Compare GPS Navigation Systems

It is likely that most considering a purchase of a new GPS navigation device will want to compare different brands and models.  Today there are literally thousands of GPS units on the market.  In the past few years, I've had the opportunity to use a few of the well known brands and models.  I must admit, that the technology continues to amaze me and I'm sure you will find as I did that once you start using GPS in your vehicle you will wonder how you ever did without.

It really is important that you first decide what your main use of GPS will be.  This will make narrowing down your choices much easier.  For example, my first unit was a Garmin GPS incorporated into a palm pilot.  This really was a great idea and would serve well if it weren\'t for a couple of annoyances.  Out of the box, the Garmin Palm Pilot model required a car kit if you want to use it in your vehicle.  It seems silly to me that the manufacturer would choose to make a car kit optional.  But of course it is a necessary add-on for most people using a GPS navigational unit.  The problem I've found is this type of unit is more expensive due to the multiple uses presented and taking it out of your vehicle each time you want to access your Palm Pilot can be a hassle.

The next type of GPS I used for a couple years were OEM integrated units.  These units had a dvd player which supplied the needed mapping software for the in-dash units.  I found these units to work flawlessly but of course when using the GPS in the vehicle you were limited on your music sources.  Comparatively speaking, these OEM units were quite expensive when compared with the current portable models available from companies like Garmin, Magellan, Nextar and TomTom, just to name a few.

Finally, what I have found to be my favorite is the relatively inexpensive units from TomTom.  After owning two of these units I can honestly say I\'m very impressed with their value and capabilities of GPS navigation.  They are available in various sizes but they all have the basics in common.  They have relatively small screens and have enough accessories available to mount either on the dash top, windshield or in front of the dash.  It really depends on your specific vehicle and your preferences.

I found the software itself to be excellent.  Even the basic software delivered with the unit is more then adequate for most drivers in North America.  I strongly suggest no matter what brand or model you chose, be sure to look for those who include maps of the entire USA included.  Most will have an additional memory card which allows this function.  The software also allows a variety of voices to be used.  This might not sound too important but the voice directions provided enable you to navigate dark streets in confidence without having to stop and read each sign post.  It helps when you have a cheerful voice providing those instructions.

In recent years, the field of Marine GPS navigation has exploded.  Today, there are so many different types of GPS devices and chart plotting systems that no one on the waterways ever has to risk losing their way again.  The challenge is narrowing down your choice of device to suit your specific needs.

Finally I love the new sport based GPS devices.  If you watch the Golf Channel on TV you might think there is only one or two brands of golf GPS devices on the market.  Believe me you\'ll be shocked when you see the variety of Golf GPS and sport based GPS devices available.  From my experience they all perform as well as they claim.  Just read the details of courses that are included in the basic software to be sure your favorite courses will be included.

So it doesn't matter what specific use you have in mind, there is a GPS navigation device that will suit your needs.  Just take your time, read the details and rest assured you'll never get lost again.