How to Decide on Which GPS Unit to Buy

From pizza delivery drivers who rely on getting places to do their job, to "soccer" moms driving from town to town for their kids, all the way to an athlete training for the next marathon, many can benefit from a GPS (global positioning system). But with so many options and units available, the decision isn't "whether to buy," it's "which one to buy."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose which type of GPS unit is best for you. There are portable (automotive) GPS units, which are great for door-to-door directions and points of interest searches, and there are handheld GPS units, which offer benefits for outdoor enthusiasts (bikers, walkers, hikers and more).
2. Look for the features important to you. If you'll be using your GPS unit mainly for distance travel to new towns and places, a unit with points of interest searches (restaurants, hotels, banks and more) will be important. If you travel outside of the United States, know whether the unit is compatible with maps for such travel.
3. Set a budget. GPS units range from less than $150 to more than $1,000. You can find a GPS unit to fit your budget with your features, but the lower your budget the less options that will be available.
4. Read reviews and recommendations. CNET's website can offer you a one-stop resource center. You can search for GPS units that fit your requirements and budget, and then read the reviews on those units. Consider which units receive the most reviews, such as Garmin, TomTom and Magellan.
5. Ask friends or family if they have the models you're considering. If they do, you can ask them the pros and cons of their units.
6. Visit electronics stores and personally try each model that you're considering. You can also ask your friends and family members to borrow their units to test out which features you end up using the most.

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