GPS devices are popular and being used for many things these days. People take them on road trips, walking trips and geocaching (a sort of treasure hunt using GPS). Because of its many uses, companies are making GPS devices smaller and more lightweight. But what is the best portable GPS?
TomTom is one of the leading GPS manufacturers around, and it proves why with the TomTom 930. At 3.3" tall by 4.6" wide and 1" thick, the 930 includes many of the same features as older TomTom models, but with improvements that make it the best portable GPS.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the TomTom 930 is something called IQ Routes. IQ routes tracks how long it actually takes you to travel road segments as opposed to how long it had predicted it would take you. Then it sends that information back to TomTom, where it is stored to improve the GPS' assessment of route times. IQ Routes also allows you to plan trips in advance, meaning you can determine how long it should take you to get from Boston to New York next Thursday. The GPS will use its historical data to determine how long such a trip generally takes on a Thursday (although unfortunately it can't differentiate between 3am and rush hour).
The TomTom 930 also has something called Active Lane Guidance, which gives users a much clearer view at where they should be going. It's especially useful when you come to an intersection where "bear right" isn't quite descriptive enough. Active Lane Guidance will show you all lanes that you don't want to be in (in blue) and indicate where you do want to go in white.
The TomTom 930 includes other features which may entice you to buy it. You can talk to the TomTom 930, telling it where you want to go rather than having to input it manually. It has Bluetooth capability, an FM transmitter, 4GB of memory and an MP3 player. You can also hook an iPod up to your TomTom 930.
The TomTom 930 comes with a car charger, a remote control for Bluetooth and a windshield mount. Standard pricing is in the $500 range, but with a little smart shopping you should be able to find it cheaper.
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These days, the portable car GPS system has an accuracy of less than 50 feet. Prices are quickly dropping and features that were only available on high-end models are becoming commonplace at lower price points. |
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