Best GPSs

  • 8.5 5.8

    TomTom XL Traffic (2nd generation)

    18 Dec 2008 3:23 PM

    Compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use, the TomTom XL is a great portable GPS. For AU$100 more there's this Traffic version with, uhh, traffic messaging built-in.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , No , Yes

  • 8.3 9

    Garmin Nuvi 265WT

    08 Jan 2009 10:49 AM

    With its relatively elegant traffic antenna and simple-to-use interface, the Garmin Nuvi 265WT makes a good case for itself.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 4.3 inch, Bluetooth , Yes , Yes

  • 8.3 3

    TomTom One 140

    07 Jul 2009 5:04 PM

    Same, same but slightly better than before. Quicker responses and lane guidance justify slight premium over fourth-gen One.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 3.5 inch, No , Yes

  • 8.2 10

    Garmin Nuvi 1390

    06 Nov 2009 3:40 PM

    It mightn't offer the bigger bang for buck, but the 1390 is a solid and dependable choice. We particularly like its comprehensive lane guidance and easy-to-use interface.

    Specs: 4.3 inch, Bluetooth , Yes , Yes

  • 8.2 7.1

    TomTom Go 730

    04 Dec 2008 4:19 PM

    Lane guidance is great and the over-hyped IQ Routes was pretty good, but the best news is that, one year on, the Go 720's faults (price, buggy features) are no more.

    Specs: GPS navigation device

  • 8.0 8.8

    Sygic Mobile Maps for iPhone

    27 Oct 2009 2:35 PM

    With its latest update, Mobile Maps has become our favourite iPhone nav app, but we still have reservations about using the iPhone as a GPS navigator.

  • 8.0 7.5

    Navman MY50T

    14 Aug 2009 2:56 PM

    Step up to the MY50T and you'll get a larger than normal 4.7-inch touchscreen, traffic messaging with a lifetime Suna subscription, and Google or TrueLocal searches via a Bluetooth internet connection.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 4.7 inch, Bluetooth , No , Yes

  • 8.0

    Mio A430

    02 Oct 2009 3:59 PM

    It may be a frill-free zone, but the Mio A430 offers plenty of screen girth for the money. Pity then that the camera and school zone warnings are nigh on useless.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 4.3 inch, No , Yes

  • 7.8 5.5

    Navigon 4350 max

    24 Aug 2009 9:28 AM

    It looks good, priced right and has an excellent Bluetooth hands-free set-up, but a host of minor niggles prevents the 4350 max from being a star.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 4.3 inch, Yes , Yes

  • 7.8 5.8

    Navman MY30

    09 Sep 2009 10:59 AM

    Good looks, good price, but let down by overzealous school warnings and limited lane guidance.

    Specs: GPS navigation device , 3.5 inch, No , Yes

The Explain Series

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Articles

  • Best portable GPS navigators

    All brand name GPS units will get you safely from A to B, but some do it better than others. We nominate a clutch of navigators we'd junk our Gregory's or Melway for.

  • GPS buyer's guide

    Prices for GPS devices and apps have come down in the last year and many of us are looking at jumping on the bandwagon. We take a look at how it works, why you should (or shouldn't) buy a GPS, as well as key features to look out for.

  • Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation coming soon

    Google Maps with built-in turn-by-turn navigation is coming soon, but so far this has only been confirmed for phones running the new Android 2.0 platform.