After all, having a GPS can be a huge benefit and convenience these days, but as you have probably noticed, they can be quite expensive. This is especially true if you are looking for a top-notch and reputable brand name one, such as a Garmin. However, the good news is that exploring the option of buying a GPS that has been slightly used can save you a lot of money and still get you the device you are looking for.
Of course a lot of people are skeptical when it comes to buying used electronics. However, the truth is that they are often in just as good of shape as a new device, especially if they were well taken care of by their owners. If you are thinking about buying one used, you should ask to see it in person before you send in any kind of payment. This way, you can give it a try and make sure that it is in good condition before spending any of your hard earned money on it. In addition to making sure that the device works properly, be sure to check for any scratches or physical damage to the GPS at that point as well.
Buy a Used GPS or Not?
And the best news is that, by simply buying a slightly used GPS rather than purchasing one that is brand new, you can save 50% or more on the retail price. Furthermore, you should consider the fact that you will be helping to recycle an existing product, rather than buying a brand new one. So in addition to buying a used GPS being beneficial to your pocketbook, it can also be a good thing for the planet as well.
Learning how to use a GPS is easy. You have purchased your GPS or about to purchase your GPS and are eager to start right away. Who wants to read a long boring manual right? You can actually get started with most systems with some basic instructions.
The first step is knowing that the battery of your new GPS will come with a minimum factory charge. Before charging it, make sure to use up the battery and then charge it completely for 10-12 hours depending on the device.
Step 2 – Where are you and what is your destination
When using the GPS first make sure where you are and what is your desired destination. The GPS alone will detect your location; there is no need to enter any direction. You have to however enter the data of your desired destination: street, number, province, etc… This is usually done through the “Go To” section in the GPS menu. Many GPS includes a feature called “Point of Interest”. This option is especially useful if it’s a city you are not familiar with and will point out interesting places to go such as restaurants, shopping, museums, parks, etc.
Step 3 – Keep your eyes on the road
Give your GPS a few seconds to load the route and map. Once the tour has loaded, you can expand and adjust the display mode to your needs. If you use the GPS in the car be very careful not to look away from the road. It is better to use the audio option in the GPS, so it literally tells you how to get to your destination.
Step 4 – Install a support for your GPS.
It is highly recommended that you install in your car a support for your GPS. They usually come in the box of the browser. Put it on the dashboard. Of course, place the holder so you do not block the view and you have to look away from the road as little as possible when looking at the GPS.
Step 5 – Update your browser.
Be sure to watch out for new updates that may come up from your GPS. You’ll often find them on the website of the manufacturer of your browser, in the section for GPS navigators. These updates are free and very easy to download and install.
With these five easy steps you now know how to use a GPS device.
So what is the best GPS to buy for your car? Here I am going to explain some factors best GPS to buy. There will be a lot of GPS devices with a wide price range, starting from $100 to $600. Choosing one from it depends on how you are going to use the device.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best GPS to Buy
Dimensions
The standard GPS sizes are 3.5”, 4.3” and 5.0” measured diagonally like a computer monitor. A big screen is always easy to navigate but not always necessary. Bigger displays will also require more power to drive it, so it will have lesser battery life. Are you planning to fit one in your automobile or do you need one to carry with you sometimes? In the latter case, smaller would be better.
Map Updates
With some devices you will get lifetime map updates for free. Such a device may cost a little more, but well worth it because you’ll be saving money down the road. It’s also an incentive to always have updated maps. It can be frustrating when your GPS takes you around in circles because it doesn’t recognize new streets. In Garmin GPS devices, you will want to choose a model that has the suffix LM or LMT.
Traffic Updates
This feature will give you live traffic updates and can save you from many traffic jams and closed roads. As in the case of map updates, the feature is on specific models and may cost a bit more. In Garmin GPS devices, look for models that have the suffix T, LT or LMT.
Speed of Satellite Sync
A GPS that operates fast is always great. Some are very slow to start up, calculate and recalculate routes. The touch-screen may not be responsive and the routes chosen are not always the best.
User friendliness
Most GPS systems are easy to use with the touch-screen interface. However, some extra features that might make it more fun and useful is Bluetooth, hands-free voice-prompted instructions and a waterproof unit.
