Amongst the most popular electronic devices available today are GPS navigators. These devices are not only stylish; they are very useful, as well. However, before you purchase a GPS navigator, it is advisable to consider some important factors. Aside from considering the price, you must also consider the features and size. Ask yourself questions to help you decide. Do you really need a standalone portable navigation device or PND? Do you need a 4.3-inch, 5.0-inch, or 7.0-inch screen? Do you need a live traffic subscription? Do you need a voice control system?
Standalone or Not
GPS enabled cell phones are selling like pancakes these days; but standalone portable navigation devices are still keeping up. If you will take a closer look, GPS navigators actually offer more features than GPS enabled cell phones. Amongst these features are audible driving directions with text-to-speech, large easy-to-read screens, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, and real-time traffic updates.
Size Of The Screen
The size of the screen is one of the most important factors that you have to consider when choosing a GPS navigator. Do you want a small one or a big one? Today, 5.0-inch displays are the most sough-after by consumers; but you will still find plenty of other models on the market. There are 6.0-inch displays and 7.0-inch displays. Generally, smaller models are less expensive that bigger models.
On-board Maps
Pre-installed maps of every region in the country usually come with a brand new GPS navigator. However, if you wish to add more maps, you can simply download from the Internet or buy one from the manufacturer. Just make sure to update your maps regularly. Outdated maps will do you no good as roads and highways are frequently changing. For convenience, you can subscribe for automatic map updates. Some companies charge extra for these updates, though. So, you may want to read the policy first.
Voice Control
When choosing a GPS navigator, you should also take the voice control system into consideration. GPS navigators with voice control systems are helpful to drivers who often drive alone. With the voice control system, they can focus on the road better and just have the directions dictated to them. There is no more need for pushing buttons on the device's touch screen.
More Functions
You might get bored if your GPS navigator only features maps. Hence, you should get one that supports video, audio, eBook, and photo formats to keep you entertained. You can even get one with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to make hands-free calls via GPS. You just have to connect your cell phone to the device in order for you to access your list of contacts. With this, there is no more need to wear a cell phone headset.
A GPS navigator makes driving safer, faster, and more convenient. So, it is important to look for a model with useful features other than your favorite color and design. It is not ideal to buy something because it is the most stylish or expensive. Make sure that it has the features that you need.
Standalone or Not
GPS enabled cell phones are selling like pancakes these days; but standalone portable navigation devices are still keeping up. If you will take a closer look, GPS navigators actually offer more features than GPS enabled cell phones. Amongst these features are audible driving directions with text-to-speech, large easy-to-read screens, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, and real-time traffic updates.
Size Of The Screen
The size of the screen is one of the most important factors that you have to consider when choosing a GPS navigator. Do you want a small one or a big one? Today, 5.0-inch displays are the most sough-after by consumers; but you will still find plenty of other models on the market. There are 6.0-inch displays and 7.0-inch displays. Generally, smaller models are less expensive that bigger models.
On-board Maps
Pre-installed maps of every region in the country usually come with a brand new GPS navigator. However, if you wish to add more maps, you can simply download from the Internet or buy one from the manufacturer. Just make sure to update your maps regularly. Outdated maps will do you no good as roads and highways are frequently changing. For convenience, you can subscribe for automatic map updates. Some companies charge extra for these updates, though. So, you may want to read the policy first.
Voice Control
When choosing a GPS navigator, you should also take the voice control system into consideration. GPS navigators with voice control systems are helpful to drivers who often drive alone. With the voice control system, they can focus on the road better and just have the directions dictated to them. There is no more need for pushing buttons on the device's touch screen.
More Functions
You might get bored if your GPS navigator only features maps. Hence, you should get one that supports video, audio, eBook, and photo formats to keep you entertained. You can even get one with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to make hands-free calls via GPS. You just have to connect your cell phone to the device in order for you to access your list of contacts. With this, there is no more need to wear a cell phone headset.
A GPS navigator makes driving safer, faster, and more convenient. So, it is important to look for a model with useful features other than your favorite color and design. It is not ideal to buy something because it is the most stylish or expensive. Make sure that it has the features that you need.
About the Author:
Alfons Fuchs likes modern electronic stuff. He likes reading about innovative devices and progress in technology. Today, he writes related to GPS navigators specifically the Navigon 2410 Navigationssystem.
