When it comes to modern car accessories and gadgets, you will have an endless list of choices, each with the promise of making your life better. While many of them can indeed be useful in many ways, one of the best to have is a navigation tool or a GPS.
Many modern cars are already integrated with a navigation system, while for others, you will need to buy a standalone GPS device. With the abundance of the options, however, which one should you choose? If you need help in making a decision, keep on reading and we’ll let you know some of the most important factors to consider.
Take a Look at the Features
One of the first things that you need to do is to consider the features of the GPS. Some people would prefer a basic one with a few features, which are also often budget-friendly. The higher-end models have more features, but you might really not find all of them useful.
In most cases, the GPS will provide you with the common features, such as assistance when changing lanes and alert when you are going above the specified limit. For your entertainment, some also have a feature that will allow you to plug your phone to play music. Having an upgradable map is also a plus and it must be free to do so.
Consider the Size and Resolution of the Screen
This is one thing that will be a matter of personal preference. If you have a small car, you need a smaller GPS to suit the space that is available on your dashboard. However, take note that a smaller screen would mean that the display can also be quite hard to see. In most cars, the standard is a 5-inch screen. For trucks and camper vans, 6 to 7-inch screens will be a great choice.
More than the size, the screen’s resolution is another thing that you have to consider. With the right resolution, you will be able to easily see the display, whether it is day or night. Higher resolutions will make the display crisp and vivid, although they can also make the product more expensive. Resolution is expressed in pixels. The higher the pixels are, the better is the display.
Find One that is User-Friendly
We all hate complications, even when it comes to a car GPS. With this, your goal is to find one that can offer simplicity. Take the time to read online reviews and learn from the experiences of other people. Inputting the destination should be easy. It should also be equipped with high-sensitivity receivers so that it can pick up signal regardless of wherever you are.
Aside from having a user-friendly interface, another good thing is to consider the audible directions that are provided by the unit. It should be as clear as possible, making sure that you will be able to hear it properly and not miss any command.
Long-Term Costs and Updates
It is also important to note that in the case of some devices, you will have to incur long-term costs, such as when making updates. With this, I suggest that you look for models wherein the manufacturer is offering a free lifetime upgrade of the maps, making sure that the directions will remain accurate. The device should be updated frequently for the accuracy of navigation.
Final Note
When choosing a car GPS, be sure to go beyond price. It is not enough that you choose one product also because it suits your budget. Take the time to read reviews and evaluate the features that are present to narrow down the possibilities. At the end of the day, quality and performance should be more important considerations than price!
