A Few Things to Consider Before Buying A GPS

May 13, 2012 by chamakh

Choosing a GPS unit can be frustrating and overwhelming. There are so many choices that will confuse the average consumer. The best way to make the right choice is to decide fist of all what features you want/need from a GPS device and start eliminating some units. Below, we are going to take a look at some of the most important points you need to consider before you buy you next navigation system.

First of all is the price. Although, the prices of satnav systems have dropped considerably over the last couple of years, it is always important for a purchase such as this to set a specific budget. The good news is that nowadays you can get a capable GPS units for almost 100 dollars. So first of all set a maximum price that you are willing to pay and then start drilling down to find the best GPS for the money.

Another consideration related with your budget is if the unit comes with lifetime free map updates. A lot of the available systems offer map updates for free nowadays. Although, these systems might cost you a bit more, in the long run they might save you some money.

An important factor you should consider is the screen size. Most automotive navigation systems have one of the following three screen sizes, 3,5′, 4,3′ and 5′. If a large, easily readable screen is important for you then a unit with a 5-inch screen might be your best choice. However, for most people, a unit with a 4,3-inch screen will be more than adequate.

The user interface is also really important. Basically, when you decide what user interface you prefer you are choosing the brand of the device you are going to buy. This is because most of the big GPS brands use the same user interface on all their models, from the lower end to the higher end ones. To decide if the user interface of a brand is right for you you can go at a local dealer and request a demo, search for online videos or ask people you know that own GPS systems to show you how they work

One thing you also need to consider is if you want the unit to be compatible with a traffic receiver. These models are usually more expensive. Other features that you need to decide if you want or not include bluetooth connectivity, lane assistance, speech recognition, spoken street names, 3D view. Each of these features in most cases will cost you a bit more. If you decide from the start what you want from your next GPS unit and how much money you are willing to spend, it will be a lot easier to make the best possible choice.

Finally, when you have narrowed you options down to just a few models, don’t forget to read every possible review you can find. Both from professional review sites but also from consumers. A GPS, like any gadget, might look great on paper but it may not be as great in practice and everyday use.

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