Navigational and GPS Device Buying Guide

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If you wind up frequently getting lost while driving around or even walking, hiking  and riding a bike,  you might want to look into buying a Global Positioning System, usually referred to as a GPS device.  Not just for the directionally challenged, these are great for those who don't like paper maps  or asking for directions.

These nifty contraptions come a few main varieties, including automotive, handheld and marine. There are also GPS devices designed specifically for runners, which track speed, distance and course. These devices are usually made in combination with heart rate monitors.  For those who like to keep things simple, don't forget that GPS systems are also available on smartphones  and PDAs,  eliminating the need to carry an arsenal of electronics with you wherever you go. In short, no matter what your needs, there is a GPS device  for you.

Types of Navigational Devices

There are several different types of GPS devices  catered to specific sectors of the consumer market. Hardware products designed for hikers, bikers, drivers, boaters and dedicated computer users have popped up in the past five years. However, there is also an increasing number of devices that have multi-purpose functions. For example, Clarion's NICE  functions not only as a car navigational tool, but also an MP3 player  and satellite radio  receiver in one.

Handheld 

  • Ideal for hikers, hunters and others who spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Lightweight, but with a smaller LCD screen than other models.
  • Some can be mounted inside a car, but the small screen makes them less than ideal for driving.
  • Check out: Magellan eXplorist 210. 

Car 

  • These usually have larger screens for easy viewing while driving.
  • A noteworthy feature of a car GPS system is voice-activation or text-to-voice directions.
  • The majority come with mounting equipment for easy installation.
  • Check out: Clarion NICE. 

Cellphone GPS 

  • Some PDAs  have integrated GPS devices, which is ideal if you are in the market for both products.
  • Requires downloading maps and/or software.
  • Reduces the number of gadgets you need to carry around.
  • Check out: Pharos Traveler GPS 525. 

Laptop 

  • GPS devices that attach to your laptop are available.
  • Can be used in a car, but not practical for hiking.
  • Requires downloading maps and/or installing software.
  • Check out: Garmin GPS 10. 

Watch 

  • Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness junkies.
  • Can track location, pace, distance and heart rate plus calories burned and more.
  • Bulky, so really only good for use when working out.
  • Look for a comfortable fit and easy to reach buttons.
  • Check out: Garmin Forerunner 305. 

Nautical 

  • Chartplotters  and fish finders  are specifically designed for use on boats. However most models can easily adapt to use elsewhere simply by loading new software.
  • Most have very large backlit screens that can easily be read in bright sunlight.
  • Things they can track include depth contours, inter-tidal zones, wrecks, navaids, boat ramps, fishing areas, marinas and more.
  • Check out: Garmin GPSMAP 276c Portable Chartplotter 

Handheld GPS Systems

What to look for in a handheld GPS  system:

  • Weight: if you're hiking or backpacking, every ounce counts. Conversely, durability is also important.
  • 12 Channel Parallel Receiver: For hikers and off-road travelers, these receivers will give the best service.
  • Map Screen: Certain devices only display relative longitude and latitude lines. Be sure your model is map-ready.
  • Waterproof : You don't want your GPS to short out when it rains or if you fall in a stream.
  • Long Battery Life: Carrying multiple batteries around can certainly be a pain.
  • Waypoints: Most sites recommend a GPS unit with storage for at least 500 waypoints.
  • Compass : Help you get to the next waypoint.
  • Screen Characteristics
    • Color  vs. B&W  : Some color screens are hard to read in sunlight. The exception is TransReflective Color  screens.
    • Size may also be a factor. Consider how small a screen you can read comfortably.
  • Route Capacity: Most devices can hold at least 20 routes, while some may hold as many as 50. The more, the better.
  • Topographic Maps: If you plan to do a lot of backcountry hiking, elevation and small stream data will definitely come in handy.
  • GPS Information: Click here for more information about choosing a GPS for hiking.

