In the beginning, GPS units were only available in standalone systems. Now, many different electronic devices have GPS capability built into them. But which one is right for you? By learning a little more about each of these GPS systems you will be able to tell which one is better suited to your needs.
Size
Although modern GPS units are much smaller than the units that were first put on the market the fact is that they are still larger than many smart phones or other electronic devices. If size is an issue you may find that you will want to look at a GPS enabled smart phone or other similar device. That way you will still be able to take your GPS with you even if space is at a premium.
However, for some people the larger size can be a benefit. If you are trying to access directions while you are driving a larger screen size will often be an advantage. You want to make sure that you do not have to squint or stare at the screen for an extended period of time in order to see where you are going. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Reception
Some after-market GPS systems are designed to be mounted on a dashboard of a car. There can be issues with how well the antenna is able to pick up a signal. This can lead to navigation problems for some individuals especially if the unit is placed in a location where the antenna may be blocked by other parts of the car. GPS units that are mounted in a car by the manufacturer will often have a built in antenna that is capable of finding a signal much more reliably.
Smart phones and other electronic devices may be able to get a signal more reliably but may not always be accurate when registering your location. You may find that they are excellent for plotting directions but if you get turned around or make a navigational mistake you will have trouble getting back on track.
Functionality
A dedicated GPS unit will often have more advanced functionality than a smart phone GPS would have. If all you need is to use your unit to get driving locations you may be able to do well with a smart phone. If you are interested in geocaching or will be using it to navigate when camping or hiking you may find that a smart phone does not have what you need in terms of functions and options.
Taking the time to decide which is right for you can save you time and money so it is worthwhile to do so before picking up the latest device or unit.
