If you’re thinking of buying a GPS it can be tough to figure out the various features that are available. There are tons of features, and they won’t all be useful to everyone. If you research the features before you make your purchase you are more likely to get the auto GPS that is right for you.
Screen size is a big deal to many auto GPS buyers for a number of reasons. With a larger screen you can see more of the map, giving you a better idea of your exact location. Since GPS units employ a touchscreen, having a larger screen can cut down on problems while navigating menus. Some people with poor eyesight will have less trouble with a larger screen, also.
Another popular feature for many GPS units is spoken street names. While most units give spoken directions on upcoming turns, not all of them have spoken street names. If you are in unfamiliar surroundings spoken street names can make navigation simpler. This allows you to look for specific street signs to verify that you are on the right track.
All GPS units come preloaded with a set of maps, but are they up to date? New roads are being built every day. With the map update feature drivers can download updates to their maps to keep up with the world around them. Without this option, you may be missing the chance to make your trip quicker or more efficient.
One of the features that people use the most on auto GPS units is the routing option. You can typically choose between options such as shortest distance or fastest route. The debate continues as to which option is actually better, and the answer likely depends on the person behind the wheel. While shortest distance may be the most direct route, if this route is comprised of single lane roads it may be slower than using a highway or interstate. Likewise, using the fastest route may take you miles out of the way, thus adding to the wear and tear on your vehicle.
Another options that is gaining popularity is the live traffic updates. While this option normally requires you to have a traffic receiver and pay a monthly subscription, if you have much of a daily commute it could more than pay for itself. The GPS uses the information from these updates to automatically route you around slower traffic or accidents. This allows you to reach your destination quicker, and over time that’s just what you’ll save… Time.
One feature that is not as widely known is the POI (points of interest) option. The POI information can give you the location of hotels or restaurants along your route, giving you the opportunity to plan your stops more efficiently. The points of interest are not limited to just hotels or restaurants, though. You can download POI data for school zones, famous landmarks, or known traffic camera locations.
Auto GPS features are great, if you know what you want. Depending on the driver some features are more valuable than others. It’s up to you to determine which options matter to you. Once you know the facts you can make your choice quickly and easily, and then it’s happy driving for you no matter where you go.
Kim Logan sells computer hardware. She often has to travel interstate so she uses the best auto GPS to find her way around other cities. She writes some of the best auto GPS reviews in her blog.