GPS buying tips
If you travel in your car quite a bit you probably already have a GPS system, but if you are considering one you may want to do a little research as to what you really need. GPS systems can be quite expensive and you may be overpaying for bells and whistles that you will never use.
CNET has a some tips for GPS systems highlighting what you need to consider.
…you pay a price for the convenience of a built-in navi system. For instance, the Dodge Magnum SRT8’s navigation system is an $1,870 option. Compare that to the color, touchscreen TomTom One, which comes preloaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada for $299.
Besides the cost factor, the portable nature of aftermarket navigation units means that you can take them with you on vacation and stick them in your rental car, where you’re most likely to need them. In addition, hard drive or Flash-based aftermarket units tend to have more detailed and up-to-date maps than DVD-based factory systems, since new updates can be easily downloaded from your computer.
If a GPS system is something you may be interested in, you can say goodbye to that gigantic road atlas and trim down on your car clutter with a tiny after market GPS system or built-in system.
Posted by Matt on Oct 16, 2007 |
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20 comments posted
Posted by Mirko - 10/16/2007
I opted for a Garmin Nuvi 350. It’s easy to use in the car and it fits in your pocket if you go walking. It made my vacations a lot easier as its packed full with sightseeing locations, restaurants and stuff like that, at least here in Europe.
Posted by SuperChuck - 10/16/2007
I went with a gps service on my mobile phone (Telenav on a Blackjack).
Unfortunately, the Blackjack lacks an internal GPS, so I had to get a bluetooth GPS. It’s a little bigger than a pack of Juicy Fruit. It fits perfectly into a cubby in the car, but if I’m headed somewhere on foot, it easily fits in my pocket (unlike a full-size unit).
Music player, GPS, web browser, PIM, camera, satellite radio, and if I have to, I can even place a phone call.
Posted by DaveTheWave - 10/16/2007
We just purchased a 2007 Honda and I could not convince the wife to go with a portable GPS. The clutter factor won out over the cost factor.
Posted by missdona - 10/16/2007
If you travel, a portable GPS is a lifesaver for unfamiliar terrain in rental cars, etc.
I don’t intend to ever have one built into the car, I much prefer portable.
Posted by Eric Monse - 10/16/2007
I need a GPS for my bike. I think handheld is the way to go.
Posted by Andamom - 10/16/2007
We’ve got a Nuvi (300 series — don’t remember exactly which one right now) and it is fabulous. We have used it on our family trip through the Canadian Maritime Provinces, in a rental car in Puerto Rico, and beyond. We have even used it while hiking because there are some trails that are shown on the map! We learned not to stick it to the dashboard — as the windshield suction cup is stronger.
My husband also has GPS on his Blackberry which is helpful for seeing traffic. Yet, it is too small and doesn’t speak to us like the Nuvi.
I could have gotten rid of all of our maps, but I find that I still love admiring the terrain and details in our Atlas — and the other map we have is a fold out of Manhattan that I have marked up with details.
Posted by Phil - 10/16/2007
It would have been nice if they had included a graf on multi-use devices. For the most part, handhelds aren’t suited for driving because the screens are smaller and they don’t deliver audio feedback.
Magellan makes some handheld models that give audio prompts and might be suitable for driving. I’ve been very happy my low-end Magellan for hiking, but most outdoorspeople seem to prefer Garmin.
Posted by Carin - 10/16/2007
I have a TomTom ONE XL and I love it! I used to be the girl that printed out directions for everywhere I went. Having the TomTom is so much better! I love that it is portable, I bring it with me everywhere! I think every car should have a GPS, it makes driving less stressful and the TomTom is a great one!
Posted by Karen - 10/16/2007
I have a TomTom One and I love it too. I have a terrible sense of direction, so having a GPS has been a huge change for me. I still keep a road atlas with me, though – there have been times when TomTom hasn’t been able to find an address, and sticking an Atlas under my seat isn’t a big source of clutter.
However, one advantage of a built-in system is that you don’t have a long cord hanging down over your dashboard. I really hate the messy way it looks. (Not enough to pay hundreds of dollars more for a built-in system, but still…) I hope that in the future, cars will do a better job of incorporating devices that need to plug in, whether it’s a GPS or an iPod.
Posted by Cyrano - 10/16/2007
I have Windows Live Search and a bluetooth gps, and I love it. I don’t have to worry about maps because it downloads as I go (I have the verizon data plan, so I’m covered pretty much everywhere – at least everywhere I travel) and it’s a small foot print. The phone comes with me, and the pager-sized gps unit just goes in the little change compartment.
