Global Positioning System (GPS) | GPS World

Over the years GPS receivers have really changed and mostly for the better. It seems yearly new features are added and others are updated to give you the best possible equipment to use to find your way around this crazy world we live in. Most people who have GPS units will tell you how valuable these things are and we have compiled a list of the key features that you will want to have on your unit. Read further to discover if all these features are on the model you own, if not maybe it is time to upgrade the model you have.

Bluetooth hands-free calling is probably one of the most asked about features and one that you would want to have on the unit that you get. Most people do not realize how valuable it is until they have to answer the cell phone and try to drive at the same time. It is virtually impossible to live without these days. Bluetooth technology with your GPS unit lets you accept calls through the unit without having to do anything and is usually accomplished by voice commands. This means you can keep your mind on the road and have fewer distractions than ever before.

Integrated traffic receiver could very well be the second most requested add-on to GPS units these days. People want the most update travel planning and the best way to do that is through an integrated traffic receiver. This means you can find out where the worse traffic areas are and avoid them. You also will be notified of impending accidents ahead so you can avoid them as well. This will cut down your wait time and keep you on schedule no matter where you are going.

Turn by turn navigation is another thing that has been added recently as standard equipment to most GPS units on the market. This features uses text to speech technology to tell you where you must turn and which way you will need to go. This also keeps your eyes on the road and you do not have to worry about following the map. I have found this is one of those must have features as it will make you a better driver and a more safe driver as well. Make sure your unit has this feature on it.

Screen size for most models is 3.5 inches, but that is changing too as more companies are finally out the consumer likes much bigger screens. The bigger screen lets you see more and gives you greater detail than a much smaller screen. This is something that I have found to be invaluable especially if you are traveling. If you can afford the bigger screen by all means go bigger as you will enjoy the view.

Points of interest are another area that can vary with each company who makes the GPS unit. Some companies will have more listings than others so you will want to check that out. Many of these companies though will let you go to their web site and download more if you want to. For the most part though you should more than enough points of interest that you get from the factory install.

In recent years, SD and CF cards have been the wave of the future. These cards let you hold additional information that you can insert into your GPS unit to give yourself even more information. This is valuable especially if you travel a lot and do not want to download new maps and information all the time all you have to do is change the memory card that you have. It saves time and the other advantage is it will not slow down the machine as often as a full memory card will.

The GPS features that we have talked about above is definitely ones that you will want to take a closer look at and if you do not have them an upgrade is maybe what you need. Most of these upgrades are not very expensive at all and some companies are now making this all-standard equipment on some models as well. To get the most out of your GPS unit you will need all these features on the list above. There are also minor ones we have not mention that you should also be able to get also. No matter which ones you choose remember than a GPS unit and added features will make traveling so much easier.