Reading car GPS system reviews is an essential step before making your purchase. Along with reading reviews of the different companies and models, there are some things you’ll want to keep your eye out for before buying.

1. Know what kind of system you need. There are a wide variety of features available on the newest models, and those who travel the most will need something robust!

2. Think about your budget. It’s lucky that the prices for GPS devices are so reasonable these days, but it still helps to see what prices are out there, compared to the features that are offered. If you shop with the right sources, you should find that it’s very reasonable.

3. Consider the company you’d like to shop with. Some are always updating with new features that are downloadable to your device. Others can be quite behind when it comes to new maps and features. The companies that are consistently high sellers are in that position for a reason!

4. Think about the size of the device you’ll want, and how easily you’ll be able to see it. Screen size can mean a lot — especially when you’re driving in a car. Most will do well with a standard size device, but other people will prefer to have something that is a bit larger. Always consider screen size when making your decision.

5. As I said in the beginning — always read car GPS system reviews! You’ll be able to see real user experience and reactions to a particular GPS device. You can compare your needs and situation with theirs, and it can help you choose one device over another. Finding out the flaws and benefits before you buy is always smart shopping.

By: Jennifer Langley

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Best GPS Systems Available

Looking for a great navigation device for your next trip out of town but are unsure about which ones you can trust? Of course, there are some you can trust and then there are those that just might break as you’re taking them out of their package. The dilemma in choosing comes from there being so much selection available. That’s why GPS reviews were created to help you narrow down your selection based on brand reputations, reliability, durability, features, and other important criteria. If you haven’t known where to look for this type of information in the past, you have reached the right place. In this article, we will explore some websites that offer expert advice, and also look at some systems that do well on the experts’ “best products” lists.

Places to Find GPS Reviews

Below is a short list of websites that make information available on the more popular navigation systems on the market. Let’s look briefly at these websites.

Cnet is a website that focuses on providing information from expert reviewers in all areas of technology – including navigation systems. If you are looking for what others think about a specific product then this is a great place to visit. This is especially true because the reviewers can be trusted. They’re not just listing devices that they think top lists – they actually test them before discussing them, which is always a good way to go.

GPSReview is awebsite offers GPS reviews for navigation devices from brands like Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, TomTom, and Mio. In addition to providing details on these products, the site also categorizes products by their type including handheld recreation, Bluetooth, and more. And if you want to know how much the unit you are seeking costs, they offer information on prices from a number of retailers.

ConsumerSearch is another website that focuses on getting the opinions of expert reviewers, ConsumerSearch ranks products after thorough research is conducted on what the techies believe are the best. Here you might find “best buys,” “best for the price,” “best overall” and other ranking options.

What Products are Recommended?

Garmin Nuvi 660 – This navigation system definitely receives high rankings in GPS reviews, and it is well deserved. There are so many features that come with this system that you almost forget that its main purpose is to provide accurate navigation. You can enjoy detailed preloaded City Navigator color maps, turn-by-turn voice navigation, an MP3 player and audio book player, Bluetooth hands-free calling, tons of POIs, traffic alerts, language translation, and much more with this device.

Magellan Maestro 3140 – This system also tops lists for its appealing features, which include impressive touchscreen graphics, 2D and 3D maps, turn-by-turn voice navigation, an integrated TourBook, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and SayWhere which offers text-to-speech technology to have the device call out street names during navigation instruction.

Navigon 7100 – The Navigon 7100 is often compared to the Garmin Nuvi 660 in price and features. Some of these features include voice audible turn-by-turn navigation, 3D Reality View that lets you view the roads from all angels, text-to-speech technology, Lifetime Traffic, Zagat Ratings and Reviews, and Bluetooth capabilities. Some other features you might like from this device include a 4.3-inch screen, and a 16:9 widescreen format for easier viewing.

Don’t Just Look to the Experts

I know this is going to seem like a strange recommendation, but when you’re looking for a great navigation device, don’t just stick to the GPS reviews you read online and in magazines. You have your own keen instinct that you can you what is good and what isn’t. Even more, you have the ability to determine what features and functions you need. Those two aspects can help you to narrow down the list just as easily as reading what the experts have to say.

So after you check out the commentary by everyone else giving their GPS reviews, take the initiative to go to a retailer in your area to learn about their specific features. Actually hold them in your hand to see how easy it is to control the menu with your fingers. See how easy it is for you to view the screen. Ask the salesperson who will inevitably stop by to ask if you need help to help you answer any questions you may have. This way you can learn invaluable information that far surpasses anything the GPS reviews can offer. Because, it is you, not the reviewers who have to use the navigation system, right?

By: Jeffrey Meier

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Read Reviews of the Best GPS Systems Available