Nowadays, a very large number of people rely on the global positioning system (GPS) in order to find the shortest/fastest route to their desired destination. For this reason, they either purchase vehicles with built-in GPS receivers (typically, a fairly expensive option) or simply go out and purchase a PND (personal navigation device).

Since we've encountered relatively few drivers who make full use of every function their expensive navigation device has to offer, we've decided to compile a very quick guide that might help you choose the right product, and thus prevent you from spending too much on a navigation system whose complete features you won't unlock in the near future anyway.

Step 1: Evaluate your driving habits

This first stage in the purchase process is actually very important, since it will allow you to decide exactly what you're looking for in a PND. Our advice for this particular stage is to write down a list of things (features) you think you need after each trip. For example, whether you require 2D/3D maps, a large number of POIs, night-viewing, etc. You should write a separate list for each of your journeys, and, if possible, recall the latest long trip (holidays, camping, etc.) you've taken and write down exactly what features wished you had at that point.

At the end of this stage, you should have a more or less complete list of features, but before you can actually start searching for a PND, there's one more thing you'll have to do.

Step 2: Cross-reference the peripherals you already have installed in your vehicle

Modern PNDs come packed with a relatively large number of extra-features, mostly related to entertainment (MP3 and MP4 players, photo viewers, Bluetooth module for pairing to a mobile phone, etc.). However, some users might already have a very high-tech entertainment or communications system installed in their vehicle, so there would really be no need to get a navigation device that provides pretty much the same features (redundancy is always a bad idea, especially as far as money's concerned).

Step 3: Search for your PND online

After completing the previous step, you should now have a pretty comprehensive list of just about all of the features you're expecting from your future PND, so it's now a very good time to start searching for one.

The fist thing you should do is visit some of the most important GPS navigation systems manufacturers' websites (Garmin, Mio, TomTom, Magellan, just to name a few). Then, search on each page the product that offers most (if not all) the features you've mentioned on your list and bookmark it.

Of course, basically, you should stick to the list you've already compiled, but here are our tips on the subject, namely the most important features you should be looking for:

- a good, proven GPS module (there are several such modules and chipsets available, but probably the best-known and most widespread is the SiRF Star III);
- very good reception capabilities (namely, the more channels the receiver has, the better, since it can provide better positioning accuracy and, in the same time, maintain the GPS signal up in certain areas where the coverage is traditionally not quite fantastic, as for example in densely-populated areas, among skyscrapers or in dense foliage areas);
- a high screen brightness level – very important for viewing maps even in powerful sunlight;
- a long battery life;
- a built-in TMC (Traffic Message Channel) receiver – allows you to be informed on what's going on ahead of you in real time;
- text-to-speech technology and voice guidance;
- voice search (rather rare, still interesting, though);
- pre-loaded navigation maps (at least for the area you're typically driving through);
- as many built-in POIs as possible.

Now, the aforementioned features are pretty much the basic ones. However, if your vehicle is pretty “stock” as far as the entertainment features are concerned, you could always go that extra-mile and look for:

- a built-in MP3/MP4 player;
- a Bluetooth module (which turns the PND into a speakerphone);
- a photo viewer;
- an FM transmitter – this extra is particularly interesting, since it allows you to actually listen to both music and spoken directions (from the device's voice guidance system) directly through the vehicle's audio system.

If you happen to find several products that match your criteria, then you should bookmark all of them, and you'll see exactly why as follows.

Step 5: Check for user feedback for your desired device

After selecting a certain product (or several), the first thing you should do is check for user feedback regarding the respective item. Whenever users encounter problems related to a certain device, they tend to post their complaints/questions/issues on specialized forums.

So, before you spend a couple of hundred dollars (or the equivalent in your local currency) on a PND, you'd better be sure that it can actually deliver on what the manufacturers have promised. Check whether other customers have been pleased/displeased with their product, and then create some sort of “top” of the products you've chosen, based on the rating/feedback they've received.

Step 6: Search for the best deal

Now, once you're done with step 5, it's time to hit the shops. Usually, purchasing directly from the manufacturer is not exactly the best possible idea, simply because distributors tend to lower the prices, in order to make their devices more attractive.

Most people who're reading this article have most likely purchased stuff off the Internet before, so it's rather pointless to talk about the specifics of this process. However, it's a very good idea to constantly check for perks, since there are certain vendors out there who throw all sorts of extras in the mix, such as extended warranty periods, free access to TMC services and more.

Regardless of the deals you might find online, you should stick to the initial list of PNDs you've obtained after the first 5 steps. Of course, other seemingly identical products could be much cheaper, but that's not an excuse for giving up on a product that's most likely certified to work. No, the best solution here is to search for a product that's both solid and proven, and purchase it from the manufacturer that offers the best price/extras ratio. Indeed, you might spend a bit more, but the results will most likely be a lot better.