How to Compare Prices on GPS Navigation Systems
GPS navigational systems use the NAVSTAR satellites that were originally created for military purposes. GPS units use these satellites to calculate location and speed of cars and to create turn-by-turn directions for drivers. When comparing GPS units, you must consider not just the price but also the features that the GPS offers.
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Instructions
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Compare whether the unit is installed in the car or whether it is a portable system. Installed systems will usually have larger screens, bigger hard drives to store more maps, and play movies and audio CDs but can cost $1,000 and up. In addition, since the GPS system is part of the car, you do not have to charge it or worry about a battery running out, as you have to do with a portable device. Portable devices, on the other hand, can be moved from car to car and can cost less than half the price of an installed system.
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Compare screen sizes. Some installed GPS systems have screens of seven inches or larger, while portable GPS units have about half that. In addition, check out how easy the screen is to read in both daylight and in darkness.
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Compare the maps that are available on the GPS systems. GPS systems that have all of North America or other continents as well will be more expensive, but if you travel to Europe, it might be worth it to purchase a GPS that supports European maps.
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Compare audio instructions. Most GPS are able to verbalize instructions like "Turn left in 0.8 miles." Some GPS units are able to use text-to-speech technology to not only give directions but also to pronounce street names when giving directions like "Turn left onto Jefferson Street in 0.8 miles," which can help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road and not have to look at the GPS for road names.
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Compare additional features such as traffic alerts, weather forecasts, gas prices and movie times. These additional features will add to the price, but if you use them often it can be worth the initial cost.
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Go to Pricegrabber.com once you've decided which model you want to purchase. Type in the name of the model in the "Search For" bar. For example, if you've decided you want the Garmin nuvi 265 WT, search for it and compare the prices. In July 2009, prices ranged from $218.14 to $298.00. Also check sites like Amazon.com because Pricegrabber.com does not always check every store, and as of July 2009, Amazon.com was cheaper, offering the same product for $213.28.
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Tips & Warnings
For added comparison, ask a sales associate for products similar to the model that you are looking to buy if you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar store like BestBuy.
When using Pricegrabber.com, use the "BottomLine Price" rather than the "Price" because it takes into account shipping and taxes.
