It can be challenging to find your way through the maze of in-car GPS features to find the unit you want at a price you can afford. Here is a representative sampling of in-car GPS units and their features as you go up the price scale.
1. Magellan Maestro 3210 ($150)
Photo © Magellan
The Magellan Maestro 3210 is a nice example of the newer generation of ultra-slim (a little more than half an inch wide) compact, "pocket size" GPS devices that is at home in your car but also as you walk a city street. It is a good value in a lower-cost receiver, and has some nice features for its price range, including a robust points-of-interest database and AAA TourBook guide information.
2. TomTom ONE XL-S ($290)
Photo © TomTom
When people ask me for advice on which in-car GPS to buy, I ask them about their needs, but I always recommend that they spend enough to get true text-to-speech directions. Text-to-speech means that you will hear the actual names of the streets (or highway route numbers) as directions are given, rather than simply when to turn. It's: "turn right on Mulberry Lane, one quarter mile" versus "turn right, one quarter mile." It seems like a small thing, but hearing street names and route numbers as you navigate unfamiliar territory is important. The TomTom ONE XLS is among the lowest-cost text-to-speech units available.
3. TomTom GO 720 ($320)
Photo © TomTom
The TomTom GO 720 resides between the top-of-the-line GO 920 and 920T, and the more basic ONE XLS. The ONE XLS is a fine choice, but if you want higher end features such as a customizable status bar (six variables, such as remaining time, remaining distance, etc.), an optional remote control, a document viewer for guidebooks and language dictionaries, an MP3 player, picture viewer, and more, you can step up to the 720.
4. TomTom GO 920 ($400)
Photo © TomTom
If you're the type who's got to have the latest technology, consider the TomTom GO 920. The 920 and its companion model, the 920T (includes a traffic information receiver) sit atop TomTom's in-car GPS line. The 920 packs just about every possible feature, plus some TomTom exclusives, and does so within an attractive and solidly built package and at a competitive price.
5. Garmin Nuvi 760 ($560)
Photo © Garmin
If you want or need it all -- from a wide screen, to rock-solid navigation and precise text-to-speech directions, to hands-free calling support, to traffic tracking and avoidance, to travel tools, the Garmin Nuvi 760 is a fine choice. On top of all of that, the Nuvi 760 has an easy-to-use, intuitive touchscreen interface.
