How to Choose the Right GPS for Your Automobile
Purchasing a GPS system for your automobile can be an expensive proposition depending on the type of GPS you need. Before you buy, take the time to really think about the bells and whistles these systems offer, so that you know you are purchasing the right GPS system for your car.
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Instructions
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Think about the reasons why you need a GPS. Is it for personal use or for business use? Will you be using it occasionally or everyday? If the GPS is for personal use or will be used occasionally, purchase a less expensive model with fewer features. If the GPS is going to be used for business purposes or on a daily basis, a higher-end model has more to offer.
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Decide how much money you want to spend. GPS system prices vary by hundreds of dollars, so set your budget and stick to it.
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Decide if you want Turn-by-Turn or Text-to-Speech audible directions. Turn-by-Turn audible directions are more commonly found on lower-end systems and tell the driver directions in basic terms, such as, "Make a right turn in 500 feet."
Text-to-Speech audible directions are more descriptive and tell the driver to, "Make a right turn in 500 feet on Main Street." Text-to-Speech also allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road making for a safer ride. -
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Decide how important POI or Points of Interest is to you. The more POIs a GPS has, the better chance of finding a gas station, shopping center, food store, a movie theater, restaurants or state park. If you travel often for recreation or work and are unfamiliar with where you are going, having a lot of POIs is important. If you are somewhat familiar with where you are going and not traveling far enough to need gas, then POIs should not be a high priority.
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Decide if you need traffic routing. The traffic routing feature alerts your GPS to traffic congestion on your route and detours you around it. In most cases, traffic routing is an additional feature that you need to subscribe to.
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Decide on the quality of your "routing engine" software. Your routing engine is what makes your GPS pick a particular route from point A to point B. Depending on the quality of the routing engine software you choose, your route could be longer then expected. Your goal is to find a GPS with very good routing engine software.
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Decide if you want your GPS to have Bluetooth technology or an FM transmitter. Some GPS models offer Internet-connected applications that require the use of a Bluetooth enabled cell phone. An FM transmitter will allow you to play your own recorded music through your GPS to your FM radio via a third party device like an iPod.
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Decide on the screen size. Screen sizes range from 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches.
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Tips & Warnings
Compare and read reviews by visiting websites such as GPSMagazine.com, cnet.com, GPSReview.net and PCMag.com. You can also read consumer reviews by going to BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com and RadioShack.com.
References
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