Whether upgrading or ditching cumbersome maps for the first time, taking your time and really looking for the best GPS units requires a lot of effort. Researching on your own really is not enough as sometimes, even those with a little background on all things tech-related can still get lost in the sea of acronyms and proprietary terms.
This is where guides like these come in, to offer you some pointers in narrowing down your choices and have you on the lookout for red flags and common pitfalls. Because before you ca navigate the streets, you must first navigate the isles at your local consumer electronics store.
The first thing to consider when looking at GPS units is the brand. A quick list of the best ones include: TomTom GPS, Garmin GPS, and Magellan GPS. Going with reputable manufacturers with names to protect will at least give you the assurance that you are getting a quality product. This is important because a GPS unit is a tool, not a toy. You wouldn’t want yours conking out and leaving you in the middle of nowhere now would you? In-car units are usually placed on top of dashboards and this introduces a unique set of problems for cheap knockoffs. The heat from the sun shining through your windshield, plus the vibrations when the car is running requires a unit that’s robust. In addition to being assured of the quality of the unit you are getting, going with the bigger names will assure you that you will have support anytime you need it. GPS navigation is only as good as the maps downloaded onto the unit, so support is important. As mapping out every side street and narrow alley takes time, money, and resources, only the major players can afford to keep their maps up-to-date.
Also consider the actual user-friendliness of the unit. A soothing and clear voice prompt may sound trivial, but when navigating your way through unfamiliar territory, you will appreciate the feature. Hooking up the unit to your computer and downloading the latest maps and updates should be seamless. Some people prefer to do this at the last minute when all their bags are packed, and this should not delay your trip. A simple user interface on the unit itself should also be mandatory. Look for the biggest screen that you can afford (or fit in the intended space in your dashboard) to make operation easier. Buttons and knobs should be large enough and offer adequate tactile feedback. You should be able to operate your GPS units even with gloves on.
Don’t forget to check out websites that give out unbiased GPS reviews to give you at least an idea of what features you’ll be needing. The best GPS units like TomTom GPS, Garmin GPS, and Magellan GPS each have their own set of pros and cons. It’s up to you to assess your needs and choose based on the features you must have.