GPS solutions are invaluable accessories for business travelers who are constantly trying to navigate their way around an unfamiliar city. If you are from New York and trying to locate your corporate housing San Diego location, getting lost would be very easy without a handy GPS in your car. The good news is, even though the technology has continued to improve, giving you real time traffic, for example, the prices of these great devices have gone way down. Don’t forget if you have a smartphone, you may already be equipped with a built-in GPS. For those of you who don’t, here is a list of the top five GPS devices or software for the business traveler today.
1. Garmin Nuvi 3790T – This high-end, stand-alone GPS unit is extremely slim, with an amazing color display. The Garmin Nuvi 3790T is one of Garmin’s latest models, and the advancements are obvious. Besides being conveniently thin, the device’s touch screen is extremely sensitive, with multi-touch capabilities (similar to an iPhone) for pinching or zooming. The power cord even includes a receiver for real-time traffic updates. You may find the most convenient feature is the unit’s Voice Command option. The Nuvi 3790T includes voice control, which allows you to select menu options, search for a destination, and more using basic voice commands. Suggested Retail Price: $449.99.
2. TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen – This 5-inch widescreen GPS unit comes preloaded with North American maps, advanced lane guidance (which is an awesome feature), and 7 million points of interest, or POI. This device also includes a “fold and go easy port” mount, which makes storing the unit in your purse or pocket extremely convenient. Suggested Retail Price: $199.99.
3. Garmin Nuvi 1200 – This Garmin option is a solid, basic GPS for everyday use. It is small and easy to carry around, while at the same time it’s not expensive enough to stress about if it gets stolen. Not to mention, it’s very easy to use. Suggested Retail Price: $119.99.
4. Garmin Nuvi 1300– This Garmin model is very similar to the Garmin Nuvi 1200, except that the 1300 has a widescreen. If you prefer a smaller screen, which makes storing th device in your pocket easier, go for the 1200. However, the widescreen is much better for navigating. The Garmin Nuvi 1300 also offers text-to-speech directions. Suggested Retail Price: $149.99.
5. ALK Technologies CoPilot Live – This is an app for the smartphone users out there. The CoPilot Live GPS app from ALK Technologies, Ltd. is a full-featured GPS application available for Apple iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Mobile smartphones. CoPilot Live is an impressive GPS solution and works much better than other iPhone GPS applications on the market. This device is highly accurate, easy to use, and well-designed. CoPilot Live North America Version sells for $19.99.
Don’t find yourself lost on your next business trip; pack one of these great GPS devices and start navigating like a pro!