If you have to drive to an address or place and you don’t know exactly where it is, how do you find it? You can get directions from someone, look up and plan the route using the map or you can use the latest technology – satellite navigation, or sat nav for short.

If you’re reading this then the chances are you’re already interesting in getting a sat nav. Unless you’re well versed in geek – or know a translator! – then you’re probably having trouble wading through all the different makes, models and features. To help you, here are the four essential features you need to consider before buying your first sat nav:

1. Choose a decent brand such as TomTom or Garmin. It will be much easier to get help and support. Sure, there are no-name brands that are cheaper but in this case it will be a false economy.

2. Route planning. The more advanced sat navs have all sorts of amazing technology that can learn if there are road works or traffic along your route; they will automatically re-calculate the route to avoid the delays. Unfortunately, these features come at a price. I would suggest get a simpler model with the more basic: “I’m here, I want to go here” kind of route planning. Even in the basic models you usually have a number of ways to select your destination, such as selecting a postcode or address. This will be enough for a first sat nav.

3. You don’t need to have the latest model. Manufacturers are always coming out with newer models with slightly better features. But the newer models will usually cost more. If you buy last years model, you can get it at a big discount and it will have all the main features. If you want to save even more, check out the classifieds or eBay: people that want to upgrade to the latest model will often be selling their old one at a cheap price.

4. Maps. If you plan on driving internationally, eg you’re in the UK and sometimes drive in Europe, then get a model that includes the international maps. It will cost a little extra, however you will get more use from it and you won’t have to buy a new model just for the international maps. You can even use it if you hire a car, just don’t forget to take it with you!

If you pay attention to these options then you should be able to get your hands on a great sat nav that will last you a long time and ensure you never get lost again!

At the moment my personal favourite choice for a first-time sat nav is the TomTom One Classic v4. It offers great value and a lot of advanced features. You can get more information on Sat Nav and GPS Naviagtion at GPS Review