Garmin Nuvi 770

You'd think driving from point A to point B would be a pretty simple task, but you can hit some roadblocks along the way. You get lost, people are calling to see where you are--all of which can be frustrating and distracting. Fortunately, there are driving aids that can help the situation. These GPS devices not only give you text- and voice-guided driving directions, but they also have integrated Bluetooth so you can pair them with your Bluetooth-enabled phone to make hands-free calls. Granted, it'd be safer if you just didn't talk on your phone in the car at all, but at least this way, you can keep your hands on the wheel.

Read more in the GPS Buying Guide

See more Hands-free Bluetooth GPS products

The biggest advantage that in-car car GPS devices have over paper maps is the ability to create electronic routes, complete with turn-by-turn directions, and in most cases, voice-guided directions. Most, if not all, current models contain enough memory and map storage for on-the-fly routing. There are various ways to plan a trip, but the most simple way is to enter a start point and end destination right on the device and let the system determine a route.

Read more in the GPS Buying Guide

See more GPS with route navigation products

Select a GPS model with a good color screen that can be read in all lighting conditions. The larger the screen, the more expensive the unit will be, but even big screens can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. Also, check the viewing performance of the display to make sure you can read it from any angle.

Read more in the GPS Buying Guide

See more Car GPS with anti-glare screen products

In-car navigation isn't for everyone; the price alone will cause many people to forgo this technology in favor of the good old paper map. However, if you drive for a living, or like to visit different places on the spur of the moment, GPS can make the driving more enjoyable, leading you to major attractions or guiding you through quiet, scenic back roads. As a business tool, GPS can be a tremendous aid for field service or delivery personnel, or if you frequent different cities on business trips. As the technology advances and we start seeing more real-time traffic report capabilities, it will be easier to avoid the bumper-to-bumper grind.

Read more in the GPS Buying Guide

See more Automotive GPS products