By now you've probably heard the television and radio ads urging you to "Get a Garmin" this holiday season. But what are the real benefits of owning a consumer GPS device? Since we know you're not the kind of person to simply buy what the TV tells you, we've provided the following objective list of reasons to own a GPS from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom or any number of consumer electronics companies.



What are the Benefits of Owning a Car GPS Device?

So let's cut to the chase. Are GPS devices just cool gadgets to show off to your friends or do they have some practical purpose in your life? Here are some of the things you can do with a GPS device:

- Get directions. Obviously, the number one selling point of any GPS is that it helps you get from Point A to Point B without getting lost. New GPS technology allows you to pre-program your trip into the device and then receive directions via turn-by-turn navigation. On many Garmin GPS, the information is even delivered by a friendly computerized voice.

- Use it as a phone. The Magellan Maestro and other recent GPS devices now integrate Bluetooth technology into the device, so you can now use the GPS as a hands-free phone. With concerns about safety due to cell phone use in the car (and many states having passed hands-free cell phone laws) this feature is more relevant than ever.

- Drive more safely. As amazing as it sounds, many GPS now provide warnings about upcoming obstacles in the road as well as advice about which lane has the least amount of potential traffic. These features give you an advantage over the unexpected bumps in the road that could pose a real safety risk to you or your family.

- Get there quicker. In the "old days" you had to bite your tongue and wait it out when traffic got tough. Now, GPS devices help make the traffic snarl a thing of the past. Many systems are linked to your local highway traffic reports and can clue you in when you need to take an alternate route. In fact, GPS technology has become so advanced that it can even provide that alternate route on the fly!

- Find something to do. Magellan, Garmin and other companies are now preloading their auto GPS with links to thousands of restaurants, movie theatres and other entertainment options. You can search by what you want to do tonight, and the GPS will provide a wealth of options (and even tell you how to get there).

- Enjoy your trip. If you're taking your family on a car trip, pack your toothbrush and your GPS! GPS can provide information about all the points-of-interest along the way. You'll get everything from national monuments to scenic overlooks - and everything fun in between. The GPS device will tell you the most efficient way to get there, so you won't end up wasting a lot of money on gas.