Top Ten GPS Systems 2011-2012

The dire predictions in some quarters for the imminent collapse of Garmin and other makers of GPS systems in 2011 certainly did not materialize. The story was that smart phones would offer almost everything traditional GPS makers could offer and eat a big hole in the established giants. As it turned out, Garmin has sold around ten per cent more units than in the previous year. Magellan and Tomtom did pretty well, too.

The truth is, people like simple-to-use, made-for-the job, automotive navigation. You don't need to be a geek to use one and the technology has reached a point where there is a unit to suit every requirement.

This does not mean the big three are avoiding the challenge of smartphones. Integration with Android and apps for Apple devices are already available (see below).

Trends from 2011

Garmin went for larger screens with bluetooth and a better deal on maps.

Tomtom put the emphasis on improving portability with thinner models and more practical mountings. It is easier to remove the navigator and slip it in your pocket.

Magellan covered both portability and large screen size. The Roadmate 9055 has a huge 7 inch screen attracting seasoned road warriors. The Explorist 310 is small at 2.2 inches and is aimed at people who park and walk.

Developments in 2012

Probably the biggest buzz at CES 2012 was around the integration of Android smartphones with Garmin navigation devices. Bluetooth hooks up your Nuvi with your smartphone and allows info from the web or your phone to be displayed. This means traffic, weather, favorite places and help finding a lost car.

There is a price for the most useful services, however:

• Live traffic $19.99 per year
• Traffic cams $9.99
• Fuel prices $9.99
• Advanced Weather $4.99

You can find out more from Garmin here: garmin.com/smartphonelink/android.php

Garmin also showed wireless charging for some of its devices using Fultom technology. No need to dock, just place on the dash and it charges.

TomTom

TomTom have had great success offering a navigation app for use with iPhones and iPads. This year they announced new Facebook and Twitter integration.

If you spend a lot of time on social media you can now find out where your friends are and also how to get to there with turn by turn navigation.

TomToms new navigation devices this year include the TomTom Go Live 1005 GPS.

It will access TomTom's LIVE Services (fuel prices, weather, and local search) as well as HD Traffic. Restaurant reviews from Yelp and TripAdvisor, are useful features and Expedia offers hotel info

Magellan

This is niche time for Magellan. The have launched devices that will make life easier for RV drivers and truck drivers.

The truck drivers RoadMate 5190T plans routes based on the height, weight, width, length of the truck and known HAZMAT restrictions.

The RV drivers RoadMate RV9145 offers multi-destination routing, RV park guides and the ability to plan the entire route with reference to POI, stopovers and size restriction.

Like TomTom, Magellan also offer an improved iPhone app in 2012 caller Roadmate.

How to Choose the best Navigation Device?

I picked out a selection of models that have demonstrated their durability and utility across a broad price range. These are not all the most recent models but as a group they represent some of the best that is on offer.

Top Models

Garmin nuvi 3790LMT- highly portable and feature packed

This has almost every feature Garmin currently offer:

It is very slim to slip easily into your pocket. The touchscreen is glass and very responsive to the touch. Live Traffic information and map updates are free for life. The voice activated navigation works for most people.Bluetooth synch with a cell phone gives hands free calling. There is lane assist to make syre you are warned well ahead to move over for the best turning, There is junction view so you can see all your options at nightmare road convergences. The maps have 3D buildings and terrain.

Magellan RoadMate 5045

Magellan are always less expensive than Garmin but there is a reason. Garmin units go on and on. Magellan can be less reliable.

The top of the range Magellan 5045 is quality model offering many of the features of the Garmin 3790 above, for a  better price.

• Free Lifetime Traffic
• Highway lane assist
• Generous 5.0" touch screen
• Maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Bestsellers that have been around for a while

Garmin Nuvi 765T- Best Value GPS overall?

With an easy to use Garmin Nuvis' touchscreen, Bluetooth (for hands free calls through a cell phone), traffic alerts, text-to-speech, route planning, lane assist and fast map refresh rate this won many awards when it was introduced in 2009. It has sold well in 2010 too.

Garmin Nuvi 265T- great features and price

Free traffic updates, fast satellite locking using predictive technology,turn by turn speech directions and a reasonable price. A bestseller on sites like Amazon and Tigerdirect since it's release, with proven durabilty and popular features, it is system still worth considering.

It offers free traffic, Bluetooth, City Navigator North America NT pre-loaded and many other features.

Tom Tom XL 340-S

Probably the best budget model from 2009. It has spoken directions, 3-D junction view and IQ routes. There is no Bluetooth capability.

Magellan Maestro 4700

This was the best of the Magellan units in 2009. It is extremely easy to customize and has features like the ability to exclude roads you don't intend to use (this helps to simplify route planning). Bluetooth and traffic alerts make it a useful companion.

Garmin Nuvi 855 with Voice Command

The 955 gives you quality voice recognition that allows you to search for and program routes with voice alone. It has traffic from MSN direct and city Navigator NT maps for the US plus over 6 million POI.

No Bluetooth.