GPS Buying Advice

Our GPS Buying Advice article offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new GPS package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy your look around - and don't get lost!GPS Buying TipsBefore you even contemplate buying a new GPS, you will need to work out a few things:BudgetAs ever, budget is your key consideration. Work out your maximum spend, stick to it and don't budge under pressure from the enticing words of salesmen.TravelHow far do you travel and why do you want a GPS? If you don't go far, then there is little point in buying expensive. GPS are jam-packed with features these days, but you may not need all those extra features like European maps if you aren't ever going to use them.

However, if you are using it every day and travel from place to place, a GPS unit will quickly become vital to your working schedule and you should invest accordingly. A high price generally means a good, long-lasting build quality - although always check reviews before making your decisionPlacementHave a think about where you can put your GPS on your car. Is size going to be an issue? Is it going to block your view through your windscreen, and if so, can you place it on the dashboard instead?

It is possible to buy mounts that fit in the air-con vent grill on your dashboard, but these can cause issues with blocking air - and the GPS may even be too heavy to sit there for too long.UpdatesBasic journeys are fine, but most maps will need updating every once in a while. Find out before buying whether these updates will be provided for free - there could be nasty charges on their way that you don't expect.GPS FunctionsThere are several key functions that most GPS units will offer; here is a brief outline of what to expect....The BasicsGPS stands for 'Global Positioning System' and works by using orbiting satellites and GPS receivers to calculate a current location anywhere in the world. There is one major stipulation; the GPS device must have a direct line of sight to a minimum of three satellites in the sky to triangulate your position, meaning GPS may not work if you are underground or in a deep valley.

However, if you are out in the middle of the sticks and within line of as many satellites as possible, your GPS can be unerring - the more satellites that can locate you, the better the accuracy.

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