In Car Gps Australia

GPS systems…?

Hi everyone,
I’ll be moving in the new year, so I’m looking at getting a GPS for my car. I have no idea how to work it or what too look out for, so bear with me.
Firstly, it must be portable, but screen size, mp3, photo things aren’t important. I’m just after something that is easy to use and does the basic job.

Are they all only battery powered?

I need something where I can just enter a destination as I go. So it must need a touchscreen? yes? I’ve seen some advertised that don’t mention a touchscreen but have basic buttons. I imagine they would have to be preloaded with information?

Is it standard to come with mapping software? (Some mention it others don’t).

Also can you recommend me some brands / models that are good value for money? As I said, being easy to operate is the most important thing and I’m not interested in a whole lot of other unnecessary features. I’m in Australia too by the way.

Is there anything else I should look out for?

Thanks.

Are they all only battery powered?
- Yes, they have a lithium ion battery that you recharge by plugging into the cigarette lighter in the car. Many also come with an AC adapter or USB cable that you can use to charge at home. Typical life on a full charge is 4-7 hours, depending on the model.

I need something where I can just enter a destination as I go.
- Usually you enter the address before you set out, and it guides you with turn-by-turn instructions. “Turn right in 200 feet”

So it must need a touchscreen? yes? I’ve seen some advertised that don’t mention a touchscreen but have basic buttons.
- Yes, all the ones I know have a touch screen. I have not seen any that have buttons outside the screen.

I imagine they would have to be preloaded with information?
- Yes, they come pre-loaded with maps, sometimes regional, or national, or international. In the US, maps usually include the US and Canada. I am not sure how it is in Australia. They are also preloaded with “points of interest” which are restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc, so you can find them while traveling. Some have more POIs loaded than others, and they change often, so don’t expect to find every restaurant out there. Many will let you add your own POIs.

Is it standard to come with mapping software? (Some mention it others don’t).
- Answer above

Also can you recommend me some brands / models that are good value for money? As I said, being easy to operate is the most important thing and I’m not interested in a whole lot of other unnecessary features. I’m in Australia too by the way.
- In the US, the major brands are Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. One big thing that differentiates these brands is the quality and completeness of maps, and quality of navigating directions. I like Garmin in the US, but I don’t know if and how well they perform in Australia.

Is there anything else I should look out for?
- A feature they call “text-to-speech”. The GPS includes the street names in directions. “Turn right **on ABC Street** in 200 feet”. I find that very useful.
- Bluetooth, for hands-free cell phone operation.
- A wider screen, 3.8 inch display instead of 2.8 inch. Easier to see the map, and much easier to type addreses on the touchscreen.

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