There are several features that are standard for must GPS units. For instance almost all of them come with all of the maps that you will ever need and include maps of all of North America. They will also have a voice guidance system that will audible tell you the direction to your destination through a built in speaker. Another feature on most of the portable units is a built in antenna but some GPS units will also offer additional external antennas that will help give you the strongest signal possible. The last “standard” feature is a windshield mounting kit which is usually in the form of a suction cup. This mounting method generally offers the most convenient and viewable way to install the device but in a few areas you are not allowed to have any sort of window mount.

The first area that many systems begin to differ is screen. Typical screen sizes for GPS units can range anywhere from 3½ inches to 7 inches. The large model generally offer more in travel options without having to go all of the way back to the main screen or options menu and they are much easier to read from a distance. The only issues with these larger screen is that they can block more of your view if you are planning on mounting it on your windshield and they are not as convenient to take with you out of the car if you want to do some walking around.

Besides offering these standard features there are many systems that go above and beyond making your trips even more enjoyable. Instead just the standard maps they will offer additional downloads, DVDs or memory cards with more maps for almost any destination. These addition maps aren’t just for new area but they can also be extremely detailed views of high population areas giving you speed limits and telling you which lane you need to be in or marine and fishing maps.

Another really fun feature is the ability to change the voice and language of the voice guidance system allowing you to get your direction in Spanish or French or even have your direction given to you by Yoda, David Hassel Hoff or Flavor Flav! These models also offer that are not just simply “in .1 miles turn left” but will read you the name of the street as well so it would say “in .1 miles turn left on Main St.” or if you downloaded the Yoda feature “turn left, in .1 miles on Main St. you must.” This can make it much easier to find the correct street.

An additional feature available is the ability to add Points of Intrest (POI) to your trip without changing your final destination. These additional POI can be anything from movie theaters to gas stations to ATMs to hotels to restaurants. The more advanced navigation system even have internet connectivity that provides up to date information about all of these POI such as hours of operation, a phone number as well as consumer ratings and reviews.

Another great feature to look for is the ability to save your location such as your drive way, work or favorite area to park at the mall. These locations are saved as GPS coordinates and can give you a much more accurate destination allowing for better directions, more accurate estimated time of arrivals and allow you to set destinations for so searchable locations.

There are some features that can make your navigation system more than just a GPS. Some models offer Bluetooth connectivity and allow you to make phone calls over its speaker system and even call the destinations and POI to make reservations and check the availability of products and services. They can also have an internet connection and give you weather forecasts, movie show times and even gas prices. Another really popular and handy feature is the ability to give you real time traffic update and automatically divert you around accidents, construction zones or even plain old congestion to give you the quickest route and the most accurate estimated time of arrival.