subject: How To Shop Smart For Gps Accessories [print this page] If you're about to make a new GPS purchase, then you'll want to also check-out all the extras you'll be needing. Oh, don't forget you're going to need to power it; so there are batteries, chargers, adapters, cables, carry cases (leather or plastic?), plus lots more. Naturally, everything is never the same with the extras. Some will be made better in material and quality, and you will prefer some features in some over others. What is the best way to comparison shop GPS accessories? Well, we decided to do that for you, and we shopped around the net. We'd like to tell you about it, now.
For a wide-range of uses in a power converter (adapter), the Garmin 010-10723-08 for an AC to 12 VDC model is excellent. Of course you can easily top off the charge on your GPS if you're not in your vehicle. Not all vehicles provide power to the charging receptacles when the engine is not running, so you can conveniently charge inside. The unit plugs into your regular home AC wall plug-in, and you're good to go. It's also great for when you're on the road as you can put a charge on it where ever you're staying.
Every person who buys a GPS system should buy a carrying case for it. You know how accessories are, there are tons of varieties; but - one that seems to be liked by millions is the Lowepro 4.3 Navi Shield GPS Case - you can surf over to Amazon and read more about it there. As we write this article the price is less than fifteen US dollars. This case is popular because it is a hard shelled case. You'll find nice padding on the inside for those special moments when the unit is dropped. In addition to that the Lowepro is built with the ability to safely store GPS memory cards and your charger - nice.
For the international traveler you will definitely be in need of an adapter for international power requirements. Lots of people take walking tours, go exploring, and just driving around while in other countries. If you have an international use adaptor, then you can just charge it in your room just like you would at home. You may even want to consider getting more than one adaptor because it's better to have them and not need them then the other way around.
Not everything is created equal, and that also applies to GPS extras and accessory items. Just about any aspect you can think of there will be a difference between different products and manufacturers. You will do yourself a favor by researching everything and making a list of exactly what you want prior to going to the super-mega-giant electronics store to purchase. That's where the best and most cost-effective decisions will be made, and you don't want to be clueless and talking to a sales person.