There are GPS units to fit just about every budget, and the range of features available should satisfy even the worst gadget-fiend.

The price tag will depend largely on the functions and screen size you opt for. You can find both in-car devices and handheld models with small, 3.5-inch displays and basic mapping capabilities for as little as $100. At the other end of the scale, you can spend over $600 and get a GPS with a raft of bells and whistles such as a large screen, ultra-sensitive receivers, live traffic reports, Bluetooth and internet connectivity, and multimedia features.

Before you take the plunge and spend your hard-earned cash, ask yourself these questions:

How much will really I use my GPS?

For someone who has a reasonably short commute and drives much the same routes every week, a GPS in the $100 to $250 price range should be plenty good enough. Unless money really is no object, you’ll need to weigh the cost of a more expensive model against how much you actually need the extra features. On the other hand, if you drive to a lot of different places – for instance to make sales calls – you will soon find that your GPS becomes your best friend. If this sounds like you, you might want to spend a bit more to get the features you need.

Where will it go in my car?

It might not be as simple as you imagine to find a good, secure place for your GPS unit in your vehicle. The majority of in-car GPS devices can be mounted in a bracket that is attached to a suction cup, which in turn is meant to be stuck to the windshield or dashboard. However, some states (including California) have banned windshield mounts. Another hitch is that on some dashboards, it is hard to find a flat, smooth surface where the suction cup will stay put.

Alternatively, you could get a mount that hooks into the air vent in the dash. This may or may not work for you, though, since the mounted GPS unit will shut off some, if not all, of the air flow from the vent. You should also keep in mind that the vent might not be strong enough to support the GPS and its mount. You could also try keeping the mount in place with weighted beanbags, but that would require a flat surface to rest them on.

Do I need frequent map updates?

You will soon see the advantage of having up-to-date mapping data if you drive a lot and need to get to unfamiliar locations on time. Make sure you get a model that allows you to perform regular updates, even if you have to pay for them. However, if you think you’ll only use your GPS to locate the nearest place to buy coffee or a burger when you are on the road, you should be fine with data that is less current.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want