GPS

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-CNV43 offers advanced Internet-connected features that we like at a very competitive price, but its shaky implementation of key basic features and slow performance spoil the navigation experience.

Specs: 24 channel, Automotive, Audible signal(s), 0.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: By itself, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 is merely a solidly performing GPS device, but it earns its keep through the free NuLink service, giving users easy access to up-to-the-minute data for safety, convenience, and entertainment.

Specs: Hiking, Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 6.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The TomTom Car Kit for iPhone lets you consolidate the number of devices carried around by elevating iPhone navigation to a standalone navigation device level. It's pricey, but TomTom gives users a fair amount of functionality for the money.

Specs: Warnings, Navigation instructions, 4.1 oz

The Bottom Line: The Magellan RoadMate matches the competition's performance and ease of use, while providing a larger screen at a lower price.

Specs: Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 10 oz

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT not only brings a robust set of features into the car in a single box, but it also provides a variety of quick and safe ways to access those features.

Specs: 32 channel, Automotive, Navigation instructions, Voice command recognition, 5.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Garmin Nuvi 765T packs a number of useful features into an easy-to-use package and its ad-supported traffic updates are quite useful--plus, the ads themselves are quite unobtrusive.

Specs: Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 6.5 oz

The Bottom Line: The Garmin Nuvi 760 delivers beautifully on almost every front, but the portable navigation system hits a speed bump with its sluggish performance.

Specs: Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 6.7 oz

The Bottom Line: The Garmin Nuvi 260 offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices and includes text-to-speech, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get.

Specs: Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 5.2 oz

The Bottom Line: As entry-level GPS navigators go, the Garmin Nuvi 255W is still one of the best choices available for anyone who wants speedy performance without breaking the bank.

Specs: Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 6.1 oz

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most people's needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.

Specs: 20 channel, Automotive, Navigation instructions, 3.7 lbs