How To Buy a Portable Navigation Device

Technology has provided us with better and easier ways to get around without having to fumble with large paper maps.  Portable navigation devices allow us to find our way regardless if we go by land or by sea. 

Here are some tips on choosing the best portable navigation device that would fit your needs.

1. Determine your typical driving conditions.  If you regularly go out of town and into unfamiliar routes, a portable navigation device should help you find your way around. Some products allow you to know which areas currently have heavy traffic, allowing you to map alternate routes.  A traffic-ready device would normally have a built-in receiver to give you immediate information on an area's traffic situation.
2. Navigation display.  The larger the screen display doesn't necessarily mean the better the unit.  The latest devices are small enough to fit in your pocket.  But you don't want something too small.  Make sure that the display is large enough for you to read and enter addresses but small enough for you to comfortably carry the device. 3.5- to 4.3-inch screens are normally recommended.
3. Text-to-speech capability.  Having a device tell you where to go can be easier and even safer than if you keep on looking at the map to find out where you are.  Ask your salesperson if you can try out the device.  Some portable navigation devices mention streets or route numbers by name rather than just simply telling you to go left or right. 
4. Power needs.  Make sure that the internal battery can allow you to operate your device for at least four hours.  This would allow you to bring along the device while not having to be kept plugged in to your car's socket.  You may also want to see if the device allows for charging using an AC power adapter so you can charge indoors.
5. Mapping feature.  Your navigation device may also be used as a mapping device.  As a mapping device, the portable navigation device can trace and remember a route you have taken even when a map is unavailable.  Newer devices allow you to hook it up to a computer.  From there you can use online maps to map the route you intend to take and save it into the device.  This is especially helpful to people who take trips outside major cities or go to foreign countries.
6. Type of device.  Nowadays, many palm devices and smart phones have GPS receivers and mapping software integrated which allows them to function as a portable navigation device. This can be useful to someone who rarely needs a navigation device.  If you do intend to become a regular user, you may want to get a dedicated portable device.  Navigation phones and palm devices tend to incur high service charges depending on the provider, thus making it more expensive in the long run.  Keep in mind that while it is convenient to have your phone, PDA and navigation maps in one unit, such devices will also be limited in functionality and screen space.

Having a portable navigation device allows you to take advantage of navigation technology that once was only available for high-end cars, trucks and boats.  With so many models available on the market, this guide hopes that it has helped you in buying the right one for your needs.