Support
As in the case of any other device; always choose a brand known for good after sales support. Free technically support is priceless. They can help you learn how to operate the device properly and get the most out of your device. Most people buy gadgets and never read the manual until something goes wrong. This is where technical support can be helpful.
Price
Lastly, never buy a GPS device considering its price alone. Going for the cheapest one may not serve all your needs and you will regret it down the road. You may even end up spending more money by upgrading. Some people choose the best and most expensive model just because they think it’s the best. This is not always the case. Even if it was the best, you may never use all the features it offers and it can be a complete waste of money. Technology changes frequently and you may want to buy the newer model next year.
Hope this will assist you to distinguish what is the best GPS to buy for your car.
The Garmin 255W is a functional GPS navigator with standard features that will get drivers where they need to go without difficulty. The model is easy to use and affordable. It is one of the more basic models that Garmin offers, but it still has some good features packed into its 4.3 inch case.
The Garmin nuvi 255W has voice-prompted directions that make navigation from one point to another easy. With a touch of the widescreen, the voice prompts give out information on exits and street names coming up and give you turn-by-turn directions without you having to take your eyes off the road. It has digital elevation maps, which are two or three dimensional maps that are accurate and detailed. The system also alerts of custom points of interests, so restaurants, gas stations, and other places of interest can be located during the trip. It has an emergency feature that lets you know exactly where you are, a built-in speaker, and an anti-theft lock feature.
The system can be enhanced with optional MSN direct content. Beyond the navigation features, the nuvi 255W is loaded with travel features like a currency converter and a world travel clock. It also has a JPEG picture viewer and a calculator. The system comes with a 365-day warranty on parts and labor. This auto navigator is easily portable too due to the system’s lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of four hours, thus making it convenient to use for walking navigation.
Even though it does not have as many features as more expensive models, the GPS gets good reviews. Out of over 2000 Amazon customer ratings, it received a solid four stars out of a possible five. And since the Garmin 255W comes with preloaded navigation software, it is immediately usable straight from the box with a database that ensures swift and easy navigating anywhere.
There are a number of quality GPS units on the market today and the Tomtom XXL 540TM represents a solid choice amongst them. This review will summarize some of the solid performance features that make this unit a good choice for your navigation needs.
The first thing you will notice about the Tomtom 540TM is the 5-inch widescreen display. It makes it easy to view and focus when navigating congested intersections and overpasses. It’s also easy to navigate the touchscreen menus without worry of having to hit the wrong command. Tomtom has managed to offer this widescreen at little additional weight; the unit itself weighs in at just nine ounces.
The impressive hardware features are not to be outdone by the software that Tomtom has uploaded on this unit. You will find maps of countries all throughout North America including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An added bonus is the lifetime map updates feature included with this unit. It has been estimated that the road network in the U.S. changes up to forty percent a year in high growth areas making once passible roadways no longer possible. The XXL 540TM will keep you updated to any changes in road conditions for as long as you own it. Four such updates are provided each year.
As with all Tomtom units you still get preloaded points of interest of seven million plus. Whether you’re looking for lodging, restaurants, hospitals, or gas stations, it’s a good bet that Tomtom has you covered. There is also the option of adding customized locations to your list so you will always remember how to get to that favorite destination in the future.
Whether you are a frequent traveler to new and unfamiliar locations or just needing help finding your way on the yearly family vacation it’s a sure bet that the TomTom XXL 540TM will provide you with a lifetime of easy navigational assistance.
The Garmin nuvi 3790LMT is one of the thinnest units in the GPS community. It has a large screen but is small enough to be handled comfortably.
Click Here for the Garmin 3790LMT Best Price
More About the Garmin nuvi 3790LMT
Voice Commands
One of the latest features is the Speak Commands feature. The speaker is very clear so that directions are easily understood. Not only can the device give the user clear directions by telling them where to turn but it is also equipped to respond to voice commands by the user. This makes it a very safe unit to use when driving a vehicle.
Display
The nuvi 3790LMT screen will display various road signs along the route. Perhaps the most useful item is the indication of what lane the vehicle needs to be in to navigate through an exit or intersection. The Lifetime Maps and Traffic updates can be downloaded for free four times each year.
