Sometimes we buy a GPS system or device and the next day something newer comes out and we could hit ourselves for the lack of research we did which resulted in us purchasing yesterday’s gadget. However, its 2009 and there are some features that your GPS should have, features that make them worth your money.
Feature 1: Your GPS Should Talk Back and Listen.
Yesterday’s GPS systems talked to you by saying “Hello”, “Turn Left”, and “Destination is to the right”. However, if you GPS system does not ask you where you want to go and then wait for your answer, then it’s not the best of the best. Speech-recognition is an important factor to hands free driving and it has to be good. Some GPS devices do incorporate speech recognition, but it can be a frustrating experience. However, today’s speech-recognition has evolved and there are some good options out there.
Feature 2: Your GPS Device Should Stop You From Getting A Ticket
I’ve gotten one recently, and I’m sure you know someone else that has too…the dreaded in the mail ticket because of a red light camera. Sometimes, you forget to yield before turning right on red, however the camera seems to never forget to take your picture. Today, some GPS devices will give you a warning if you are near a red light camera and that will give you plenty of time to slow down and avoid a ticket.
Feature 3: Your GPS Should Help You Avoid Traffic In Real Time
This is an important feature and an expensive one if you don’t do your homework. Some GPS devices have real time traffic features already incorporated into the device, however, with some it’s not workable until you buy a receiver which could cost over $200. Also, most real time traffic features require a subscription fee which can be more affordable, typically $60 to $70 per year. Also, another word of caution, if you don’t want to pay the annual fee you could get real time traffic reporting with advertising flashing across the screen. That’s a turn off for me; I mean, who would want to be stuck in traffic and forced to watch advertising?
By now you’ve probably heard the television and radio ads urging you to “Get a Garmin” this holiday season. But what are the real benefits of owning a consumer GPS device? Since we know you’re not the kind of person to simply buy what the TV tells you, we’ve provided the following objective list of reasons to own a GPS from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom or any number of consumer electronics companies.