Car GPS Devices

What to Look for in a Car GPS:

  • Address to Address Routing: Essential for car navigation.
  • Verbal Directions : The best (and safest) way to use your GPS device is to have it take instructions from you and then talk back to you. Some units will also tell you when to make a turn.
  • Mounting: Make sure to get a unit that can be easily mounted to your dashboard.
  • Automatic Routing: Most models have this feature.
  • Waypoints: Some units have just the basics (points of interest, gas stations, etc.). Others will allow you to mark your own points of interest as well.
  • 12 Channel Parallel Receiver: This type of receiver will give you the best reception so that you don't lose the signal in a strange city.
  • Screen: You want a decently large screen since you might need to glance at it while driving.
    • If you get a color screen, consider a Transreflective Color screen.
  • MP3 Player : Some GPS devices can double as MP3 players if you're bored with the radio and tired of lugging your CD collection.
  • Audio Book Playback: Many of Garmin's  models and some of TomTom's  have the ability to play audio books, which can make that longer trip that much less taxing.
  • Satellite Radio: For just $12.95 per month, users can stream XM Radio to their Garmin  or AudioVox  device, while Clarion's NICE  gets Sirius radio for a comparable fee.
  • GPS Information: More information about buying a GPS device for your car.

Important Features On Any GPS Device

Major Manufacturers

When Basic Isn't Good Enough

The latest in GPS technology comes not as a stand-alone device, but integrated into your PDA.  It takes some time to setup the mapping software, but if you want an all-in-one organizer plus navigation system, a compatible PDA would be a great choice. One drawback of multi-functional devices is the cost. If you are interested in a Smartphone (PDA/cellphone combination), such as the new Treo,  you can expect to be paying around $80 just for services. The latest upgrade to the iPhone  includes a psuedo GPS via cell signals, and maps your location to Google maps.  The one draw back is when you're out of cell coverage, you're really lost.  For PDAs and laptops, make sure you get a good product bundle that includes a wide array of maps.

As devices become further integrated, multi-functionality is what distinguishes the best from the merely adequate. Here are some forward-looking navigation systems that give consumers a little something extra. Whether it be DVD playback or landmark recognition, these devices each have a special something that make them worth a look.

Navman N40i 

The Navman N40i,  brother of the N60i  (slightly upgraded model) has a few noteworthy features including the ability to take a photo of any location so that no matter where you end up, you can always find your way back to it. There is also a quick "get gas/find parking" button and a safety camera sensor to help you avoid getting speeding tickets. Finally, like many new models, there is a traffic sensor updated in real time to keep you out of traffic and on your way.

TomTom One 

Finally a GPS device for everyone! The TomTom One  is great for your automobile. What's more is that this unit has a touch screen that you can access. For added safety, the 3.5" LCD screen only appears when stopped. However, the voice commands are wirelessly transmitted to a Bluetooth  headset.

HP iPAQ rx5900 

The HP iPAQ rx5900  is a PDA/GPS device based on Windows Mobile 5.0 in a functional fashionable form. The compact unit allows you to listen to MP3s, watch videos, look at pictures, play games or surf the Web while stuck in traffic. Ideal for use in the car since the measly 90 minutes of battery life makes it unsuitable otherwise. The quality of navigation system is what really makes this unit shine.

Dash Navigation Dash Express 

The Dash Navigation Dash Express  is bundle of fun and function. It boasts two-way Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time handsfree updates on traffic, offering you three route options instead of one. Prior to hitting the road, email it to upload destinations you want to hit so it will be ready for you. Feeling hungry? Just type in "panini" and it will find nearby restaurants that serve the grub you're looking for.

Clarion NICE 

Clarion's NICE  is a multi-function vehicular GPS device. In addition to the traditional map and direction capabilities, this is the only navigational device that can stream Sirius satellite radio. It also acts as an MP3 player.

iCN 750 

The Navman iCN 750  lets users take digital snapshots of locations and display them for navigational help. Though the quality is poor, the iCN's geocode system can save that picture's location and bring it up as a landmark tool at the user's request.

Sanyo NV-E7500 

This GPS and DVD  combo acts as a media player and a portable navigation device. The 7" screen is comparable to many other portable DVD player screens and its stereo speakers, while not stellar, get the job done. The Sanyo can also play CDs.

Garmin Edge 350 

The Garmin Edge 350  is a GPS device designed especially for bikers. Like its TomTom  and Magellan  competitors, the Edge 350 clips onto a bike's handles for easy access. In addition to regular features, also tracks heart rate, speed and other exercise features.

Video Review


Garmin eTrex Vista C GPS
Submitted by: mlockett
 Votes:0

Garmin GPSMAP 396 Portable GPS w/XM Weather
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