Features To Consider When Buying A Portable GPS Navigation System
Consumers today can find portable GPS navigation systems of all sizes, quality and price points. This is good news, of course. More choice is always good. However, it is possible for consumers to get a bit overwhelmed with the sheer number of portable GPS units on the market.
That’s why it’s important to consider the most important features of any portable GPS system and whether they rank as must-haves for you. So next time you’re in the market for a new portable GPS system, consider the features below to help you narrow down your choices:
- Screen size: In general, the more expensive the portable GPS system, the larger its video screen. Of course, larger video screens are important if you’re driving a car. You don’t want to be squinting to find a street only to end up rear-ending the driver in front of you. Some models, most notably those produced by Garmin, boast touch screen sizes of 7 inches. That might be a bit excessive. Screen sizes in the 4-inch range are usually more than adequate for most drivers.
- Text-to-speech capability: Most inexpensive portable GPS systems won’t utter specific street names. If a turn is coming in, they’ll instead say something like, “Right turn in 2 miles.” However, pricier portable GPS systems with text-to-speech capabilities will actually speak real street names. You might hear such a GPS unit say something like, “Left turn at California Avenue in 1 mile.”
- Real-time traffic data: The industry’s top-line portable GPS systems come with an amazing feature: They receive real-time traffic data. They can then warn drives of upcoming traffic jams, road construction zones or delay-producing accidents. These systems can then calculate a new route that drives can use to avoid these problems.
- Price: Finally, don’t forget to consider price. In general, portable GPS systems that boast text-to-speech capability, real-time traffic information and large screens, cost more. You’ll have to determine for yourself exactly how much you’re willing to pay for these extra features.
Today’s portable GPS units come with price tags to fit most any budget. But the saying, “You get what you pay for,” is generally true in the GPS industry.