Going Somewhere? Take a Look at the 5 Best GPS Units to Get You There

When you are traveling, you want to know where you are, even if you are not so great at remembering names of places or the much-needed directions that will get you there safely. That is why more people every day are relying on GPS devices. The latest GPS gadgets use some of the most advanced navigational technology available. But what, exactly, determines what makes for a good unit? That is a matter of personal preference, for the most part. However, the base features for the purpose of this article should consider display size, spoken direction capability and usability, among various other features. So, that said, take a look at these, as they are some of the best GPS units available at the moment for traveling-no matter where you are going.

Pioneer Avic-N3 ($1000 to $2000)

This GPS unit is not just a unit, it is a complete in-dash system guaranteed to get you where you want to go and back again. It also has other features for those who need a little distraction-or need to distract others. This system has a 6.5 inch display perfect for playing displaying video with it's DVD player, voice navigation, phone number search capability, and more. The display allows for the choice of map and view options, including a split screen view. This unit is a full-feature GPS, period. Its only downfalls are a display problem when using the "points-of-Interest" feature and the cost to own and install the unit. Overall, this is for serious travelers, or should I say, "seriously able to afford it travelers." Being as it is THE best system available (period) this is the most expensive of the bunch. Its price range is high but apparently worth the price. I did find an online dealer who is selling it for just under the price I just quoted and if you want to take a look, visit DealerCostAudio.com and of course at the Pioneer website.

Magellan Road Mate 1700 ($225 to $300)

This unit is an overall feature intensive GPS. It starts with a huge 7 inch LCD color display, complete voice navigation that is easy to listen to and understand, as well as three built in maps, their famous OneTouch favorite's menu, and everything AAA related. However, it is not an in-dash but it is equipped for a windshield mounting. The battery provides a three-hour continuous charge. However, it does have a major downfall. In Urban areas it takes a while to find a signal, so if you plan on using it in those areas, don't plan ton making any directional decisions quickly. You can pick one of these up at their website, Magellan.com or anywhere GPS units are sold for about

TomTom ($150 to $220)

Yes, this is the fabled TomTom. At 4.3 inches, this unit's display (and overall size) is not as large as the others, but it is still a nicely featured GPS. It includes one of the best voice navigations around, easy to listen to and understand, included a three-hour battery, 2D and 3D perspective with its two built in maps, and mounts on the windshield. If you don't want to mount it, however, it is easily in the hand. It includes its own software, the TomTom Home as well as TomTom Map Share and is Traffic Message Center ready. Buyer beware, however... Other users gave it failing marks because it gave them wrong directions on a number of occasions (only two users said this). However, overall, it is a great GPS unit for most people's needs. The cost of ownership is from and can be purchased at their website, TomTom.com, or anywhere GPS units are sold.

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion ($475 to $525)

This is more like a Pocket PC than anything else, but the GPS is decent enough to be included on this list. It is not a PDA either and it is not a dedicated GPS unit per se, which has its pros and cons. With only a 3.5-inch display, it makes viewing the directions even from the driver seat a bit difficult. However, it wasn't actually built to use solely as a GPS unit, but a PDA with extra features (hence all the MS apps) This is one of the units that have been around for a while, so it is well-known and respected. It has many features that other do not, such as Windows Media player, Windows Mobile for the Pocket PC, Microsoft Office software suite, an MP3 player, and Bluetooth, among many others. The voice navigation is clear and very loud (makes up for the small screen) and it is obviously not to difficult to carry around with you. It uses a basic PDA battery, but when using it as a GPS it drains very quickly, within a couple of hours.

Mio Digiwalker C220 ($45 to $115)

This is a fairly new player in an old game. Made in Australia, this is the most inexpensive of the bunch and is oftentimes overlooked. This unit uses a 3.5-inch color display, with real-time text to speech capabilities, uses Sensis R14 2007 mapping capabilities, 1200 mAh Li-ion battery which lasts up to five hours, voice navigation in 16 languages (others did not specify) and the capability to add speed camera checkpoint locations(!?!?!). That could come in useful for those who need it (you know who you are). That said, I think that for the price, it doesn't mater what it doesn't have. It does almost the same job as the others-so what if you don't have the bells and whistles to play with? It I'll help stop you from getting a speeding ticket, which the others don't do. Pick up one of these units on their official website, Mio.com.au, or check out Google Products for some competitive prices on it.

Wow, a $40 GPS unit, go figure. So, now you have a GPS unit for every price range, keep in mind that you can always find the same ones a little cheaper if you look. And while they are not all full featured, they all at least give decent directions, which to most people is all that really matters.

References & Resources:
DarkVisionHardware: Top Five GPS navigation Systems
DealerCostCarAudio Car Audio/Video
CNet Reviews: Magellan Roadmate 1700
CNet Reviews: TomTom
Pioneer: Pioneer AVIC N3
Crutchfield: Pioneer AVIC N3