Buying GPS Navigation Units

Finding your way, whether you're in the car, outdoors hiking or elsewhere can be a task for which you can get help from GPS navigation units. A GPS navigational system works by receiving signals emitted by satellites in the sky. The unit receives signals from multiple satellites and pinpoints your location precisely.

The advantages of owning GPS units are enormous. Though GPS devices typically cost in the hundreds of dollars when first introduced as consumer products, the price of GPS navigation units has dropped considerably through the years. Even individuals on a budget can experience many of the great features GPS units have to offer. When you're looking at different models and brands, there are several features you should look for.

Screen Size

Perhaps the first thing you'll notice when using your outdoor GPS navigation unit is the screen size. This is naturally an important factor that you want to consider as you'll be looking at your screen whenever you need to view the directions. Screen sizes with GPS navigation units range anywhere from small 3.5-inch screens like the Garmin Nuvi 265T to the larger 7-inch display of the Magellan Roadmate 1700. For a matter of convenience, a large GPS navigation unit can be easy to read. On the other hand, a large screen size takes up quite a bit of room if it's mounted on your dash while driving. As you might guess, you'll typically pay less for a smaller GPS screen and more for a larger one.

On-Board Maps and Points of Interest

Since it is crucial to get from "Point A" to "Point B" while outdoors and traveling in the car, practically all GPS navigation units come with on-board, pre-loaded maps. You'll get detailed views of the United States; some brands and models may even come with maps of Canada or even Mexico. When reviewing the types of maps, you should also look at the updates the brand offers, if any at all, and the map policy. Some GPS unit makers will offer one-time updates or even free-for-life updates to the maps on the unit.

The Points of Internet (POI) database is essentially a directory of hotels, gas stations, restaurants and other locations, such as shopping malls and stores, that the GPS navigation unit stores. When using the POI system, you can tell your GPS unit to direct you to the nearest point-of-interest. GPS navigation units with larger POI directories tend to be more expensive, but this feature can be helpful if you're lost or in a bind. Some newer GPS units even perform Web searches to find and locate the point-of-interest you want.

Traffic Data

Many units today come with traffic receivers built in, although some models do allow you to buy add-on traffic receivers as an accessory. With an integrated receiver, you receive live traffic data and updates so that you can, with the help of the GPS unit, plan your route accordingly. GPS navigation units can help you avoid the dreaded traffic jam if one is found, helping you arrive to your destination on time.

There are many other extras that GPS navigation units might be equipped with. For starters, some offer voice control so that you can verbally send commands to the unit instead of pushing buttons, which provides less of a distraction as you're driving. Other extras include hard drive storage capacity, the ability to play audio and video and connect your unit via Bluetooth to a cell phone. Overall, GPS navigation units pack many features into a relatively small device and you need to consider not only what you need, such as detailed on-board maps, but also convenience items like voice control and a large screen.

Nicole Roberts
Welcome to Frog Hollow Sports And More, inside you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality gps navigation units.