Compare GPS Car Navigation Systems

There are many GPS car navigation systems on the market. With so many choices, finding the right one for your needs may seem quite difficult. By comparing a few of the newest systems and learning about their features, you can feel confident with the decision you make.

LCD size

Some people desire a larger LCD so they can keep track of where they are; others would rather not have to concentrate on a screen and prefer direction from the voice commands. Before purchasing a GPS navigation system, consider whether you want a large screen that displays a lot of information. If you want a large screen, systems like the Magellan Roadmate 1700 with a 7-inch screen or the TomTom XXL 540S with 5-inch are good choices. The Garmin Nuvi 550 with 3.5-inch LCD is a nice choice if you want a smaller screen.

Battery life

Some drivers only have one or two auxiliary power outlets in their vehicle, prompting the need to switch between accessories while driving. For users such as these, GPS units with a long battery life, such as the Nuvi 550 or the Nuvi 755T, are a must. If you can keep your unit plugged in without worrying about the shorter battery life, consider the Roadmates 1700 and 1470.

Voice recognition

When a driver cannot pull over due to heavy traffic or lack of pull-offs, a GPS system with voice navigation comes in very handy. The Magellan Maestro 4350, Garmin Nuvi 755T and TomTom XXL 540S are three units that offer this handy feature. This option allows drivers to speak commands and addresses rather than manually entering the information.

More and more drivers are turning to GPS car navigation systems to get around town and around the country. As there are so many choices, take a little time to do some comparison shopping before settling on a unit.

A GPS system with voice navigation could come in very handy

by Samantha Stewart, Electronics writer