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GPS
Do you know where you are? GPS, or global positioning systems, can put you on the map electronically. CNET has your complete guide to GPS devices, including in-dash car navigators, pocket-size portable gadgets, and smart phones with built-in GPS. Read on to get oriented with our GPS device reviews, video demos, and how-to's, as well as the latest news, downloads, and price comparisons.
GPS CNET editors' reviews
The good: The Magellan Maestro series of in-car GPS devices features an updated and sleeker design and interface with a spacious 4.3-inch touch screen. All models offer useful information on points of interest from the American Automobile Association. In addition, the Maestro 4040 has integrated Bluetooth and text-to-speech functionality, while the Maestro 4050 adds real-time traffic alerts and voice commands.
The bad: During our road tests, the Maestro 4040 was a little slow to recalculate routes. The Bluetooth pairing process was also a bit difficult,and you can't transfer contacts from your phone to the Maestro 4040.
The bottom line: Sporting a sleeker design and interface, the affordable Magellan Maestro series offers drivers an accurate in-car GPS device with useful trip information, thanks to its partnership with AAA.
The good: The Garmin Zumo 550 provides text- and voice-guided directions to motorcyclists and comes with an easy-to-install mounting kit for a motorcycle or a car. All maps are preloaded on the device, and the unit has a built-in MP3 player and integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
The bad: The Garmin Zumo 550's points of interest database is outdated and occasionally gave us wrong street names or no street at all for some side streets. Also, automatic route recalculation is a bit on the slow side. The compass only works in off-road mode, and there's no Mac support yet for Garmin's MapSource software.
The bottom line: Despite some very slight performance glitches, the Garmin Zumo 550 is a fantastic navigation system for motorcyclists (and cars), with good Bluetooth integration.
The good: The Garmin StreetPilot c580 now offers MSN Direct services so you can get real-time traffic and weather information as well as local gas prices and movie times. The unit also has text-to-speech functionality, integrated Bluetooth, and multimedia capabilities, and it provides accurate directions.
The bad: The MSN Direct service isn't available in all areas, and names of gas stations weren't always provided. The c580's media player also only supports the MP3 format.
The bottom line: In addition to accurate driving directions, the high-end Garmin StreetPilot c580 provides a number of useful tools to the driver, such as real-time traffic data and local gas prices, thanks to the integration of MSN Direct services.
The good: The JVC KD-NX5000 combines a usable, traffic data-equipped navigation system with a plethora of audio and video capabilities in a compact package.
The bad: Its irregular size, complex menus, and rough navigation maps leave something to be desired.
The bottom line: Aside from some usability niggles resulting from its compact size, the JVC KD-NX5000 offers about as many car tech features per square foot as you can get.
The good: The Averatec Voya 320 sports a more compact and simpler design than its predecessor and is fairly easy to use. It provides accurate voice- and text-based directions as well as automatic route recalculation, multistop trips, and multimedia capabilities.
The bad: The Voya 320 does not support text-to-speech functionality, and the interface on some of the Settings pages can still be confusing. The multimedia implementation also could have been better.
The bottom line: Though the multimedia features are poorly integrated and some interface issues remain, the Averatec Voya 320 is an accurate navigator and an excellent value for those looking for a basic and affordable GPS unit.
GPS features
GPS buying guide
For the directionally challenged, today's in-car navigation devices are just the thing to keep you on track, and they're ready for prime time. In this guide, we discuss the technology behind GPS and tell you what to look for when making the purchase. Read moreEditors' top car GPS systems
GPS and digital mapping technology have combined to make an evolutionary leap. Here are our top picks for in-car GPS navigation systems that help plan your routes and give verbal advice on how to get there. Read more April 3, 2007Pocket-size GPS devices
In this roundup, CNET editors list pocket-size GPS devices that are perfect for city walkers. Read more March 23, 2007GPS for road and trail
CNET editors round up GPS devices that can be used in the car and on foot. Read more March 8, 2007Smart phones with built-in GPS
CNET editors round up the latest smart phones with built-in GPS for location-based services. Read more March 7, 2007GPS for motorcycles
CNET editors compare two motorcycle-specific GPS systems: the Garmin Zumo 550 and the TomTom Rider. Read more February 23, 2007In-car GPS with traffic services
CNET editors round up in-car GPS devices that offer real-time traffic updates. Read more February 23, 2007GPS news
The iPhone, take 2.0
From the lines to the new apps, here's what to expect when the iPhone 3G goes on sale Friday. Read more
July 11, 2008WWDC 2008: What's in store for Apple
At Worldwide Developers Conference, attendees get a peek at the upcoming iPhone App Store and a 3G iPhone. Read more
June 10, 2008Week in review: Yahoo's bitter pill for Icahn
Yahoo's poison pill may keep Yang with the company. Icahn sets a price and sets out his terms. Meanwhile, we await what's up Steve Jobs' sleeve. Also: Green tech. Read more
June 06, 2008GPS shopping
GPS devices come in several flavors, depending on what you want to use them for, including models for driving, hiking, boating, and even motorcycling. You can expect to pay anywhere from about $250 for a basic, portable GPS device to $1,000 for a top-of-the-line car navigator, but compare resellers at CNET Shopper.com to find the lowest price.
GPS
GPS software
GPS downloads
GPS 2 Google Earth 2.2
Log tracks, create placemarks, and save them as Google Earth KML files on your Pocket PC.
