| | | | | let you download the map free). |
| Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you | | | | |
| certainly have heard of the Global Positioning | | | | What to look for? |
| System or GPS. There is a GPS for almost | | | | |
| everyone: for hikers, drivers, bikers etc. You also | | | | - Ease of Use. If you are not too comfortable |
| find GPS modules on some advanced mobile | | | | with gadgets, you might prefer going for a simple |
| telephones like the Nokia 6110 Navigator. | | | | model. One that simply guides you from A to B |
| | | | | without all the extras. |
| What is it? | | | | - Traffic Info. Some GPS offer real time info on |
| | | | | traffic jams or road works. The GPS then |
| In very simple terms, the Global Positioning | | | | recalculates your route – and offers an |
| System (GPS) uses radio signals from 4 satellites | | | | alternative one. These services are often charged |
| to locate the exact position of anything on Earth. | | | | so you’d better check before buying! |
| | | | | - Speed Cameras. Most GPS’s come with a |
| What does it cost? | | | | pre-installed list of speed cameras. And again here, |
| | | | | you will need some form of subscription to |
| Apart from the cost of buying one, using a GPS | | | | update that list with new cameras. |
| is free of charge. In fact some of the most basic | | | | - Maps. Some GPS only cover a limited geographic |
| GPS do just what they are about: guiding the | | | | area. Others have more extensive maps like the |
| driver from A to B via a graphic interface. | | | | Tomtom Go 730. This type will be particularly |
| | | | | useful for your holidays abroad. New maps can |
| The most recent models come with a range of | | | | also be purchased as CD roms or on pre-loaded |
| functions (MP3 player, slideshow, video player, blue | | | | memory cards. |
| tooth kit, and even digital tv!). | | | | |
| | | | | You can also download off the website of most |
| Some GPS have pre-installed POI (points of | | | | GPS makers. After download, you then transfer |
| interest) such as garages, restaurants, parking etc. | | | | the maps onto the GPS using either a memory |
| GPS makers have also added new value-added | | | | card, a usb cable or a bluetooth kit (if your GPS |
| services such as live traffic update or a weather | | | | has bluetooth). |
| services like Tomtom Weather on the GO 530 | | | | |
| 730/930). | | | | - Screen Size. This usually varies between 3.6 and |
| | | | | 4.3 inches. AS rule, especially for car GPS, |
| You will need a subscription to most of those | | | | information on the screen should not be too hard |
| services however. Typically an annual subscription | | | | to read. But this should not be a problem |
| costs around $50, with unlimited updates. | | | | considering that most new GPS's come with voice |
| | | | | navigation. |
| Other options are free for a limited period only | | | | |
| (for instance when a new map becomes available | | | | Need to know more about GPS devices, check |
| within 30 days of buying a new GPS, Tomtom will | | | | out the GPS reviewer. |