I just received the latest "Consumer Reports" (Dec. 2010) issue which reviewed portable GPS navigators (or PNDs). The magazine broke their recommendation down into three categories (see below).
The article in part mentioned the following...
Portable GPS units are now packed with more features... "lane assist" and "traffic" to name two.
Traffic information: This shows traffic flow along major highways, often indicated by color-coded lines, as well as the location of accidents and road construction. It can warn you of congestion along your route, and some systems even reroute around it. At one time traffic info was available only by subscription for about $60 per year. But many newer models provide it free of charge (sometimes listed as 'lifetime traffic'), supported by small onscreen ads. That is the way to go.
Bottom line: It can be useful for metro-area commuters or for navigating around rush-hour traffic in an unfamiliar city. But we've found that it can be limited and its accuracy can vary. <snip>
Connected services: By using a built-in cellular modem, some high-end Garmin and TomTom models can deliver real-time online information for items such as local weather, fuel prices, and movie times. Or, you can perform a Google search for a nearby business or POI. After an initial period of free service, a subscription is required ($10 / month for TomTom; $60 / yr for Garmin).
Bottom line: If you don't mind the fee, the service can be handy if you frequently make local searches or want access to the most up-to-date information. But keep in mind that if you're in an area with no data connection, it won't help you.
Reality view / Lane assist: These are often packaged together. Reality view displays a 3D view of exits, intersections, and overhead signs as you approach them. Lane assist shows the best lane to be in for an upcoming turn.
Bottom line: These are worth looking for. They make highway transitions easier to navigate.
___________________
Recommended GPS navigators:
Best for $150 or less:
The article in part mentioned the following...
Portable GPS units are now packed with more features... "lane assist" and "traffic" to name two.
Traffic information: This shows traffic flow along major highways, often indicated by color-coded lines, as well as the location of accidents and road construction. It can warn you of congestion along your route, and some systems even reroute around it. At one time traffic info was available only by subscription for about $60 per year. But many newer models provide it free of charge (sometimes listed as 'lifetime traffic'), supported by small onscreen ads. That is the way to go.
Bottom line: It can be useful for metro-area commuters or for navigating around rush-hour traffic in an unfamiliar city. But we've found that it can be limited and its accuracy can vary. <snip>
Connected services: By using a built-in cellular modem, some high-end Garmin and TomTom models can deliver real-time online information for items such as local weather, fuel prices, and movie times. Or, you can perform a Google search for a nearby business or POI. After an initial period of free service, a subscription is required ($10 / month for TomTom; $60 / yr for Garmin).
Bottom line: If you don't mind the fee, the service can be handy if you frequently make local searches or want access to the most up-to-date information. But keep in mind that if you're in an area with no data connection, it won't help you.
Reality view / Lane assist: These are often packaged together. Reality view displays a 3D view of exits, intersections, and overhead signs as you approach them. Lane assist shows the best lane to be in for an upcoming turn.
Bottom line: These are worth looking for. They make highway transitions easier to navigate.
___________________
Recommended GPS navigators:
Best for $150 or less:
- Magellan Maestro 4350 $150
- TomTom XL340-S Live $150
- TomTom One 140-S $100
- Garmin Nuvi 1200 $120
- TomTom Go740 Live $250
- Garmin Nuvi 1490T $250
- Garmin Nuvi 765 $250
- Garmin Nuvi 1350 $170
- Garmin Nuvi 3760T $400
- Motorola Motonav TN765t $280