CityXplorer
For those who find themselves traveling in a new city, the cityXplorer is a very helpful feature. It displays information such as where to catch a bus, how much it will cost to reach the desired destination and information pertinent to the transit schedule.
Newer Model
The Garmin nuvi 3790LMT is and older model of the Garmin nuvi 3490LMT. If you are searching for the Garmin nuvi 3790LMT best price then now is the time to buy because it’s selling at a discount price online.
The TomTom XXL 540S is a 5″ wide touch-screen navigation system for the US, Mexico & Canada. This navigation system has several easy-to-use features to enhance user safety, convenience and peace of mind.
One of the most notable safety features of the XXL 540S is TomTom’s reassuring voice which notifies of upcoming destinations including street names and lane changes. An arrow indicates the particular lane to use during lane change. The ample warning time allows the driver to execute such changes smoothly and securely.
Further reducing driver stress is the IQ Routes feature. This feature finds the quickest route based on actual traffic conditions, including traffic flow and time of day. Lifetime Traffic Updates is an additional feature providing the driver with up-to-date traffic conditions and alternative routes in case of traffic hold ups. The driver need to worry about outdated maps as the Lifetime Maps feature provides the user with annually updated maps. This feature is available to the US, Canada and Mexico.
More up-to-date changes to maps and points of interest, for example, can be updated via the HOME Content Manager by simply hooking it into a personal computer. The owner also has the option to share these changes with other TomTom 540S users.
This unit comes with a user guide, car and home charger and mounts for display and easy storage. As with most new technology, there are a few drawbacks to this device. For instance, it has more than 30 spoken language options, 23 written language options, but only eight text-to-speech language options. In addition, the mount does not adhere especially well to the car windshield. However, these drawbacks are incredibly minor in consideration of the TomTom XXL 540S GPS navigator’s many benefits.
The Garmin nuvi 2555LMT will guide you through the most complicated routes in your commute. It contains extraordinary features that will walk you to your destination with easy touch screen use.
With the nuvi 2555LMT you have the option to see your map and driving progression in silence or to be instructed on how to get where you’re going. You can quickly look up services and addresses with a click of a button. You also have the advantage of getting all the significant street names. This specific brand has previously loaded North American maps ready to use when purchased. You’re guaranteed with a lifetime of free updates for your maps. The maps can be updated four times annually with no fees, expiration dates, or subscriptions. Favorite locations that you are personally interested in can be added too.
Traffic and Driving
You can always be ahead of the game with the extended system for avoiding traffic. The conditions of traffic are evaluated over two billion times monthly. There will never be a concern about being in the right lane when you’re approaching a turn. There is a view you can select that splits the screen to give you a life-like diagram of your route’s junctions. To make it all around complete, you will even have a picture of arrows and signs in your intersection. The Garmin 2555LMT also has a very valuable feature that will locate exactly where you are and gives longitude and latitude coordinates when they are urgently needed.
Personalization
It also has good personal options for you to setup your GPS the way you want to use it. The Garmin nuvi 2555LMT can be used in a horizontal or vertical fashion to accommodate your most comfortable way to navigate.
This model comes with a large 5 inch (diagonal) screen. It’s larger than the standard 4.3 inch. A big screen on any type of monitor is always better for viewing pleasure and accuracy.
Bluetooth
Unlike the Garmin nuvi 1450LMT, this one comes with Bluetooth capability. Some of you may not care too much about this feature. However, all technology is leaning towards hands-free for everything so you might as well get used to using it. If you watch futuristic movies, you’ll notice that most things use voice command. Bluetooth is now necessary for cell phone users in the vehicle.
Auto-Sort Multiple Destinations
If you spend a lot of your time in your car doing business calls or running errands, you might be going to several different places in one day. This feature will help plan your day more efficiently by sending you through the most direct route to all your appointments.
Routes and EcoRoute
This GPS has 10 preprogrammed routes for you to use. You can set favorites for other destinations as well. If you want to save gas, use the EcoRoute feature to select the most fuel efficient route available.
Lane Assist
With this feature, you don’t have to guess which lane to stay on because the GPS will tell you. You also don’t have to cut people off abruptly just to make it to the exit or turn.
