GPS Systems
Getting you where you want to go - fast!
Global positioning systems (GPS) are more popular than ever - ever been lost or had the sneaking suspicion you were traveling in the wrong direction? Well fear no more because GPS car navigation systems can show and tell you how to get to all of your favorite destinations! GPS uses a host of satellites to track your position so you can plan routes and never get lost again. Check out what the experts rank as their top 3 picks for GPS car navigation systems:
1. Garmin Nuvi 660: $566 - $800
If you can afford the heavy price tag, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is an excellent GPS system that offers all the basic navigation tools and more.
The Good: The Garmin Nuvi 660 has an accurate GPS receiver, traffic capabilities and text-to-speech functionality (will speak the actual street names). It features a gorgeous display with multi-media tools, travel tools and integrated Bluetooth.
The Bad: The system is really expensive. If you rarely use your GPS, it's not worth the money. There are also no external volume controls and it doesn't support multi-destination route planning.
Additional features:
- Voice-guided directions
- All tools are accessed via the touch screen
- Built-in points of interest
- Automatic rerouting feature
- Preloaded maps of North America in 2D or 3D
- Traffic information and detour function
- MP3 player, JPEG picture viewer, book player, world clock, calculator and more.
2. Garmin StreetPilot c580 GPS Receiver: $432 - $600
The high-end Garmin StreetPilot c580 provides accurate driving directions and is packed full of useful navigation tools.
The Good: It offers MSN Direct services, so you can get current weather and traffic information, as well as movie times and even local gas prices. The device also comes with integrated Bluetooth, text-to-speech functionality and multimedia functions.
The Bad: MSN direct isn't available in all areas, and the media player only supports MP3 format.
Additional features:
- Responsive touch screen
- 2D and 3D preloaded maps of North America
- Voice-guided directions
- Extensive points-of-interest database
- Easy to follow menus
- MP3 playback and antitheft lock
3. TomTom One: $245-$322
The TomTom One is an easy-to-use and affordable GPS that provides accurate directions and the essential navigation tools for first time buyers.
The Good: Affordably priced, the sleekly designed TomTom One is very user-friendly. It offers text and voice-guided directions.
The Bad: The device doesn't support text-to-speech functionality, and the biggest complaint is that the points-of-interest database is somewhat outdated.
Additional features:
- Extremely simple design with only one external control button
- Mini USB port and SD card slot
- Alternative route capabilities and estimated arrival time
- 2D or 3D maps preloaded on the SD card
- Driving directions presented as text or images
- Optional TomTom Plus services, which includes traffic information and safety camera warnings (a subscription is required)
Some more highly ranked GPS car navigational systems include the Magellan Maestro 4040, the Mio C520 Navigation Receiver and the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion. With all these options to choose from, there's no doubt you'll find the perfect GPS travel mate for your car!
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