GPS Systems—Cheaper than you think

Before you consider saving money on a global positioning system, better known as GPS, you may want to consider if you even need one. People have been getting by with maps and compasses for many years-why spend hundreds of dollars for a computerized system. Even though government agencies, particularly the military, have used GPS systems for years, their popularity among "everyday" people has only swelled since the late 1990s. In fact, many people are still unfamiliar with GPS systems and what they do. For some people, GPS units are not a luxury, but a necessity. Hikers and outdoorsmen swear by GPS systems to help them when they are lost in the woods. And many people who have to travel a lot won't leave home without their GPS systems. The systems are so sophisticated, they can give you turn-by-turn directions in a city where you have never been. Families are buying hand held GPS systems to carry with them on family outings. It is so much easier for parents to find lost teenagers in a huge amusement park when both are carrying hand-held GPS units.
GPS Systems Manufacturers

Garmin, www.garmin.com, is the best known GPS manufacturer, with a long line of models to choose from. Prices can range from thousands of dollars to hand-held units mentioned above that costs about $100 each. Other GPS systems such as TomTom (www.tomtom.com) and Magellan (www.magellangps.com) feature similar products at similar prices. Often when you buy from a manufacturer, though, you pay top dollar. That is to be expected, however, if you are buying a new GPS unit that has just been introduced.

Always check the warranty on the unit you purchase. GPS units can be expensive to repair. If you buy a cheap GPS unit, if may find the costs of repairs make the seeming good deal you received on the unit if it stops working a few weeks after purchase and the repairs are expensive.

Where to find cheap GPS Systems

If you are unfamiliar with GPS units and you want to know which one is right for you, you can compare them at www.bizrate.com. The website will price them for you tell you which online stores have the lowest prices (FYI, the website will also comparison shop on a variety of other items, too).

If you want to learn more and compare prices, you can also subscribe to what many call "the Bible" of comparison shopping---Consumer Reports. The website www.consumerreports.org offers tips on which GPS units are the best buys.

The GPS Store is one of the pioneers in the GPS business. The store has been operating online since 1997. The online store takes shopping to the next level. There is plenty of information about each unit, no matter what the manufacturer. There is also a blog in which customers write about their GPS systems. This is great information if you want to know how the units work. The help center has general information about global positioning systems and how they work. You can also explore the warranties available on each unit. There is also technical support available if the unit stops working.

As with anything, you can always find a GPS unit at many online clearance stores. You can find almost every kind of GPS system on sale at www.overstock.com. Some of these units are up to 50 percent off their original price. Again, check the warranty on the unit to avoid any costly repairs.

The website www.ebay.com is well known for selling quality, used goods, at a great price. Many people sell their old GPS units after upgrading to a newer one. This gives you a chance to purchase an older discount GPS. Some precautions about buying from an online auction company: Ask the seller if they offer any kind of warrant of return policy if you receive the unit and it is damaged or if it doesn't work. Many online companies, particularly EBay, allows other buyers to rate sellers, so make check out the rating carefully. Some sellers will want to auction units that still have warranties. Be sure to ask if the unit has any warranty left.