IdeaMerge therefore presents the following analysis to help you decide which if any portable GPS navigation option is right for you.

beware

analysis criteria

• Map software: While many GPS units offer optional map software of Europe and/or other countries, a cheaper and easier way to get such software is to buy a model that standardly has it already loaded.
• Operability abroad: Does the unit function as well abroad as it does domestically?
• Ease of Operation: Is the user interface heuristic enough to be easily operable by a driver in a foreign land?
• Functionality: Does the unit have audible directions, a programmable points-of-interest database, a traffic-conditions receiver (FM), Bluetooth® technology, a travel guide, etc.
• Value: Is the unit a good value both now and for the next few years?

windshield-mountable GPS units

In this category, we recommend the Garmin 1370T, the slightly more expensive Garmin nuvi 270, and the TomTom GO 920.

All three of these units come equipped with installed, high-resolution map software of both North America and Europe. There are some potential drawbacks to purchasing these types of portable GPS units. Some users have remarked that these types of GPS units "lose their way" from time to time in smaller European towns, and in some cases the units have difficulties obtaining satellite reception while in Europe. Other users have noticed that these types of GPS units occasionally have difficulty with place names in the voice command mode if not set to the language of the local area.

It is important to note that while these units are loaded with European maps, and some like the Garmin 1370T offer additional features such as downloadable city maps for even more usability in small local areas, they are primarily marketed towards a USA user/consumer, and as such they may not be as functional on the ground in Europe as, say, a built-in GPS like as those that are delivered in some of the French short-term tax-free lease vehicle models.

There are literally dozens of windshield-mountable GPS models. Between adjacent, sequentially ordered models from a given manufacturer there are only incremental differences. Comparing the top to the very bottom of a manufacturer's range, however, there are big differences.

The primary factor to consider in choosing a GPS unit is the GPS processor itself. As of this writing (winter 2010) the latest GPS receiver is SIRF's Star III high performance GPS chipset. This new chipset allows for more accurate tracking and quicker satellite acquisition, not to mention the ability to better acquire and hold onto weak satellite signals. These capabilities especially prove their worth abroad. What's more, you want the most current hardware so you can enjoy your new GPS for years to come or realize the relatively high resale value.

Many of the older Garmin StreetPilot, Magellan RoadMate, and TomTom GO models do not have this new chipset installed. The models to avoid in this respect are:

• Garmin StreetPilot i2,i3,i5, c310, c320, c330, c340, 2720, 2820, 7200, 7500
• Magellan RoadMate 300, 360, 700, 760, 800, 860T, 3000T, 3050T
• TomTom GO 300, 700

merely handheld portable GPS units

IdeaMerge does not recommend this type of GPS unit for driving the roads of Europe. The merely handheld GPS units do not come equipped with driving directions and alerts, voice direction or, in many cases, a "driver's-eye view" graphical representation. They primarily feature excellent satellite signal reception which they transform into topographical representations of terrain (some in color) instead of road-based directions. They are tough, most being housed in sturdy, shock- and water-resistant casings. These units are more appropriate for on-foot travel in remote locations.

phone integrated GPS units

The latest in the evolution of GPS technology is the mobile phone integrated unit. For some time, most modern mobile telephones have been locatable by way of GPS. Now many such phones on the market feature GPS signal transmission and reception that can be integrated with a dedicated GPS navigation device discussed above, enhancing the dedicated device's ability to transmit and receive such signal. The major mobile phone carriers support such GPS signal processing for a special monthly fee (generally about US$10 per month) or for a per-day fee. What's more, some "phones" presently being brought to market feature full GPS navigation functionality. For instance, the Apple iPhone 3G, the Google Phone 3G, the Blackberry Curve, the Treo Smartphone and the Garmin Nuviphone offer fairly functional GPS navigation built right in. Dedicated GPS devices still provide larger screens, better maps, and an overall higher level of functionality than these cutting edge integrated phones; but mobile phone navigation will of course continue to improve, and it already meets the needs of some users.

Note: Industry experts are working to develop a worldwide satellite network to be used for all mobile phone signals. When this strategy is implemented, the blending of GPS and phone technologies will be complete.

where to buy?

Bricks-and-morter companies like the USA's BestBuy offer a wide selection of GPS models both in-store and on their websites. Not all of the items shown on their websites are available in all their stores, but it may nevertheless be wise go into the store and speak with the GPS expert there (if there is one).