Types

Shoppers looking for navigational aid can choose from many types of GPS devices, including aftermarket portable or in-dash units, cell phones, PDAs, factory-installed in-dash units, telematics systems, and even laptop computers. All have advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for you depends on your needs and budget.

Aftermarket portable systems

Today's portable units offer most of the features of carmaker built-in systems, and some have features that you can't get in a built-in system. Plus, they're compact enough to carry with you. They can easily be moved from car to car, and their light weight and small size make them easy to pack in luggage. With prices from about $100 to $700, portable units are much less expensive than built-ins, at $1,500 to $2,000. And features available in portables have been advancing in recent years. Real-time traffic reporting is available even on more-affordable units, and some now offer voice-command capability.

But portables have smaller screens than built-in automaker systems, which can make them harder to read at a quick glance. You also have to securely mount the device to prevent possible injury in an accident, make sure it's out of the way of possible air-bag deployment, and remember to hide or take it with you when you leave the car. (Theft of GPS units is a growing problem.)

If the unit's battery loses its charge, you will also have to deal with a cord running to a power outlet.

To make shopping easier, we've broken down portable navigators into three types of GPS devices: basic, traffic optional, and traffic ready. Determining the features you want and the amount you want to spend will help you to select the category that is best for you.

• Basic. These are no-frills navigators, ideal for those who don't need a lot of bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free cell-phone use and MP3 players. The least-expensive models in this category generally have 3.5-inch screens and are some of the more compact models, which can make them even more appealing to frequent flyers. As a bonus, prices start at about $100, and even lower prices can be found with sales and incentives. Basic models with 4.3-inch wide-screens are generally the more expensive ones in this group.

  Price: $100 to $300.

• Traffic optional. These products are ideal if you're not sure you need traffic info now, but might want to add it later. Keep in mind that adding traffic later on means buying a separate receiver, which can cost up to $200. Models in this price bracket often also add a few key features, like spoken street names. The added features vary by brand; check our Ratings for the ones important to you.

  Price: $150 to $400.

• Traffic ready. A top-of-the-line, premium unit usually comes traffic-reporting ready with a built-in or included external receiver. These devices include the features we recommend, plus add extras like a music and video player, Bluetooth, FM transmitter, and wide screen. These types of GPS units are ideal for travelers who want to carry fewer electronic devices.

  Price: $200 to $700.

Aftermarket in-dash systems

If you like the idea of an in-dash unit but aren't in the market for a new car or don't want a factory version, you might consider an aftermarket navigation system. These types of GPS systems are typically packaged as part of a premium stereo. Like automaker systems, they usually have a large, easy-to-read screen, and some can show real-time traffic conditions along your route, and even play DVDs. In some systems, a motorized screen retracts into the dash and remains out of sight until you want to use it. This stealth design keeps the dash uncluttered during normal driving and conceals the unit from would-be thieves. Aftermarket systems can cost as much as factory systems and are best installed by a pro. And also keep in mind that some factory audio systems are so integrated into the dash that it's difficult to replace them with an aftermarket unit.

Cell-phone based navigation

Some cell-phone service carriers, including ATT, Sprint, and Verizon, are now providing GPS navigation that can be accessed through compatible cell phones. Unlike GPS-capable smart phones and PDAs, these types of GPS phones don't have internal mapping software or a POI database; they access the information wirelessly over the cellular network. Menus and features are similar to other portable systems, including spoken and onscreen turn-by-turn directions, traffic info, and a point-of-interest menu. Advantages include eliminating the need to carry an additional device for navigation, always-current databases for map info, as well as POIs, and the ability to call ahead to a destination with the push of a button.

Cost for the service is typically about $10 per month, or it can be purchased for about $3 per day—handy if you only need directions occasionally. But the small size of some cell-phone screens can make the map and directions hard to see. Smaller speakers compromise the audio quality of spoken directions, and small buttons are harder to manipulate than those on larger devices. Not all phones are available with mounting systems. And the navigation function may require a data plan.

GPS-capable smart phones and PDAs

In recent years, a number of smart phones and PDA models have been introduced with integrated GPS receivers and mapping software. That allows them to function as a portable navigation device, with all of the functions and features of a dedicated GPS unit. While this eliminates the need to have two separate devices, smart phone and PDA screens tend to be smaller than those on dedicated GPS units, and they can be more difficult to use. With prices ranging from $100 to $300 plus monthly charges, these types of GPS solutions can be more expensive in the long run than dedicated portable GPS units.

The iPhone 3GS was the first iPhone capable of supplying turn-by-turn navigation. Within days of its introduction, TomTom and Navigon announced downloads of their software for the iPhone to make it mimic the functionality of their standalone portable GPS units. Other providers are also offering downloadable navigation software for the iPhone.

