It definitely pays to do your research before buying a GPS unit. Prices range from about $100 to $1,000 or more. And you'll also find a big difference in the features that are offered.

Many GPS units play MP3s and let you view pictures. I wouldn't pay too much attention to these extras. The primary use is to help you find your way around. So focus on navigation features.

First, be sure you're purchasing a unit for driving. There are models for hiking and boating. You want one that is specifically designed for driving.

Design is important. You want a large, bright color screen. This will be easy to view when you're driving. The controls should be simple and easy to use.

A portable GPS unit should have some sort of mount for the windshield or dashboard. That way, you don't need to divert your eyes from the road to look at the directions.

Of course, these gadgets can still distract drivers. So look for one with text-to-speech capabilities. This will steer you through announcements. But some models make better use of the feature than others. For example, you want one that announces street names in addition to distances.

Lower- end models simply provide driving directions. Others include points of interest and business names. You'll want to be able to locate nearby attractions by both name and category. Try searching for attractions in an area you know well. You'll get a good idea of how complete the unit's information is.

You'll also want to find one

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that provides logical driving directions. Put in a test route to see if the directions make sense to you. And look for one that will provide alternate routes. This is handy if you run into a traffic jam or road closure.

Speaking of traffic, some units provide traffic information. You'll get up-to-the-minute details on traffic situations. You can avoid busy routes altogether. Some even offer gas prices and weather! You'll probably have to pay for a subscription to traffic information.

GPS units also have a downside. They're attractive to thieves. Hiding the GPS unit when you're away won't necessarily protect it. Thieves look for the mount. They even watch for a mark left by a mount that's been hidden. Even if they don't get your GPS unit, you could have a smashed window.

You should also think about the information that a GPS unit can reveal. It will probably have your home address and business address. It will also store the places you've visited. If someone gets it, they would be able to track you.

I recommend a GPS unit that requires a password or PIN. There's probably a way to subvert the PIN. But it offers some protection. Magellan and Garmin make units that require passwords. I'm sure other manufacturers do, too.

GPS units need to be updated from time to time. The updates can be expensive. So, check to see how old the maps are on the unit when you buy it. And find out the cost of upgrades. Expect to pay $100 or more.

Some updates are uploaded via a USB connection to your computer. Others might be uploaded via a memory card.

Copyright 2007 

WestStar TalkRadio Network.
Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. 

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