Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Portable GPS Systems: Buying Guide for First-Time Buyers



Do you always find yourself getting lost or asking for directions when travelling to places? If you do, then you might want to invest in a portable GPS device. This electronic device sends and receives signal from satellites circling the Earth to help you determine your current location as well as those of the places you want to visit. Today, navigation systems are widely used not just by ordinary people, but also those in the military and the government.

Meanwhile, if you're buying a GPS navigation system for your car, here are the qualities and specifications you should consider.

No 1. Screen size and the look of the display screen.
The screens of GPS devices are measured diagonally. Currently, they are available in different sizes. There are units with screens measuring five inches and those with screen that is as wide as seven inches. Generally, bigger is better. However, if you have limited dashboard space, or if you don't want to carry around a bulky piece of electronic equipment, you should consider a GPS with a smaller screen. But no matter what size you choose, you should consider opting for one with a glare-free display so it will be much easier for you to view the screen in daylight.

No 2. Maps
A portable GPS navigation system usually comes with an updated map when you purchase it from your favourite electronic store. However, roads and transport infrastructure change over time so the map that originally came with the device will become outdated. It is advisable that you purchase an update to ensure accuracy. Also, make sure the maps are displayed two or three-dimensionally and are easy to follow with information such as the current street name, points of interest (POI), and distance to next turn.

No 3. GPS processor speed
Like computers, GPS devices have processors that enable them to process and deliver data to the user. If you want lightning-quick directions and results, you should go for a navigation device with processing speed of 600Mhz or higher. This will ensure that you won't experience any lag time when using the GPS to find specific locations or points of interest.

No 4. Extra features to consider
If you're driving in states like Victoria, having a GPS device with red light and speed camera alerts can be quite helpful since fixed cameras in the state are not usually signposted. It is also a great idea to invest in a navigation system with warnings for school zones and areas with high pedestrian traffic. Spoken street name is a good feature, too, as it makes for safer and more convenient navigation.

At Elinz Electronics, you can find a wide range of quality portable GPS navigation devices at very affordable prices. Visit us today.