GPS Reviews: Put Some Direction in Your Life

Those crinkled old maps do have a certain mystique. But more and more, they’re becoming a thing of the past. With GPS units becoming more affordable, not to mention more durable, hundreds of Jeepers each day are trading in their dog eared maps and charts for the sleek sophistication of an in-vehicle GPS unit.

These “Global Positioning Systems” aren’t limited to just Jeepers either. Boaters, ATVers, hikers and dozens of other outdoor enthusiasts use GPS systems to keep them safe and on the right track.

In response to the explosive demand, many electronics manufacturers have jumped into the GPS market, providing and endless array of GPS units including handheld, dash mounted and in-dash models. So which do you choose? We’ll give you some info on the top models to help you make the right choice for your rig.

Tom Tom GO 910 – MSRP $699.95

Tom Tom is relatively new on the GPS scene, but they’ve introduced some good products as of late. The GO 910 is their top-of-the-line model and includes just about every feature you could ask for in a portable GPS unit.

The GO 910 comes pre-loaded with maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe all on a 20 Gig hard drive that also holds pictures and MP3s. You also have the option of audio directions in 36 different languages and 52 different voices.

There’s no wiring involved, since the Tom Tom GO 910 operates on a 4-hour Lithium Ion battery and the kit includes dash or windshield mount hardware.

Garmin Nuvi 350 – MSRP $749.99

Garmin is one of the most trusted names in GPS systems. They’ve been in the business forever and they generally produce quality products.

At about the size of a deck of playing cards, the Nuvi 350 is a great choice when space is at a premium. The U.S. version comes pre-loaded with complete maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. There’s also an additional 700 MB of hard drive space for MP3s, additional maps, etc.

The Nuvi 350 includes suction cup mounting system, carrying case, 12-24 volt adapter cable and USB interface cable.

Garmin StreetPiolot c340 – MSRP $642.84

Another entry into the vehicle GPS market is Garmin’s StreetPilot c340. The c340 features an easy-to-use touch-screen interface, audio directions and comes pre-programmed with detailed maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

A bright 3.5-inch TFT monitor displays both 2D and 3D navigational maps, while an optional traffic receiver keeps you up-to-date on the latest road conditions, including traffic accidents, road closures and weather-related delays.

Magellan eXplorist XL Handheld GPS Unit – MSRP $399.95

If you’re looking for a versatile GPS unit you can use in your Jeep or on foot, the Magellan eXplorist XL could be the ticket.

This Magellan handheld unit features a 3.5-inch screen that’s designed to be easy to read in any lighting conditions. The 28 MB built-in map base features detailed maps of major highways, interstates, lakes, rivers and more.

There’s also an integrated SD card slot, so expanding you mapping capabilities is an easy task. Another feature Jeeps will like is the rugged design. The eXplorist XL is waterproof to IPX 7 standards and comes encased in rubber armor for added durability.

Lowrance iWay 250c – MSRP $349.95

Most people associate Lowrance with their quality selection of fishfinders. But now Lowrance provides an affordable solution to GPS with the iWay 250c. With an MSRP under $400, the 250c is affordable by GPS standards. And you’ll get advanced features found only in more expensive models.

The iWay 250c comes with a 2GB SD card pre-loaded with detailed maps of the U.S. and Canada. Mapping is available in 2D and 3D and includes audio guidance capability.

This Lowrance unit measures a tiny 3” x 4” x 1” deep and runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery for the ultimate in portability.