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What should you look for in a GPS Navigation Unit?

Assuming that you are looking for a GPS unit for personal use, it will most likely be either an in-car system or a personal handheld device. You may need to travel a lot and/or have a bad sense of direction, or you might just want to take advantage of the growing range of practical applications for this handy new technology. In any case, here are a few things to bear in mind when shopping around.

To help you determine what sort of unit that is best for your needs, consider the following:
Do you regularly reach for the street directory or travel to unfamiliar areas? Then you are a prime candidate for a GPS unit.
Do you often drive alone?
Do you primarily drive your own car or do you rent? A fixed in-car system is little use if you can't take it to another vehicle. Go for a portable, in-car unit.
Do you use a mobile phone, PDA or notebook computer? If so, consider an add-on to give it GPS functionality. More and more mobile phones are shipping with built-in GPS receivers. Even if your phone doesn't have one of these built-in, there are a range of GPS receivers that can be added on to give it this functionality.
Do you want a compact GPS unit that you can take with you anywhere?
For in-car use, go for a unit with a large wide screen (at least 3.5in) with a high quality display.
Choose a GPS unit that can be upgraded (with more memory, extra/new maps and software upgrades - often via an SD card slot). Preferably one that can be linked to a PC or notebook via a USB connection for downloading new map upgrades.
Will you use it primarily while boating? Specialist marine GPS units offer features you won't find in a land-based unit. Features like fish finders, depth sounding, information on buoys and navigation aids, and coastline charts designed more for boating than driving.
If you go for a marine-type unit, or are travelling outdoors, check that the unit you select is water resistant or waterproof is even better.
Using a handheld GPS or mobile phone while driving is difficult and dangerous (and in many States, illegal). Make sure it can be mounted securely for in-car use.
Do you need a continuous power supply for a GPS?. If so, look for additional battery packs or a car cigarette lighter adapter for re-charging and continuous power.

When you think of the range of features and uses that a GPS unit provides, and with prices starting around only a couple of hundred dollars, you can see why they are quickly becoming the must-have high tech item. Ladies, why don't you buy a GPS unit as a gift for that man in your life. You know how he hates to ask for directions!

So next time someone tells you to "Get lost!" - just smile and calmly say that you can't, thanks to your GPS navigation unit. Be sure to watch for the suprised look on their face.
Okay, that is probably not the best reason to spend a few hundred dollars or more for a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit, but there are, in fact, plenty of good reasons to do so - not the least of which is the joy of never again having to interpret an upside-down street directory.

Features to look for in GPS Receivers

Maps

The key to a GPS unit's usefulness is access to the maps you'll need to in order to identify where you are at a given time, and what direction you need to travel in order to reach a destination. Most portable GPS units have a USB connection to enable you to link to a computer and download the maps you'll need. If you are visiting a foreign city and you want a street map of where you are, you will need to access mapping data through your unit's firmware so you can see a visual reference of your location. Many in-car units, and portable units that are adaptable to vehicle installation, can read data from a CD or DVD player, and you can use map libraries in this form. Websites such as whereis.com also provide downloadable map data.

Display

It's a good idea to look for a unit with the biggest and brightest display that can be read in all light conditions with relative ease. Larger screens are naturally more expensive, but just as screen performance on computers can vary, so too can portable GPS units. Test the screen in direct sunlight for visibility, and test it from different viewing angles. Try to find a unit that can be viewed from low angles.

Versatility

A critical element of your GPS unit is having its aerial in the right position. You may also want to remove it from one vehicle and use it in another, or use it as a portable hand-held unit. Make sure the unit is capable of being used in different situations and can be shared between vehicles. You may want to use it in your boat, golf buggy, off road vehicle, dirt bike or backpack, in which case you will want to make sure it is easy to remove and install and has a strong enough battery and antenna to meet your needs.

Navigation

Most recreational and domestic GPS systems come with street level maps and voice and text directional prompts. You may want to include a database of key buildings and facilities if you are travelling, such as airports, hospitals, train stations, hotels and other tourist destinations. You will be greatly assisted with automatic re-routing features to keep you on track and variable mapping perspectives such as 3D and bird's eye view. Stylus operated and touch screen technology can be a big time saver instead of keypad data entry. Many devices also offer trip calculation features and distance measurements that can be useful on the hiking trail or golf course.

Accessories

Most GPS units are ready direct you to where you want to go as soon as you charge the battery and turn it on. Depending on your personal circumstances, accessories you might want to consider might include auxiliary antennas and booster kits that can enhance your signal, protective carry cases, motor cycle mounting kits, GPS maps and software, battery packs and AC power adapters.

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Special Features.

Other special features can include altimeters to help calculate your altitude above sea level, and barometers that let you keep an eye on the weather. An inbuilt compass can be a handy feature for times when you are not within a good reception area or you have low battery reserves. Some units feature an mp3 player to keep you entertained.

Cost

GPS units can be purchased for as little as just over $100. Many mobile phones and PDA devices now include GPS features that can be useful, and they are priced in the $300 - $800 range. Professional and feature rich in-car units can extend into several thousands of dollars. Accessory packs and extended warranties can add value to your purchase.