What is a GPS?

A GPS is a smart little device which virtually shows you where to goand how to get there. Which will save you from having to thumb through your road directory, finding which page joins onto the next area, especially if you have the map upside down and lose your bearings.

With so many varieties of these on the market, it is so confusing trying to find the right one to suit you. These little beauties can save you hours of frustration, and at the same time cause more frustration if not used or updated correctly.

How it works

The magical little GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) receives signals transmitted from the many satellites around the world, giving you clear concise directions. The US Air force operates these satellites, which also use ground stations to track the satellites orbit.

Why do you need One?

The idea of having a GPS is to get you from one place to another by the shortest possible route. There is nothing worse than sitting in traffice and not being able to find a specicif street or building in an area you havent visited before.

Most GPS's can do this, although why be satisfied with something, when for a little more expense you can purchase the one which does everything and more than you ever expected.

If you decide to invest your money in buying one of these, I suggest that you do a lot of research. Technology is like living in another world if you are a novice.

Sales staff can mislead you into thinking the one they recommend is the best one available. It may not have the features you need to suit your business or holiday adventures.

Do your research. Look at the different brands and make notes on the prices, and what features, each brand has to offer. Ask the salesperson to give you details on the availability, and which company does the servicing when there is a problem, and the amount of warranty each one offers. ( that is, if the salesman knows his product.)

Once you have done this research, you will have the information to make the decision to buy the best GPS to suit your particular requirements. Never rush this decision by going out and buying the first one you see.

You can buy hand held, or have one on your mobile phone. I will deal with the normal hand held models.

There are many different brands of GPS, all proclaim to lead you correctly to your destination. You can purchase them for as little as $200 to $1000 Australian dollars. Different brands offer a variety of features. Before outlaying any of your hard-earned money, make sure you understand which brand offers what. Do your research, this will save you headaches later.

Most will have voice instruction, which will explain where, and when to turn. If you do make a mistake, it will say recalculating and it will give you clear precise directions on how to turn back and correct your mistake. It will also warn you before you have to turn right after a certain amount of meters. While others, may not offer this feature.

Some models have touch screens, where others operate from a button. Most have the ability to keep you up to date with new roads, by downloading the updated maps.

Tom Toms

Some of these models offer features like, traffic jam notification, which allows you to avoid the area. Download your choice of fun voices. It notifies you of your speed, saving you from fines. It also offers you these: Points of interest, audio books, friends, weather, and scenic routes.

Navman

Like others, these have several models. The S50 offers its customers a 4.3 touch screen, red light camera and speed alerts, and Bluetooth hands free calling.

Garmin

The nuvi 780 has preloaded maps, and tells you the points of interest, ATM's restaurants, and hotels. It has two and three D maps. The voice directing you tells you the names of the streets you are entering and exiting. It comes with a touch screen, simply enter your required destination and it takes you there by the shortest route. Tap the screen to see where you are at any time.

Use your common sense

A word of caution: Make sure you have some idea in which direction you are going, most people can relate stories of asking directions to the beach and it leads them to the local sewerage farm. Not my choice of place to bathe. Others say it did not know of that particular address.

Personally, we have had trouble with ours. It has led us in the complete opposite direction. The memory would not delete, and sometimes did not know the address. They sent off to another country for service. We hope to go away in a couple of weeks and we do not have our GPS. That is why everyone needs to ask those very important questions, before buying.

The ultimate decision is up to you, so do your research and spend wisely.