Size matters - standard vs wide-screen GPS navigation
Portable GPS navigation devices are becoming increasingly available in wide-screen models, providing compelling alternatives to traditional, standard aspect-ratio units. Just a few weeks ago, the prices on the devices were such that upgrading to a wide-screen model would seem a true indulgence, but Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the sales that followed have put some good choices in the reach of many shoppers.
Scanning sales flyers and electronics sites, we see the price difference between a standard aspect ratio and a comparable wide-screen model is typically $50. While in some cases that can mean a more than 30-percent price jump, the cost can be a worthwhile concession for a moderate to heavy user.
In our ratings, we place emphasis on display performance and the control interface. Generally, the wider-screen models excel in both regards, using the greater display real estate to enable larger font for information displayed while driving; such as distance to next turn and estimated time of arrival. The wide screen also allows bigger touch-screen buttons, which makes navigating through menus and entering addresses easier. Plus, wider screens give a broader map view and are better suited to selecting display modes that use a side of the screen to indicate the next turn, often with a large arrow and a distance countdown. Easy-to-read map details, such as street names on approaching roads, can help when navigating in busy, unfamiliar areas.
Of course, units with a larger screen can obscure more view of the road. (With the Garmin nuvi 200 shown here, the 200W adds 1 inch in overall width, though height remains the same.) We favor designs whose screens are nearly the size of the case, maximizing the packaging efficiency and limiting visibility compromises, in general. For driving safety, extra care needs to be taken in where to mount bigger units, whether wide screen or otherwise.
Ultimately, size does matter. When the difference in cost is as little as $50, then it may be wise to invest in the larger screen.
For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice.
Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
Posted by: Jeff | Dec 6, 2007 12:47:32 PM
Ideally I'd like to purchase a GPS that has Sirius on it. The only company I know of that has made them is Clarion. They've since recalled all items. Are you aware of any company coming out with such a product?
Thanks
Posted by: THEM | Jan 6, 2008 8:49:06 AM
WHAT HAPPENED TO GEOGRAPHY NOW WE NEED COMPU TO TELL US WHERE TO GO.
READ A MAP YOU DUMB FOOLS.
Posted by: Al. | Jan 18, 2008 7:56:32 AM
I have a TomTom One that I bought recently. I don't need it during the day, but at night it is a lifesaver. When driving at night, my points of references are gone and this is where the TomTom is very good. I don't get irritable and I feel a measure of security with it. I think that senior citizens would love this device when shown how to use it correctly.
They need to advertise in ARRP magazine their more basic models. Include a simple CD on how to program it.
Posted by: peng | Apr 2, 2008 3:27:15 AM
Most of the time I do not look much at the screen. I used more on the guided voice. You cann't really look at the screen while driving anyway.
It is useful if you have certain job that need to reach certain location within short notice. I also carry streetdirectory/ map as cetain location may not be updated in the GPS map.
Posted by: Rob Morford | Apr 14, 2008 12:43:14 AM
I just recently bought the Tom Tom 920. I've been huming and hawing about getting an in dash model or portable GPS for my DENALI. Then it was a toss up between Garmins top model and the Tom Tom 920. The reason I went with the portable model is many reasons I can switch between vehicles. I can take it hiking with me. In my Denali everything is voice activated so I wanted to keep it going that way & Tom Tom had the only model that was voice activated. I hate tinkering with things on the screen when I can just talk to it. The other reason why I bought the portable was my mom has no sence of direction to put it bluntly.
Posted by: Donna | Apr 25, 2008 4:02:51 AM
I CAN READ A MAP AND SO CAN MY HUSBAND. Both my husband and I have great senses of direction and also know how to read a map very well. But my husband recently changed jobs and he has many out of town appts. He had a regular library in the car of maps, book maps of cities, several book maps of states and then graduated to large book maps as it was more and more difficult to find places when it was evening and night time; car lights and flashlights are not enough to see a map and street signs are not always present. And it is not time nor cost efficient to pull off the road every few miles to read a map. I bought him a widescreen Garmin 660 for Christmas and it has made life on the road much easier. That happened about the time that his territory expanded, and he travels by plane to most places and doesn't have to pack the maps, he just packs his portable GPS. And incidently, it is much more expensive to rent a car with a GPS in it, so it saves him money on rentals. We've taken it on vacation and even took it to Germany when we went to visit our daughter there. It was a lifesaver many times over - we were able to get to many more places by using our GPS than had we solely relyed on maps or the countrymen.
Posted by: Mapless in NY | May 27, 2008 2:26:08 PM
I recently took some kids to the Bronx from the DC area. On the way back traffic forced me off I-95 and into the city. No maps were in the vehicle (a school car), but my GPS did "recalculating" and within minutes I was back on I-95 at the next exit without me having to pull over and ask directions, tying up city traffic in the process.
That single incident showed how useful a GPS can be, and the potential it has to improve road safety.
But I'm glad THEM is so much smarter than the rest of us dumb fools. Until I see him sitting in downtown New York with his map unfolded, at which time I'll just holler over to him to follow me and my GPS.
Posted by: Nancy Major | Aug 11, 2008 8:14:40 PM
Posted by: N.M. on 08/11/2008 Monday Eve.
Over a month ago I took a train up from Hollywood florida to Newark New Jersey. Rented a car from Avis rental and was asked if
I wanted to rent a Garmin 550c GPS extra $10.00 a day. My husband
and I went for it to try it. Not knowing anything about New Jersey this 550c Garmin was a real gas and life saver. My husband
and I are seriously looking into getting a GPS soon and are looking and comparing prices to getting the right model to fit our budget and needs. We both recomend it very seriously to all
serious drivers that love to travel.
Posted by: Nancy Major | Aug 11, 2008 8:21:29 PM
My husband and I went on a trip to Newark New Jersey from
Hollywood Florida. Not knowing anything about Jersey
we rented a Garmen 550c GPS and found it to be a real gas
and life savior. We both re-
comend it to all who love to travel.
Posted by: Doug Krueger | Sep 17, 2008 12:16:25 PM
I recently purchased a Magellan 4250 GPS, after intensive researh using the internet and the local sales flyers prior to buying I found this to be the best bang for the buck. I have always had a great sense of direction,and this unit has made my driving(36yrs)an even more pleasurable experience. I have found that the Magellan is very responsive zooms in & out,and speech control, and have not had any problems with this unit which me cost $349.00.I do not live in a major city so the traffic feature is not a worth while feature. I feel that I got the best deal for the best GPS device at the time I was looking and it suits all my needs.