GPS Reviews

GPS Reviews, prices and more advice on buying a portable GPS navigation system

Editor's Picks

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition
List Price: $200

The TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is an affordable, no-hassle solution for those in the market for an entry-level GPS device. While it's not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going.

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion
List Price: $499

Reviewers praise the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion as a successful hybrid of GPS technology and personal digital assistant convenience.

 

Garmin nuvi 880
List Price: $800

According to industry experts, you won't be disappointed with the Garmin nuvi 880 if you can justify the price. Bloated with features but still easy to operate and carry, the nuvi 880 offers accurate directions, local news, movie times, stock information -- and prestige.

Navigon 2000S
List Price: $200

For its affordable price, the Navigon 2000S has a great design and is easy to use, plus it features useful navigation extras.

TeleNav Shotgun
List Price: $299

The TeleNav Shotgun is only the second GPS-dedicated device to offer Internet connectivity. But its appeal lies more in its innovation than in its functionality.

What to Look for in a GPS System

GPS prices have come down in the past year as technology has improved and competition has heated up, and you could free up both travel time and money by investing in a quality portable GPS system right now. And even though consumer confidence is steadily dwindling, now is a great time to invest in the convenience and efficiency of a new navigation system -- for an unbeatable price. 

Check out the best GPS deals available now.

Real-time traffic services through a satellite radio subscription or with an in-dash navigation system are increasingly becoming popular, but stand-alone options, like those from GPS leaders TomTom or Navigon are potentially more cost-effective. If you're in the market for a new car altogether, consider the cost benefit of a portable unit over the expensive factory or dealer-installed GPS navigation. 

In the GPS market, Garmin, Magellan and TomTom are the best-known brands and often considered the best quality GPS systems. But Mio, Navigon and Sony GPS systems are also becoming popular. Apple's iPhone 3G and others are also entering the industry by introducing basic GPS navigation in Smartphones, and there are rumors that even Sony's PlayStation Portable might soon add GPS capability. Still, most people will find a separate dash or windshield-mounted portable GPS system is a safer and easier tool for car navigation. Check out our GPS Buying Guide to help you decide what you really need in a portable GPS system -- and how much you should spend. 

With so many options, setting a budget is probably the best way to start your search for the right GPS system. Keeping this in mind, we have devised three GPS review categories to help you decide. 

Inexpensive GPS Systems - $250 and below

The most affordable GPS systems generally have 3.5-inch displays, pre-loaded 2D/3D mapping for the mainland U.S. as well as turn-by-turn navigation. These cheaper GPS units are suitable  for most drivers, and may include extras like a touchscreen, a JPEG picture viewer, and a calculator and currency converter.

GPS Reviews for the Top 3 Ranked Models: 

Mid-Range GPS Systems - $250 to $500

Mid-range navigation systems generally have larger screens than the inexpensive models, and include convenience extras like Bluetooth connectivity and real-time traffic, as well as MP3 players or FM transmission.

GPS Reviews for the Top 3 Ranked Models:

Advanced GPS Systems - $500 and above

Advanced navigation systems normally have five-inch displays and beyond, and are sometimes loaded with features and functions to facilitate more than car travel. 

GPS Reviews for the Top 3 Ranked Models:

 

Continue with our GPS Buying Guide for a more detailed analysis of what your options are when buying a GPS navigation system.

More about Car GPS Systems

Best GPS Deals -- March 2009

No one is in the mood to buy toys and gadgets. But if you are looking to boost or replace your consumer electronics, now could be one of the best times to invest. Let us guide you through some dos and don'ts of shopping for a portable navigation device.

7 Sizzling Gadgets for 2009

CES 2009 unveiled smaller, multi-functioning devices that could have more bang for the struggling consumer's buck. Check out the seven toys we're looking forward to the most -- for both their frugality and fun.