane at complex junctions having multiple lanes, turnoffs or slip roads. It may also have a Junction View feature that displays a detailed visual of an upcoming junction. The junction view makes the navigation much easier. When you feed the address of your targeted location, the lane assist and junction view helps you take the exact turns with signs. These systems use actual information on the roads.

9. ecoRoute Function:

The GPS system should offer you an option to go from one place to another by the shortest route or in a minimum time. This is done by ecoRoute feature that can guide you to plan your route to use minimum fuel . It works based on the route map, road speed data and vehicle’s acceleration data. A GPS provided with the ecoRoute feature also maintains a report of fuel consumption over multiple journeys.

10. Google Search:

If your GPS device has the Google search option, it can search for you the Google Local database to find the nearest services and POIs. You can also plan the best route to get your targeted location in just one click. You do not need to worry about POI updates or entry in your device.

You can add many other features including media players that support photo, audio and video formats for playback from the SD card. You can go for pedestrian navigation capability, if you often use the public transport in your city. The device will require a City Navigator with city maps for public transit mode to enable you to navigate using metro, trams, buses and suburban rail systems.

You can select those features that are important to you and search for a suitable GPS device. Amazon has some of the best bargains online.