GPS Bluetooth Portable Navigational Devices: Reviews

Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational devices are quickly replacing maps for many drivers. The devices find your position anywhere in the United States and route your trip via satellite. Often offering both visual maps and audio directions, GPS navigational are a boon to business travelers, vacationers, and the elderly.

GPS navigational devices are available in smaller hand-held models which fit into a pocket or purse when not in use, or larger units which mount to the dashboard or windshield. Many GPS navigational devices now offer MP3 players and Bluetooth features, allowing users to have the convenience of three devices, navigational, music player, and hands-free phone, in one small unit which easily fits into a pocket or purse.

When shopping for a GPS Bluetooth pocket navigational device, it is crucial to research various models to make sure you buy the one that suits your needs. The following are reviews of some of the popular brands of GPS Bluetooth pocket navigational devices.

Name and Model Number: TomTom GO 700, 1D00780
Screen Size: 3.5"
Features: Bluetooth enabled, rechargeable lithium batteries with 4-5 hours life, audible directions with 50 languages available, and AC chargeable
Pros: clear phone connectivity and allows you to use the web if you have that feature on your phone, compatible with most cell phones
Cons: maps outdated, screen hard to view in sunlight, no MP3 player
Price Range: $399 - $599

Name and Model Number: Sony Nav-U, NV-U83T
Screen Size: 4.8"
Features: Bluetooth enabled, built-in antenna, traffic info receiver, rechargeable lithium batteries with 4-5 hours life, and audible directions
Pros: dashboard mount
Cons: traffic info is a subscription service, audio is not clear, routing isn't that good (downloadable Sony patch should fix this problem), processes requests slowly
Price Range: $347 - $368

Name and Model Number: Garmin nuvi, 880
Screen Size: 4.3"
Features: Bluetooth enabled, speech recognition, MP3 player, rechargeable lithium batteries with 4-5 hours life, web enabled (comes with MSN trial subscription), picture viewer, audible directions, and AC chargeable
Pros: unit features all the latest bells and whistles, comes with a remote button which allows you to control the device from the steering wheel
Cons: price
Price Range: $900 - $1000

Name and Model Number: Panasonic Strada, CN-GP50U
Screen Size: 5"
Features: Bluetooth enabled, rechargeable lithium batteries with 4-5 hours life, audible directions, voice recognition, picture viewer and AC chargeable
Pros: screen size
Cons: no MP3 player
Price Range: $440 - $550

Name and Model Number: Magellan Maestro, 4250
Screen Size: 4.3"
Features: Bluetooth enabled, rechargeable lithium batteries with 4-5 hours life, audible directions, voice recognition, dashboard or windshield mount and AC chargeable
Pros: comes with AAA guidebook and has a spell checker
Cons: voice recognition spotty
Price Range: $329 - $499

When shopping for a GPS Bluetooth portable navigational device, keep in mind that not all Bluetooth devices and phones are compatible. If in doubt, contact your cell phone company's customer service department before purchasing a GPS Bluetooth pocket navigational device.