Five Things to Consider Before Buying a GPS System 5

by Tom Samiljan on July 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM

Are any of these things easy to use?

You'd think that the manufacturers of GPS units would have learned a thing or two about making their devices easy to use, but you'd be wrong. Most devices still fail the user-friendly test, but a select few are easy enough to get you through the basics. As we mentioned in our previous tip, it's worth visiting a brick-and-mortar shop to try out some of these devices in person before you decide to buy, whether or not you actually plan to buy something at that brick-and-mortar store.

Start by navigating around a main map screen – it it responsive to your finger's touch or does it take a few tries to get where you want to go? Is it easy to change addresses on the fly? (The menu systems of some of these GPS units can be pretty confusing and unintuitive, so if it takes you more than two-minutes to key in a new address, move on to the next unit.) Can you hear the voice directions easily? Next, take a look at the set-up directions for each unit you're considering at the company's Web site online –- does set-up look on your dashboard or windshield look like it'll be easy? Also, is the device small enough to fit your glove compartment, since, presumably, you won't want to leave it out for thieves to see when you're parked in some less than 100 percent secure neighborhood?

Lastly, look at reviews online to see how quickly routes are recalculated if you take a wrong turn, as this is can be a crucial time-saver and many GPS units simply fail the test entirely.

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Comments

LoganJul 30th 2008 3:46PM

Neutral

I own a Magellan maestro and a Tom Tom one and for the price($139- $150) you can't beat the tom tom.Its simple easy to operate and has upgrades you can download via USB(like traffic, weather etc).for the magellan It was given to me by the dealer when I bought my Kia and its good but it takes a while to get use to and when you miss an exit it takes a couple of minutes to re route which Tom Tom does immediately.But it does have a split screen feature where it actually shows you how the intersection divides and what direction to chose in zoom mode so you won't miss it.Overall if you are into simple and practical Tom tom should be your fit.If you want something more expensive and with tons of features Garmin is probably what youre looking for.

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susie arcuniJul 30th 2008 10:02AM

Neutral

I have tried many of these none of which are as good as CoPilot manufactured by ALK Technologies in Princeton, NJ as well as in London.

This product has and is working amazingly well for me. The screen is easy to see, the voice is clear and plesant, the directions are accurate, you can easily get all the points of interest as well as all the other many options, if I make a mistake, it rerouts me immediately. I could go on and on about this GPS but see for yourself. The more well known brands don't even come close to this! I tried Garman...it was the worst! They should stick to the boats! Anyway CoPilot is great. Several friends put me on to this GPS!!!!!.....and I don't work for the company, it's simply the best product out there.

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thouck87Jul 31st 2008 10:09AM

Neutral

First off these things are life savers mr. thomas smith, without it I never could travel out of my hometown and wasting time reading a map. Second off some other goood things to look at is does the website offer free updates? also it seems silly but does it give you a good amount of time to know which lane to get into for the turn? Tomtom i noticed does, but on garmin you have to tap to know ahead of time whether its a left or right side action.

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richard mclauryAug 2nd 2008 3:26AM

Neutral

Here is one plus for gps on a cell phone.I can use it for a phone if I really get lost.Use it to find a motel or a eating place if hungry.Use it to find nearest gas station--or for senior citizen-quickest place for a rest room.Plus I can put in my destination---leave it plugged in to 12volt device and listen for this sweet voice telling me where to go all this for $10 bucks a month-or stop service when not traveling-start up again later--I have a LG vx835or--got me to Florida ,Alabama,Texas to Oregon,to IL-back to MO.

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