Choosing a GPS Satellite Navigation System...

...is an increasingly difficult choice and it is not always as simple as it sounds. With prices of portable satellite navigation systems plummeting they are becoming incredibly popular. No longer are satnavs systems that are only seen in expensive cars - with their recent improvement in terms of affordability they are now a mass market device. There are a lot of different options to pick between and it’s worth taking some time to make sure you get the right one to suit you and your needs. There are many factors to take into consideration and making the right choice will benefit you in its use and in your pocket.

Points to consider:

• How often will you use your Sat Nav?
• Screen Size – this is usually related to price
• Voice Instructions
• Mapping
• Brand? – Do you prefer a recognisable brand such as TomTom?
• Portability – Size and Weight
• Ease of Use
• And, of course, Price!

The Best GPS System

Finding the best GPS system involves finding the best GPS system for YOU. Your needs and requirements are likely different from the next person and therefore we recommend you do a little research first. The first thing to work out are your requirements. How often are you likely to use your GPS satnav system? What size of screen, will you require voice instructions? What size? Do you want fixed or portable? And, most importantly what is you budget. Don’t worry, we’ll help you to find the best price for your chosen GPS satnav system.

Using your GPS navigation system screen

While it is true that each satellite navigation system is a little bit different from the next, most of the newer models now have screens where you can alter the brightness of the display. In addition to mapping and road layouts, you may have the option to shows lots of additional information, such as petrol stations, cash machines and hotels. To assist with road safety many offer details of the sites of speed cameras. You can choose from a variety of interesting information including your current speed, current road, current location, height above sea level, ETA to destination, distance to destination and much more. Some models even automatically switch to a night view at dusk, less bright and easier to read in the dark. With safety being paramount, the gps sat nav system manufacturers are making these devices as safe as possible.

Satellite Navigation System Mapping – never take a wrong turn again!

Most drivers will never require more than the maps of their own country – in our case the UK. If you are that little bit more adventurous, don’t worry, many sat navs have full European mapping available. You can usually buy more maps and updated maps over the phone or online. At first, you will find it quite strange to be given voice commands (most systems now offer this) but before long it will become second nature to you. One of the leading Sat Nav System manufacturers – TomTom – actually releases four annual map updates as it is claimed that an estimated 10–15% of the road network changes every year.

Sat Nav Safety – your GPS system is designed to keep you safe – make sure it does

While it is absolutely true to say that Satellite Navigation Systems are legal in the UK, it is important to make sure that it does not distract you while you are driving. So it must not obstruct your vision of the road and you should not try to programme it or adjust its settings while driving. Some of the systems will not allow you to edit or use any of the functionality while your car is moving. Some of the newer sat nav devices now offer included hands-free mobile phone calls, and some systems will even read out your incoming text messages!

Satellite navigation systems (Sat Nav’s) are the latest must-have gadget and are now an affordable mapping and routing solution for your journey planning. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) your portable handheld or fixed satellite navigation system can determine your location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) to within a few metres using time signals transmitted along a line of sight by radio from satellites. Popular brands include TomTom, Magellan, Mio and ViaMichelin. Our reviews, advice and price comparison service will help you to choose the right satellite navigation system for you.