A GPS system can cost anywhere between $150 and $600. The basic everyday is usually good enough for most people. If you need something to help you get from point a to point b then about $150-200 is a good place to start. The more expensive models usually are bigger and have touch screens and other advanced features.



If you depend on having directions for your business or for meeting people, then it may be wise to buy a more expensive navigation system. A more expensive GPS will be better for people that need it everyday for complicated driving.Maps are usually a whole different animal, and in order to keep up to date with your maps, you will have to pay for them. In some areas, new businesses and stores are built everyday and need constant updating to stay up to date in these areas. If you are just the casual user, you might only have to update your maps once in a while.

The biggest features required for a car are 3D map viewing, which allows you to see a virtual display of your windshield, spoken directions, which help you keep your eyes on the road, and points of interest, which automatically take gas stations, hotels, and rest stations and add them to your maps. After that, a touch screen can make it much easier to navigate the controls. A bigger screen is nice, but not really necessary. The next thing to consider is if your GPS can receive traffic updates. While this is only available in certain areas, you can receive messages from a FM radio station that gives it information on traffic reports. This is a great feature to have and is worth the extra cost if you live in a metro area.

The last thing to consider is will you be taking the GPS out of the car. If you will be using it on foot, then it can make a lot of sense to get one with a decent battery life. It can be very helpful to have when camping or hiking.

I hope this article helped you decide what kind of features you need in a GPS. There are many options available, and you have to think about which ones will work best for you.