GPS

With GPS, or Global Positioning Systems, starting to enter the realm of reasonably priced electronics, their popularity is sure to grow even more this holiday season so it's about time we get to know them.  What's the difference, is there a quality difference between prices or brands, What features do I need; these are all questions faced when looking through the overwhelming assortment.  Different units are made with a different intent in mind: some for the trails/water, some for the motorcycle, and most for the car.  Nearly all GPS's are touch screen LCD's (liquid crystal displays) which means that they can be effected by the cold and sometimes by heat (they are best not left outside during the winter).  Most GPS systems rely on a built in mapping system (usually created by Navteq) combined with satellite communication to show your position and your destination.  They all of built in "points-of-interest" (some have more than others) that include things such as restaurants and gas stations that you can find by name, or category while on the road. 

Features:

 - One feature that starts separating the prices of units is "text-to-speech." This allows the GPS to announce the names of streets so that you do not have to take your eyes off of the road.  

 - As you move up from text-to-speech, the next feature usually found is "bluetooth." Bluetooth conveniently allows you to make hands free phone calls by the GPS having complete wireless access to your phone (can be useful in states where it is illegal to hold a handset while driving).  This way you can call your contacts, or phone a point-of-interest before arrival without touching your phone. 

 - FM Transmitters are built in some units which allows for bluetooth, or any Mp3 player function, as well as the voice prompts of the GPS unit to be transmitted to your radio over an FM frequency such as 88.1. 

 - Traffic / Weather Information can be found on some GPS's with MSN mapping, or with FM Recievers.  This allows you to see any road work, traffic, or weather problems that may be causing a delay.  On units with MSN mapping, it also allows you to check gas prices, and movie times. (some units are capable of this feature but require additional hardware)

 - One of the newest features available is "speech recognition" which does just as it implies; recognizes what you say.  With this feature you don't have to touch the screen to tell the GPS what to do, you verbally tell it what to do.  This feature is available on a wide price range of GPS units from different brands, but is best with the Garmin Nuvi 880.

These features are usually added the the GPS units in the order listed above meaning that you must pay a premium to get the "speech recognition" and Traffic information.

Brands:

Two of the most popular brands are Garmin and TomTom.  Both of these manufactures make a wide range of high quality GPS units.  Magellan has the distinction of having AAA Roadside assistance built in for AAA Members.  There are many other manufactures such as Cobra, Mio, Harmon Kardon, etc.  available which will function, but usually not as efficiently as Garmin and TomTom.  One value GPS is the Insignia brand GPS which has many features available at a very competitive price.

Map Updates:

Map Updates are a good idea in order to get the newest maps available.  Some companies, like TomTom have "mapshare" programs for readily available updates, while others, like Garmin, release new maps once per year.  (You should expect to pay for newer maps)