GPS: Usability Over Functionality

There is an easy test that I like to use when evaluating a GPS, or any type of electronic device. I call it the user manual test. When I pick up a new GPS for the first time, I see how easily I can operate the GPS with common sense alone and without using the manual. Criteria for a good GPS is firmly based on how easily I can operate the menu options and pick up the functions. This is an aspect that some people overlook yet it is perhaps the single most important part of a GPS.

The first reason that user friendly functions and menus are so important is that the vast majority of people who buy GPS units are seasonal or occasional users. They are not out there 5 days a week, honing their skills and keeping the idiosyncrasies of their GPS at the forefront of their mind! Consequently, most users want to be able to pick the damn thing up and be able to get their hands on accurate information that can make the difference between getting lost, or even a fatal ending to an outdoor adventure.

The second reason that GPS units need to be easy to use is that they are often used by groups such as hunters, fishermen and hikers. This makes it quite likely that some members of the group will not be experienced with your particular model or brand of GPS. In these kinds of circumstances it is doubtful that anyone will want to sit down and read a user manual, that is if you still know where it is! So do yourself a favor and get a GPS that makes sense to you without having to go to the book, if for nothing else that from a safety point of view.

The third reason it that if you are willing to spend a couple of bucks on your GPS and choose a top brand such as Magellan or Garmin you don’t need to worry too much about what functions are included. The level of competition between these two companies is so high that neither is willing to put sub-standard products into the marketplace. At http://www.thegpscentre.com you can see reviews of GPS units and see how close these brand really are in both quality and price. What will make the difference will be the users ability to take advantage of the functions.

Remember, there is no point having a GPS with several navigation screens, thousands of automatic way-points if you can’t work out how to use them with ease. Happy trails and safe navigating to you all.

The author is a regular contributor to http://www.incargpsworld.com and permission to reproduce this article is given only on the basis that all links remain active and intact.