With built-in navigation in most new cars and GPS on board most smart phones, portable GPS devices aren’t as popular anymore. If you’re still in the market for one because you drive an older vehicle or you don’t want to use the GPS on your smart phone then here’s a blog for you.
There has been many advances and features added to GPS devices since the last time I looked. To compete with iPhone 4S, namely the phones with Siri on it, some devices can now respond to voice commands. It’s almost like talking to KITT, the car from the old TV series Knight Rider. You can tell your GPS device where you want to go or that you need directions to the nearest gas station or golf course. This feature can be found in some of the high end GPS devices but remember, it’s in the early stages right now meaning that like Siri, it only responds to select voice commands. It doesn’t take your order and it may not respond to certain words, especially if you have an accent. Some people become more agitated trying to talk to their device than to use the touchscreen but if they can perfect this, I think it is great when you are driving alone. You wouldn’t have to take your hands off the wheel to adjust your GPS.
Another great feature to look for is the Lane Assist. This feature is not new and has been around for a number of years. The GPS draws you a view of a highway or freeway with overhead signs, giving you an indication of the lane that you need to get onto. No more guessing on whether the lane exits left, right or in the center.
Other great features to look out for, are free lifetime maps and free traffic subscriptions. These two features will keep your GPS updated to the latest road conditions and route information. Most of the GPS devices have this including some on the low end but watch out for those that displays ads. The ads take up screen real estate and it is annoying at times. GPS devices with traffic capability will recalculate your route if there is an accident or construction ahead. This will help save you time but on the other hand, some alternate routes can get you lost too. It’s fantastic to get free lifetime maps, as long as you are diligent in getting the updates from the internet and updating your device.
Aside from features, it’s good if you can test drive the devices or read up on reviews. I’ve heard from a few sources that the Garmin is easier to input addresses and finding points of interest faster than with a TomTom. Also Garmin’s display is more snappier than a TomTom but lacks in graphics depicting complex interchanges and freeway exits. For instance the TomTom VIA 1535TM has most of these features that I wrote about, including bluetooth support and does not display ads with traffic information but it doesn’t power down automatically when you shut the car off. It does tell you which side of the road your destination is at when you arrive which is nicety that most other devices lack.
One last item that might help travellers renting a car when they arrive is a home charger. If you can charge up the device then enter your points of interest while on the plane then you are all ready to go when you pick up your rental car. Some devices have an optional solar charger that you can place on the car’s dashboard but it’s already troublesome having the GPS device affixed to your windshield or sitting in a sand bag.
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