Drawbacks
Battery Life
This model has a battery life of three hours. That’s about average for the Garmin GPS. Some of them have a longer life of four hours and some only two hours. If you need to walk around with your GPS, make sure you charge it at all times in the car so you can get the maximum amount of time walking around. Also, remember to turn it off when not in use outdoors to conserve energy.
Non-Waterproof
If you are involved in a lot of outdoor activities with this GPS, you will want to make sure you don’t drop it in water or keep it in damp areas. Should you feel this may be a problem, you may want to just get a waterproof GPS like the Garmin nuvi 500.
Un-boxing Video
Comparison with Similar Garmin Models
If you don’t care too much for the Bluetooth feature, then the Garmin nuvi 1450LMT is exactly the same as the 1490LMT.
If you want Bluetooth but you don’t need a big screen then you might want to consider the Garmin nuvi 1390LMT. This model has a longer battery life of four hours but it does not have the 10 preprogrammed routes. This is probably not such a big deal for most people.
And again, if you don’t care for the Bluetooth and don’t need a big screen, you can go even lower to the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT. This one does not have the junction views like the other three models. This model is one of the best-selling models because it has most of the necessary features without all the extras that most drivers don’t care about.
Garmin nuvi 1490LMT Best Price is Found Online
There is a newer version of this model, which is the Garmin nuvi 2595LMT. This means that the 1490LMT will be flying off the shelves at a reduced price to make way for the new model. If you’re having trouble locating this hot-sell at retail stores, consider finding it online. The Garmin nuvi 1490LMT best price is definitely online.
This Garmin nuvi 1450LMT is a 2011 model. It is part of Garmin’s Large, Feature Rich Navigator Family. As of today’s posting, it is the best-selling automotive GPS on online stores such as Amazon.
Selling Features
Lifetime Maps
This unit comes preloaded with North American Maps (U.S. & Canada). Nevertheless, if you’re going to invest in a GPS, it doesn’t make sense not to update it. People who travel on the road a lot before the GPS was invented always wanted to make certain that they had the most up-to-date copy of a paper road-map. Many people buy one each year. If you don’t purchase a model that has free lifetime map downloads, then you’ll have to pay each time you do it. That can cost a lot more than the unit itself in future. This unit comes with a lifetime supply. If you feel this is unnecessary and want to save a bit of money now, you can get the Garmin nuvi 1450T or just the basic Garmin nuvi 1450.
Traffic Updates
This feature is quite useful if you live in a busy urban area where there are constant traffic jams. You can avoid blockages and closed roads ahead of time. Sometimes even if you’re driving down the exact same route every day, an unexpected accident may occur. If you don’t really care for this feature, you can also consider the Garmin nuvi 1450LM, which only has the lifetime maps.
Display
The standard GPS display is usually 4.3 inches in diameter. However, this one is slightly bigger at 5 inches. You can see the screen even in sunlight. The touch-screen interface is responsive and easy to use.
Performance
The Garmin comes fully packed with features to make your trip as fast and comfortable as possible. There’s ecoRoute to show you the most fuel-efficient route. You will get turn-by-turn directions as well as lane assist to make sure you’re on the right lane before a turn.
Other Tools
Besides the main navigating functions, it also comes with the following built-in tools:
World Travel Clock
Calculator
Currency Converter
Measurement Converter
JPEG picture viewer
Some Things to Consider Before Your Purchase
Blue-tooth
Unfortunately, this model does not come with Blue-tooth capability. Most people have this one their cell phone if they require this feature so it’s not that important. However, if you want to use take advantage of the big screen and voice dialing instead of your cell phone, then you might want to upgrade to the Garmin nuvi 1490 series.
Waterproof
Be careful not to drop this GPS on wet surfaces or pools of water. It’s best to use this inside a vehicle. If you walk around with it to explore a city for example, make sure it’s not on a rainy day. If you would rather have this feature, then take a look at the Garmin nuvi 500.
The new Garmin nuvi 2555LMT just came out in 2012. However, people still are still buying more of the older one. Marked down more than half price on stores like Amazon, it’s no wonder consumers are frantically buying the 1450LMT before it’s discontinued.
Customers rate this GPS an average 4 out of 5 on popular online stores like Amazon. Therefore, most people are very happy with this purchase. If you feel this device will work for you, then click on the link above to check out the current Garmin nuvi 1450LMT best price.