Download nowGoogle Maps with GPS Tracker 6
View your real-time physical position on a moving Google Map.
GPS tips and tricks
GPS navigation
If you're the type who travels to new and unfamiliar lands for work or play, adding a GPS-based navigation system to your car makes sense. Many of today's nav systems give you both audio and visual turn-by-turn directions to almost any address, as well as find points of interest, including gas stations, restaurants, and ATMs. Read more
Learn about GPS
Want GPS for your car? Whether you're getting an in-dash device or an add-on, these are the features you should look for in a GPS navigator:
Display
Select a GPS model with a decent color screen that can be read in all lighting conditions. The larger the screen, the more expensive the unit will be, but even big screens can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. Also, check the viewing performance of the display to make sure you can read it from any angle.
Maps
Look for a model that includes street-level maps. Some manufacturers charge extra to unlock maps from their Web sites or CDs, while others include only partial regions. This can get expensive if you're planning a cross-country trip. Make sure you can update the unit's firmware and mapping data. On most portable models, a USB or serial port lets you connect the system to a PC, where you can upload the latest maps and system software as they become available. On in-dash models, maps are typically read from an integrated DVD or CD player and require only the latest discs to be brought up to date.
Form factor
Choose a GPS unit to fit your traveling habits. If you do a lot of long-distance driving, consider a model with a dedicated hard drive that stores maps of the entire country. Otherwise, a model that uses an SD card to store maps is a good bet, and you can buy additional cards to load more maps when necessary.
If you want to share one unit between many vehicles, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to install and remove from your vehicle. Stay away from permanent mounting devices unless you plan on using the unit in just one vehicle.
If you decide on an in-dash model, pay the extra money to have it professionally installed. Unlike car stereo systems, which can be fairly easy to install, a GPS system requires careful placement of the antenna, and some systems require a special cable hookup to your vehicle's speedometer mechanism.
Navigation features
Like anything else, the more bells and whistles included in your GPS system, the more you'll end up paying, but there are certain features that are more or less standard equipment these days. Street-level maps with voice- and text-prompted driving directions are the foundation of any in-car GPS system worth its salt, and we're starting to see systems that use text-to-speech technology to deliver specific street names rather than more generic instructions, such as "Turn right in 0.5 miles." A comprehensive POI database containing airports, hospitals, dining options, shopping, service stations, and other landmarks is a must if you're traveling in unfamiliar territory, as is automatic routing from a POI, an address book, or your present location. Look for a device with touch screen controls, automatic rerouting when you veer off course, and variable map perspectives, such as 3D and bird's-eye views. As you get into the high-end models, look for big, daylight-readable screens and real-time traffic and weather alerts, which usually require an annual subscription fee.
Accessories
Most in-car navigation systems are ready to use right out of the box and come with everything you need to get up and running in a matter of minutes. Still, there are accessories available that will help you get the most out of your investment, including auxiliary antennas that can be mounted at the base of your windshield to improve signal reception and carry cases to protect your GPS unit when not in use. You can also pick up various mounting devices, including motorcycle-mounting kits and low-profile external antenna mounts that adhere to the trunk of your car. Additionally, you can purchase more maps on CD media or flash memory cards, as well as AC adapters that let you use your GPS unit at home.
GPS pictures
Garmin Zumo 550
The Garmin Zumo 550 is only the second motorcycle-specific GPS device on the market today. What does it offer bikers and how does it stack up to the competition? Read our review to find out and check out photos of the sleek system here.
RIM BlackBerry 8800
Research In Motion and Cingular Wireless took the wraps off the RIM BlackBerry 8800. The smart phone brings an updated look to the company's full QWERTY devices and crams in plenty of features.
TomTom Rider
Portable navigation systems aren't just for cars. Motorcyclists need help getting around, too, and the TomTom Rider aims to do just that. Here's a closer look at this GPS device built for two...wheelers, that is.
GPS videos
Magellan Maestro 4040
The Magellan Maestro series of in-car GPS devices features an updated, sleeker design and interface with a spacious, 4.3-inch touch screen.
JVC KD NX5000
The JVC KD NX5000 is more than just a car stereo. This car deck offers MP3, DVD, and CD playback, along with GPS and loads of other features.
Garmin StreetPilot c580
The high-end Garmin StreetPilot c580 GPS receiver provides a number of useful tools for the driver, such as real-time traffic data and local gas prices, thanks to the integration of MSN Direct Services.
Garmin Nuvi 660
If you can afford the hefty price tag, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is a solid-performing and versatile GPS device that offers all the navigation basics, tools for the world traveler, Bluetooth, and more.
Navman F20
The Navman F20 is a reliable, portable navigation device for first-time buyers or anyone looking for an accurate, intuitive, and affordable GPS unit.
TomTom One
Offering just the navigation essentials and accurate directions, the TomTom One is an affordable and easy-to-use in-car GPS device for first-time buyers or anyone who wants a no-frills system.
Road Warrior: Smart phones and GPS
Tom Merritt takes a look at the latest smart phones and GPS devices, and a gadget that does both.
VW does a GPS nav you could love
Volkswagen has a lab in Silicon Valley that's working on some very cool tech. Take a look at how the company envisions using Google Maps and local information in the dash.
See all videos
