Choosing a GPS for Car Navigation

Global positioning systems are an essential car accessory. Every driver's had those moments of confusion where stopping for directions is out of the question, and as modern GPS systems can instantly find hundreds of routes along with points of interest (gas stations, hotels, entertainment and the like), they're perfect for road-trippers, commuters and travelers. There are hundreds of GPS devices on the market, but they fall into three main categories.

Built-in GPS systems may seem like a very convenient choice. They're installed directly into a car, so they're impossible to lose, and they draw power directly from a car's battery, leaving the car's cigarette lighter free for powering other electronics. They often have built-in mp3 players and other features that integrate easily with the audio system of a vehicle. However, there are a few major drawbacks to built-in systems. They can't be moved from car to car. Installation or repair can be difficult and expensive. Built-in GPS systems also need to be updated regularly with memory cards to accurately find routes and points of interest, so they're probably not the best choice for a non-computer-savvy buyer.

The easiest and less expensive GPS option is usually a standalone unit. A standalone GPS plugs into a car's cigarette lighter and mounts on the dashboard to the inside of the windshield. Most standalone GPS systems cost around $100-200, and receivers from Garmin, Magellan, Tomtom and other major manufacturers work exceptionally well. They can be plugged into a computer to download upgraded maps and often have Bluetooth integration. GPS systems like the Magellan RoadMate 5045 and the Garmin Nuvi 1300 cost less than $100 and have a surprisingly full set of features.

The final category of GPS devices is the smartphone. Phones like the iPhone and the HTC Evo 3D can be paired with a GPS driving app, as they have built-in GPS receivers that allow them to function reasonably well. Drivers who don't really need a dedicated GPS should consider this option, as a smartphone app like MotionX or Magellan is far less expensive than a dedicated receiver.

The problem with a smartphone GPS app is that smartphones aren't specifically designed for navigation. A phone's GPS will drop out more frequently than the GPS of a dedicated unit, which can quickly get annoying on long trips. Constantly using a phone's GPS receiver will also drain the battery very quickly, so smartphones with GPS are probably the worst choice from a technical standpoint. Still, they're more than adequate for drivers who don't need a constant GPS and who aren't willing to shell out the money for an built-in or standalone unit.