I don’t take technology purchases lightly. I read a lot of articles on CNET, use shopping websites like Shopzilla to find a good price, and have to be 100% confident before I buy something. 
So I thought I’d share with you my reasoning for my GPS (Global Positioning System) purchase and hope you find it helpful.
First, the reason I wanted a GPS was because I like to be efficient. If I’m driving around clients to look at homes I like to know exactly where I’m headed without having to look at a mapquest printout. The GPS tells me how to get there and when we will arrive. It’s more relaxing, safe and accurate to be guided by a know-it-all machine. My clients love it (no one has to be “navigator” while I drive) and it takes the stress out of driving. A GPS knows the way. If you don’t know the directions, no big deal. It you have a name of a place, an address, or an intersection, the GPS will get you there.
My Top 3 NEEDS when buying a GPS were…
- Accurate/Updated Maps
- Easy to use Touchscreen
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Under $500
My Top 3 WANTS when buying a GPS were…
- Stylish Look
- Save-able “Favorites”
- Points of Interests
Using these guidelines I found the perfect fit. I choose to buy a Garmin Nuvi 360. Here’s why: Garmin is the “best of breed” with the best maps. Living in the ever-expanding Valley of the Sun, it was important to have good street-maps. Technology can barely keep up with the construction of new streets (San Tan 202 anyone?) and the Garmin has an annual way to update street-maps. The touchscreen is fabulous. Very easy to use…for example when you start to “type” GILBERT all you need is the G,I and then the device gives you an option to select GILBERT. This “mind-reader” feature makes for fast data input. I also got my wish for stylishness. It is thin and sleek looking. The Garmin 360 is also very portable. My husband and I took it on vacation to San Francisco and used it when walking around to find a restaurant and sightseeing. The 360 version has Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free phone calls while driving, and it can even play MP3s and hold pictures and a bunch of other stuff. The Points of Interest feature shows me gas stations, hotels, restaurants, etc. I can type in “smoothie” and it will show me the nearest places to drive to get one!
Now, the price. My bill came to $414.10. And that was because I chose fast shipping. Basically, with a little hunting around you can find top-of-the line devices for a great price if you know where to look online. I would never buy a GPS at a Best Buy store. I think I saved about $100+ bucks from not going to a store like that. I got my GPS from PCNATION but I also recommend checking NEWEGG, which is a great website to buy technology. My husband was nice enough to hide the wires for the GPS in my car so it has that “built-in” look. If I can answer any specific questions or if you have a different opinion, please feel welcome to leave a comment.
