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GPS satellite navigation devices - what to ask before you buy

If you travel a lot, or you have a poor sense of direction, or you just like techno gadgets, you may be thinking of getting a Global Positioning System (GPS) device for your car. Here are some ideas about what to ask before you buy a GPS unit.

Click on a question below for more information.

1. Need: Do I need a GPS unit?
2. Function: Will the GPS unit work in my area?
3. Installation: How easy is it to install the GPS unit?
4. Battery: What is the battery life of the unplugged GPS unit?
5. Ease of use: How easy is it to use the GPS unit?
6. Text to speech: Does the GPS unit have 'text to speech'?
7. Clarity: How clear is the visual display on the GPS unit?
8. Maps: Can I add maps to the GPS unit?
9. Walking/cycling: Can the GPS unit be used for walking or cycling
10. Points of interest: Does the GPS unit provide information about points of interest?
11. Features: What other features are available for a GPS unit?
12. Warranty: What kind of after sales service/warranty is available for the GPS unit?

1. Do I need a GPS unit?

A Global Positioning System (GPS) unit identifies your position and from that uses satellite navigation to help you get from one place to another. The in-car versions are larger than the hand-held equivalent, and they include extra information (e.g. information about highway routes). There are also special 'marine' versions with information about water depth etc. which you are (hopefully) unlikely to need in a car.

GPS units are useful if you frequently drive in unfamiliar territory, as they can not only provide directions but other information too, such as location of petrol stations, police stations, points of interest etc.

If you're not sure if you need an in-car GPS unit, you can hire one. They are also an optional extra with vehicle hire from major car rental companies.

2. Will the GPS unit work in my area?

GPS navigation units may not work properly, or at all, in severely built-up (high-rise) areas, thickly wooded areas and and many won't work at all in tunnels and in some regional areas of Australia. You need to have line of site to the sky for the unit to work. Before you buy, make sure you can use the device where you intend to use it.

3. How easy is it to install the GPS unit?

It may be as easy as a rubber suction cap to the windscreen - and if it tends to fall off, it's possible that just smearing a single drop of water on the suction cap will help it stay in place.

4. What is the battery life of the unplugged GPS unit?

If you plan on using the unit outside your car (for example, walking), see what kind of battery life it has - some have just a couple of hours, others have much more than that.

A car charger can provide continuous power. Check if the device can be charged by car charger, AC-DC adapter, and/or USB to your PC.

Also, check out if the battery will run down when you turn the car off. Some units can only go on 'standby' so they are always using power. If you don't drive the car frequently, the charge is likely to run down over a few days.

5. How easy is it to use the GPS unit?

You should plan your route before you start driving. Remember, you're going to have to stop driving to operate it, so make sure it's easy so you don't spend hours by the side of the road trying to figure it out! It is illegal in many places to adjust the unit while driving, and you could be guilty of negligent driving in the case of an accident.

Can you select screen information with your finger or do you have to use a stylus?

Is the screen display easy to interpret? Varied map 'skins' may make the unit more user friendly.

6. Does the GPS unit have 'text to speech'?

That is, will it 'read out' the street names so you don't have to take your eyes off the road? This is a big advantage when you really need to concentrate on your driving, especially in built up and high traffic areas.

Listen to the voice to see if it's easy to understand. Can you understand it while the car is in motion?

Some models allow you choose a particular 'accent' for the text to speech, or even to record your own voice to be used for directions. Some allow the selection of male or female voice guidance. Some contain a transmitter so the voice instructions are heard over the car audio system.

Some GPS voices can sound downright cranky if you persist in going in the wrong direction!

7. How clear is the visual display on the GPS unit?

Check that the display is in full colour and easy for you to read - this may depend on the size of the screen. Don't get a screen any less than about 90mm (or 3 1/2 in) and get the highest quality display you can afford.

Check that movement across the maps is smooth. This is in part determined by its response time. Also, you may find that a device that just displays the GPS info is smoother than one which is multi-functional.

Some GPS units have:

• an anti-glare touch screen
• 3D displays
• zoom function.
• customisable colours (to your preference)
• automatic day/night display
• wide screen display

8. Can I add maps to the GPS unit?

Look for one with extendable memory so that you can add new maps. Make sure the software can be upgraded. Make sure the memory card is of a sufficient size to store any additional information you may add. Check there's a USB connection for connecting to your computer.

9. Can the GPS unit be used for walking or cycling?

Some in-car GPS devices are adaptable to suit walkers and cyclists - just select the appropriate mode. The 'walking' mode will allow you to walk the 'wrong' way down one way streets. Remember, though that some in-car models tend to be heavier than the hand-held ones.

10. Does the GPS unit provide information about points of interest?

Check if your GPS unit can download points of interest information. Some of this is free, while other more specific information can be purchased. if you have to buy the data, find out how much it costs. On some GPS units you can enter your own informaiton.

Note: Not all GPS units are compatible with Apple Mac computers.

11. What other features are available for a GPS unit?

Determine if you need any of these extra features:

• send details of your current location directly via SMS (or a map of your current area via MMS) - useful in an emergency.
• view alternative routes and detours around traffic congestion and avoid toll roads
• view fastest or shortest routes (which may not be the same)
• view the full route from beginning to end
• details about speed limits around schools
• identifying red light and speed camera positions
• speedy recalculation (backtracking) for when you take a wrong turn
• ability to play MP3 music then pause the music to announce traffic directions
• Bluetooth ® for hands free operation
• topographical maps and other specialist maps may be purchased separately
• referring to streets by street name, rather than just 'turn right'
• memory card to store maps, music, pictures.
• easy to remove when you leave the car - otherwise it could be attractive to a thief.
• Bluetooth connections to selected POIs.
• access to live traffic data to avoid accidents and delays
• voice activation, to avoid illegally operating the GPS unit while driving.

12. What kind of after sales service/warranty is available for the GPS unit?

Find out what the warranty is. Most manufacturers will give 1 to 2 years warranty. They may also offer a 'Dead on Arrival' replacement option if the thing breaks down within the first days after sale. Check with the retailer.

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