Melissa Guillergan
Sun
A Global Positioning System, better known as a GPS, is a car accessory that is growing into “must-have” status for drivers. The sole purpose for a car GPS is to navigate a driver from one destination to another using a satellite, but of course, some of the systems coming out today go beyond the function of pure road navigation. Here are some portable GPS systems that have amazing features are new to the market or are coming to Canada very soon.
GPS manufacturers are constantly setting new standards for navigation systems, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest models. Because there is such a huge variety, drivers have the opportunity to shop around get a GPS system that meets their specific needs, from finding the nearest shopping mall to finding your parked car at Playland’s busy parking lot.
*Prices are conversions of recommended U.S. prices to Canadian dollars and, therefore, are approximate.
Melissa Guillergan works for the Laura Ballance Media Group and loves looking for those Missing Parts that manufacturers fail to install in your ride.
MAESTRO 4700 BY MAGELLAN
Set to be available to consumers in mid-July, the Maestro 4700 by Magellan brings a driver a variety of features that we expect from a high-end GPS system such as voice command and bluetooth connectivity with hands-free calling, all on a 4.7-inch, full-colour touch screen. What is great about the 4700 is its “predictive traffic” feature that analyzes a history of traffic patterns for driving routes and suggests other routes to lead to your final destination a lot faster. The Magellan model also displays landmarks in 3-D, which makes finding specific offices or buildings much easier. The suggested retail price is $335, which is a great deal for a high-end navigation system that looks great and comes with a variety of features.
NUVI 885T BY GARMIN
For many who have used a GPS system in an unfamiliar setting, knowing which lane to be in to prepare for an upcoming turn can be tricky. One of the best features of the Nuvi 885T is “lane assist,” which indicates the correct lane for a turn. There is also the “Where Am I?,” which locates the nearest hospitals and other close landmarks and even serves as a navigation tool on foot to help you locate where your car is in a crowded parking lot. Complete with an MP3 Player, speech recognition, bluetooth connectivity, and route planning, the 885T is available for approximately $560*.
MOBILENAVIGATOR FOR IPHONE BY NAVIGON
The MobileNavigator on the iPhone is one of the first applications developed by a GPS manufacturer as a professional navigation solution and gives new meaning to a having a “mobile” GPS device. Currently available in Europe with a North American launch coming soon, MobileNavigator comes complete with a 3-D map display with day and night mode, provides direct access to locations saved in the address book and allows for easy transition from an incoming phone call back to navigation. The price will be confirmed upon launch in the North American iPod Application Store, expected to be this month.
WHITE PEARL BY TOMTOM
New to the market is a GPS system with the fashionista in mind. The White Pearl is based on TomTom’s One IQ Routes edition with additional features, which are all appropriately titled, such as “Shop ‘Til You Drop” that locates the nearest malls and “Places To Be Seen” that lists where top restaurants and clubs. Currently available in the U.K., the White Pearl’s suggested retail price is $330, and should be available in Canada very soon.
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