Guide to GPS

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are the latest technology craze, and have already become a favorite toy for men and women alike. Hint: They make great gifts for gadget lovers!

Basic background: satellites track your whereabouts through software installed in your vehicle, or on your cell phone, laptop, or PDA, and provide you with directions to your next destination, pinpoint your exact location, or locate the nearest restaurant, gas station, or pay phone.

Recently, GPS units have become affordable. They're now standard features in new vehicles, a feature on many cell phones, and are also used in an adventure game called geocaching.

Who Makes Them?

There are several manufacturers of GPS: Magellan, TomTom, Garmin, and NavMan are some of the most popular; but there are literally hundreds of companies that manufacture the system.

Where Can I Buy Them?

You'll find GPS in a variety of locations including Best Buy, The GPS Store, Office Depot, Radio Shack, and yes, even Wal-Mart―just to name a few. Any retailer carrying electronic products will likely have GPS units, too.

Which One Should I Buy?

When purchasing a GPS, decide on the style that fits your needs. There are portable hand-held units, auto models, PDA/cell phone models, and marine models for navigation on waterways. Determining your needs will also help you determine the price you'll pay. Systems range from approximately $100 to over $10,000, but the lower priced models probably provide more features than you'll ever use, so shop around to find one that meets your budget.

If you already have a laptop or cell phone with Internet capabilities, you can purchase GPS software without having to buy an entire system. DeLorme offers a wide variety of software with Bluetooth capability and Microsoft's Streets & Trips offers an edition specifically for GPS use.

Compare the features of different models. Most of the basic units only provide your location by longitude and latitude; software can't be downloaded into these versions. Handheld models that map out your location are just a step up from the basic models, but you can download software to them and they feature maps already programmed into the system.

The "auto-models" are GPS units are specifically for your car, truck, RV, or motorcycle. These models vary in features, from basics to all the bells & whistles you might want. Some even talk to you, giving you specific directions: "Turn right at the next intersection." If you want a talking version, be sure to listen to the voices―there may be one or two you like better than others.

The best advice we can give you about choosing a GPS: shop around. Research the different options and features available and decide which style you prefer to help you make the wisest purchase to fit your needs and budget.