Built-in factory systems

These types of GPS systems are available as optional features when you buy a new car. They typically retail for about $2,000 when offered alone but are often bundled with other features, such as a backup camera or a high-end audio system that can add another $1,000 or more. Built-in systems have large, clear screens that are mounted in the dashboard and have generally intuitive controls. They are integrated nicely into the car, and some use touch-screen displays that make it easy to input destinations and navigate through menus. Some can also respond to voice commands, giving you the added safety of keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. For a subscription fee, many systems can provide real-time traffic and weather reports.

Automaker systems are also the most expensive type of navigation system. Because they're built-in, you can't take them with you if you have more than one car or rent a car. Map updates must be purchased from the car company or dealer, and they can cost hundreds of dollars. Some systems prevent you from entering destinations while the car is moving. While this is intended to limit driver distraction, it also means a passenger can't program it either unless the car is stopped. Finally, you won't be able to upgrade to new technology or features until you buy a new car. Similarly, if you're shopping for a used car, be aware that an earlier navigation system might have old technology and limited or outdated mapping.

Telematics systems

Combining GPS and cellular technology, telematics systems enable drivers to access emergency help or a variety of convenience services from their vehicle. Only available on certain brands of cars, example systems include Ford Sync, OnStar from General Motors, Lexus Link, and TeleAid from Mercedes-Benz. Specific services vary somewhat, and include paid and free offerings.

The Lexus-branded version of OnStar called Lexus Link is being phased out in favor of Toyota and Lexus' own system called Safety Connect beginning with 2010 Toyota and Lexus models. The system includes a menu of services similar to OnStar's, including emergency crash notification and assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, and roadside assistance. Lexus owners can upgrade to Lexus Enform, which allows users to speak to a live operator for turn-by-turn directions and a variety of concierge services.

Users of OnStar, and TeleAid can opt for a navigation package that enables them to simply tell the service operator what address or point of interest they're looking for. Turn-by-turn verbal directions are then downloaded to the car to guide the driver to the destination, similar to a conventional GPS device.

Ford's Sync works a little differently, in that the telephone is not built into the vehicle. Instead, a user pairs his Bluetooth-enabled phone with Sync, which then gives access to automated services including directions. There is no fee for the Ford system for its "Traffic, Directions, and Information" package, which owners can download from www.syncmyride.com.

In addition to verbal directions, some cars may also provide a basic graphic display showing each coming turn. But these systems typically don't provide a full map display. Advantages include ease of use and being able to ask for directions even while driving. Another plus is that you don't have to pay for updated mapping information. On the downside, you have to be in an area with good cell phone coverage for the system to work. And the services can be expensive.

OnStar is available on most GM models, either standard or as an option. Some of those include a free one-year trial period. After that, basic service starts at $199 a year and includes emergency service, remote unlocking, and stolen vehicle location. Adding the navigation capability costs another $100 per year. Buyers of some premium models get upgraded with free navigation for the first year.

Lexus buyers must first pay $900 for the LexusLink option, which includes one year of emergency help but not navigation. Adding navigation, which includes point-of-interest locations and the ability to call a friend, relative, or taxi if you can't drive, costs another $200 for the first year. Subsequent years cost $199 annually for the basic service or $399 with the navigation package. At this writing, prices have not yet been set for Safety Connect or Lexus Enform.

Tele Aid is standard on most Mercedes-Benz models. Basic service includes roadside assistance and emergency help, free for the first year and $240 annually after that. Traffic information and turn-by-turn navigation are available for $450 annually.

Map software and GPS receivers for computers

You can turn your laptop into a navigation device with an add-on GPS receiver and map program. These are available from companies such as DeLorme, Garmin, and Microsoft, starting at less than $100. While they provide functions similar to a dedicated GPS device, a laptop can be impractical to use while driving. Also, laptop screens can be difficult to see inside a car due to glare.

Handheld GPS hiking devices

GPS navigation has many nonautomotive applications, including handheld units for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking GPS devices can include a map, compass, and sometimes altimeter, while adding the ability to program routes, plot a trail, and share information. Many hiking units include what is called a base map, enabling them to show your location on a basic roadway map. But these devices don't show the level of detail common on a dedicated portable car unit, and they typically don't offer turn-by-turn navigational aid. What they can do is inspire trail adventures, including geocaching—GPS-based treasure hunting. And they can provide an extra safety margin when exploring off the beaten path, with the ability to follow your trail back to the car or share your specific coordinates in case of an emergency. (Learn more about handheld hiking GPS devices and see our Ratings (available to subscribers).

See also:

Car batteries

Car seats

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