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Going for GPS?(Sun, The (Lowell, MA) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Dec. 16--It's no fun driving around lost. Nor is it a joy to argue with the backseat driver over which turn to take, or which route is fastest. But thanks to GPS units, drivers can forget about fumbling with awkward maps and scanning street signs. Instead, they listen to calmly-spoken directions and find the nearest gas station with the push of a button. All with zero stress. If ever there was a confident copilot, this is it. "My 2007 Honda CRV came with an in-dash GPS," said Sue Edelman of Medford. "It has since completely transformed the way I travel and I have come to depend on it. If I'm running late, I can see how much further I have to go and call ahead with an estimate. If I make a wrong turn, the GPS recalculates my directions from where I am, as opposed to my having to backtrack. It will find me the nearest McDonald's or gas station. I can tell it to 'go home' and in an instant I have the route." Over the past two years, the portable GPS market has erupted, answering consumers' call for an enhanced driving experience. Today's devices offer a host of features from real-time traffic detours and integrated Bluetooth speakerphone compatibility, to gas prices and movie times. No longer just for travelers, GPS units have become a must-have for many drivers, with models at nearly every price point. "I came to rely on that built-in GPS so much that I just bought a portable one for my partner for Hanukkah," said Edelman. "Now when we travel we can save the extra $40 we'd spend adding a GPS to our rental car and carry the portable with us. It gives us so much more confidence driving, especially in a new city." Portable GPS units may top this year's holiday wish lists, but purchasing one requires careful navigation. Whether you're choosing to outfit your own vehicle or that of someone on your list, a quick assessment of your needs and planned usage will help point you in the right direction for a model that speaks to you. With prices ranging from $200 for a basic system to upwards of $1,500 for a premium model, GPS units, such as those from Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Mio and Navigon -- run the gamut when it comes to functionality and extras. But before you get into the specifics, it's important to focus first on navigation capacity and how well it will get you from point A to point B. Ratings from Consumer Reports as well as online user reviews (such as smartratings.com, bizrate.com and pcmag.com) help put the primary functions in perspective before considering bells and whistles. (PC Magazine also features a slideshow so users can get a feel for the interface.) Regardless of make and model, all GPS systems work via an antenna that receives information from Global Positioning System (hence, GPS) satellites to pinpoint a vehicle's location. Using the longitude and latitude, the GPS then interprets the position within its internal map database and displays an arrow on screen. It's important to remember that no database is perfect or completely up to date. An impromptu detour, for example, will not be reflected on your GPS screen; ATM locations change rapidly; new developments may not yet register and the user must make the effort to install or download updated maps. Most major GPS vendors utilize Tele Atlas or NavTeQ, so be sure your GPS contenders have reputable mapping capabilities. Another primary consideration: a large, readable display. Whereas built-in nav systems' screens hover around 7 inches diagonally, portables range from approximately 3 to 5 inches. Smaller screens are available, but can be difficult to view and difficult to program on the go. Also be aware that large, dash-mounted screens can obstruct the driver's view. Consumer Reports states a 3.5-inch screen to be a good compromise. "Probably the most important thing to look for is a good screen," says Craig Ellison, contributing editor of PC Magazine. "Avoid GPS devices with shiny, reflective screens, as they are difficult to use in bright sunlight." Much like shopping for a cell phone, it's also wise to look for an intuitive interface and straightforward menu system. The next tier of considerations should focus on how the device will be used. Are you a city driver looking to avoid traffic? Do you want to integrate your iPod? Is a direction that says "In 1 mile, turn right," adequate? Or would you rather hear "In 1 mile turn right on Main Street." If the choice between a male or female voice isn't enough, perhaps you'd prefer Mr. T or another celebrity voice. Finally, it comes down to how much you want to spend. "Black Friday sales are over, but there were some very good bargains to be had on major brand name GPSs," said Ellison. "Still, there are some good values around. Magellan has a complete line of 'Maestros' with pricing ranging from $249-499. Mio as well as Navigon also have some attractively priced models. Use an online shopping engine like pricegrabber.com or shopping.com to speed your comparison shopping once you've decided on a model." For Edelman, online research was key. "I scoured the Net for ratings and reviews," she said. "In the end it seemed that the TomTomOne was the best option for us. I opted for the XL model because it's got a larger screen, which I found easier to view." Edelman purchased her GPS at Staples for approximately $250. She recommends buyers purchaser sooner rather than later this holiday season. "I had hoped to pick this up in Florida recently," she said. "I popped into Sears and they were all out. Not just out of this one, but every single model." To see more of The Sun, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lowellsun.com. Copyright (c) 2007, The Sun, Lowell, Mass. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |