The GPS Store's Guide to Automotive GPS units

There are two different types of Automotive GPS products, Stand Alone auto navigation and PC/PDA based systems. There are no subscription or monthly fees that are associated with the use of GPS or the GPS satellites. However there are GPS systems that have other optional features and services that may require a subscription or monthly fee. Examples of those services are real time traffic, real time weather reports and satellite radio.

Stand Alone Navigation systems
The PC/PDA based systems

Stand Alone Navigation systems

Stand Alone Navigation systems have the ability to give verbal turn-by-turn directions without the need to be constantly connected to a PC. These units come Pre-loaded with detailed maps for different regions of the North America and Europe. These units will provide spoken turn-by-turn directions as well as visual prompts to any address or Point of Interest that is located in the detailed maps that have been loaded to the unit's memory. Below we have broken down the units into several categories that help group the units that have similar features.

Entry Level Navigation Systems- Entry level GPS navigation systems are going to be units that do not have all the bells and whistles. Some of the following systems have mapping for just the lower 48 states and some have all of North America. You may also find that their database of points of interest are not as complete as the more expensive systems.

	Magellan RoadMate 1200- Designed for simple, efficient and reliable vehicle navigation, the affordable Magellan RoadMate 1200 offers full navigation function and an amazingly easy and uncluttered interface. Unlike other navigation devices with complicated lists that require scrolling through menus you can find virtually anywhere in seconds without reading the instructions.
	Magellan Maestro 3200- This new series provides full navigation capability with built-in maps of the 48 contiguous United States and 1.3 million preprogrammed points of interest. It is now an even slimmer design at only 17.8 mm thick and just 82.5 mm tall. Mapping coverage is for the 48 contiguous sates, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
	TomTom ONE 130- With a new streamlined design which includes the new "EasyPort" mount this dependable 3.5" automobile gps with full mapping for the U.S. and Canada is a step ahead of the competition in design and performance at a lower cost.
	Garmin Nuvi 200- The Garmin Nuvi 200 comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for the continental U.S. The Nuvi 200 is a an affordable version of the popular Garmin Nuvi series. The Nuvi 200 also has the ability to display JPEG images and has an SD card slot for additional media storage. The 200 will also work with Garmin's Travel and Savers guides, plus the Language guides.
	Garmin Nuvi 205- Portable and affordable, the Nuvi 205 is your personal travel assistant for life on the go, this navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions and optional MSN Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for the contiguous U.S.
	Garmin Nuvi 250- The A step above the Nuvi 200, the Garmin Nuvi 250 comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for all of North America. The Nuvi 250 is an affordable version of the popular Garmin Nuvi series. The Nuvi 250 offers all the same great features as the 200.
	Magellan Maestro 4200- The Magellan Maestro 4200 delivers an outstanding combination of elegant design and ease of use, complimented by an entirely new user interface. The Magellan Maestro family represents the 7th generation of vehicle navigation devices from Magellan. The 4200 offers mapping for the continental U.S and multi destination routing of up to 20 addresses.
	Garmin Nuvi 200W- The Garmin Nuvi 200W, has all the same great features and functions as the Nuvi 200. What makes them different is the Nuvi 200W has a 4.3" wide screen display. The Garmin Nuvi 200W comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for the continental U.S. The Nuvi 200W is an affordable version of the popular Garmin Nuvi series. The Nuvi 200W also has the ability to display JPEG images and has an SD card slot for additional media storage. The 200W will also work with Garmin's Travel and Savers guides, plus the Language guides.
	Garmin Nuvi 205W- Portable, affordable and wide, nuvi 205W is your personal travel assistant for life on the go. This navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions and optional MSN Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for the contiguous U.S.
	Garmin Nuvi 250W- The Garmin Nuvi 250W, has all the same great features and funtions as the Nuvi 250. What makes them different is the Nuvi 250W has a 4.3" wide screen display. A step above the Nuvi 200, the Garmin Nuvi 250W comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for all of North America. The Nuvi 250W is a an affordable version of the popular Garmin Nuvi series. The Nuvi 250W offers all the same great features as the 200 and 200W.
	TomTom XL 330- A great unit that provides full mapping for the U.S. and Canada with a 4.3" screen. This redesign of the TomTom ONE XL and its vastly improved mounting system is a sound navigational aid at a very reasonable price.

Advanced Navigation Systems- Advanced vehicle navigation systems are units that have additional features to the standard pre-loaded maps and voice directions. These units generally have detailed maps of North America and an extensive amount of POIs. Other features that you will find in some of these models will be Text-to-speech routing which verbally speaks the name of the street that you are turning onto, Bluetooth technology, real-time traffic capability, and MP3 players.

	Garmin Streetpilot c340- Identical to its predecessor, the c330. The c340 comes packed with additional features Which include: Text-to-Speech directions, Traffic Alerts when used with the optional GTM 10 or 12, as well as setting up proximity alerts for school zones, traffic cameras, etc by downloading industry standard .csv files.
	TomTom ONE 130s- Value in a great new design for a 3.5" screen that offers U.S. and Canadian mapping and "Text to Speech" this unit from TomTom offers outstanding value and performance for an economical price. This is a no frills gps that just performs.
	Garmin Nuvi 260- Similar to the Nuvi 250, Nuvi 260 is attractively-priced and simple to use. Plus, this sleek, slim navigator comes with turn-by-turn voice directions that announce the name of streets as you navigate, so you can keep your eyes on the road. With nuvi 260 you're just a few screen taps away from anywhere. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map.
	Garmin Nuvi 255- This affordable navigator leads the way with voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that speak street names and optional MSN Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America.
	Magellan RoadMate 1412- For the budget conscious a 4.3" touch screen with complete mapping for the U.S. and Canada with the expanded 6 million points of interest, and text to speech. The Smart Detour feature actually prompts you to route around heavy or stopped freeway traffic. It even spell checks your entry of addresses.
	Garmin Nuvi 350- The Garmin Nuvi 350 comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for North America. The Nuvi 350 is considered a travel assistant, as it is able to play MP3s, Audio books, and display JPEG images. The Nuvi 350 also has an SD card slot for additional media storage. It also accepts Garmin's optional software the Travel, Language, and Savers Guides.
	TomTom XL 330S- Text to Speech, 4.3" screen, mapping for the U.S. and Canada, not much more a non-technical person would need. The unit functions flawlessly in providing accurate driving directions to your destination.
	Magellan Maestro 4220- Travel the continent and navigate with elegant style! 4.3" wide color touch screen and amazingly easy-to-use menu adds pleasure to driving. Expanded NAVTEQ maps cover the entire U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and for the first time Mexico. 6 million Points of Interest (POI) make it easy to find businesses and recreation spots.
	Garmin Nuvi 260W- Portable, affordable and wide, nuvi 205W is your personal travel assistant for life on the go. This navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions and optional MSN Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for the contiguous U.S.
	Garmin Nuvi 255W- Go wide and get peace of mind with nuvi 255W. This affordable, widescreen navigator leads the way with voice prompted turn-by-turn directions that speak street names and optional MSN Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America.
	TomTom 730 - Tom Tom continues to improve the line, and the addition of the 730 is certainly in line with what has been going on. BlueTooth, Text to Speech, 4.3" touch screen, a high sensitivity receiver, plus the redesigned mounting system continue to build on the platform of the older 720.
	Garmin Nuvi 360- The Garmin Nuvi 360 comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for North America. The Nuvi 360 is considered a travel assistant, as it is able to play MP3s, Audio books, and display JPEG images. What sets the Nuvi 360 apart from the Nuvi 350 would be the Bluetooth technology for hands free calling. The Nuvi 360 also has an SD card slot for additional media storage. It also accepts Garmin's optional software the Travel, Language, and Savers Guides.
	Garmin Nuvi 750- Sleek and wide, nuvi 750 leads the way with advanced navigation features, a colorful widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter, a travel kit and more. Like the rest of the wide nuvi 700-series, its premium navigation capabilities, like route planning and a handy locator, give you peace of mind on the go.
	Garmin Zumo 450 - The Garmin Zumo units are designed and made specifically for motorcycles. The Zumo 450 offers pre-loaded maps of North America; 3.5" touch screen display, large buttons for use with gloves and buttons on the left side. The Zumo 450 includes the motorcycle mount.

Fully Loaded Navigation -. The systems that appear in the fully loaded section are units that are able to receive premium services in addition to your standard features. The premium services include real-time traffic alerts, MSN Direct service, and XM radio, these service come with a trial period but require a monthly or yearly subscription. Real Time traffic units are able to receive traffic alerts in select cities across the country and the GPS unit will route you around those delays. MSN direct works similar to the real-time traffic, but adds real-time fuel prices, real-time weather, and current movie showings. The units that are XM ready require the purchase of a GXM-31 antenna. These units are able to receive XM radio, as well as real-time traffic and weather.

	Magellan Maestro 3250- Voice Command & Control, LIVE onscreen traffic reports AAA TourBook guide and member Roadside Assistance details all available in this redesigned and even slimmer 3.5" display gps.
	Garmin Streetpilot c550- The Garmin c550 includes the GTM-20 traffic receiver for real time traffice reports and Bluetooth technology for hands free calling. The Garmin Streetpilot c550 is also compatible with the Garmin Savers and Travel guides.
	Magellan Maestro 4250- Voice Command & Control, LIVE onscreen traffic reports AAA TourBook guide and member Roadside Assistance details all available in this redesigned and even 4.5" display gps, this unit has it all and then some.
	Garmin Zumo 550 - The Garmin Zumo units are designed and made specifically for motorcycles first. The Zumo 550 has all the same great features as the 450, but adds Bluetooth Technology, Tex-to-speech routing, and XM Radio capabilities. The Zumo 550 ships with complete Automotive and Motorcycle mounts.
	Magellan Maestro 5130- The latest entry with a 5" screen, Magellan's Maestro 5130 shows you more. The bigger display means larger fonts and easier to read buttons, helping to simplify the user interface. The full color, anti-glare 5â€ display is viewable in any lighting condition. The Maestro 5310 is not all about the big display; it has a boat load of other features. Included is a Magellan FM traffic receiver for real time traffic updates.(Subscription required, available in limited cites) With the traffic subscription the Maestro 5310 will keep you out of any delays or traffic tie-ups and even road construction.
	Garmin Nuvi 760- Loaded and wide, Nuvi 760 has it all; advanced navigation features, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and more. Like the rest of the wide nuvi 700-series, its premium navigation capabilities, like route planning and a handy locator, give you peace of mind on the go.
	Garmin Nuvi 850- nuvi 850 not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With nuviâ€™s innovative speech recognition, you safely control nuviâ€™s interface with your voice â€” allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options. nuvi even recognizes shortcut phrases for popular functions. Tell nuvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.
	Garmin Nuvi 5000- Get big-time navigation and mapping with the large screen nuvi 5000. This super-sized navigator is designed for RV and truck drivers and gives a big picture of the route ahead without obstructing your view. It features a whopping 5.2 inch display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and lots of entertainment features for fun on the open road.
	Garmin Nuvi 780-Go wide and get MSN Direct with nuvi 780. This navigator has it all, advanced navigation features, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and hands-free calling, plus real-time local weather, traffic, movie times, stock information, gas prices and news and local events.
	Garmin Nuvi 880-Speak commands and get on-demand travel info from MSN Direct with nuvi 880. This widescreen navigator features speech recognition (SR), preloaded maps, hands-free calling and an FM transmitter â€” plus real-time local weather, traffic, movie times, gas prices, stock information, local news and events.
	Garmin Streetpilot 2820 - With preloaded street maps of North America and built-in Bluetooth wireless capability, the 2820 is the ideal road companion for your car or motorcycle. The 2820 also has MP3, audio book player and optional XM Radio capabilities. With the optional real-time traffic receiver you'll be able to get current traffic reports as you drive. The 2820 will also allow for multiple addresses to added and an optimized route to be planned.
	Garmin Streetpilot 7200- The Streetpilot 7200 is considered the top of the line in the Garmin Automotive line. The 7200 features a 7-inch diagonal display. You have the option for XM Radio and XM Weather with the optional GXM-30 receiver. This same receiver is capable of traffic updates as well. (Both services require subscription.) The Streetpilot 7200 will come equipped with an AV port for a video, SD card slot for additional storage and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Not to be overlooked the 7200 will provide turn by turn directions with Text to Speech, there is also a remote control to program the gps without removing it from its mount.
	Garmin Streetpilot 7500- The 7500 offers all the same features as the Streetpilot 7200 with one exception. The 7500 also includes dead reckoning sensors to track your vehicle's course when your GPS signal is blocked, for example in urban areas or tunnels.

Multi-Purpose Navigation -. The units in this category will not only provide turn-by-turn directions, they can also be used in different applications. We have some units that have marine functions and other units that can be used outdoors, hunting or hiking.

	Garmin Quest- The Garmin Quest is the smallest and least expensive turn-by-turn system with voice guidance. The Quest is a handheld GPS with a color screen and the capabilities of the larger units. The 115 megabytes of memory will hold on average 2-3 states of detailed maps. It can also run Garmin's Topo and Bluechart software.
	Lowrance XOG- The Lowrance XOG is an innovative unit that has the features of 3 different GPS units in One. It is great for Auto, Marine and hiking. Pre-loaded street maps, downloadable Marine and topo maps, make this unit unique. The XOG also plays MP3 and has a photo viewer.
	Garmin 378C- The 378C is the perfect package for inland boating/angling and automobile navigation. The 378C has a 3.8" display and comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed street maps of the United States and Canada. The 378 also has XM Weather and Radio capabilities with the optional GXM-30 receiver.
	Garmin 478C- Almost everything about the 487C is identical to the Garmin 378C with the exception of one detail. Rather than being an inland unit, the 478C was made for offshore boating/angling. Other than that it has all the same great automotive features as the Garmin 378C.

Europe Navigation - The systems that are located in the Europe Navigation category include detailed maps and points of interest for both North America and Europe. There are systems that represent our entry level, advanced and fully loaded categories. These systems are great for users that often travel to Europe.

	Garmin Nuvi 270- The A step above the Nuvi 250, the Garmin Nuvi 270 comes pre-loaded with the Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software for all of North America, as well as the available Europe detail. The Nuvi 270 offers all the same great features as the 250.
	TomTom 930 - an improved version of the 920 and similarily featured with a better mounting system, better graphics, and their new "Advanced Lane Guidance" system that simplifies the old question of "What lane do I need to be In?". Being able to see your estimated time of arrival based on the speed you are travelling is a nice feature too.
	Garmin Nuvi 370- Is the perfect automotive GPS system with traveler's assistant as well as a digital entertainment feature. All the features of the Nuvi 360 plus Europe City Navigator are loaded and available for use.
	Garmin Nuvi 770- More maps and wide there's simply more to see with nuvi 770. This personal travel assistant is packed with preloaded maps for North America and Europe, not to mention advanced navigation features, a widescreen display, an FM transmitter, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and more. Like the rest of the wide nuvi 700-series, its premium navigation capabilities, like route planning and a handy locator, give you peace of mind on the go.

The PC/PDA based systems

The PC/PDA based GPS systems like the Garmin GPS 10 Deluxe, Garmin Mobile 10 and 20, Garmin Mobile PC and the DeLorme Earthmate will require a PC, SmartPhone or PDA (Palm/Windows CE device) to guide you. The PC/PDA products are packages that include both a GPS Receiver and mapping software. The antenna will use the PC/PDA as its source of power, while the receiver will provide the GPS signal to the PC/PDA. The software will then use that information to show your current location and will contain detailed maps of the United States and major highways throughout Canada. PC/PDA systems will provide vocal directions via the PC/PDA's speakers. In addition, most of the PC/PDA systems can also re-calculate your directions if you make an incorrect turn. These systems are recommended for people that already use a Laptop or PDA regularly.

	Delorme Earthmate & Garmin Mobile PC- Laptop systems that are great for a first time user or beginner. They both include advanced capabilities at a low price.
	Garmin Mobile 10x Bluetooth- Add wireless navigation to your Bluetooth-enabled laptop, smartphone, Pocket PC or PDA with Garmin Mobile 10. The Mobile 10 is Bluetooth GPS tha is wireless, the package includes a portable receiver along with navigation and map software.
	Garmin Mobile 20 - Make your smartphone even smarter with Garmin Mobile 20 a GPS and Bluetooth wireless package that includes a phone mount and datacard with plug-and-play maps and navigation software.