GPS Features to Consider When Buying

In order to find the best GPS system, you have to first understand what they generally do and what are the usual features, then define what you want it for.

Virtually all GPS systems come with the following:

-Voice prompts that tell you where to turn
-Touch screen
-Large database of "Points of Interest" (locations of hospitals, ATMs, McDonalds, etc.)
-Choice between 2D "map view" and 3D "bird's eye" views
-Automatic route calculation
-Choice between shortest and fastest routes
-Come preloaded with maps of the 48 states

The main optional features to consider when buying a GPS system are these:

-Does it actually say the names of the street you need to turn on as you approach it?
-Do you need a widescreen version (4.3-inches diagonally as opposed to 3.5-inches)?
-Do you need maps of Canada, Mexico, and/or Europe?
-Does it support Bluetooth technology, which allows you to use your GPS system in conjunction with your cell phone to make hands-free calls? (Which essentially makes it a windshield mounted version of those little ear clips people walk around with.)
-Can you enter multiple routes into the unit and have it calculate the best route to get to all of them? Say you were in an unfamiliar city and you wanted to go to the cleaners, the grocery store, the movies, and a local dentist all on one trip. Could the GPS system calculate the shortest possible route to get to all of these?
-Does it have real-time traffic and weather report capability, and can it use that information to re-route you around traffic jams?
Can you use your device to listen to music (mp3) or to look at digital pictures?
-How big is the Points of Interest database?

Get the Garmin Nuvi 750 Travel Assistant at EZelectronix for $265.79. Here is the link: http://www.ezelectronixshop.authsafe.com/product_info.php?products_id=14618&osCsid=7ee8c7fb5a09e314e7c8b111cc90b235

So, in order to find the best GPS device for you, you need to first decide which of these optional features are necessary, and which you might like if you can afford it. You can get a basic GPS system for $200. The Garmin nuvi 200, for example, has all of the basic features I listed above. One of the most popular units is the Garmin nuvi 350, which does all the nuvi 200 does, but includes Garmin's "Travel Kit", mp3 capability, picture viewer, world travel clock, calendar, and more.

Deciding which one to buy can be diffcult, but don't put off buying one. GPS systems are great. Once you have your first one, you'll wonder how in the world you got along without it.