| Commuters braving rush hour know all too well | | | | simply ordering them to turn left (without |
| how traffic jams can quickly tack on extra | | | | naming the street) as most basic models do. |
| drive time. In an instant, a long string of | | | | |
| red brake lights raises frustration levels | | | | While all GPS Units have the capability to |
| that can pile extra stress onto an already | | | | constantly seek out alternative routs and |
| hectic week. That's why real time customized | | | | subsequently avoid traffic jams, higher end |
| traffic data streaming to your on-board GPS | | | | models double as satellite FM radio |
| only makes sense. | | | | broadcasters. These models allow you to |
| | | | listen to your favorite commercial-free music |
| Like having a traffic reporter seated in the | | | | as well as real time traffic reports and |
| car next to you, on-board GPS units offer | | | | weather forecasts while commuting home or to |
| detailed traffic data and freeway speed | | | | work. Other models are even capable of |
| information. As alternative routes are | | | | playing the MP3 format giving you the added |
| proposed, many devices automatically | | | | freedom to listen to your music collection or |
| calculate the estimated driving time and any | | | | favorite audio book. |
| additional mileage a driver must take to | | | | |
| avoid bottle neck situations. When merged | | | | Commuters who travel with their laptops may |
| with Bluetooth technology, drivers can call | | | | opt to transform their computers into GPS |
| home to give the family their estimated | | | | units byway of special navigational software. |
| arrival time. | | | | Just remember than since you can't mount your |
| | | | laptop to the dashboard, frequent glances to |
| Higher end models such as Garmin's | | | | a screen in the passenger's seat could prove |
| StreetPilot 2730 GPS Receiver offer larger | | | | dangerous in heavy traffic situations. |
| screens that are easier to read, even in | | | | However a laptop screen is much larger than |
| bright sunlight, and include convenient voice | | | | those on most GPS devices and most software |
| recognition. | | | | includes voice recognition, still only |
| | | | available on higher end GPS units. |
| Text to speech capabilities permit the unit | | | | |
| to decode and pronounce street names, meaning | | | | Given the many options, the best advise is to |
| that as the vehicle approaches a designated | | | | shop around and decide which model suits your |
| turn, the unit prompts drivers to turn left | | | | needs. Then you're halfway on the road |
| onto Bay Street, for example, instead of | | | | towards less wearisome commutes. |