Compare GPS Models and Get the Right One For Your Needs and Budget!

When I first got into the GPS market, I decided to compare GPS models to see if I could find the right one for me and my budget. Honestly, at the time, I didn't know very much about these nifty little devices. A friend had one, and I really liked it. I knew basically what they did, but I knew nothing about what features were popular, or even available.

Since Amazon is my favorite online retailer, I started there and read all their product descriptions. Of course, I saw that Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan were the industry leaders, in that order. Unfortunately, my initial happiness at finding such information was not long lived. I soon became confused by all the makes and models, all the features, and all the prices. If you're in the market for a GPS device, and you've been comparing GPS models, then I'm sure you're experiencing the same level of frustration that I felt. To help you out, let me tell you about some of my research. Hopefully, I can help you compare GPS models more easily and save you a fair amount of frustration.

So, let's dive right in!

There are three main manufacturers of GPS devices in the United States, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin sells about half the GPS's sold, while Tom Tom and Magellan each have about a twenty percent market share. All those other companies you hear about fight over the table scraps.

Garmin has two main lines of product, the nuvi and the StreetPilot. The nuvi is their newer line. Nuvis are smaller and sleeker and generally pack more features for the buck. You can get Garmin's nuvi 200 for less than $200. Their top of the line nuvi sells for slightly less than $900.

StreetPilots are an older model. They're a little clunkier than the nuvis. But since they are older, the prices on them are probably a little lower (feature per feature) than the nuvis. You don't have the range of features available on StreetPilots like you do on the nuvis. Personally, I would not hesitate to buy a StreetPilot. I would just make sure that it can do everything I would want.

Of course, you need to compare GPS models made by Garmin to its rivals, Tom Tom and Magellan. Tom Tom is the newcomer to the U.S. marketplace, but through aggressive marketing, pricing, and also through offering lots of innovative features on their devices, they've steadily taken market share away from both Garmin and Magellan.

I like the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition. Although it has an entry level price, it's not really an entry level unit. Are Tom Tom's as well made as Garmin? The buying public seems to think so. I don't think Tom Tom's units are quite as sleek looking as Garmin's but really that might not matter to you. If you're interested in Tom Tom, make sure you check out their GO series.

You can't compare GPS models completely and leave out Magellan. Time was when Magellan was the only GPS manufacturer. Then Garmin came along and took away a ton of their market share. Magellan should not be left out of your GPS comparisons, however. Their Maestro line is really great, offers lots of features, and dollar for dollar, offers as much or more than either Garmin or Tom Tom. I especially like their Maestro 4250. For the price, around $250, I think it's probably the best deal currently on the market.

To learn more about how to choose the best GPS models, check out my website.

Rick Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website Navigation Auto GPS to find out about the best deals on the market.

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