Q. What accessories are typically included with a GPS?
A. Your GPS will likely come with preloaded maps for the United States, a vehicle suction cup to attach your GPS to the windshield, a cable for connecting the GPS to your PC, a setup guide, and chargers for your vehicle and wall outlets.
Q. What is a dashpad or “bean bag” mount, and why would you need one?
A. A type of mount that sits on your dash rather than windshield to let you use your portable GPS in states where it’s illegal to mount devices to your windshield, such as California and Minnesota.
Q. How can I protect my GPS’ screen?
A. Purchase a screen protector that’s compatible with your GPS model. The thin, transparent protector may also prevent glare on the screen.
Q. What other types of chargers are available?
A. There are travel chargers that include adapters for UK, Australian, and European wall outlets. Solar chargers are also available and are ideal for people who take their GPS camping or on hikes.
Q. How can I update my maps?
A. You can buy a map update, which is a revised map that includes the latest changes to roads and points of interest for a given area. You can buy an individual map stored on a memory card and switch it with the existing card in your GPS, or you can download an upgrade and copy the new maps to your GPS using a PC connection.
Q. What maps can I purchase?
A. You can purchase maps for additional countries, topographical maps for hiking and camping, and marine maps to help you navigate the coasts. Or, a travel guide will provide helpful tourist information.
Q. What is an Internet-connected GPS, and what does it require?
A. A GPS with a built-in cellular modem lets it access the Internet. A monthly subscription is necessary, but most models include a free trial to let you decide if you want to use the extra Internet features.
Q. What types of services are provided by an Internet-connected GPS?
A. Current models can access real-time traffic data, display the latest weather forecast, find the cheapest gas prices, and provide reviews and contact information from Google Local Search.
Q. What are the advantages of using points of interest from Google Local Search?
A. You can read restaurant reviews, check out movie times, find ATMs, and access other location-based data that wouldn’t be available in a GPS’ traditional point-of-interest information. Also, this information is likely more current than the point-of-interest data installed on your GPS.
Q. What are the benefits of real-time traffic updates?
A. The GPS can use the current traffic data to plot the route that will take you the least time to get to your destination. 
| 
Print This