Whether you're trying to find your way to an open house, weave your way through a full day of showings or provide prospective buyers with a primer on your area's amenities (schools, parks and public transportation), there's technology to make your job easier.
The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a helpful tool for people who spend much of their time on the road - like REALTORS®. They're a cool and hip tool to have whether you get behind the wheel often, or if you just love
technological gadgets.
Satellite Signals Power GPS
GPS satellites circle the earth and transmit signal information to GPS receivers on the ground. These receivers use this information to determine your exact position. Once your position has been determined, the GPS unit calculates the instructions for reaching any destination you enter.
Tool Saves Time and Money
A GPS can do things for you that its predecessor, the paper map, couldn't. It knows your precise location, provides turn-by-turn instructions for driving from one point to another, identifies the nearest gas station and offers real-time traffic reports.
In today's economy, with gas prices at their current levels, a GPS helps you take the most direct route to your destination. Not only does this save you travel time, but it means you don't have to sit in front of a computer to find and print directions. This helps you reduce costs for paper and ink!
Taking a Closer Look at Recommended Models
Most GPSs come standard with a touch screen interface, views, route calculation devices, and mapping capabilities. A basic model costs around $200, while one with bells and whistles, such as text-to-speech capability, can run $500. Before you hit the streets or go out and actually buy a GPS, navigate through these recommended models:
The Good: Offers an extensive database of locations and travel-friendly options, such as voice-guided directions and finger touchscreen.
The Bad: Price, plus it offers a lot of bells and whistles which cost extra. This model also doesn't have an external volume control.
The Bottom Line: Travel tools and high performance make it a worthwhile investment, if you're willing to pay the price tag.
The Good: Since everything is pre-installed, you can take it out of the box, turn it on and go.
The Bad: Most expensive model of those we compared. Maps are quirky and outdated, and its battery life is considerably shorter than others.
The Bottom Line: Navigating system is slow and not very intuitive.
The Good: Interface is easy to use and allows users to select visual or spoken commands for directions.
The Bad: Critics found database to be outdated and experienced slow response times.
The Bottom Line: A reliable unit, especially for those who don't consider themselves tech savvy.
The Good: Perfect for first-time buyers who want a device that's reasonably-priced and simple to use. Critics boast it's much faster at calculating routes.
The Bad: Voice-guided directions are hard to hear.
The Bottom Line: Offers the basic features at an affordable price. Low volume can be problematic.
| |
Garmin |
HP iPaq |
Magellan |
TomTom |
| Price |
 |
 |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
|
|
| Volume |
|
|
|
|
| Mapping |
|
|
|
|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
|
|
If You're Going Buy...
For a basic model, the TomTom One 130S is a good buy; while the Garmin Nuvi 350 takes top honors for the high-end models. These GPS systems are worthwhile investments, whether you're on the road a lot or just love gadgets and gizmos. Either way, you'll be driving in the fast lane.
Information was compiled from Amazon.com, CDW Corp. and CNET.