Getting the Right Car GPS System for You

Automobiles have been a handy mode of getting around for years, but there are still times when time and gas are squandered or intended stops are passed up entirely because of incomplete maps or unclear directions. To answer these concerns and allow you to have a convenient driving experience, automotive GPS systems are now available to assist and are very affordable for most commuters. It is best to bring a GPS device on long trips to make sure that the most direct course is taken. The value of particular GPS devices varies with different manufacturers. To sweeten the deal, extra programs are included in a few models to keep consumers interested and multiply the fun factor. Following are a few of the more practical products that warrant examining. A nice option to consider is the Garmin Nuvi 1350 Portable GPS Navigator.

Garmin Nuvi 265W

The drawback to most of the more affordable Car GPS systems is that their list of functions is so stunted that one is unsure whether the product is totally completed. The Garmin Nuvi is a very basic device, although it still provides all the user-friendly functions and level of performance you would experience with its better developed colleagues – the 705 and 805 series. A speech function is included so you will not have to read the monitor while driving and the Garmin is quite simple to install out of the box. The price tag might not fit everyone’s cash reserves, but because of its useful applications and minimal issues, this Garmin Nuvi is the best GPS for your money.

TomTom ONE Classic and Routes edition

TomTom ONE models look to have purchase prices that are too good to be true, but this product’s features and applications show you precisely why this brand’s products are dirt cheap. Their navigation performance is abysmal and some of the popular features including Bluetooth and text-to-speech won’t be provided by most of the models. Even though earlier models weren’t especially well-received by middle to lower income car owners, new ONE models were introduced, including a few with widescreens and different models with advanced functions including advanced lane guidance, which is only available in the Routes edition. The classic edition comes without this feature, but the price should be tempting enough to at least consider. Another model to look into is the Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS Navigation System.

Magellan Roadmate 1212

The Magellan Maestro products continue to be the most popular Magellan products thanks to the fact that they came out first, however, the Roadmate 1212 will soon eclipse the Maestro thanks to its reduced profile in spite of its low cost. The decent performance in tandem with the uncomplicated user interface easily makes this a practical investment if you are able to work around the slow menu button reaction. The text-to-speech program is even available, even though employing it too often will quickly drain the battery with the result that you will likely enjoy the opportunity of charging the battery after 3 hours. A great alternative is the Garmin Nuvi 1350 Portable GPS Navigator.

Bottom Line

With regards to reasonably priced Car GPS products, you will always be forced to choose between price and feature list. Garmin Nuvi easily moves to the top with its insignificant eccentricities, but the other brands discussed here are cheaper. The most practical choice to make is to invest in a Garmin Nuvi unless you intend to allow the GPS device get in the way of your driving.