Garmin - Nuvi 200 - GPS Navigation With 3.5-Inch LCD...
205 Stores $120 - $420
Auto GPS Buying Guide
Dorothy Gale had it easy—she needed only to follow the yellow
brick road to find her way to the Emerald City. Now, thanks to the increasing affordability
of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, we have it just as easy if not easier. With features
like turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts, finding your way to and from your destination is
akin to clicking your heels three times. Developed by the US Department of Defense for military
tactics, GPS technology is a 24/7 radio navigation system that identifies and tracks the location
of the GPS device virtually anytime, anywhere.
GPS devices get their data from 24 satellites orbiting Earth. Locking into a minimum
of three satellites determines your location in longitude and latitude. Some devices routinely lock
into four satellites to provide altitude. Use of the satellite network is free—all you need
is an unobstructed view of the sky, but while GPS devices will work under cloud cover and inside cars,
they may falter under heavy tree canopies, inside tall buildings or tunnels, or dense urban areas with
lots of skyscrapers.
Pronto’s Auto GPS Buying Guide will help you select the GPS device that
meets your needs (see also Handheld GPS Buying Guide).
More »
the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
In-dash or portable
Will you need it only for your primary vehicle or do you want the flexibility
to bring it with you? How often and for what purpose(s) you’ll use your GPS device
will determine which option is best for you.
Interface
Look for easy-to-read displays with easy-to-navigate menus. If your device is
hard to read or awkward to use, chances are you might not use it at all.
Maps and data storage
Determining how much you need your GPS to do will help narrow down which model is
best for you. Do you want your device to be able to store and run other media applications?
Traffic receivers
If alternate routes around traffic or construction is a must, consider a device with
a traffic receiver or purchase a separate traffic receiver (traffic data is available by paid subscription).
Options
Nice to have if you’re willing to pay for them: voice-to-text which includes
street names in the audio transmission or Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to call a hotel, restaurant
or other destination and keep your hands on the wheel.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Garmin Nuvi 680
Sometimes you just need to go for it! The Nuvi 680 is the latest edition from GPS expert Garmin. Replacing the much acclaimed Nuvi 660, the 680 is the latest edition to the 600 series of auto GPS devices that have scored consistently high for their easy of use, crystal clear display, and portability (which will ensure you won’t get lost after you’ve found a parking space). The good news, you can probably get a great deal on a 660, if you don’t want to spring for the 680 which can be had from $750-$1000 depending on warranty and accessories.
experts say
CBS New Early Show - “The TomTom ONE XL Automotive GPS is an easy to use, lightweight and portable
personal navigation device with a 4.3-inch touch-screen. The extra large screen allows for an expanded view of
the driving area, showing even more street names and side roads.”
Source: CBSnew.com
PC Magazine - “LG LN740 Auto GPS. Large 4-inch screen. Supports text-to-speech conversion
in three languages. Built-in traffic receiver. Able to do multisegment routing. Estimated 6-hour battery life.”
Source: PC Magazine
ZDNet - “The Nokia 330 Auto Navigation GPS features a compact design and bright touch screen.
The system offers text- and voice-guided directions and some multimedia extras.”
Source: ZDNet
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of GPS?
According to 12 Volt News, the Wall Street Journal predicts that sales
for in-vehicle navigation systems will exceed 3.3 million units this year with the CEA
says that sales of aftermarket devices leaped to triple digit numbers in 2006 with more
than 2.2 million new units sold. Moreover, an online survey conducted by the
latter organization shows that 24 percent of online consumers intend to purchase a GPS
device within the next year and will spend an average of $410. This could result in sales of $4.1 billion in 2007.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Auto GPS) |
| $ | Bargains can be had for under $200. You’ll get a lightweight model powered by battery with small a 3.5 inch color screen, turn-by-turn voice navigation, built in maps with numerous pre-programmed points-of-interest and multi-destination routing. Good Pick: Lowrance iWay. |
Compare prices at 10 stores $130 - $349 |
| $$ | Mid point pricing is in the $350-$700 range. GPS units in this range have a bigger to read screen, 4+ inch color display, pre-loaded maps for US and Canada, millions of points-of-interest, turn by turn direction, and access to real-time traffic services. Good Pick: Garmin Nuvi 660 | |
| $$$ | Higher price means slimmer design, and bigger screens, plus all of the standard features in the mid point range. These high end units offer cutting edge features such as Bluetooth, MP3 audio, real-time traffic updates with additional access to the internet for various travel needs. These units can cost between $800-$1200. Good Pick: Garmin Street Pilot 7200 |
Compare prices at 95 stores $400 - $1,600 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Basemap
Provide general coverage of cities, towns, highways and bodies of water.
Most units come equipped with built-in basemaps, but units without mapping are also available.
Manufacturers may also offer basemapping software that allow you to upload new or different basemaps to the device.
Points of Interest (POI)
Specific map locations, such as ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, etc.
If having access to these locations is important to you, you’ll want to look
for devices that can connect to your computer for geo-targeted data downloads.
Waypoints
Specific locations delivered in latitude and longitude. The more waypoints your device
can store, the more accurate its navigation output. Standard GPS devices come within 10-15 meters.
If you need more accuracy, look for GPS devices that support Wide Area Augmentation Systems (WAAS)
or Differential GPS, both of which increase accuracy to within 3 meters.
TTFF
Time to First Fix or the time the receiver takes to find its position in a new location.
The SiRF Star III GPS receiver is the de facto standard for GPS devices because of its fast TTFF and its
ability to acquire/maintain a signal in denser and more urban environments.
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