GPS Buyer Guide Factors
Buyer Guide
What type of GPS system is right for you?
Even though GPS systems are straight forward and easy to use devices, many people are confused in selecting the right GPS system. Choosing the right GPS Navigation System is a real challenge.
There are different types of GPS systems catering for the needs of different users and applications.
For example the GPS requirements for a hiker in the wilderness would substantially differ from the requirements of a business person who predominately uses the GPS system in busy highways.
Factors to consider
The big question that you need to ask yourself, before buying a GPS system is “What will be my primary usage of the GPS system?”
Primary Use
You need to buy a GPS system based on your primary use. The majority of our readers will find that their requirements for a GPS system would fall under one of the following categories:
1. For in car use with a any vehicle
In this class you are looking for a GPS system that can be used in car at the same time for it to be portable.
2. For in-car use in my own car
If you want to use a GPS unit primarily in your own vehicle and if your usage is very heavy, you may consider getting a GPS system permanently installed in your car. Permanently mounted GPS units are more expensive compared to the portable in-car units.
3. For in-car and pedestrian or travel use
In this class you are looking for a GPS unit that can be portable for pedestrian or travel use at the same time the system can be used in a car as well. Size and weight are important consideration in this class.
4. For hiking, mount biking and other adventure sports
These systems are ideal for sporting enthusiasts. Durability, light weight and longer battery power are key features in this class.
5. For Educational and fun activities
Ideal for beginners or students who like to use GPS for fun and learning purposes, these systems have very basic features.
How many times will you be using the GPS device per year?
* Daily
* Once a week
* Once a month
* Few times a year
If you are going to use the GPS system very heavily, it’s better to invest in a high end system.
If your usage is minimal, then you may consider investing in a mid-range system that might have other cool features such as mp3 playback and picture viewers. This way you can use the system for other purposes (example listing to songs while camping) and get more use out of the system, when it’s not being used for navigational purposes.
If you are going to use a GPS system only few times a year, invest in a basic unit.
Sometimes you may want to use a GPS only few times a year, but you may need good navigational capability. In this case try getting a laptop or PDA GPS add on module.
Price / budget
If your budget is around 100$ dollars look for a basic unit.
If your price budget is around 300$ – 500$ you can shop around for a mid range portable unit that can be used in a car as well.
If you can spend 1000$ or more go for a high end unit. Most of the high end units are in-car GPS systems.
Portability
Size, weight and battery power of the systems are key portability features. If you plan to use the system for both travel and in car purposes, go for a portable unit that comes with accessories for in-car use. If you plan to use the portable units in the wilderness make sure the system is rugged enough for your environment. Such a water resistant and shock proof/ absorbent units.