Choosing a GPS Navigator System

2008-08-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

Looking for the best GPS Navigator System for you needs? As we speak now, there are more than 50 different GPS manufacturers out there on the market, each with a multitude of GPS products with different features. Currently, the more popular brands are probably Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. So, which is the best value-for-money GPS Navigator System for your needs?

The key is of course, first of all, to define your needs. GPS navigator systems are used for a lot of situations. Assuming that you are like 60% of the consumers, you are probably buying one for your car, and for this, there are some basic features that you should probably look out for when purchasing your GPS navigator system:

Anti-Glare Screen feature.
(This is extremely important in my opinion because it’s is totally pointless for you to purchase a GPS Navigator System that looks good in the stores, but is totally unreadable when you are driving in the day)
3D Maps.
(Based on experience, it is much easier navigating your way using the 3D bird's eye view of your route than following a 2D map. Most GPS navigation systems already have what they call 3D maps, however those maps are not really 3D at all. They just take the 2D data and set a viewing angle…. all of the roads themselves are still drawn without any terrain contours. Click here to see one system with true 3D maps)
Pre-loaded maps.
(For systems that do not come with pre-loaded maps, they usually allow free downloads online. But if you are always on busy schedules like almost everyone else is in current era, pre-loaded maps will save you lots of time. Note also that Canadian maps come with an extra costs on some models, hence if you drive to Canada often, it is definitely worth getting a navigator system with pre-loaded US and Canada maps. Some systems even offer pre-loaded Europe maps, but few of us do get to travel to Europe that often. Cars rented in Europe sometimes come with GPS installed anyway.)
Big Screen.
The bigger it is, the easier to look, the less time you spend with your eyes off the road trying to decipher minute details.
Touch-Screen Interface.
Like the big screen, it makes it faster and safer while using it on the roads.
Comprehensive Point-of-Interest (POI) Database.
Need a gas station before your fuel tank ran out? Need the location of the nearest supermarket to get food for a last-minute BBQ dinner? Having a large POI database is something more helpful than you can imagine.

Best GPS Navigator Systems

Choosing a GPS Navigator System

Anti-Glare Screen feature.

3D Maps.

Pre-loaded maps.

Big Screen.

Touch-Screen Interface.

Comprehensive Point-of-Interest (POI) Database.