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