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Portable GPS units can guide you through unfamiliar areas, suggest an alternative route around rush hour traffic, and perform an increasing array of infotainment functions. This buyers guide will help you choose the right GPS units for your needs. How to Start: When you often travel to new destinations, have trouble reading maps, or simply don't like to ask for directions, you might need a GPS unit for your vehicle. When you input a destination, the unit will plot a route, give spoken turn-by-turn directions, and display the route as you go. Most let you choose your routing preferences, including the shortest distance, the fastest time, or even routes with no toll roads. Some portable GPS units even offer special routing options for walkers or bicyclists to avoid highways and not limit pedestrians due one way traffic. On some GPS units you also can quickly find some points of interest, including hotels, tourist attractions, banks, gas stations, and more. You can search for a specific point of interest. When you've located where you want to go, the GPS system can calculate a route to get you there. Higher-priced GPS units have more features like Bluetooth-phone compatibility, and a wireless FM transmitter, which allows you to access phone numbers from your cell phone or call a number displayed on your GPS unit. Some Premium services, like local traffic and local weather reports, are becoming widely available, although you need often a subscription. Choosing the GPS Unit for Your Needs: (when you will buy a GPS system, think about following): - Which features are important for you? - What are your typical driving conditions? - Where and how often will you use it? - What about extra features? Live traffic information, weather, and local gas prices can offer an increased measure of safety and convenience. When you travel outside the U.S, look for a GPS unit that offer maps for navigating in other countries. Most will function in the U.S. and Canada, but some upper-level models from Garmin GPS and others come preloaded with or can be retrofitted with maps of Europe and other regions. - If you're buying a new car, check to see if a built-in system is available and how much it costs. These are nicely integrated into the car. But they are more complicated to use and typically more expensive than portable systems. - GPS units have come most of all with a rechargeable battery. If you want to use it for walking or use the multimedia features outside of a vehicle, look for one that will operate for many hours on a charge. - A battery also enables you to enter a destination and plot a route before you enter the vehicle. Some models are delivered with a traditional AC plug for in-home use and recharging. - Size is important if you choose a portable unit; especially if you frequently pack it in a suitcase. Choose a screen that's large enough to read easily without blocking your view. Wide screens allow more information to be displayed and be easier to enter addresses, due to larger touch-screen buttons. Recommendations: Garmin GPS have been one of the first in the GPS market and is the global worldwide leader in satellite navigation. GPS products from Garmin are known for their quality, great user interface and for the safety features that are incorporated into each of their GPS units
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