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Compare GPS Models: Getting the right choice for you
When I got bitten by the bug of GPS, I decided to compare GPS systems to see who would be best for me. I only had a vague idea of what these devices do remarkable. I knew they were essentially electronic cards but I had no idea how they worked, or what was important to look for when buying one. So I decided to search.
My first stop was Amazon to check their bestsellers. (Just click on my link below to see the same information.)
I quickly saw that Garmin, Magellan and Tom Tom has dominated the market. Garmin, I had heard of Magellan and Tom Tom, I did not heard. My joy to see which were the best sellers GPS was soon crushed by an overwhelming sense of confusion that I clicked on each item to read its description, and tried to make heads or tails on the differences between the units.
There must be some pretty big differences, I thought, because prices have ranged from a minimum of $ 150 to nearly $ 1,000 for mobile, the kind you can stick to your windshield and remove take with you when you're out of the car.
Well, suffice it to say, I did an enormous amount of research and became an expert in some so.
To save you time and frustration, let me tell you the basics of what I discovered.
Although there are several Manufacturers of portable automotive GPS systems, the top three are Garmin, Magellan and Tom Tom. Garmin sells about half of the automotive GPS systems in the world, but Tom Tom is quickly gaining ground. The three companies make a good product, it's just that understanding the differences between the three manufacturers and their products specific is a bit difficult.
Garmin has two main lines of automotive GPS systems, the nüvi and StreetPilot. The features of each overlap the line just as little, as their prices.
In general, are more elegant nüvi, more compact units. Their interface (how you use the system) is not as simple as the interface of the StreetPilot. Garmin Nuvi come in a wide range of prices, from less than $ 200 for the Nuvi 200 nearly $ 1,000 for the Nuvi 770. price per item, nüvi generally have some characteristics more StreetPilot.
The main difference between nüvi and StreetPilot, however, it is based on Garmin nüvi have a high sensitivity receiver, whereas StreetPilot not. Nüvi weigh StreetPilot about half as much. (None of these units are heavy, just StreetPilot weigh almost 10 ounces, which weigh nüvi slighlty more than 5 ounces.
The biggest difference between the two units is the user interface. The StreetPilot C series was made specifically to be very intuitive and user friendly. This does not mean the nüvi is not, they are just not super simple, like the StreetPilot.
Tom Tom devices that are directly compete with Garmin. The Tom Tom One, for example, is comparable to the Garmin Nuvi 200, Garmin entry level. Both are based Systems GPS that are pre-loaded with maps, have a touch screen and voice instructions. The Tom Tom One has a battery with only two hours average life, which the nüvi will last an average of 5 hours.
In my opinion, the tom-toms are not as elegant looking nüvi, although their quality seems be comparable.
Magellan has not the market share of Garmin or Tom Tom, but they continue to build a good product. The Magellan Maestro 3100 is a big seller on Amazon. In both price and features, it is comparable to the Tom Tom One and the lowest unit price for Garmin, both in size and weight. Magellan said their battery lasts up to three fifty percent better than the Tom Tom.
One of the biggest differences between GPS and cheaper The most expensive is the number of "Points of interest" in the unit database.
Points of Interest Preloaded hotels, restaurants, business centers, hospitals, virtually anywhere you want to go, which are included in your database devices. The Magellan Maestro, for example has 750,000 points of interest. The Garmin Nuvi 200 comes with approximately 6 million!
If you use your GPS travel, have more points of interest available could be a key element, and considering the distances, 750,000 items is simply not that much.
Another feature I think is important is the Bluetooth technology. Your superior units price may function as a mobile phone (both giving and receiving of calls). It is hard enough (and even illegal in some areas) driving and talking on your cell phone. Add to your GPS looking for this mix, and … well, you may want to pull the side of the road. In my opinion, the equipment unless you follow the best.
About the Author
To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.
Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!
3D Model of a Garmin Nuvi 3790T GPS