Navigational and GPS Device Buying Guide
If you wind up frequently getting lost while driving around, walking, hiking, or riding a bike, you might want to look into buying a Global Positioning System, usually referred to as a GPS device 
. Not just for the directionally challenged, these are great for those who don't like to use paper maps or ask for directions.
These nifty contraptions come in a few main varieties, including automotive, handheld, and marine. There are also models designed specifically for runners, which track speed, distance, and course, and are usually made in combination with heart rate monitors . For those who like to keep things simple, don't forget that GPS systems are also available on smartphones and PDAs, thus eliminating the need to carry an arsenal of electronics with you wherever you go. In short, no matter what your need, there is a GPS device for you.
Types of Navigational Devices
There are several different types of GPS devices catered to specific sectors of the consumer market. Hardware products designed for hikers, bikers, drivers, boaters, and dedicated computer users have popped up in the past five years. However, there is also an increasing number of machines that have multi-purpose functions. For example, some systems function not only as a car navigational tool, but also an MP3 player and satellite radio receiver in one.
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Cellphone GPS
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Important Features On Any GPS Device
Major Manufacturers |
- High-resolution screen that will be bright and easy to read.
- Make sure that the screen will hold up to the sunlight.
- A simple button pattern that will be easy to use. Most are touch screen .
- A fast processor for rapid recalculation.
- A decent battery life (many models are very poor in this respect so it's good to research this a bit before buying).
Car GPS Devices
 |
What to Look for in a Car GPS:
|
Handheld GPS Systems
 |
What to look for in a handheld GPS system:
|
Outdoor Fun
These products enable you to make the most of your outdoors experience. With tons of built-in features and power that lasts all day, these gadgets are perfect to suit all your outdoor communication needs.
 |
 |
Garmin eTrex Venture HC GPS Receiver Not only is this navigator reasonably priced, but it uses GPS technology to locate your position quickly and maintains its signal no matter what the terrain. This little navigator is light enough to hold in the palm of your hand and can store up to 500 waypoints to easily find what you need right away. It can also run on battery power for up to 14 hours, supports 15+ languages, and best of all, it's waterproof. What more could you want? |
Uniden 28 Mile GMRS Radio 2 Pack with Charging Cradle and Battery Packs These two-way radios offer communication up to the range of 28 miles and are even equipped with Caller ID, direct call, privacy codes, and call tones. They have up to 22 channels and will auto channel change so that your frequency is not disturbed by interference. Designed to handle the rugged outdoor elements, Uniden radios even come with a charging cradle and extra battery packs for a quick power-up. |
When Basic Isn't Good Enough
With the PDA becoming extremely outdated, people are looking to smart phones as their all-in-one devices. If you are interested in a Smart phone, you can expect to be paying extra just for services. You'll have to check with your carrier to exact pricing. The iPhone includes a pseudo GPS via cell signals, and maps your location to Google maps. The one drawback is when you're out of cell coverage, you're really lost. For laptops, make sure you get a good product bundle that includes a wide array of maps.
As devices become further integrated, multi-functionality is what distinguishes the best from the merely adequate. Here are some forward-looking navigation systems that give consumers a little something extra. Whether it be DVD playback or landmark recognition, these devices each have a special feature that makes them worth a look.
 |
 |
 |
|
Among the many features of the nüvi 775T is the buildings display, which shows them in 3D--especially helpful in larger metropolitan areas. The lane assist feature gives a realistc 3D rendering of critical road signs and exits so you never miss a turn. What seperates this model from the 765T |
This is TomTom's premier model. It includes transatlantic maps, voice recognition, remote control, and a traffic receiver among its many features. TomTom's IQ routes is a collection of data from millions of drivers to find the quickest routes possible, so you can drive like a local in any city, even in Europe. |
Each nüvi 1690 comes with a free two-year nuLink! subscription and includes Google local search to find restaurants, landmarks, and attractions. The 1690 also includes preloaded maps, lane assist with junction view, hands-free calling features, and ecoRoute. |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Navman N40i, brother of the N60i |
Finally a GPS device for everyone! The TomTom One is great for your automobile. This unit has a touch screen that you can access, and for added safety, the 3.5-inch LCD screen only appears when stopped. However, the voice commands are wirelessly transmitted to a Bluetooth |
The HP iPAQ rx5900 is a PDA/GPS device based on Windows Mobile 5.0 in a functional fashionable form. The compact unit allows you to listen to MP3s, watch videos, look at pictures, play games, or surf the Web while stuck in traffic. Ideal for use in the car since the measly 90 minutes of battery life makes it unsuitable otherwise. The quality of navigation is what really makes this unit shine. |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Navman iCN 750 lets users take digital snapshots of locations and display them for navigational help. Though the quality is poor, the iCN's geocode system can save that picture's location and bring it up as a landmark tool at the user's request. |
This GPS and DVD |
The Garmin Edge 350 is a GPS device designed especially for bikers. Like the competitors from TomTom and Magellan, the Edge 350 clips onto a bike's handles for easy access. In addition to regular features, it also tracks heart rate and speed and has other cool exercise features. |
Quick Picks
In a hurry? You can't go wrong with one of these top-selling GPS devices.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Not only does it have an anti-theft feature, there is also a world travel clock and currency calculator. The 255W can show you over six million points of interest and locate emergency services. |
The TomTom XXL series is one of the most popular for its quality and affordability. It comes with maps of Canada and Puerto Rico and has a lifetime of map updates. |
This slim device that can fit in your pocket and offers a speak menu option that allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The lane assist feature will ensure you never miss a turn. |
Magellan Maestro 3200 Portable GPS Amazingly easy-to-use, find almost any location in seconds without even reading the instructions. The 3.5-inch color touch screen shows your position, points of interest, routes, and more on the interactive map. |
Supports Bluetooth for hands-free calling and traffic reports. The 265W is another sleek unit that speaks the names of streets and has a screen lock feature. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
When you reach your destination or take a break from driving, hit the links with this waterproof device that measures individual shot distances and shows the exact yardage to fairways, hazards, and greens. |
Receive free traffic updates for life and with ecoRoute, you'll get the most fuel efficient route. The cityXplorer with help you navigate city transit when you're not in the car. |
A sleek and stylish seven-inch extra-large color touch screen provides brilliant high definition for easy viewing. Includes maps of US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. |
This nifty handheld lets you view in both portrait and landscape view. It's also an MP3 player with Wi-Fi and a three-megapixel camera. |
Source: http://www.shopwiki.com