Stand-alone GPS units, electronic devices that provide constantly updating directions to drivers, have made getting lost a thing of the past. But shopping for these units can be a challenge.
GPS units today come with a host of features, both standard and optional. Wading through all these extras can be a time consuming process. Not all features are necessary, after all, for all drivers.
Here, though, are the most important features that you should look for when shopping for your own GPS unit.
While shopping for GPS, make sure that any unit you consider comes with certain standard features. For instance, all GPS units should come with databases showing the location of a destination’s major airports, hospitals, hotels, shopping options, restaurants and gas stations. This can save time when traveling.
GPS units should also be able to calculate routes based on such factors as shortest distance and fastest time. They should also be able to provide routes if requested that avoid tollways, highways or any other type of road you’d rather not travel.
Any GPS unit you buy should also come with voice guided driving instructions, where the unit actually speaks out loud when it’s time to turn. Newer models eschew generic instructions, such as “turn left in 1 mile,” for voiced directions that actually include the names of streets.
If you happen to miss your turn, there’s no reason to panic. These GPS units will instantly recalculate your route, and will tell you exactly what street to turn on next to get back on track.
Many GPS units today also come with single-touch “Where Am I?” and “Help Me” buttons. These can be extremely useful features to have. The “Help Me” button, for instance, will tell drivers the location of the nearest police station or gas station. The “Where Am I?” button provides the street on which drivers are traveling and the nearest cross streets.
International travelers will be thrilled to know that many GPS units today come with currency and measurement converters. These will convert any type of currency or measurement into the standards used by the country in which owners are currently driving.
Finally, today’s GPS units often come with language translators. This allows drivers to translate entire words and phrases into the language of their choice. Again, this is a good option for international travelers.
GPS units are more useful than ever. It’s hard to even imagine traveling through an unfamiliar city without using one. Just be sure that when you’re shopping for a GPS unit you know exactly what features you want.
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