The prices for GPS (or Global Positioning System) Navigation Units have lately fallen to the point where it is in the reach of the average consumer.  Though top of the line models with all of the latest features can still fetch a rather steep premium, high quality GPS devices with all that you need for everyday usage, can now be purchased for under $300.  This is a quick guide to give you an idea of the features that you should be looking for at a minimum.

GPS Receiver

First and foremost, whatever other bells and whistles are on offer, your GPS must be able to quickly and reliably determine your current position.  

A typical GPS device contains a 12-channel receiver and an antenna to capture satellite signals. The quality of the receiver and the number of channels that it uses (combined with non-device factors such as whether it is a cloudy day, if you are indoors, etc) will determine how long it takes for your device to acquire a fix on your location.  The time that this takes will also be longer from a “cold start”, that is when you first turn on the GPS device.

One of the things that tend to suffer in the budget end of the GPS device market is in the quality of the receiver.  Here is a good test: if under normal conditions the GPS takes longer than 5 minutes to find your location from a cold start, avoid it.

Display Size

All modern GPS Navigation Units use touch screen LCD panels, and obviously the bigger the screen on the GPS the more you would expect to pay.  We would recommend however that one not compromise on display size when choosing the right device.  For a GPS, this isn’t a matter of vanity, it is a matter of safety.  Squinting to read what information your unit is telling you whilst driving is not something you want to be doing.

The largest displays offered on portable GPS devices are 4-4.5”, measured diagonally.  We would recommend that you look for a unit with a screen no smaller than 3.5”.

Voice Guidance

It is a standard feature for GPS units to include voice guidance, advising you where and when you need to turn.  What the latest models will also include is “text to speech” capability, where instead of giving generic voice commands such as “In 500 metres, turn left”, it will say something like “turn left at Salisbury Road”.  This is definitely a very handy feature, but providing that the screen of the unit is sufficiently large that text on display is readable, it is not a vital one.

Latest and Upgradeable Maps

Real world roads change, and in order for your GPS to maintain its usefulness it will need to be capable of being updated to the latest map information.  It is for this reason that some GPS units are not preloaded with Australian map information, requiring you to purchase maps separately and/or download the relevant data from the internet before you can use it.  

As a matter of convenience and versatility, be sure to choose a GPS unit where relevant maps are available straight out of the box, but where map information can be updated and/or changed (this will allow you the flexibility to use the device overseas as well).  It is also worthwhile asking about any charges associated with map changes and updates.

Traffic Camera Alerts

As the price of GPS units go down, you can also rely on the fines for being caught out on red light and speed cameras to keep going up.  If a GPS device also includes alerts for when you are approaching these, it may very well pay for itself many times over.

Bluetooth Handsfree

Every driver is familiar with the dilemma of whether or not to answer a ringing mobile or check a received sms message whilst driving.  Of course not only does this increase your chance of having an accident, it is now also associated with hefty fines if you are caught.

Providing that you are using a compatible mobile, a GPS with Bluetooth Handsfree feature will solve this problem.  After setting up your phone to communicate wirelessly with the GPS unit, when an incoming call arrives your GPS display will give you the option of answering or rejecting it at the touch of the screen.  If you decide to answer, you will be able to use the GPS unit’s built in microphone and speaker through which to take the call.  You may also be given the option of having incoming SMS appear on the GPS display.  

This sort of high tech wireless convenience does not have to cost an arm and a leg.  Even in browsing the budget market you should keep an eye out for this excellent feature.

Points of Interest

Along with standard information about street names, addresses and routes, it is now standard for GPS Navigation Units include integrated searchable Points of Interest (POI) information.  So for example, if you are on an extended roadtrip, your GPS will show you what interesting scenic spots there are within a certain distance from your current position.  Or for emergency day-to-day needs, you will be able to search for the closest service station or ATM for example.

Multimedia Features

An added bonus feature that may help you make the final decision between competing units is the ability to play computer multimedia files on the GPS.  Whilst watching a full length movie in high quality DivX format whilst driving is probably not recommendable, this can serve as a welcome distracting activity for children in need of entertainment.

Conclusion

There are several factors to take into account when buying a GPS and we suggest that you conduct your own research before making any purchases. There is a lot of information on the internet (and some great bargains too).

At Kogan Direct , we think we have the best value for money GPS in Australia. Please visit www.kogan.com.au for more information.