If you’re like me, choosing the right GPS receiver is a little daunting. What helps is a good GPS reviews comparison, where you can learn what various models do and how much they cost. In other words, you need a guide!
Choosing the right GPS device is critical. Prices have dropped over the past two years, and you can probably get a model with more bells and whistles than you think you can. To help you form your game plan, let’s first talk about who the main manufacturers are, then what various models do and how much they cost.
There are a number of companies that make GPS receivers, but the big three are Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is the industry leader with by far the most market share, and also a much broader range of products than anyone else.
Magellan actually was one of the first companies to make these nifty little devices. They were essentially the pioneer. And Tom Tom is the new arrival. Although new, Tom Tom has made great inroads on the market shares of the more established companies by offering great products at great prices.
Any good GPS reviews comparison should tell you what you can expect to buy. So, let’s run over the basic features that you’ll get with any GPS receiver.
All GPS receivers have a touch screen interface, maps of the lower 48 states, and a database of Points of Interest (POIs). All receivers also calculate the best route from where you are to where you want to go, and they give you directions via spoken voice prompts.
The base models of either Garmin, Tom Tom, or Magellan will do all of this and more.
For around $150 you can get the Garmin nuvi 200, the Tom Tom One, or the Magellan Maestro 3100. These three models all cover the basic features I mentioned.
What if you want more? How much is that going to cost?
Well, let’s run over what more you can get.
Upgrades are: more maps (Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Mexico), bigger screen, Bluetooth, real-time traffic and weather, many more POIs (how about 6 million!), and multiple routing.
You can get most of this stuff for $350! For instance, the Garmin 660 can do all of the above except the multi-route calculations. It sells for slightly under $350.
Magellan’s Maestro 4250 is a direct competitor and can do essentially what the Garmin 660 can. The 4250 is currently selling for slightly more than $250.
Tom Tom’s comparable receiver would be the Tom Tom Go 720, which is currently selling for less than $350.
Of course, you might be willing to spend more!
As you go higher in price, each of these companies offers great proprietary features. Magellan has a deal with AAA, for instance, to include their Tour Book right in the device. (For AAA members only.)
A good GPS reviews comparison can only do so much, however.
Now you need to actually get on an informative website and start browsing.
By: Lee Cole
Posts Tagged ‘Gps Reviews’
GPS Reviews Comparison – How to Choose the Right Model
March 23rd, 2010GPS Ratings – Key to Finding the Best System
December 3rd, 2009
GPS technology, while a wonderful invention, does not come cheap, at least depending on what unit is bought. Specialized GPS systems can be close to $10,000, while those designed for general consumer use can be hundreds. Even simple GPS tracking systems used for just exercise purposes can cost over $100. This is why it is important to find out which GPS system is the best before actually making a purchase. One can do this by reviewing and evaluating GPS ratings.
Online stores are the first type of sites that can offer GPS ratings and reviews. These ratings are usually given by other people who have purchased the product. They are given a chance to vote on how well the product performed, and then are allowed to leave a comment. The potential buyer sees how many ‘stars’ a product received along with the evaluation of other buyers. Ideally the advantage of using ratings through this method is that buyers have no ulterior motive when they rate the product they purchased. However it is obvious that some ratings are either not from customers or from people who really do not own or use the product. One must take the time to read between the lines when a review is either too good or too poor. Other sites including those from the manufacture or distributors are design to help you purchase their products. Obviously they lack objectivity which makes their ratings suspect.
Another source of good GPS ratings is found on the many online comparison sites. These sites contain GPS product reviews and comparisons written by professionals. They may or may not include comments from regular buyers. When it comes to buying, online comparison sites usually do not offer products for sale directly from their URL. Most of them will allow one to purchase through affiliate links, which are posted on the site. These affiliate links direct the visitor to the appropriate online store.
If you search the internet you will sometimes find written opinions and reviews from customers who really like the product or really hate it. Again GPS ratings from this source must be tempered with caution. Some authors have taken the time to create these ratings because they are trying to get visitors to buy from their affiliate links. Blogs that discuss GPS system technology are another source of ratings that can be used to compare GPS products. Others give ratings simply out of love of product function and design wanting to make sure potential customers get the best value for their money. Although these sites may not contain as much information as the more professional comparison sites, they may be a bit less overwhelming if one is trying to decide among just a couple of GPS brands.
If you plan on purchasing a GPS receiver, it would be wise to first visit a number of websites containing credible GPS ratings. These can be from online stores, comparison sites or third-party sites created by individuals. Through these ratings one can get an idea of how effective and reliable a GPS unit is without risking an investment.
By: Jim Kesel
