UPDATE: Since several years have passed, I decided it was high time for an updated version of this post!
Yesterday I looked at five GPS features you don't need. Today we'll check out the flip-side; what are the best and most useful upgrades when choosing a navigator? I'll start with ones available on relatively low end units and then move on to features found on more expensive models.
- Text-to-speech – Abbreviated as TTS, this feature calls out street names for upcoming turns. Which means that you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then
turn left on Oak Street." instead of just "drive
one-half mile, then turn left." - Wide-screen – A 4.3" touch screen is just so much nicer than a 3.5" model. It's easier to tap menus and keypads without error, and the map display isn't as cluttered.
- Points of interest – Abbreviated as POIs. Some cheap units have as few as 750,000 POIs; you may as well just give up on finding anything without keying in an address. I strongly recommend getting a unit with at least 4.5 million. This is one reason I like Garmin units — they don't short-change you on POIs on low-end models; you'll get nearly 6 million on any of their units. TomTom just says that they have "millions of POIs," but I've never really found their units lacking. Even with one of these two leading brands, you'll still have plenty of places that aren't in the POI database, but you'll experience it less often.
If you can swing it, I highly recommend the above upgrades. The next three may not be as critical, but are still worth paying extra for. You can get them on cheaper models, but it will sometimes mean getting a second-tier brand and/or one with weaker implementation of the feature.
- Multi-destination routing – Allows you to pre-plan a trip with multiple stops. The better units do a good job of "optimizing" the order of the stops for efficiency; they also automatically advance you to the next point on the route.
- Lane Assist – Gives you visual guidance as to what lane you should be in for turns. This can be very helpful on freeways or on urban streets with multiple turn lanes.
- Speed limit display – Helpful if you have a lead foot; it will more than pay for itself if it keeps you from getting a single ticket. The ideal implementation will show your current speed on the map screen as well, or allow you to set an alarm if you go a certain amount over the speed limit.
- UPDATE: Powered mount – I’m adding a seventh. With these, you don’t need to fumble with the mini-USB plug each time you get in your car. Current Garmin nuvis with this feature include the 169x, 23xx, 24xx, and 37xx series.
- UPDATE: Lifetime maps – Many units now come bundled with lifetime map updates. Garmins with this feature wil have an LM or LMT appended to the model number, with the T models also featuring lifetime traffic. On TomToms, look for an M or TM.
About Rich Owings
I have a Nuvi 260w. I use it for business and travel all over the city. Is it possible at the end of the day to down load the trips / millage reports for the days activities?
On newer nuvis yes, but I don’t believe you can on the 200 series…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/10/archived-trip-logs-on-garmin-nuvis.html
You could reset the trip odometer each day and manually record it of course.
Your site is great, a friend told me to go here before I bough a hendheld GPS and he was correct. My question is, you recommend the Garmin Oregon 450 over the 450T for reasons I understand. At the moment Cabelas has the 450T on sale cheaper than the 450. If i buy the 450T can i remove the 1:100,000 scale topo map and then install the 1:24,000 map without an issue? Thanks in advance.
Yes, but there’s no need to remove the 100K maps. You’ll have plenty of room, plus you can always add a micro-SD card. I’d keep them just in case you find yourself in an area you haven’t loaded 24K maps for. Plus, sometimes the 100K maps may have trails that aren’t on the 24K maps you’re using.
Hi!
Just came across this site, and i am quite impressed! i have wanted a GPS for some time, but my budget wouldn’t budge– and i just got one as a gift!! its a Garmin nuvi 1300LM. The reviews don’t seem to imply that its the best for its price, and the one who gave me the gift told me she didn’t do any research and i should look into it and have her exchange it for the one i want. So can you recommend a GPS in the nuvi 1300 price range- that gets the most for the money? One that will be long lasting and reliable.
Thank you so much in advance!
I think its actually a pretty nice unit. Unless you want to pay more, I’d stick with it.
Thx for the great info.
What do you think about the Display’s Resolution, Screen Size, & features such as AV-in (what is it’s purpose actually? I am not sure about this…)
Can TOPO maps be uploaded into all models of GPS? Say, by inserting a MicroSD.
AV-in is typically used for a backup camera. In general I think screen size matters more than resolution.
Topo maps can be loaded to many models, but they aren’t available for some brands. If you want topo maps, I’d go with a Garmin. There are lots of free topos available for them at http://gpsfiledepot.com.