Dads and grads – Even more new GPS ratings
Whether the goal is returning a favor to dear ol’ Dad for sharing his wisdom and guidance, or giving that new graduate a bit more direction in life, a GPS navigator can be a great gift.
There are many models to choose from, with new features cropping up every few months. It can be difficult to choose one, especially when buying a gift for someone else. We have a comprehensive GPS buying guide to help you through the process, along with detailed, sortable ratings to identify the models that best meet your needs and budget. And for the outdoor adventurer types, we have a handheld hiking GPS buyer’s guide and ratings, as well.
Shopping tips
As you browse, consider the features that will matter most. We recommend focusing on ease of use and navigation options over bonus-type features, as we’ve learned from surveying owners that extras don’t matter as much in the long run.
For casual use, a standard-sized screen is adequate. Paying a little extra for text to speech for spoken street names makes the instructions simpler to follow. This feature is especially appreciated in busy areas.
For more frequent use, a wide screen is easier to read and can be more convenient for address entry.
Traffic services can be help in major metropolitan areas, though most devices require a subscription—something to be especially mindful of when choosing a gift. Some units from Garmin, Magellan, and Nextar offer free traffic services offset this with advertising. However, the Magellan units require an additional traffic kit. It is often cheaper to purchase a unit with an included traffic receiver than to add one later.
Latest GPS test
Our GPS test team has been busy, having just updated the ratings in May with units form Alpine, Garmin, Nextar, and TomTom. Now, we have more TomToms and several new devices from Magellan.
The latest Rated navigators include:
Magellan RoadMate 1210 / 1220 – Basic entry-level navigators available with and without the ability to speak proper street names. Notably, they have crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface.
Magellan RoadMate 1340 / 1440 – These units add highway lane assist and AAA roadside assistance, but don’t include multimedia features or Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Magellan RoadMate 1470 – The supersized RoadMate 1470 has one of the largest screens available on a portable unit at 4.7-inches, making it appealing for truck or RV use.
TomTom XL 340 / XL 340 S – These new widescreen devices push the boundaries for a basic navigator, adding lane assistance and reality views. Like other TomToms, these XLs offer nice extras such as map sharing and allowing users to install customized voices, including Homer Simpson.
See how these units stack up against the competition in our GPS Ratings.
Our testing continues, with several new units from Garmin and Nextar now being evaluated.
For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
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