Unlimited long distance $24.99/mo
Bonnie Cha,
Senior Associate Editor
June 6, 2008
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.
| Product name | ||||||
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| Price | $399.99 to $499.95 | $149.99 to $234.99 | $198.95 to $526.99 | $99.95 to $149.99 | $299.00 to $299.99 | $199.99 to $399.99 |
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| Average user rating | ||||||
| Review date | May 28, 2008 | January 18, 2008 | April 05, 2007 | September 27, 2007 | March 27, 2008 | October 15, 2007 |
| 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. | 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. | Though the Navigon 7100 offers some handy navigation tools and integrated Bluetooth, the confusing interface and sluggish performance prevents us from giving it higher marks. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Included GPS accessories |
Docking station Car power adapter Remote control Mounting bracket |
USB cable Automotive windshield mount Stylus AC power adapter Carrying pouch Car power adapter |
USB cable Automotive windshield mount AC power adapter Car power adapter Windshield holder |
Vehicle mount Car power adapter |
Mounting arm extension and wrench USB cable Dash express Wall charger Car power adapter Dashboard mounting disk Mounting arm and cradle Alcohol wipe |
USB cable Car holder Stylus AC power adapter Car power adapter |
| Navigation routes | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
3 |
Info unavailable |
| Audible assistance |
Voice command recognition Navigation instructions |
Audible signal(s) |
Navigation instructions |
Street name announcement Navigation instructions |
Audible signal(s) |
Voice command recognition Navigation instructions |
| GPS functions / services | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Traffic alerts/detours TruTraffic Alternate routes |
Lane Assistant Reality View Speed Assistant |
| GPS PC connection |
Bluetooth |
USB |
USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Wi-Fi |
USB Bluetooth |
| SBAS | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
EGNOS WAAS |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| GPS receiver | Info unavailable |
20 channel |
20 channel |
20 channel |
Info unavailable |
20 channel |
| Weight |
7.8 oz |
7.2 oz |
8.5 oz |
5.1 oz |
13.3 oz |
6.9 oz |
| Antenna | ||||||
