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Many of us who have thus far avoided using
a GPS receiver may be wondering what a GPS receiver
does, what benefits the technology offers, and which
models to look into.
Let's start with a description of the technology.
Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) are a series of
satellites that work in combination to provide latitude,
longitude, and altitude information to GPS receivers
around the globe. There are many types of GPS receivers.
Some of the most popular units are used for overland
travel (hiking, golf, etc.), water-based travel, and
road travel to name a few. This article focuses on road-based
GPS navigation systems.
Most road-based GPS systems on the market
today combine a number of technologies to create a highly
effective navigational system. In general, road based
GPS navigation systems help direct you to your destination.
Listed below are the key features that a GPS navigation
system should have:
- Turn-by-turn navigation to your destination
- Pre-loaded maps with a means to update maps over
time
- When turns are missed, the system should have the
ability to
reroute dynamically to get you back on course
- Ability to save destinations for use later. For
example, the system should be able to save your hotel
address so you can explore big cities without fear
of getting lost on the way back to the hotel.
- Ability to integrate real-time FM radio traffic
advisories into the route information. The ability
to receive specially formatted FM radio or Satellite
service traffic information is one of the most exciting
new features available. Certain GPS receiver units
are able to integrate information about traffic congestion
or accidents. Systems capable of accepting this information
can then suggest an alternate route around the problem.
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From
top to bottom: Garmin StreetPilot c340,
Magellan RoadMate 2200T-North America, TomTom
ONE |
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Based on the five essential features listed
above, check out the Garmin StreetPilot c340, Magellan
RoadMate 2200T - North America, or the TomTom ONE (with
Plus service). All three of these models are traffic
service upgradeable and each offers some interesting
features.
If you are looking for the easiest GPS
receiver to use, I recommend the Magellan RoadMate 2200T.
As the creators of Hertz Neverlost, Magellan knows how
to make systems that are easy to use. The 2200T balances
ease of use with some very interesting features and
upgrade options. One feature, SmartDetour, isn't immediately
noticeable. The 2200T senses when you have slowed below
10 miles per hour for a few minutes and automatically
offers a detour. You can also add Magellan's TrafficKit
traffic advisory subscription to the 2200T. Additionally,
the unit is able to accept topographic maps and run
eight hours on battery. The topo map upgrade will allow
you to also use the 2200T as an overland GPS unit for
hiking etc.
Finally, consider renting
a GPS navigation system for your next road trip.
Renting offers a great opportunity to try out a particular
set of features and get a better understanding of how
easy the systems are to use.
John Booth
11/5/06
 John
Booth is the owner of TripGadgets.com
which rents travel related electronics. John is
techie who loves to travel. Before starting TripGadgets,
John worked as Operations Manager for a consumer
electronics wholesaler. Currently John and his family
live in Indiana. They travel as much as possible
testing the products they rent. |
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