Remember Me
forgot your password?

A Guide to GPS Car Navigation Systems

It seems like everyone is interested in GPS car navigation systems these days. Makes total sense! GPS devices can tell you where you are and give you turn-by-turn directions to tell how to get to where you want to go, anywhere in the United States, Canada, Europe, or Mexico.

Plus they come with all sorts of cool features. And it's right there where part of the problem is for anyone interested in purchasing one.

There are essentially too many manufacturers with too many products that do too many things.

Buying a GPS car navigation system feels like getting a master's degree in engineering.

Well, if you'll give me a few moments of your time, I can reduce all of this confusion to a few things you will need to think through in order to pick out the right GPS for you and your budget.

Right off the bat, there are three major GPS manufacturers, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is the big dog in the industry, selling around 70% of all GPS devices. Tom Tom is a new arrival, but they've grabbed a lot of market share with excellent products at excellent prices. While Magellan is the older company, but not to be outdone in the features department.

There are other manufacturers, but personally I prefer to stick with the industry winners.

As far as what these things do, let's take a look base features first.

All GPS units can do the following:

* Tell you where you are and how to get where you're going via voice instructions
* Access a large database of pre-programmed destinations (called Points of Interest, or POIs)
* Interface with the user via a touch screen and an icon-based operating system
* Auto-calculate either the shortest or fastest route

If that's all you need to do, then for about $150, you can get all this and more. Things like digital picture viewer capability and audiobook capability are essentially standard features.

If you want to spend more, however, look what all you can get!

* Bluetooth for hands-free calling
* FM transmission, so you can hear your device through your car's stereo system
* More extensive maps, Canada, Europe, Mexico
* Real-time weather and traffic (usually via subscription)

And, there's more!

As you go up in price what each company offers really starts to differentiate itself.

What you need to do now is get on an informative website where you can actually look at specific devices, see exactly what their features are, and check out their prices.

Lee Cole

To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website. Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest GPS Articles
  • More from Lee Cole

Magic World of GPS

By: Rahul Chadha | 13/11/2009
Technology also contributes in finding customers quickly. If, you just want to type in an address and go, there's nothing like GPS. It brings the latest Salespeople are finding GPS mapping hardware and software with step-by-step guides helpful in locating the exact address of customers in unfamiliar areas. It helps to track on difficult areas with available alternatives.

Why we need GPS ?

By: Rahul Chadha | 13/11/2009
Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology becomes very popular in the times. GPS tracking units monitor who, what, where and when your vehicles are or have been. These are not only four English words but also mean a lot when you need some solution to your problem. Technology makes you feel comfortable to find solutions to these fundamental queries.

GPS Jammer and Wireless Camera Hunter- Now Spy the One Spying

By: Article Expert | 13/11/2009
The GPS jammer and wireless camera hunters are useful to track down the devices installed for tracking your location and to prevent them from tracking. You can search the net for more information regarding the GPS jammer and wireless camera hunters.

Do I Need A GPS?

By: Levi Quinn | 12/11/2009
You have never had trouble getting around. Reading a map is a favorite pastime. Still, you wonder if jumping on the GPS system bandwagon might be worthwhile.

Portable Global Positioning GPS System Requirements

By: Levi Quinn | 12/11/2009
If you are someone who travels a lot because of business or who just enjoys traveling to discover or visit new places that you have not been to before? Then a GPS device is definitely your ultimate travel companion and guide.

How GPS Receivers Work

By: Andrew Bicknell | 12/11/2009
A GPS receiver is an electronic device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine its exact location on earth with pin-point accuracy. This system is made up of the three parts; 27 satellites that send out continuous positioning signals, ground stations around the world that help synchronize the satellites, and various types of GPS receivers.

Global GPS Tracker with Two Way Calling + SMS Alerts

By: Raphael Hidalgo | 11/11/2009
GPS Tracker with messaging and quick call function. This is the best and most affordable GPS tracking system money can buy. This GPS tracker with 2-way calling function works everywhere in the world for locating your belongings or people. Visit the website: http://www.electronicschinawholesale.com You will find much more.

5 Inch Touch Screen GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter (Sports Ed.)

By: Raphael Hidalgo | 11/11/2009
5 inch touch screen GPS navigator with FM Transmitter that feels like you're holding the most stylish GPS navigator. This GPS unit comes in a sleek three color design, Red, Silver and Black. Driving will never be the same again thanks to its wonderful performance and smooth touch screen interface. Visit the website: http://www.electronicschinawholesale.com You will find much more.

UPro golf GPS system: 4 Things You Must Know before You Purchase

By: Lee Cole | 04/08/2009 | Golf
The UPro golf GPS system is probably the most sophisticated golf GPS on the market. There are a few things you should know about the UPro golf GPS system before buying one, however. Read this article to find out more.

How to Compare GPS Units to Get the Best One For You

By: Lee Cole | 06/09/2008 | GPS
In order to figure out which of the many GPS systems is best for you, you need to compare GPS units in some logical way. To do this you need to first understand what is being offered and how much that's going to cost you. Read this article to find out more!

How to Compare GPS Navigation Systems to Get the Right One For You!

By: Lee Cole | 05/09/2008 | GPS
If you've been thinking about buying a GPS, then your first step is to compare GPS navigation systems to find the right one for you. Although they all do basically the same thing, there are a number of differences you need to know about. Read this article to find out more!

How to Compare GPS Systems to Get the Best Unit For You!

By: Lee Cole | 05/09/2008 | GPS
The best way to compare GPS systems is to figure out what you want and then find out who is offering that and at what price. Read this article to find out more!

Price Comparison GPS - Find the Right Model to Fit Your Budget

By: Lee Cole | 03/09/2008 | GPS
In this article, I'm going to talk about what you can get from the three major manufacturers of GPS systems and approximately how much it's going to cost you. Continue reading to find out more!

Compare GPS Prices to Find the Best Model For You

By: Lee Cole | 02/09/2008 | GPS
The best way to find the best GPS device for you is to compare GPS prices so you know what you're getting. You can buy a workable GPS unit for slightly over $150 or you can spend as much as $600 for a unit with all the bells and whistles. That's quite a price range! Read this article to find out more!

A Bluetooth GPS Comparison Guide

By: Lee Cole | 02/09/2008 | GPS
If you're like me, you understand the dangers of using your cell phone while driving. With this Bluetooth GPS comparison guide, you can learn all about the best GPS receivers that support Bluetooth technology. Now you can not only know where you're going, but get there more safely as well. Read this article to find out more!

Auto GPS Comparison Guide

By: Lee Cole | 31/08/2008 | GPS
When buying a GPS receiver, you need an auto gps comparison guide. There's just too much to know about these devices. Read this article to find out more!

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.12, 5, w1)