Compiled by the Tiger GPS Customer Service Staff
Tired of getting lost on vacation? No idea where to make the deliveries? Wish you had known there wouldn't be another rest stop for 300 miles?
All of these hazards, and more, can be avoided with a dedicated Automotive GPS Navigation system. Once used only by the military, civilian GPS has been widespread for the better part of the last decade. Precise location fixes and powerful trip computers are now standard with just about any GPS device. Manufacturers such as Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, and TomTom have expanded the capabilities of GPS from a simple readout of UTM coordinates to specific street-level directions for any address in North America. Automotive GPS models range from $150 on the low end to $1000 for top-of-the-line, fully functional complete navigation systems. So which one is right for you?
When picking a GPS, the most important question to ask is "What do I want to do with it?" Any automotive GPS unit that Tiger GPS carries will tell you where you are and where to go, without getting you lost. The first factor to consider, price-wise, is how much map you need. Most value-level models include maps for the continental United States only; you'll have to upgrade to a higher model for maps of Canada and Alaska as well. In addition, some manufacturers, such as Garmin and TomTom, have European maps available. Models such as the Garmin nuvi 770 and TomTom GO 920 include maps of both North America and Europe built-in, so there's nothing more to add!
Another important feature to look for is "text-to-speech." Most voice-prompting GPS units will give an audio command such as "Turn left in 300 feet" or "Take next exit." A unit with a text-to-speech function will speak not only the direction but the name of the street as well: "Turn left onto Mulberry Lane in 300 feet" or "Take Exit 23A." This is a huge help for many people, as they can be prepared at a confusing intersection and won't even have to glance at the screen to know where to go.
A new feature to consider is live traffic service. Available in larger cities, a subscription to a traffic service gives you real-time, up-to-the-minute updates on traffic and road conditions. Freeway's blocked from Exit 23 to Exit 29? Your GPS will notify you and offer an alternative route. After a free trial period, traffic service typically costs about $5/month. Some Garmin units also offer MSN Direct services, which provides not only traffic but weather reports, gas prices and movie times. New models such as the Garmin nuvi 780 and nuvi 880 offer Enhanced MSN direct, which adds the above features plus news and stock tickers, event listings, and MSN Live integration.
One of the newest additions to GPS systems is the integration of a Bluetooth chip. If both your cell phone and GPS unit are Bluetooth-enabled, you'll be able to pair them up for hands-free calling, dial-a-POI features, and more, making your automotive electronics suite completely integrated.
So which is the "best?" That depends entirely on your needs and your preferences. Tiger GPS has enough models to choose from that will suit just about anyone's taste.
Among the most popular pre-loaded GPS navigation systems are the TomTom GO 920, Garmin nuvi 360 and nuvi 680, the Garmin StreetPilot c550, the Magellan Maestro 4250 and CrossOver GPS, the Garmin nuvi 200, and the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition. So what are the differences between them, really?
 Need a GPS that truly understands you? The TomTom GO 920 is the first aftermarket GPS system with voice recognition technology for address entry. Not only will the GO 920 tell you where to go, but you can tell the GO 920 where to take you, easily and safely! The GO 920 is also packed with features such as maps for both North America and Europe, Bluetooth, text-to-speech, MP3 player with iPod integration, remote control, and more! Upgrade the GO 920T and get a money-saving integrated traffic receiver. If you don't need the Europe maps or voice recognition, try the TomTom GO 720 instead. The just-released GO 730 upgrades the GO 720 with voice recognition and new navigation features.
