GPS with text-to-speech functionality
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.
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $289.99 to $554.99 | $199.99 | $438.18 | Check Prices | $499.00 | Check Prices |
| CNET editors' rating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | ||||||
| Included GPS accessories | Remote control Docking station Mounting bracket Car power adapter | Stylus USB cable Carrying pouch AC power adapter Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount | AC power adapter | Vehicle mount Car power adapter | Dash express Mounting arm and cradle Mounting arm extension and wrench Dashboard mounting disk Car power adapter Wall charger USB cable Alcohol wipe | Stylus USB cable Car holder 4 GB SD Card AC power adapter Car power adapter |
| Audible assistance | Navigation instructions Voice command recognition | Audible signal(s) | Audible signals | Navigation instructions Street name announcement | Audible signal(s) | Navigation instructions Voice command recognition |
| GPS PC connection | Bluetooth | USB | USB | Hi-Speed USB | USB | USB Bluetooth |
| Antenna | Built-in | Built-in | Info unavailable | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Weight | 7.8 oz | 7.2 oz | 0.5 lbs | 5.1 oz | 0.8 lbs | 6.9 oz |
| System features | Built-in speaker Built-in microphone IQ Routes technology 2D / 3D map perspective Built-in FM transmitter TomTom Map Share technology Hands-free calling via Bluetooth TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready | Built-in speaker Text-to-Speech (TTS) | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs 2D / 3D map perspective | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs Optional external GPS antenna connection | Keyboard Built-in speaker | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs Built-in microphone 2D / 3D map perspective Hands-free calling via Bluetooth |
| Destination | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices |
|
|
|
|||
- Reviews & advice
- Site map
- Editorial policies
- Meet the editors
- How we test
- Forums
- Internet speed test
- Popular topics
- Apple iPhone
- Apple iPod
- Cell phones
- Dell
- GPS
- LCD TV
- CNET sites
- CNET Site map
- CNET TV
- Downloads
- News
- Reviews
- Shopper.com
- More information
- Newsletters
- CNET Mobile
- Customer Help Center
- RSS
- CNET Widgets
- About CNET
-
TOP PRODUCTS FROM TOP BRANDS
