Community Newsletter: Q&A forum: Aren't all GPS devices essentially the same? Why the price differences?

You have to understand how mapping software in GPS units work and why different GPS units may give different directions to the same location. You also have to understand why a GPS can never have local knowledge. Until you understand this, you will suffer from the same frustration that Devondave suffered from.

All GPS units use one of 2 available map sets. What the vendors do it decide how they are going to use the mapset data to generate s route. I live in the US. Here, a GPS would normally assume that an interstate highway would be the best route, followed by federal highways, state highways, etc. You can not expect the GPS to know that an interstate or a motorway is jammed. That is local knowledge.

I had a Streetpilot GPS before I bought my NUVI 660. With my Streetpilot (which was a wonderful unit), it sometimes took the system miles to realize that I did not want to follow the recommended unit. My wife would go bonkers with the "Off route - recalculating" message. My new NUVI (which is also a wonderful unit) does it in a much faster time but if I insist on using a city street instead of a parallel Interstate, it persists in trying to get me to the Interstate.

That said, at least in the states, several units can connect your GPS via your car radio to traffic tracking systems so that they can tell you of traffic jams ahead and offer to detour you.

Maps and GPS units both have their functions and you should not throw away your maps just because you have a GPS. If the GPS gives you an "incorrect" route based on your local knowledge, go the way you want to.

Hope this helps.

DON

Mary Jane:
I would need more information as to how you expect to use your GPS before submitting an opinion.
Do you intend to use it while walking ?
Do you intend to use it in your automobile?
Do you intend to use it in some other way ?
Regards,
Mike

Mary Jane,

I am going to give you a lady's point of view of gps systems. I, too, have no sense of direction. I was on a road trip from PA to CO to TX. I thought it was the ideal time to buy one of these gadgets.

I think the increase in price has to do with how much bigger the screen gets and the resolution. I have the Magellan 4040 and the screen is nice. You can read it well as it sits on the dash. It has a bluetooth feature, so I can make calls through the GPS. It makes it easy and hands free while you are driving. It comes with AAA tourguide. I happen to belong to AAA, so this works for me.

The others may be cheaper, but I am sure the screen is smaller, thus making it harder to read. What sort of mounting ware comes with it? You will need to attach it to your car or else it will roll around. Does it sound good and can you understand the directions it is giving you?

More money means better features, but I am sure there is a middle ground that would work for you. Price alone should not be your only consideration and the GPS systems are getting cheaper. Hope this helped.

Elizabeth

The number of mistakes you have made in your post is beyond belief. I have marked just a few of them below -

The Unit Hard/flash drive; this is the part that talks to the satilites -- The unit does not "talk" to the satellite. It receives a signal from the satellite.

are 6 satilites that are in stationary orbit around the earth -- I know that the number is more than 6. It is, I believe, 23.


Each satalite transmits and recieves signals from the unit you have in your posession -- The GPS is a receiver only. Can you imagine how a satellite in space would deal with signals from millons of GPS units. Can you imagine the power it would take for a battery powered GPS that you can hold in your hand to communicate with a satellite hundreds of miles above the earth.

Its the Hard drive -- very few GPS units with the exception of car units have hard drives in them.


Lower end software will only give your location within 10 mile -- Any unit can give you an accurate fix within 20 - 30 feet. Most of the time, units are accurate to 10 - 12 feet. In fact, a car navigation unit is more accuate than that because the unit knows that you must be on a road so if the signal shows you slightly off the road, the software snaps you to the road. Even when the satellite signal was slightly scrambled (this stopped about 10 years ago), the accuracy was within perhaps 50 ft.

TomTom is the new guy on the block and because of that there is not much information on how good or bad they are -- TomTom may be a new vendor in the USA but they have been the major player in Europe for years. The fact that they have made a bid to purchase NAVTEQ shows how serious they are about GPS

MapQuest which is used by all Garmin stuff -- Garmin uses Navteq maps. That is why they were so worried about TomTom purchasing Navteq. However, Garmin and TomTom have signed an agreement to ensure that Garmin has access to Navteq maps.

Garmin 1st - This is about the only thing that I would agree w you about. Not because Garmin is best but because, IMHO, it has a very user friendly operating system. However, this may be because I have used Garmin units for years and am used to them.

BTW, your entire paragraph about how GPS has a minimal grain of truth to it but is basically technical garbage. About the only thing you have correct in the paragraph is that the more satellites you can "see" (not, as you say - can see you) the better your fix may be.

Mary - ignore everything that Sarge has to say.

DON

I don't know about the Magellan, but the tomtom was rated a "best buy" by Consumer Reports.
I copied the quick recommendation for you from their website.
I just purchased the TomTom and am currently reading and learning
about it.
Last weekend, they were giving a 100 dollar rebate. I got the gps for 125 dollars.
Don't be misled by the name.
By next week, I should know more about it.



CR Quick Recommendations Portable GPS Navigation

Portable GPS navigation systems can all provide nationwide route guidance to help you find long-distance destinations and local points of interest. Where they differ most is in ease of use and their features. For our ratings, we factor heavily the qualities that make it easy to input destinations and give the most helpful directions. The recommendations below break out the best performing models overall, and those that perform the core navigation chores well and do so at an attractive price point.

