Friday, May 13, 2011

Important GPS Navigator Features To Consider Before You Purchase One

By Alfons Fuchs


The car GPS navigator is one of the most popular consumer electronics today. It is actually gaining more and more popularity as people look for modern gadgets that can make driving more efficient and more comfortable. However, before you buy a GPS navigator, it is important to consider several factors. Aside from looking for reasonable priced ones, ask yourself if you really need a standalone PND or Portable Navigation Device. Perhaps, you are contented with just a cell phone? Also, how broad do you want the screen to be in case you really need a GPS navigator? Is it 4.3 inches, 5.0 inches, or 7.0 inches? Do you think you will need a live traffic subscription? How about the voice control?

Standalone or Not

These days, GPS enabled cell phones are hot on the market. Nonetheless, the standalone version is still preferred by many. Standalone GPS navigators actually have more features than GPS enabled cell phones. Some of these features are audible driving directions with text-to-speech, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, large easy-to-read screens, and real-time traffic updates.

Screen Size

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

Pre-installed maps of every region in the country usually come with a brand new GPS navigator. However, if you wish to add more maps, you can simply download from the Internet or buy one from the manufacturer. Just make sure to update your maps regularly. Outdated maps will do you no good as roads and highways are frequently changing. For convenience, you can subscribe for automatic map updates. Some companies charge extra for these updates, though. So, you may want to read the policy first.

Voice Control

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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