How to Buy a GPS ( from PC Mag )

The portable GPS market has virtually exploded in the last year or two. On the one hand, it means more choices for consumers, one the other hand it means that shopping for a GPS device can be quite an overwhelming experience. In order to get your money's worth, you should consider how often and for what purpose you will use the device. Do you want a multipurpose system that will play your music and display your photos in addition to getting you to your destination? Or do you just want an inexpensive, basic device that will just keep you from getting lost? You also need to think about the types of trips you'll use a GPS for—whether you're looking to avoid traffic on the way to work or find the shortest route to grandma's house or both, choosing the GPS with the right feature set is key. We help you wade through the options by breaking down the specs and sharing some of our favorite GPS devices. Be sure to read our guide before you buy.

GPS Essentials
So, what exactly makes a GPS device good in this crowded market? Important features include a large readable display, a variety routing options, built-in maps, a large points of interest (POI) database, and most importantly, a strong receiver. The SiRF Star III GPS receiver has become the defacto standard for GPS devices because of its fast Time to First Fix (TTFF)—the time it takes the receiver to find its position in a new location—as well as its ability to acquire and maintain a signal even in dense urban environments.


Pricing, an important consideration for most people, runs the gamut in the GPS market, starting at about $200 for your basic system and topping out at more than $1500 for a full-featured model. Many low-price units have small screens, and don't include pre-loaded maps—you have to load them onto a memory card yourself. Those who can afford to splurge on a higher-end device will get bigger screens, a more powerful GPS receiver, such as the aforementioned SiRF Star III, as well as Bluetooth capabilities, and multimedia features. These pricey devices also include preloaded maps of the U.S. and surrounding areas, as well as large, searchable POI databases, the largest of which exceed 6 million listings. You could literally find every Waffle House this side of the Mississippi.

Screen sizes range from 2.1 inches all the way up to the huge 7-inch screen on the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 series. A 2.1-inch screen works best when walking, while the 7-inch screen is intended for recreational vehicle (RV) use. A screen size of 3.5 to 5 inches is ideal for mounting on your car's dashboard. Our Editors' choice, the Garmin nüvi 680 hits the sweet spot with a 4.3-inch QVGA screen.

As with all consumer electronics, a GPS should have an intuitive interface and a straightforward menu system. Frequently used functions such as finding nearby gas, food, and lodging should be only a screen tap or two away from the main screen, or better still, the device should have a selection of dedicated buttons. It should be just as easy to revert back to the map view from other screens. Just about all GPS devices have 2D map views for both north up and track up. Most also have a 3D view that gives you a bird's-eye perspective.

When it comes to routing options, think about the types of trips you take. Road trippers will appreciate multi-segment routing; most everyone else will want fastest and shortest route options, plus the ability to avoid tolls and certain types of roadways. If you're in need of a pit stop, a large POI database is a must. Some GPSs let you search for a POI only near your current location, while others let you search within a city, near home, along a route, or near a destination. You can plot out your potty breaks, find a better place to eat than Denny's, and even search for a hotel room right from the driver's seat.

Optional Features and Extras

Commuters will want to consider a GPS with a traffic receiver. Not only can you receive real-time traffic reports based on your location, but GPSs with this function will also divert you around high traffic areas, such as accidents and construction zones, by suggesting alternative routes. Some devices come with a traffic receiver, while others are sold separately. You'll have to pay a subscription fee, typically about $50/year, but many companies will offer the first few months of service for free so you can try it out. Just make sure the areas in which you frequently drive are covered by the traffic receiver; you can usually find coverage maps online.


GPS devices can do a lot more than just tell you your location and if there is traffic ahead. Garmin has partnered with MSN Direct to offer location-based services including traffic, weather, gas prices, and even movie times—you can try out this feature on the nüvi 680. Magellan's Maestro 4040 has a built-in AAA TourBook and roadside-assistance information. You can even store your AAA membership number, so you don't have to fumble through the glove compartment looking for your card once you've given up trying to change that flat tire yourself.

If you're willing to pay a premium, text-to-speech capability is a compelling extra. A unit with a text-to-speech engine is able to pronounce street names in addition to announcing upcoming turns. For example, instead of "In 2 miles, turn left," the device would state: "In one point five miles turn left on Broadway." Not only is this convenient, but it means you don't have to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen. Devices with this capability usually start at around $500. You can also choose whether you want a man or woman's voice telling you what to do—in some case it's a celebrity ordering you around. (You missed da tuhn, girly man!

Planning a trip to the Amazon or perhaps a "three hour tour?" If you're the nautical type, the Lowrance iWay 600C which includes a marine navigation mode, complete with point-to-point navigation and satellite images, is worth a look. The Magellan CrossoverGPS is geared toward campers, hikers, and hunters, and also has an optional marine mode. The Mio Digiwalker H610 has pedestrian and bicycle modes. Finally, the Novogo S700 offers off-road navigation, so you can track your route and get back to your starting point in areas that are unmapped. (Or maybe you just don't want to be found.)

Of course, high end GPS devices can handle a lot more than navigation. Multimedia players are a nice addition as long as they're easy to use and there's ample additional storage for your songs, videos and pictures. Remember: your multimedia files share space with your maps and navigation tools. Also check to see whether you can play your music and navigate simultaneously—some devices only allow one or the other at a time. And make sure your music's file format is compatible too. The best players will let you create playlists: Thunder Road, anyone? An integrated Bluetooth speakerphone interface is convenient for making hands-free calls—even directly from the POI database. (Great for booking a hotel or making a restaurant reservation.) The GPS model to beat is Garmin's nüvi line; the nüvi 680 includes bright 4.3-inch screen, Bluetooth capabilities, an MP3 player, and the ultrasensitive SiRF Star III GPS receiver.

Via PC Mag