Other tested models may also appeal, if you place a high priority on secondary features, like MP3 playback and traffic services. It is worth scanning the ratings and reviewing the detailed model pages to find the right match for your needs.

The Ratings rank models strictly on performance. Quick Picks consider other factors such as features, reliability, and value.


Quick Picks

Best Overall:

TomTom Go 910 , $500
Garmin nuvi 660 , $700
Garmin StreetPilot c580 , $550


All three models have text-to-speech technology, which means that they say the names of streets rather than simply say "turn left." Each can also report traffic delays, but the TomTom Go 910 must be paired with a compatible Bluetooth phone to get traffic services. The others have built-in receivers. Of the three, the nuvi 660 is the most compact, yet has a good-sized screen allowing larger icons and keypad letters--a plus for entering addresses. The Garmin c580 performs as well as the nuvi 660, but it has a smaller screen and its larger size makes it a little less portable. The TomTom Go 910 is another strong performer. It is less portable with a screen size between the nuvi 660 and the StreetPilot c580.
Best on a budget:

TomTom One , $300, CR Best Buy
Garmin StreetPilot c330 , $300, CR Best Buy
Magellan Roadmate 2000 , $250, CR Best Buy


These three models are strictly navigators. They don't offer all the bells and whistles like music players or hands-free calling, but they do a good job and are very easy to use. The TomTom One is extremely compact, but it still has a 3.5-inch (diagonal) screen and is capable of traffic updates with a compatible Bluetooth phone.

Welcome to retail's largest(?) day. First, the prices offered were "loss leaders". The hope was to get you in the door first, then have you spend extravagant sums of money on other things, or possibly buy one of those "feature rich" GPS units at the Sale, Retail, I'm going to Cancun on the commission prices. My tongue is firmly planted in my cheak. I'm one of those old geeks who happens to sell GPS units among other things. Moved a couple a hundred.
If you were looking for a basic unit to get you from point A to Z, with waypoints B-Y optional, yes they were a good buy. You'd be better off going to the repective web sites to compare features. A lot of the bells and whistles that drive up the price of GPS units are useful, but not for everybody.
Do you need a unit which has 46 language options? Do you need street names called out? Do you want voice programming? Do you want to look at JPG files on the screen? Want to hook up your MP3 player? Need truck routes? Do you operate in major metropolitan areas with traffic advisories broadcast on FM? And the list goes on and on and on.
If you like the comradie of this forum, you are in good hands. Ultimately, the web sites will allow you a side-by-side comparison. (That's 'Cntrl+N').

I am amazed that you have not heard of TOM TOM PERHAPS THAT IS BECAUSE IT IS A DUTCH COMPANY,However tot like the name it is as far as everyone in the know the market leader in satnav and has grown to be an incredible force in the market.I t is so easy to use with regular updates POINTS OF INTEREST data base showing everything from the nearest MACDONALDS to 24 hour petrol stations etc,Warning s can be set for when you approach known road hazards (speed cameras ec)I havbe now used one for 5 years updated my maps ,in my case covering the entire breadth of europe,literally tapping in street name ,and number and the country and on one occcasion driven from my home cross english channel(by ferry)and then across 4 countries to arrive within 15 feet of the address totally touble free.At night changing to muted coulors to avoid glare and in fog using the 3 d display to warn of suden dips in the road etc.I t really means you can concerntrate on the driving not having to keep an eye on the street names,or turn off points on motorways etc Please remember though that qwhile your sat nav may say "at next junction go straight across*" check you have priority etc All this with it loaded onto my old ipaq 2200 with a bluetooth gps receiver.I tried others but TOM TOM IS THE ONE.Cheap versions are available but they tend to be versions with older maps or less features .I would adfvise nothing less than TOM TOM version 6.01.HOPE this helps and happy motoring

When you hear those words "we are all sold out" usually means never had the sale product..walk out the door..most GPS sale for any where from $ 175 and up..Check Consumer's Report for Comparison Pricing.

Here in Europe TomTom has become the top brand due to a combination of good maps (it has recently taken over the company that supplied its maps) user-friendly software and, after a dodgy start, reasonable support. As the volume of its sales has gone up it has steadily dropped the prices, and the other companies (notably Garmin) now seem to be following, presumably because they were losing market share. I have been a TomTom user for around four years and have recommended it to others. In the US I have only used the units supplied by Hertz and National with their rental cars, and found neither system as good as TomTom.

I am only familiar with the TomTom. It is a GPS used for a long time in Europe. It has great maps for much of the world. It can show routes in two or three dimensions. It talks to you and directs you. It will readjust itself if you decide to take a different road. It has a big clear screen. It has made our lives soooo much easier when we travel. The best thing is, it has dropped in price from $500 to $250.
A good way of checking out a product is to go to Consumer Report (Consumer Union) and see how they rate the item against others. You can go to your local library and look up past issues of CR magazine. Even Google can be helpful which can point you to sights that compare items.
Don't let advertising influence you nor just the price. I just bought two cameras at retail, one for $350 and one for $1350. The cheaper one performed as good or better then the expensive one.

