You are probably reading this article because you are starting out in GPS or Satellite Navigation (SatNav) and want to know what product you should go for. It's extremely important for you to recognise your limitations and do not try to run before you can walk. There's lots of people who frequent this site who can help you but if your technical knowledge is zilch, then you need to follow the following information to work out which type of category you fall into and in-turn which type of product you need to be looking at.

1. No Technical Knowledge

1. I have no technical knowedlge
2. I have never owned a PDA (Pocket PC or Palm Device)
3. I may or may not have a PC
4. I don't have a PC, only a MAC
5. I want a system that I can just plug in and go
6. I want a system that I don't have to mess around with trying to install
7. I want extras like Speed Camera Notification

2. Some Technical Knowledge

1. I have some technical knowledge
2. I have owned a PDA (Pocket PC or Palm Device)
3. I know how to Sync a PDA to a PC
4. I have a PC
5. I want a system I can tweak, configure and add other features to
6. I don't mind messing around installing a product and maps
7. I want extras like Speed Camera Notification

Okay, now you need to weigh up the above options, give yourself a point under each of the two sections where the anwser is YES.

What's the answer ?

I scored higher in the "No Technical Knowledge" section

If you score more higher in the No Technical Knowledge section then you do NOT want to go for a PDA device. You will find it a strong learning curve and although it may have some extra features like Speed Cameras like you may want, it's not worth going for a PDA solution as:-

• You will experience difficulty in setting this up
• You will have to go through a lengthy process of installing maps and re-installing maps
• Like a PC there's tons of features you can enable/disable that can break applications

What you need to do is look for a PND (Personal Navigation Device) or All-In-One In-Car solution. These are devices that are mostly pre-installed or have easier walk through wizards and allow you to get the best out of Satellite Navigation without having the hassle and constant need for support.

I scored higher in the "Some Technical Knowledge" section

If you score more higher in the Some Technical Knowledge section then you can still go for a PND (Personal Navigation Device) but you can also look at a PDA. It all boils down to whether you're a geek and want to plug in so many different options, tweak the system or just stick with the basic system.

I want a PDA system but I'm in the "No Technical Knowledge" section

There is a further option. If you are in "No Technical Knowledge" section and really really want to have a PDA and are willing to learn a little then if you see a PDA system with a QuickStart Card then this can enable you to both get up and running quickly and not have to install a program or apps or connect it to a PC, but may require you to connect it later for activation of the product via the internet, or may require you to connect it to a PC to install other maps like European maps.

Now pick the product under the category you have chosen

Okay, so now you should know a little more about the type of system you want to go for. Now you need to investigate the products under this section.

For "No Technical Knowledge" now look at these types of product reviews:-

1. Dedicated In-Car

For "Some Technical Knowledge" now look at these types of product reviews:-

1. Dedicated In-Car
2. GPS Hardware
3. PDA GPS Software
4. Mobile Phones - Windows SmartPhone
5. Mobile Phones - Symbian SmartPhone
6. GPS Bundles

Love to hate it

If you are a basic beginner and do not have the knowledge of using a PDA or hate it when something goes wrong on your PC, then you really do need to avoid the PDA arena as you may find that you will constantly hit hurdles that are hard to overcome. However, if you do have any problems, that's what our forums on this website are for, but you may find that you get more frustrated and a PND (Personal Navigation Device) is the better route to go.

Budget

Budget plays a big part in what product you go for, and you need to sometimes stick to your budget, but don't stop yourself getting the next best product by upping your budget. It's true, you do in most cases get what you pay for, so if you're going for a cheap PDA add-on solution, ask yourself what's the catch ? Ebay is also a good place to pick up good second hand products and sometimes new products from Taiwanese companies that claim to be from the factory, but again be careful, not everyone on Ebay is a safe person to trade with and you may find it better paying more money at a proper online store or local store to ensure that you do have the opportunity to return products or to receive proper technical support.

Distance Selling Laws of the UK

Remember that if you order from a legitimate online store from within the UK you have 7 days in which to return it "as new" under the Distance Selling Laws of the UK, however this excludes opened software, so if you receive a product and have second thoughts, do not open the software as you cannot then qualify for the 7 days return.

Conclusion

Lastly, if you have a problem, or even a question, post it in the forums, we are here to help but don't send us emails because posting in the forum allows not only us to respond to your questions or problems but it allows other knowledgable users that have been in the exact same situation as you to reply to your questions and gives you a more realistic answer!

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