Having a GPS unit in your vehicle can save time and frustration, and sure beats the old system of using a map. These Global Positioning Systems, come as an optional feature in most vehicles that are sold today. But if your vehicle is not equipped with one of these handy units, you can purchase a portable navigation unit to put in your vehicle without spending a fortune. With all of the options available in these GPS units, finding the right one for your lifestyle and budget can prove to be rather challenging. So, I have come up with a list of the best portable GPS Navigation Units on the market today.
Some of the things to consider when purchasing a new GPS unit include; the size and quality of the display, the features and options it offers, and the possibility and ease of updating the unit.
Garmin nuvi 1200 GPS
This fantastic GPS system features a 3.5" color LCD touch-screen that comes preloaded. It also has a "Where am I?" Emergency Locator tool, that allows you to get your exact location and address, and it will show you where the nearest hospitals, police stations, and gas stations are. Another great thing about this particular model is that it is upgradeable. Some of the other great features include; real time traffic updates, automatic re-routing, turn-by-turn voice prompts, and text to speech technology. Because of its smaller, sleek design, this GPS is great for smaller cars and trucks. And its priced perfectly, at just $99.
Garmin nuvi 255W GPS
Another great GPS from Garmin. This GPS unit features 4.3" color touch-screen, with anti-glare, so it is easy to read even in direct sunlight. You can also program your own points of interest, and it gives you voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions. This unit has a great database of hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and just about anything else you are looking for. The 255W, can also be upgraded, and features a sleek, lightweight design. With its ease of use and user friendly set-up, it is a perfect GPS unit for everyone, at a perfect price of just $119.
Magellan Road Mate 1700
The most notable feature of this GPS is its huge 7" color touch-screen. It's large screen size, makes this a great GPS unit for larger cars, trucks, and mini-vans, and is a perfect gift for seniors or people who travel. It also comes loaded with a AAA Tour book which will show you the nearest places to stay, places to dine, and comes with roadside assistance. This unit can easily be upgraded by plugging it in to your PC. Other fabulous features include; a one-touch favorites menu, multi-destination routing, and its lane-assist feature. This unit is on-sale right now for just $249
Garmin nuvi 1390T GPS Navigator
This GPS unit features a 4.3" color touch-screen, that is very user friendly. With turn-by-turn directions including street names, a built-in travel kit, the "Where am I?" feature, and blue-tooth compatibility, this GPS is in a class all by itself. Besides using this GPS in your vehicle, you can also use it for navigating your way through public transportation, with its 4+ hour battery life. The 1390T is a great GPS unit for everyone. It is easy to use, and has a great price, at just $190.
Garmin Zumo 665
This is the ultimate GPS unit specifically designed for mounting on a motorcycle or scooter. It is one of very few of its kind on the market today. This model is a nice update from the biker-geared units of the past. What makes this unit great, is it that it was made with bikers and motorcycle conditions in mind.
Some of the first things you will notice, are that the buttons on the touch-screen are made larger and farther apart for gloved fingers and the unit itself is waterproof for those rainy rides. It also has Stereo Bluetooth, so you can safely take calls, and has XM Radio with 170+ different channels. You can also add XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, to keep you up to date on the latest traffic and weather conditions. This unit just came out a few months ago, so it is still a little pricey at $999. But everyone who has one of these will agree with me, when I say that the investment is well worth it.
All of these GPS units are available at several different stores, but I have linked them to the store that currently has the best prices available. When you are ready to purchase one of these GPS units, be sure to check around for the best prices and inventory.