Saturday, January 30, 2010

Best GPS for the Money

With such a range of GPS models now out there, knowing which one to buy can present a problem. Choice is not necessarily the best thing! Should I buy a TomTom One or a Garmin Nuvi? After reading this report, you will have a better idea on how to opt for the best GPS to suit your personal needs. Finding the best GPS for the money is important if you are on a budget.

A few basic principles to take into consideration before you purchase are setting your price range, and choosing what type of options the GPS device must offer you. By looking at an effective GPS comparison chart(do a Google lookup) , you'll easily be able to evaluate features between the models.

You will find so many beneficial features on a GPS device that choosing what you require can be difficult. Are you after simple guidance on the road, or do you want to be taken to restaurants and historical places of interest? Many systems will do both quite happily for you, but it's worth checking at the pre- planning stage before you're about to make that purchase.

Price range is going to be the next very important factor to consider. GPS devices can currently be purchased for around$ 100 for a base model (this will probably do everything you need) . Top of the range GPS devices can be priced higher than$ 500. The higher end ones are going to be voice commanded and have latest traffic and roadworks updates . The lower end models are now starting to include a lot of these features as well.

Once you have determined what capabilities you need, and what price range you are buying in, you'll be able to commence making some comparisons of the models which fit within your parameters. It's often a tricky decision to make. You will likely find that you locate the perfect model, except it has one of your critical wants missing. GPS Comparison Charts are a real asset in making the choice simpler, everything is right there in front of you. No need to search through multiple web pages and write it all down. One thing I found really great was to be able to add extra TomTom Voices
to my GPS system

An important asset to use when purchasing a GPS unit is user reviews. There are many review internet sites on the web to aid you. Real users giving their real experiences with a product. Obviously this is all subjective, but the best sounding GPS system may have some real issues which user reviews will highlight for you. Again, a brief internet search can supply a wealth of knowledge, and help you get the Best GPS for the Money
.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

TomTom Voices

Well, you’ve had your TomTom GPS system for a while; it’s a great tool for getting from A to B. Doesn’t always account for those new one-way streets or road closures, but it sure makes traveling a lot less hassle. But, it’s nice to spice up the unit and bring a little more fun and interest into the journey. What can you do. Well, to start with, think of adding an additional TomTom GPS voice or two to the unit. This is one of the tomtom accessories that you can download and have installed in no time.

There are a number of companies now providing quality, downloadable TomTom voices. There are a great range of voices, some old favorites like Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Elvis etc, and some new kids on the block – Stewie and Peter Griffin from ‘A Family Guy’, Cartman from ‘ South Park’ and a host of other amusing (and sometimes vulgar) characters. I love the Ozzy Osbourne tomtom voice and the TomTom Homer voice.

A tomtom GPS voice is generally downloaded after you have received an email link after payment. Full installation instructions are included; it’s a breeze to get your new voices up and running. There is a always a support email if you have any difficulties, and the voices are available for most TomTom GPS.

I personally found the a 4 voice ‘Value Pack’, which was a great purchase. Instead of the usual single voice cost of around $9.95, I managed to get 4 great GPS voices for only 24.95, a whopping saving of $14.85. Great value I thought.

If you fancy a trip to National Parks, or you visit sports stadiums, the POIs (Places of Interest) will help you find your way. Also available for historic buildings, golf courses and many more, POIs are a great way of finding your way to interesting places.

Now that you have a few new options for your GPS, your motoring days will be enriched. Having used the replacement voices I have really enjoyed the journeys. The kids love it too. The TomTom voices for kids are great. There’s Darth Vader and C3PO from Star Wars, Sponge Bob Squarepants, as well as some Disney favourites like Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny as well as everyone’s favourite Mickey Mouse.

I also managed to get some TomTom POI files. These Points of interest are fantastic, saving you having to look stuff up. If, for example you are into golf, you can get a tomtom or Garmin POI file with all the golf courses in the USA. Same for stadiums, historical POI and the like.

So there you have it, some food for thought on how to add a new TomTom Voices to your GPS to make those boring journeys a lot more fun.