Auto GPS
Summer’s just around the corner and what fun would it be to take your family off for a holiday across the country. An auto GPS could be the tool to save your journey and time, directing and navigating you to major attractions without getting lost. Since an auto global positioning system is very expensive, knowing how to get the best auto GPS could very well save you some money and at the same time provide much needed help when required.
Auto GPS Buying Guide
1) In-Dash Or Portable?
Nowadays, selected car models are installed with an integrated in-dash auto GPS as part of freebies to entice car buyers. In-dash car GPS have larger screen and integrate well with other electronics within the car system as compared to the portable version but the downside is that they are usually more expensive and susceptible to theft since they are usually placed near the windscreen and can be seen clearly from outside.
Portable auto GPS system can be moved from car to car which offers greater sharing amongst friends and families. Moreover with their slim, small and lightweight design, they are best for use (with appropriate software) when traveling out of your states or country. They are also cheap, priced anywhere between $300 to $700.
2) Maps
For in-dash version, it would be wise to choose a unit that offers up-to-date maps (preferably covers nationwide) on DVD or CD. For portable version, ensure that you are able to download the latest maps from the manufacturer and then upload to your unit via USB. It would also be wise to choose an auto GPS that includes street-level maps as you can precisely know where you are at the present moment.
3) Interface
If given the choice, choose a model that can display color sharply even in direct sunlight as opposed to monochrome as it can provide more detail. The higher the resolution, the better. Touch screen interface also allows for quick and easy selection.
4) Navigation Features
Newer models incorporate "text to speech" feature that calls out turns by street names rather than by generic instructions for example "Turn left at
Auto GPS Reviews & Ratings
We discovered the best auto GPS reviews over at CNET, Consumer Reports, GPS Magazine and PC Magazine among others. Professional reviewers there reviewed some of the best auto GPS models from big makers such as Alpine, Cobra, Delphi, Garmin, Harman-Kardon, LG, Lowrance, Magellan, Mio, Navigon, Pharos and Tom Tom. Auto GPS ratings based on entering destination, use of controls, info for driver, routing options, portability, display, routing times and mount design determines the best auto GPS in their respective class.
Best Auto GPS (Portable)
Auto GPS Reviews #1: By far in a class of its own with plethora of happy auto GPS reviews from users as well as expert opinions is the best rated Garmin Nuvi 660 Pocket Vehicle GPS Navigator. If there’s one auto GPS you’ll ever need for all your navigational purposes, it definitely has to be this Garmin auto GPS. At just 4.9" x 2.9" x 0.9" in and weighing just 6.2 ounces, this best auto GPS from Garmin fits perfectly in the pocket. Comes equipped with 4.3-inch wide screen display and 480 x 272 pixels resolution for sharper image even in direct sunlight. Preloaded with detailed street maps which includes the US,
Auto GPS Reviews #2: Another pick based on hundreds of satisfied auto GPS reviews from consumers plus recommendations from professional reviewers is the top rated Garmin Nuvi 350 Pocket Vehicle GPS Navigator. If you’ve got to have an auto GPS, then it has to be this best selling Garmin auto GPS, bar none. Measuring 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches and weighing just 5.1 ounces, it fits perfectly in the pocket as great traveling companion. Features 64k color display with 320 x 240 pixels resolution that provides sharper and brighter interface for improved and clear visuals. Offers precise position data via integrated SIRF GPS receiver as well as WAAS-enabled 12 satellite reception. Add to it detailed US, Canada and Puerto Rico street maps, text-to-speech travel directions, points-of-interest (POI) software with reviews and recommendations, traffic alerts and a whole bunch of add-ons and you have got yourself a winner.
Best Auto GPS (Value)
Auto GPS Reviews #3: Excellent reviews and recommendations from auto GPS consumers and experts alike point to this Garmin StreetPilot C330 Vehicle GPS Navigator as the best. Designed for the budget-conscious in mind, this Garmin auto GPS offers more for less. Features 4.4 x 3.2 x 2.8 inches LCD screen with 16-bit color display for easier viewing. Simplicity is the plus point of this auto GPS, with simple navigation features such as touch screen interface, text-to-speech travel directions and automatic route calculation to bring you to where you want to go in a flash. Includes Recent Selections that stores your 50 most recent visits. With MapSource City Select of US, Canada & Puerto Rico street data and 5 million points-of-interest database, you’ll be spoilt for choice for your next travel.
Auto GPS Reviews #4: Slowly moving up the ladder chart with impressive auto GPS reviews from users and expert testers is the top rated TomTom ONE Portable GPS Vehicle Navigation System. If you desire an auto GPS with a difference, then look no further than this TomTom One auto GPS which comes with a whole range of features to excite you. At 4.33 x 3.5 x 1.34 inches and weighing less than 10 ounces, it fits perfectly on all cars without restricting views. Powered by 380 MHz CPU and 32MB RAM offering 320 x 240 pixels full TFT color LCD touch screen display, it provides unsurpassed clarity for directional viewing. With built-in US street maps, thousands of points-of-interests and excellent turn-by-turn voice-prompted instructions, you’ll arrive to your favorite destinations in no time.
Resources: Automotive Navigation System (Wikipedia)