Starting a few years ago, the consumer GPS products universe began to rapidly diversify into a number of pretty unique areas; these include, among others, outdoor sports, road navigation, aviation and marine applications. More recently, as these areas have grown more refined and price competitive, gadgets in these categories have become all about lifestyle statements. So for 2008, choosing a GPS comes down to two main aspects: first, understanding what you want to get out of a GPS device; and second, determining what your choice of GPS says about you.

As with cars and phones and other mature products, what you buy and are seen carrying makes a statement about you. Driving a Cabrio versus a Hummer H2, using a Blackberry Pearl versus a RAZR: it’s all about understanding what you want out of the product and the image you’re trying to convey. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or another person, it is the same with GPS.

As we delve into fashion and function, I’ll make two statements. First, GPS "add-ons" like serial, CF and Bluetooth GPS products are rapidly going out of style. This year, with few exceptions, fully integrated GPS devices are easier to use. If you have a PDA you’re stuck with, or somehow think using a laptop would be a great idea in the car - think again. They are unwieldy, difficult to read at a glance, and unsafe.

Perhaps the higher sensitivity of an outboard GPS is needed, or your business uses a special application that requires it; even so, unless you have a compelling reason to go this way, save yourself some trouble and pick up an integrated device. Second, in-dash GPS navigators are not that hot. Starting this year, GPS devices are going to be rapidly evolving in terms of function and style - until the dust settles don’t get stuck with something permanent in your dash that can’t be easily removed.

written by Angel \\ tags: Actfind Hot Products, Portable GPS