Automobiles have been a reliable method of travel for years, but there have been days when time and gas are squandered or places of interest are passed up completely because of incorrect maps or unclear directions. To answer these problems and help you to enjoy a convenient driving experience, car friendly GPS appliances are now available to help and are quite affordable for most commuters. It is highly recommended to bring a GPS device on long trips to make sure that the mose efficient way is taken. The usefulness of specific GPS devices varies by different makers. To keep things interesting, extra functions are included in a few models to add value and raise the fun factor. Below are some of the entry level GPS systems that deserve a closer look. A nice option is the Garmin Nuvi 1350 Portable GPS Navigator.

Garmin Nuvi 265W

The problem with quite a few of the more affordable Car GPS systems is that their feature list is so stunted that one is unsure whether the device is even completed. The Garmin Nuvi is a very basic device, although it still provides all the essentials and level of performance consumers would enjoy with its larger cousins – the 705 and 805 series. Voice generating software is integrated so you won’t need to read the monitor while driving and the Garmin is quite easy to install once you bring it home. The price may not work with everyone’s budget, but thanks to its sensible applications and minimal disadvantages, this Garmin Nuvi is the best GPS for your money.

TomTom ONE Classic and Routes edition

TomTom ONE products look to have retail costs that are far below their actual value, but its capabilities and applications show you exactly why this brand’s products are dirt cheap. This product’s ease of use is abysmal and some of the convenient features including Bluetooth and text-to-speech were never offered by most of the models. Despite the fact that the older models weren’t very popular among value seeking customers, new ONE models were offered, including a couple with widescreens and others with special features including advanced lane guidance, which is exclusive to the Routes edition. This brand’s classic edition does not have this feature, but the price could be low enough to help you get over that. A good item to consider is Garmin Nuvi 1350 Portable GPS Navigator.

Magellan Roadmate 1212

The Magellan Maestro products are the better selling Magellan products thanks to the fact that they hit the market first, although the Roadmate 1212 should very quickly come into its own on account of its slender dimensions combined with its low cost. The decent performance and the uncomplicated user interface obviously makes this a practical recommendation if you are able to work around the delayed menu button response. The text-to-speech engine is even available, but employing it too much can easily drain the battery which means you could find yourself charging the battery within 3 hours.

Bottom Line

When it comes to affordable Car GPS products, you will continue to be forced to choose between cost and feature list. Garmin Nuvi easily moves to the top with its insignificant annoyances, but the Magellan and the Tom Tom don’t cost as much. The most sensible option for you is to invest in a Garmin Nuvi unless you intend to allow a GPS device get in the way of your driving. You might also want to look at the Garmin Nuvi 1350 Portable GPS Navigator.