| For those who drive significant distances or who | | | | provides? |
| frequently find themselves searching for things in | | | | There are a number of features to consider |
| unfamiliar surroundings, a GPS satellite receiver | | | | when trying to assure the accuracy of |
| can certainly simplify life. Like most electronics | | | | information. A device with WAAS (Wide Area |
| devices however, the number of choices, brands, | | | | Augmentation System) is able to pinpoint locations |
| and features can make the selection of a device | | | | accurately to within a few feet; this may or may |
| difficult and somewhat time consuming. Shoppers | | | | not be critical for a given user. Some devices will |
| however can take some time to identify the | | | | merely instruct drivers to "turn left" while others |
| features that would be most valuable for them, | | | | are capable of providing more detail by stating the |
| determine how much they are willing to spend, | | | | name of the street when providing instructions. |
| and then relax as the selection will be greatly | | | | Some devices also provide real-time traffic |
| simplified once these decisions are made. | | | | information by using an FM frequency within the |
| In a world of innumerable options, here are a few | | | | vehicle. The accuracy and detail of the maps |
| of the more critical characteristics to consider: | | | | included with the GPS device can vary as well so |
| Will the device be used outside of the vehicle? | | | | comparison shopping can be useful. The more |
| There are some ultra portable GPS devices | | | | "points of interest" on a map the more likely it will |
| designed for use in cars, vans, and trucks that | | | | pinpoint the location a user is seeking. Keeping |
| offer the flexibility of use outside of the vehicle | | | | maps updated after purchase is usually up to the |
| as well. To be useful, the device would need not | | | | consumer. Some devices require the purchase of |
| only roadmaps but terrain information loaded. | | | | a CD to update the device while others |
| Certainly size and weight need to be considered if | | | | accomplish this across the internet. |
| the device is to be carried; Bluetooth helps to | | | | Is the device easy to use? |
| make this option more feasible. Rechargeable | | | | Again for many users, voice commands and a |
| batteries would also be important in these | | | | touch screen make a GPS device easier to use. |
| instances so that the GPS device could operate | | | | Examining the menus to determine if they are |
| without being plugged in for several hours. | | | | user friendly is important. Many current models |
| Is the screen sufficient? | | | | don't require any complex installation and are |
| Obviously the screen needs to be large enough to | | | | ready to go out of the box but some offer |
| easily view, but small enough to not block the | | | | preloaded maps while others require buyers to |
| view of the driver. It is also wise to be sure that | | | | install the maps themselves. |
| the screen is easy to view in any type of lighting | | | | As with any purchase, consumers should identify |
| condition; not only at night time but in bright | | | | their needs and their budget to determine which |
| sunlight as well. Most people also prefer a touch | | | | device would be the best choice. If pin point |
| screen to navigate rather than one requiring the | | | | accuracy is needed a GPS device with WAAS |
| use of a stylus or some other type of access. | | | | might be crucial but if budget considerations rule, a |
| For those who want to be sure they take their | | | | device that allows the user to transfer maps |
| eyes off of the road as little as possible, a GPS | | | | from a PC to the device would be a more cost |
| device with voice commands is also critical. | | | | conscious choice than one with maps on the hard |
| How accurate is the information the GPS device | | | | drive. |