The Top Ten GPS Features To Consider Before You Buy

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The Top Ten GPS Features To Consider Before You Buy

Posted On : Mar-28-2010 | seen (714) times | Article Word Count : 673 |

All GPS models come with basic features, such as preloaded maps, automatic rerouting for when you miss a turn, and spoken directions. The top ten GPS features are extras that you'll want to consider before you make your final choice. This article breaks down the top ten GPS features available in a GPS unit today!

1. Spoken Street Names. Of the top ten GPS features, this one is absolutely necessary! With this feature you never have to take your eyes off of the road to look at your GPS. It tells you when to turn and the name of the street you'll be turning onto. Nothing could make traveling by car simpler. Or Safer. The last thing you need while driving is another distraction to take your eyes off the road.

2. Real Time Traffic Reports. This can be a useful feature to help you avoid traffic accidents and construction, but you need to be aware of the downsides before you buy based on this option. First, this feature may only work in certain major cities. Check the manufacturers web site to see if your area is covered. Second, you may be required to buy an additional receiver for this feature to work. Read the packaging carefully. And third, you may have to pay a subscription for this service. Some units are now offering this feature for free with purchase.

3. Routing Option. Some GPS units allow you to set up for multiple points on one trip before you even start driving. Some units will let you know when there is a toll road on your route and give you an alternative route to avoid it if you want.

4. Detour Feature. When you have a GPS unit with real time traffic reports, it can warn you of traffic backups and provide alternative routes. If that feature is not available to you, some units have a manual detour button you can use when you notice traffic starting to slow down. At this point it would provide you with an alternative route.

5. Bluetooth Compatibility. This is a cool top ten GPS feature. If you have a Bluetooth enabled cell phone you can sync it with your GPS unit to make and receive hands free phone calls through the internal speaker in the GPS. It can also display the caller ID on the GPS's screen.

6. Screen Size. As of right now GPS units come with screen sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 7 inches. The smallest units allow for ultra portability but can be difficult to see and type addresses on. The largest units are really easy to see and type on but can take up more room than necessary and are bulky to carry around. You can definitely get by with a 3.5 inch screen, but a 4.3 inch is optimal.

7. MP3 Player. If you already have an mp3 player or a cell phone with music capabilities this feature may be overkill. If not, you could turn your GPS into a multitasking device. Some units have an expansion slot for an SD card for extra memory. You can then use your GPS as a portable music player.

8. Video Player. In order to use this feature you would need to download videos to your GPS from a computer or from an SD card. Obviously this has nothing to do with navigation, but it could be a nice feature to preview your family videos while on a trip.

9. Photo Viewer. This top ten GPS feature basically turns your GPS unit into a digital picture frame. As with video, you would have to download pics from your computer or an SD card.

10. Predictive Data Entry. This top ten GPS feature is common on most models, but is still worth mentioning here. When you start typing in a destination, the unit will predict and list destinations similar to what you're typing. This just helps to find and input your destinations faster.

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<h1>The Top Ten GPS Features To Consider Before You Buy</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_K.M. Aguglia.aspx'>K.M. Aguglia</a> All GPS models come with basic features, such as preloaded maps, automatic rerouting for when you miss a turn, and spoken directions. The top ten GPS features are extras that you'll want to consider before you make your final choice. This article breaks down the top ten GPS features available in a GPS unit today!

1. Spoken Street Names. Of the top ten GPS features, this one is absolutely necessary! With this feature you never have to take your eyes off of the road to look at your GPS. It tells you when to turn and the name of the street you'll be turning onto. Nothing could make traveling by car simpler. Or Safer. The last thing you need while driving is another distraction to take your eyes off the road.

2. Real Time Traffic Reports. This can be a useful feature to help you avoid traffic accidents and construction, but you need to be aware of the downsides before you buy based on this option. First, this feature may only work in certain major cities. Check the manufacturers web site to see if your area is covered. Second, you may be required to buy an additional receiver for this feature to work. Read the packaging carefully. And third, you may have to pay a subscription for this service. Some units are now offering this feature for free with purchase.

3. Routing Option. Some GPS units allow you to set up for multiple points on one trip before you even start driving. Some units will let you know when there is a toll road on your route and give you an alternative route to avoid it if you want.

4. Detour Feature. When you have a GPS unit with real time traffic reports, it can warn you of traffic backups and provide alternative routes. If that feature is not available to you, some units have a manual detour button you can use when you notice traffic starting to slow down. At this point it would provide you with an alternative route.

5. Bluetooth Compatibility. This is a cool top ten GPS feature. If you have a Bluetooth enabled cell phone you can sync it with your GPS unit to make and receive hands free phone calls through the internal speaker in the GPS. It can also display the caller ID on the GPS's screen.

6. Screen Size. As of right now GPS units come with screen sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 7 inches. The smallest units allow for ultra portability but can be difficult to see and type addresses on. The largest units are really easy to see and type on but can take up more room than necessary and are bulky to carry around. You can definitely get by with a 3.5 inch screen, but a 4.3 inch is optimal.

7. MP3 Player. If you already have an mp3 player or a cell phone with music capabilities this feature may be overkill. If not, you could turn your GPS into a multitasking device. Some units have an expansion slot for an SD card for extra memory. You can then use your GPS as a portable music player.

8. Video Player. In order to use this feature you would need to download videos to your GPS from a computer or from an SD card. Obviously this has nothing to do with navigation, but it could be a nice feature to preview your family videos while on a trip.

9. Photo Viewer. This top ten GPS feature basically turns your GPS unit into a digital picture frame. As with video, you would have to download pics from your computer or an SD card.

10. Predictive Data Entry. This top ten GPS feature is common on most models, but is still worth mentioning here. When you start typing in a destination, the unit will predict and list destinations similar to what you're typing. This just helps to find and input your destinations faster.
About the Author: The <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.squidoo.com/top-ten-gps">Top Ten GPS</a> features listed here are all options you'll want to consider before you go out and buy a GPS unit. If you're looking for a great deal on a reliable gps with all the features you need, check out <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.squidoo.com/top-ten-gps">http://www.squidoo.com/top-ten-gps</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The-Top-Ten-GPS-Features-To-Consider-Before-You-Buy_14857.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The Top Ten GPS Features To Consider Before You Buy_14857.aspx</a>

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The Top Ten GPS features listed here are all options you'll want to consider before you go out and buy a GPS unit. If you're looking for a great deal on a reliable gps with all the features you need, check out http://www.squidoo.com/top-ten-gps.

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Category : Communications : GPS

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