Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor April 6, 2009
Nowadays, any in-car GPS device can give you voice-guided directions, but there's a new enhancement to this feature that's starting to show up in the latest systems: text-to-speech functionality. This enables the GPS unit to speak specific street names, rather than generic directions. For example, it will say, "Turn right on Main Street," rather than "Turn right in 100 feet." Now, perhaps you're thinking that this isn't the biggest thing to happen to in-car GPS, but text-to-speech directions are beneficial for a couple of reasons. Not only is it a great navigation aid, it also allows you keep your eyes safely on the road instead of on the system's screen. Here are six models equipped with this functionality; read our reviews to see if one is right for you.
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| Price | $399.00 |
As shown: $299.95
| Pricing not available | Pricing not available |
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| Review date | May 28, 2008 | January 18, 2008 | April 06, 2007 | September 27, 2007 | March 27, 2008 | |
| The Bottom Line | If you're looking for a high-end in-car GPS with the latest features, the TomTom GO 930 delivers with accurate directions and new navigation tools like advanced lane guidance and voice address entry. | Despite ease of use and text-to-speech functionality, the Pharos Drive GPS 250 falters somewhat in the performance department. Test. | Sporting a sleeker design and interface, the affordable Magellan Maestro series offers drivers an accurate in-car GPS device with useful trip information, thanks to its partnership with AAA. | With an improved display and the addition of text-to-speech functionality, the Mio DigiWalker C230 is a solid and affordable entry-level portable navigation system for GPS newbies. | The two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we're willing to invest in it. | |
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| Features | ||||||
| Destination | Info unavailable | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | |
| Included GPS accessories | Info unavailable | Carrying pouch USB cable Stylus Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount AC power adapter | Windshield holder USB cable Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount AC power adapter | Car power adapter Vehicle mount | Dash express Mounting arm and cradle Mounting arm extension and wrench Dashboard mounting disk Car power adapter Wall charger USB cable Alcohol wipe | |
| Antenna | Info unavailable | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | |
| Audible assistance | Info unavailable | Audible signal(s) | Navigation instructions | Street name announcement Navigation instructions | Audible signal(s) | |
| Weight | Info unavailable | 7.2 oz | 8.5 oz | 5.1 oz | 13.3 oz | |
| GPS PC connection | Info unavailable | USB | USB | USB 2.0 | Wi-Fi | |
| System features | Info unavailable | Text-to-Speech (TTS) Built-in speaker | 2D / 3D map perspective Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Preinstalled POIs | Preinstalled POIs Built-in speaker Optional external GPS antenna connection | Keyboard Built-in speaker | |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | |
| Buying choices | | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | Please access this product from the vendor's Web site. | |
