Instead of voice-activated GPS, were you actually looking for a text-to-speech GPS unit? We’ve got that covered for you, as well.

Text-to-Speech GPS?

Text-to-speech GPS units offer the ability to “speak” directions, such as roads you should be turning on, versus a generic direction. For example, a GPS unit with text to speech functionality might say, “turn left on Lincoln Avenue”, versus “turn left at the upcoming intersection”. This is a GPS option that can make your driving experience easier, as these spoken directions leave less room for frustration and confusion in getting around.

To illustrate the point in greater detail, assume you approach a road crossing where you are supposed to take a left; however, there are a couple streets that head left at nearly the same place. Without text-to-speech technology, you probably won’t know the street to turn left on, and possibly, you’ll be looking at your GPS unit to try to figure it out when you should be looking at the road. With text-to-speech technology, the GPS navigation will speak the specific name of the road to turn on. If haven’t been to the destination before, you’ll still need to locate the street name on a sign; however, when you are driving around, would you prefer to look at your old GPS screen on your dash, or would you prefer to look outside the automobile for road signs and be familiar with what is going on around you? My personal preference for safer driving is the text to speech GPS unit.

Current costs for these text-to-speech GPS units can range from near $200 to $500; specific pricing is dependent upon variables such as the GPS unit’s age, manufacturer, and other features. Similar to the voice activated GPS units, we are offering the text-to-speech navigation systems through Amazon.com, which provides a trustworthy internet shopping experience. Please check to see if your purchase qualifies for free shipping.

We have provided links to our recommendations of text-to-speech GPS units near the top of this page, and we compare key attributes of the units below.

Garmin Nuvi 370

-          Screen: 3.5” touchscreen LCD display

-          Weight: 5 ounces

-          Comments: offers Bluetooth feature for handsfree calling. Includes both North American and European maps.

Magellan Maestro 4040

-          Screen: 4.3” touchscreen display

-          Weight: 8.5 ounces

-          Comments: includes Bluetooth feature for handsfree calling. Includes AAA travel/trip planning information.

TomTom Go 930S

-          Screen: 4.3” touchscreen LCD display

-          Comments:  includes Bluetooth feature for handsfree calling. The TomTom Go 930T version is slightly more expensive than the 930S, and includes a traffic information receiver for up-to-the minute traffic information.

We’ve also listed below additional GPS navigation systems that have the text-to-speech technology. Click on the GPS photos on this page, and you will be directed to a page where you can do an easy search for more information on each of these units.

-          Magellan Maestro 4040

-          InVion GPS

-          Garmin Nuvi 360

-          Sony NVU 44

-          Locator GPS 4300

-          Garmin Nuvi 350

-          Magellan Maestro

-          Mio DigiWalker C230

-          TomTom One XLS

-          Navigon 2100

-          LG GPS

-          Pharos Drive GPS 250

For further information on Text to Speech GPS units, check out www.TextToSpeechGPS.com.