raging price wars means more features for budget conscious gps shoppers yonkers, ny garmin and tomtom gps models continue to score high and provide the best overall packages in consumer reports recent tests of more than 90 gps units. The top rated garmin nuvi 885t $600 , earned excellent marks for destination/poi entering, use of controls, mount design, display and portability. The unit is loaded with features such as bluetooth connectivity for hands free phone calls, a trip computer, an mp3 player, and voice control of many functions, including entering destinations. consumer reports also recommends the lower priced garmin nuvi 765t $480 and the tomtom go 740 live $400. The nuvi 765t performed almost as well as the nuvi 885t and has most of the same features, except voice control.

A connected device, the tomtom go 740 lets you check traffic and weather and use google search to find businesses and points of interest. For the latest ratings, complete test results, and buying advice on more than 90 gps units, visit w.consumerreports.org. It isn’t necessary to spend hundreds to get an easy to use navigator with the features that matter most. consumer reports tests found the magellan roadmate 1440 and 1220 models performed much better than previous magellan units with notably crisp graphics and easy to use interfaces. cr recommends the roadmate 1220 $125 to consumers who want basic guidance.

Now is a good time to shop around and compare gps units, hot new models now offer premium features on entry and mid level models and consumers will likely see prices drop on previous generation products. Many of the models we’ve tested this summer are the same ones that will be making holiday shopping lists this fall, said jeff bartlett, deputy editor online at consumer reports. A raging price war among gps makers is giving even budget conscious buyers the chance to enjoy features that go beyond the usual navigation functions designated a cr best buy, the low priced tomtom one 140 $140 can provide optional traffic information, guide you to the best lane at major intersections, and factor in historic traffic patterns for the time of day when it calculates routes. Other recommended cr best buy units include the garmin nuvi 760 $250 , garmin nuvi 265t $200 with free traffic information, and the garmin nuvi 200 $120.

For consumers who want more than driving help, the older garmin nuvi 1260t $300 offers free traffic info and optional cityxplorer bus, subway, and walking routes for major cities $10 to $15 per city. In addition, real time traffic info, usually a $60 a year option, is free on several models from garmin, magellan, and nextar though consumers will have to put up with occasional ads on the screen and free traffic magellans require consumers to purchase an additional receiver. Looking ahead we anticipate testing new garmin, mio, and nextar units this summer, as well as evaluating downloadable navigation applications for the iphone and other handheld devices, whose popularity will definitely factor into the changing marketplace, bartlett said.

Before you buy a gps navigator, think about your typical driving conditions, how often you’re in unfamiliar areas, and the features that are most important to you. consumer reports suggests you consider the following: what type of driving do you do? if you spend most of your time commuting along the same route or running local errands on familiar roads, you might not benefit from route guidance, unless you face traffic congestion. Even in familiar areas, a gps can help you get around it by showing surrounding roads and plotting an alternative route.

what about extra features? a full featured aftermarket gps can effectively upgrade an older car with features like a trip computer, bluetooth hands free telephone capability, an mp3 player, an ipod connection, and a fm transmitter. If available, live traffic information, weather, and local gas prices can offer an increased measure of safety and convenience. But you may have to take on a subscription fee, and gps traffic reporting, like that of other sources, can be inaccurate and outdated. check the local laws minnesota prohibits drivers from installing any device on a windshield, the most common location to mount portable gps guide units. Most manufacturers include a plastic disk that sticks to the dashboard to provide an alternative mounting location. built in battery convenience almost all new portables now come with a rechargeable battery.

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If you want to use it for walking or use the multimedia features outside of a car, look for one that will operate for at least three hours on a charge. size matters if you choose a portable unit, size is important especially if you frequently pack it in a suitcase. Some models are no bigger than a wallet and weigh less than 7 ounces, while others are as large as a paperback book and can weigh two pounds or more. Also, look for a screen that’s large enough to read easily without blocking your view. We’ve found a 3.5 inch diagonal screen is a good compromise, but 4.3 inch wide screens allow more information to be displayed and are easier to enter addresses, due to larger touch screen buttons. Select gps ratings will also appear in the september issue of consumer reports on newsstands august 4.

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The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer reports is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. Our income is derived from the sale of consumer reports , consumerreports.org and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Neither the ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of consumer reports. Timing is everything and if you're in the market for a new car, good timing can actually save you money.

There are many times throughout the year when there are excellent deals on new cars. It seems, everywhere you turn, there are calendar year end deals, model year end deals, discounts, rebates, and other promotions. So, when is the best time to buy and how can consumers take advantage of these deals? here are some good times to hit the showroom.

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Many dealerships establish monthly sales quotas that encourage each salesperson to make a certain number of deals. This means that during the last week of the month, especially the last weekend, salespeople are hungry to make a deal their bonus may depend on it. Most manufacturers bring out their new model year vehicles in the late summer and continue their product launches throughout the fall sometimes, new models come out year round.

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This is a great time to get bargains because dealerships are trying hard to unload any leftovers from the previous model year. However, if you want to trade that car in two years from now, it will be appraised as a three year old. But if short term depreciation doesn't matter to you, there are great deals to be had with these models.

Last year i signed up for 1 month of access to the consumer reports website. Later, in october i discovered they had been charging my card each month, not once, but twice each month! i called them and was clear, 1 i was being double charged 6.95 x 2 , 2 i authorized charges only for one month and did not use nor authorize charges for the service after the first month's use. They told me charges would cease and i would be credited for the current month and the previous two. I subsequently learned they canceled only the duplicate monthly charge and were still charging me for a monthly.