What are the necessary features in a GPS device?
March 8th, 2010 | 
Author: I am buying a GPS for my car and this is my first time doing that. So I am totally clueless what to look for. Wondering what additional features ,beside the main functionality, are out there in different brands so that I could select a device based on my needs. I am looking for features like line assistance, recency of the map database, or anything else that you may think matter when buying a GPS device,
Thanks everyone
Posted in GPS | 
Tags: Buying Car, Clueless, functionality, Gps Car, Gps Device, line assistance, map, Necessary Features, recency
GPS with voice guidance is nice so you don’t have to look at the unit while driving. Actually, a cellphone with google maps application is better than a standalone GPS unit because the roads are more clearly marked (greater resolution), you can look up the phone number for the place you are going, call there for a reservation, plus it gives street view (actual photos of the place !). It has the voice guidance and 3-D view too. The only drawback would be where you didn’t have 3g data coverage, and in contrast, the GPS standalone with built in maps would always work. The cellphone (Droid model in my case) also costs $70.00 per month for unlimited data, 400 minutes voice (Verizon plan) where the GPS would average $10.00 per month on average if you keep you database up to date. Both have problems with battery life over 6 hours of continuous operation so they should be plugged in to a vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet. If you are hiking, some models of GPS can accept AA batteries to keep operating. You can buy an extra battery for the Droid, but the Nuvii 1250 has an internal battery that can’t be charged in the field.
to be honest without you saying how much you can afford, i would say get as much as you can pay for.
I consider automatically recalculating my route if I miss a turn as a must.
An FM transmitter to to hear instructions on the car’s radio is nice.
Most update their maps annually.
If you purchase a unit with an out of date map, they may offer one free online update.
Not sure about other brands, but Garmin offers about 4 updates per year.
You can purchase them separately, or get them free after you purchase a lifetime subscription.