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