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 If you want simple, touch-screen navigation at your fingertips, check out the Garmin nuvi 680 with Bluetooth and MSN Direct. No bigger than a deck of playing cards, but with a super-wide 4.3" diagonal screen, the nuvi is pre-programmed with maps for all of North America, making it perfect for travel. It also accepts European maps and special software such as a Travel Guide and Language Guide to keep you on the proper path here or across the Pond. It crams all the navigation features of the StreetPilot c580 into a compact multimedia unit, including text-to-speech voice instructions. Plus, the nuvi plays MP3s and Audio Books, making all other handheld electronics useless. Choose the Garmin nuvi 660 for a Bluetooth unit without MSN Direct; if you don't want Bluetooth or traffic included, try the nuvi 650. Also available is the Garmin nuvi 360, with an original compact 3.5" diagonal screen. Bump up to the Garmin nuvi 370 or nuvi 670 and you'll get pre-loaded maps for both North America and Europe! There's also the basic Garmin nuvi 350, which is pre-loaded with North American maps but lacks the Bluetooth hands-free calling of the 360. Not sure which nuvi is for you? Check out our exclusive Garmin nuvi Guide (click here).
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 The Garmin StreetPilot c550 shows that you don't have to compromise with a compact unit. With a new design and safety features, the c550 features Bluetooth phone support, text-to-speech voice prompts, an integrated GTM traffic receiver, pre-loaded maps with a 3.5" diagon touch screen and more! The StreetPilot c580 does the c550 one better with MSN Direct, a service that provides live traffic, weather forecasts, local gas prices and movie times, while the Garmin StreetPilot c530 has the same design as its big brothers without all the bells and whistles. The Garmin StreetPilot c340 and StreetPilot c330 are still available at blowout prices. All c-series StreetPilots have a 3D map view on a compact 3.5" diagonal touch-screen display. The c-series cuts out the more advanced navigation features of the StreetPilot 2720 but improves in aesthetics and ease-of-use.
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 The Magellan Maestro series replaces the popular RoadMate line with updated maps and a simpler interface. The value-level Maestro 3200 comes loaded with maps for the lower 48 states, while the Maestro 3210 adds maps for all of North America and a complete point-of-interest database, as well as AAA TourBook information. Bump up to the Maestro 3250 for Bluetooth, text-to-speech, an included traffic receiver, and VoiceCommand technology, which allows you to speak menu commands to the unit. There's also the wide-screen Maestro 4xxx series, which tops out with the Maestro 4250 with Bluetooth, text-to-speech, included traffic receiver, VoiceCommand and a wider 4.3" diagonal screen. Get a Maestro 3250 or Maestro 4250 now through June 30th and get a free year of traffic!
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 Still want a Garmin nuvi, but don't need a ton of extras? The Garmin nuvi 200 is perfect for you. The nuvi 200 provides basic voice prompts and is pre-loaded with maps of the lower 48 United States, plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico - and that's it. No Bluetooth, no traffic option, no fancy media players - just solid navigation throughout America. If you need Canada and Alaska maps as well, invest in a nuvi 250. There's also the nuvi 200W and nuvi 250W, which have the same feature set but in a wide screen. And if you're off to Europe, the nuvi 270 is the ultimate combination of portability and price! Still not sure which nuvi is for you? Check out our exclusive Garmin nuvi Guide (click here).
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 The TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is the latest in a long line of dynamic, easy-to-use navigators. With a new edition of pre-loaded 3D maps of the United States and Canada, traffic receiver capability, and a sleek design with a simple interface, the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is an outstanding bang for your buck. The ONE is also compatible with new TomTom MapShare technology, which will provide real-time map updates with user input. There's also the wide-screen TomTom ONE XL, with a wider screen, and the ONE XL-S, which updates the ONE XL with MapShare and text-to-speech. |
 The Magellan CrossOver GPS (formerly RoadMate 2500T) is a brand-new navigator that's suitable for both automotive and outdoors navigation. It's the first system to be pre-loaded with both North American street maps as well as a topographic U.S. basemap. Now you can take your automotive GPS with you from the car to the trail. It even accepts marine maps as well! The CrossOver GPS features text-to-speech voice prompts, traffic capability, and MP3 media features in a compact touch-screen unit. The CrossOver GPS is big brother to the Magellan RoadMate 2000, which contains basic map information and is still available at a blowout price. |
Still uncertain which model is for you? Check out the Tiger GPS Automotive GPS Selection Tool (click here) or call our toll-free customer service line at 1-866-798-4437 and speak to one of our dedicated customer service reps.
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