John Cip

I bought my first GPS back in august of 2007,let me tell you I wouldn't go anywheres without the (TOY!)..TOM TOM is in the top three I believe according to consumers report a few months ago.There about half price now.$300..If you are planning to travel to europe or the canary islands you don't need the extra download for these places.If you just want it for directions,get the model without all the extras such as music,photos(you need bluetooth for these excessories).I got lost in Tampa florida back in august and I sweared that i was going to have one of these someday!! They are very easy to understand and especially driving in unfamiliar areas they can save you alot of time and aggravation,believe me!!!! Thanks..jimmy dean

Mary Jane, Verizon Wireless has a GPS application called VZ Navigater. It take a short time to learn but it can be a real time saver when you're traveling in unfamiliar territory. Since it's on your phone it's very convenient, it's alway's with you car to car or on the train or bus. It works on the Razrs and a few other cool phones. It has saved me a few times. They have a new plan that has unlimited VZ Navigation, text messaging, and web-based applications(mobile e-mail). In calling (Verizon to Verizon)is free along with Long Distance within the Continental U.S. for something like $79.00 per month. Or you can pay a small fee for each 24 hr. period you need the navigation. Unless your a traveling salesperson you won't need it everyday. Most people don't use all their phones applications so start out with a lesser plan-you can always upgrade.-John

VZ Navigator from Verizon Wireless costs $9.99 a month. At that rate it will take you about two to four years to pay off your dedicated GPS unit. Can you guarantee that it will last much longer?

Verizon takes care of the updates with VZ Navigator.

Yes, the screen is small, but most of the time you are relying on audio cues.

As someone else pointed out, most people take their phone with them everywhere. No hardware to mount.

To each his own, but the fewer gadgets I have to take with me the better.

I have a Palm Treo 700P. Last year, I bought the Garmin GPS 10, a 2GB SD card, and a PDNet program. I have been loving my integrated phone ever since.

The GPS 10 is a program stored on my Treo plus a small Bluetooth antenna. It works really well, especially with the current software update from Garmin. The best thing is, instead of having to stick the antenna to the windshield, you can put it on the roof of your car with its magnet when you're amongst tall buildings in the city.

My Sprint broadband connection works well with the GPS 10. I get traffic and weather info on the go. Now with Google Map installed, FREE! I can see where I'm going b4 I get there.

PDNet is the other toy I love. I use my Sprint broadband connection, passed on to my computer via USB, and I get broadband ANYWHERE!

Spending hundreds for a GPS is nice, if you have the dough, and the will to carry around a bunch of gadgets. I, who make frequent out-of-town visits, like my Sprint/Treo/Garmin GPS 10/PDNet. All in one (well, 1.5) little package.

Hi Mary Jane,

I was actually working at a Staples location the day after Thanksgiving when we were selling 2 models of GPSes at severe discounts, and they really did fly...we had a total of around 50 of them, and they were all gone within 90 minutes.

Having owned one GPS and toyed with many others, I would say that while it would be nice to go with a name brand, since it implies reliability, it is really more important to get the best mix of features. That's not to say that a Garmin wouldn't be better than a generic Walgreen-brand GPS, but in general they all work the same, using a network of satellites to track exactly where the unit is.

The features are what really separate the units. All will come pre-loaded with maps, the ability to program routes, and pre-loaded Points of Interest, such as restaurants and gas stations. An optional feature which many consumers will enjoy is the Text to Speech feature. Having Text to Speech simply means that if you've programmed a route and you need to turn onto Baker Street, the computerized voice will alert you "Take next right onto Baker Street." Without Text to Speech, the voice will simply alert you "Take next right." The screen will still display the name of the street, but sometimes it's nice to hear it out loud.

Many GPS units will also include traffic alerts. Some units charge for this, though the Navigon brand units are currently featuring free traffic alerts for as long as you own the unit. Navigon units also feature a display that tries to mimic the real world, so instead of just lines on a map you'll see a graphical road and signs alerting you to highway exits.

Some units also have built-in MP3 players, and this can prove to be quite a valuable feature. I used my GPS (a Lowrance model) to drive from Ohio to California, and I never had to change a single CD since my GPS had a 10GB MP3 player built-in. It even came with a cable to connect directly into an auxiliary port on the back of my CD player, so it played quite clearly through my car's speakers, with the voice pausing the song when it needed to alert me to an upcoming turn.

Where buying a name brand unit may be more important is in finding the accessories. Most units come with a suction cup for mounting a GPS to the windshield, many of my customers have come in looking for dashboard mounts, saying that the suction cup can be unreliable. In-store, we only carry a Garmin dash mount, though we carry other accessories (such as carrying cases) for Tom Tom units. Any reliable brand will allow you to order the accessories through their website, but sometimes it is convenient knowing you can just pop into a store should you need anything.

Features, along with physical size of the screen, should be the main aspects you focus on when you buy a GPS. Although Garmin and Magellan may hold a good share of the market, there are plenty of smaller brands (Lowrance, Navigon) that provide quality products with excellent features at lower prices.