Finding the best GPS system can be as easy as going to the local office supply store and just buying whatever you can afford. But, how do you know if you are getting the best system for your needs? Do you need certain features such as hands free calling with Bluetooth? How about real-time traffic reports? Is that something you need?

Most people find buying their first GPS system a daunting task. Once you start looking into the various systems, there are so many features to choose from. Also, the range of prices for GPS systems is huge, ranging from less than $200 on the low end, to almost $1000 on the high end.

You don't want a system that's too cheap, because as you use it you'll start to wish you had the other features.

What you need is an understanding of what's for sale and about how much the main features are going to cost you. That way you can make an informed decision.

How to Buy the Best GPS

The first thing to do is to establish a budget. Then you can group the available GPS devices and compare apples to apples.

At the low end, you can get a Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition for less than $200. The 3rd Edition is a fabulous device! It works great and has a ton of features for the price. Garmin also sells a quality product for less than $200. The Garmin nuvi 200 currently sells for around $180. It does not have all of the features that the 3rd Edition has, but Garmin is famous for making a quality product.

In the mid-range, I would probably take a look at Magellan and Garmin. Amazon just published a list of their best selling GPS units for the year. Which GPS system was at the top of the list? The Garmin nuvi 350, which currently sells for a little less than $300.

At the high end, you have several great Tom Toms, specifically the GO series. And, of course, Garmin. Both of these systems offer a ton of high-tech features and easy to user interfaces.

In Conclusion

Just as in buying anything, you need to understand what's available and how much it is going to cost you. Then you can make an informed decision. Just as with all electronics, prices of GPS devices continue to drop. Sometimes people use that as an excuse not to buy anything! If you're putting off the buying decision, don't! When I bought my first GPS, after only a few days, I wondered how in the world I had gotten along without one. I immediately bought my wife one. She felt better about getting around town, and I felt better, too. That kind of security and convenience is worth the few hundred dollars you're going to spend!