Saturday 8 October 2011

Several Points To Consider When Purchasing A GPS Navigator

By Alfons Fuchs


Nowadays, you will find electronic gadgets sold in malls and retail outlets. The GPS navigator is actually one of the most popular ones. It is sought-after by consumers because it makes driving safer and faster. Nonetheless, before you purchase your own GPS navigator, it is crucial to consider a few important factors. Aside from the price, you should also determine if you really need a standalone portable navigation device or PND. You should also consider the height and width of the screen as well as extra features such as voice control and live traffic subscription.

Standalone or Not

GPS enabled cell phones are selling like pancakes these days; but standalone portable navigation devices are still keeping up. If you will take a closer look, GPS navigators actually offer more features than GPS enabled cell phones. Amongst these features are audible driving directions with text-to-speech, large easy-to-read screens, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, and real-time traffic updates.

How Big Is The Screen

As stated above, it is crucial to determine the height and width of the screen when choosing a GPS navigator. You will find small screens and big screens, so which one do you like best? 5.0-inch displays are currently the most sough-after, but there are also 6.0-inch displays and 7.0-inch displays. In general, smaller models are cheaper compared to bigger models.

On-board Maps

Preloaded maps typically come with a new GPS navigator. These are maps of every region in the country, and they may be helpful in case you decide to go on a road trip. If you need additional maps, however, you may purchase directly from the manufacturer or download online. Never forget to update your maps because roads frequently change. You can subscribe for map updates, but see to it that you have read the company's policy before doing so. Some companies apply extra charges for map updates.

Voice Control System

A road accident may happen if the driver loses focus on the road to look at something else. Fortunately, most GPS navigators feature voice control systems to help the driver locate places without having to look away from the road. These voice control systems dictate the necessary directions, so the driver does not need to push buttons or even look at the screen. A GPS navigator with a voice control system is very helpful to someone who drives alone often.

Extra Functions

You may also want additional features on your GPS navigator such as a media player. This will help you stay sane and be free from boredom. Most GPS navigators support common formats of photos, videos, audios, and eBooks. More advanced models even have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily make hands-free calls through GPS. This is actually more convenient since you will no longer need a headset. In order to access your contact list, you just need to connect your cell phone to the device.

A GPS navigator makes driving safer, faster, and more convenient. So, it is important to look for a model with useful features other than your favorite color and design. It is not ideal to buy something because it is the most stylish or expensive. Make sure that it has the features that you need.




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