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Portable GPS Systems Becoming More Affordable

December 19, 2006
With portable Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation systems rapidly becoming more popular, more affordable and feature-packed, Consumer Reports has rated a new group of the devices as finds the Garmin nuvi 350 leading the way.

Of the 21 models from 12 manufacturers were tested for ease of use, guidance information, route options, and portability, the top-ranked Garmin nuvi 350 received a 'Very Good' rating while the lowest ranked Pharos EZ Road PEZ120 ($450) received only a 'Fair' overall score.

Great holiday gifts, portable GPS systems have seen sales more than quadruple in the past year. They are smaller and many are now equipped with rechargeable batteries, a big convenience for multi-car households, travelers who often rent vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Even most inexpensive units now come loaded with U.S. maps, making them easier to operate.

In addition, prices have dropped significantly. The top-rated Garmin nuvi 350, for example, costs $600, 25 percent less than when it was rated six months ago. The TomTom One is a CR Best Buy and costs $450.

Portable GPS systems are still much less expensive than integrated units that are typically optional equipment on new cars.

The latest portable GPS systems offer users many advantages: They are easily moved, lightweight and compact, and some models have European maps available. Many units include useful features such as, "text-to-speech" capability, and real-time traffic reports, while others incorporate frills like Bluetooth compatibility, MP3 players, and photo viewers.

One tested unit, the Navman iCN 750 ($550), has a camera, which can record and file GPS coordinates of a photographed location. Consumer Reports ratings are based on navigation performance, not feature content.

"With an increasing number of devices to choose from, it is important that consumers prioritize the features that matter most," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy automotive editor at ConsumerReports.org. "Portability, ease of use, and route options top the list, but shoppers should not be swayed by the latest add-on features."

Portable GPS systems that help drivers, cyclists and hikers navigate their way to a specified destination are becoming more popular. Unit sales in the U.S. for the week ending November 25, 2006 were up 670 percent from the same time period in 2005, according to The NPD Group, a market research firm.

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