That said, I don’t get service outside the US so when my wife and I took our honeymoon to Ireland, we decided to rent one. In retrospect I should’ve just bought one (renting was expensive) and loaded Ireland maps on it, but the GPS itself, a Garmin Nuvi, was awesome. It is the only reason we made it back alive, because none of the towns in Ireland had street signs. Plus, as one reader said, it can disconnect and be used in pedestrian mode.
I may get one for the wife as a Christmas gift =) Does anyone know how much maps for different countries cost?
Posted by Chip Orange - 10/16/2007
The built-in are far more accurate, using sensors tied to the car wheels direction and speed indication. The GPS antennas are also much better. They also use this data for “inertial” navigation as you drive between tall building and lose GPS signal. The built-in map display never falters, while the hand-held only shows your last known position.
Finally, the built-ins are supplied with mapping data from companies that are considered the most accurate available (usually Navtech); frequent updates of less accurate data aren’t all that helpful.
And really finally, someone has pointed out the far superior display quality and voice output, which can be tied into the car stereo so that the stereo is muted when something important needs to be said. They can also report the car’s position in an accident or emergency automatically.
You get what you pay for.
Posted by BigNerd - 10/16/2007
Your post with corresponding link is great for those who are first time buyers or those (like me) who still have a GPS with a grey scale screen looking to upgrade. I’ve noticed recently how much electronics stores are advertising GPS units (even Target, etc.) and more importantly how much of a price disparity there is among units that appear to be similar.
Posted by Bakari - 10/16/2007
My Garmin GPS actually makes me look forward to driving again. As a wedding photographer, my GPS often saves me time and stress when I have to get to gigs/locations that are new to me. While I used to print paper driving directions, the GPS keeps me pretty much on track–I like hearing the recalculation notification when I make the wrong turn or fear off my destination. It’s worth every penny if you’re someone who has travel to unknown locations on a regular basis.
Posted by Nicole - 10/16/2007
I actually like the built-in GPS that came with my Civic. It’s better than the one that comes with the Toyotas, as far as GPS systems go. It’s rather nice.
Posted by Jenny - 10/16/2007
I have a TomTom ONE and I just took it with me on a road trip to Indiana, where I had never even had a layover, much less touched the ground. It was fabulous to have with me – I didn’t have to be “that girl” slowing down at every intersection and exit to see whether or not I had to turn THERE or in a quarter mile. The clutter is bad, between the unit, the cord and the suction cup thing, it becomes hard to find places for everything when I’m parked – DC has had a huge rash of GPS robberies, so the whole shebang has to be put away or brought with me.
Posted by GPS buying tips « Later On - 10/17/2007
[...] in Daily life, Techie toys, Technology at 7:47 am by LeisureGuy The Unclutterer has some tips on buying a GPS navigation system, including the point that it’s much better (and cheaper) [...]
Posted by The Wanderer - 10/17/2007
I recently moved from NY to 2 different cities in NC and my Garmin Streetpilot has been a LIFESAVER!! I highly recommend it. It’s a portable one, which is great if you hop into a friends car or if you find yourself renting a car on vacation. When I think of how much time it would take to map out places I want to go in my new town and write out the directions, I cringe. If you are moving to new place, it is well worth the $$$!
Posted by samgrover - 10/17/2007
Wouldn’t it be a unitasker? I have been using my iPhone with the built in Google maps and have been to several unknown places around town and along the west coast of the US without any problem. Never got lost. Always found what I wanted. It’s not a replacement to a GPS based device, but it gets you there. So, unless you’re going deep into a forest or desert, you should be fine.
Posted by George K. - 10/18/2007
One thing to keep in mind about aftermarket GPS–a negative–is that they have become a hot item to steal.
The San Jose Mercury News (I think) recently reported that cars that show evidence of having a GPS stashed inside are having the windows broken. And, most disturbingly, that “evidence” includes a ring on your window/dash left behind by the suction cup. It’s at the point where local police have been handing out microfiber cloths to help drivers prevent window breakings. Wipe it off or beware!
Posted by Jason - 10/21/2007
samgrover: Not necessarily. Mine (a TomTom GO 510) also works as a Bluetooth headset, so that’s nice (especially because my actual headset has the worst microphone in recorded history), so having everything there is nice. Besides, I have to travel all over the state for work, so it’s saved my life on more than a few occasions. Well, besides that I need to write down the addresses before punching them in, because I’m not adding nearly 200 schools to my favorites…
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