Thinking of a new GPS? The task of choosing the right one for you can be very daunting. With so many great makes, models, and features to choose from, how do you know which one to buy?
When choosing a GPS, the most important question is “What do I want to do with it?” Any automotive GPS unit will tell you where you are and where to go, without getting lost. As RV’ers, we all have a set of basic needs that our GPS must meet. Beyond that, it’s completely up to you if you want and are willing to pay the extra money for certain features.
Preloaded maps
The first factor to consider is what maps you need preloaded on your GPS. That, of course, depends on where you plan to travel. Many systems come with road maps of the entire United States and Canada loaded into their main memory. Some come with all of North America and others with Europe as well. This gives you the luxury of going anywhere without worrying about whether or not you have loaded the right maps; it also makes the device ready to use right out of the box. The preloaded maps occupy part of the main memory of the GPS; Any excess main memory can be used for additional maps, MP3 music, or custom POIs. This brings us to the capacity of memory.
Memory capacity
The amount of memory your GPS can store is also very important. If you buy a unit that has very little additional main memory and cannot be expanded; You may not be able to add features or points of interest (POIs) whenever you want. Many GPS models only contain enough main memory to hold your preloaded maps, and very little remains. This is only a problem if they do not have a memory expansion slot. A memory expansion slot allows you to add memory to the GPS if you ever need it. Most use a Secure Digital (SD) card to expand memory. SD cards are inexpensive and a great way to add memory to your drive when you need it. The more expensive drives usually have a considerable amount of their main memory free for use and also have a memory expansion slot. Less expensive drives typically use most or all of their main memory for built-in functions, but most of them still have a memory expansion slot.
Text to speak
Another important feature to look for is “text to speech”. Most GPS units with voice prompts will give an audio notification such as “Turn left 300 feet” or “Take the next exit.” A unit with a text-to-speech function will say not only the address but also the street name: “Turn left on Mulberry Lane 300 feet” or “Take exit 23A”. This is helpful for many people, especially RV riders, as they won’t even have to look at the screen to know where to go.
Live traffic service
A great new feature to consider is the live traffic service. Available in the largest cities, a subscription to a traffic service gives you real-time, up-to-the-minute updates on traffic and road conditions. Is the freeway blocked from exit 23 to exit 29? Your GPS will notify you and offer you an alternative route. After a free trial period, the traffic service usually costs around $ 7 a month. Some Garmin units also offer XM radio services, so you can get not only live traffic, but also XM satellite radio.
Even beyond a typical traffic service is the new improved MSN Direct service. Many of the higher-end Garmin units, like the Nuvi 780, come with this capability. With MSN Direct, you can check the weather, avoid traffic jams, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, local news and events when traveling with your unit. Even plan trips from the comfort of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and then send locations wirelessly to your GPS. As a traffic service, MSN Direct carries a monthly charge after the free trial period.
Bluetooth enabled
One of the latest additions to GPS systems is the integration of a Bluetooth chip. If both your cell phone and GPS unit are Bluetooth enabled, you can pair them for hands-free calling, POI dialing features, and more, making your automotive electronics package fully integrated. Many campground POI lists, such as the CoolRVToyz Ultimate RV Parks & Campgrounds Directory, take advantage of this feature on Garmin GPS units and allow you to mark a campground hands-free by simply tapping your GPS screen.
MP3 enabled
Another new addition to GPS systems is the ability to play MP3 music. By loading your favorite MP3 music or audio book onto your GPS, you can play them through your GPS speakers or your in-dash radio. Many of the best GPS units also come with an FM transmitter to connect directly to your in-dash radio so music comes out of your vehicle’s stereo system. This is particularly useful as the GPS will automatically lower the volume of the music to give you directions or if you receive a phone call.
Travel Guides and TourGuide (TM)
One of the more exciting new features is Garmin’s new TourGuide (TM) capability. With TourGuide (TM) you can purchase fully guided tours for your GPS. Launch TourGuide (TM) and just follow the tour. Your GPS will guide you to points of interest, explain them to you and even show you photos. It is like having your own tour guide for the trip.
conclusion
Among the most popular GPS navigation systems for VR users are the Garmin nuvi 200, 360 and 680, Lowrance iWAY 600C, Garmin StreetPilot c550, Magellan Maestro 4040 and CrossOver GPS, and TomTom ONE 3rd Edition. So which GPS is the “best”? That depends entirely on your needs, your preferences, and your budget.