GPS buying guide
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
I get it. Portable navigation devices (PNDs) are a bit archaic at this point. In a world where every smartphone and tablet has some sort of GPS receiver built into it and most cars offer some sort of navigation option, buying a standalone GPS navigator seems both superfluous and archaic.
Yet, the PND market is far from dead. There are still a number of good reasons to choose a standalone GPS device. So if you’re interested, here are our top picks.
Garmin Nuvi 3490 LMT
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
The Garmin Nuvi 3490 is the flagship of Garmin’s line of GPS navigators, featuring an ultra-thin form factor, great voice command, and a crisp 4.3-inch color touch screen. Opt for the LMT version and you’ll also get lifetime map and traffic data updates. This unit debuted at a lofty $ 399 MSRP, but it’s not difficult to find it for as low as $ 299 to $ 349 these days.
TomTom 2535
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
TomTom’s 2535 isn’t as thin as the Garmin 3490, but it does pack a larger 5-inch screen. For your $ 299, you can get the 2535 M Live, which features TomTom’s Live … [Read more]