5 reasons a standalone GPS unit can still make sense

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It's no secret smartphones have evolved into digital Swiss Army knives.

Along with serving as a lifeline to friends, family and co-workers, that pocket-sized gadget has become your camera, camcorder, music player, pedometer, portable game player and alarm clock.

In all likelihood, smartphones have also replaced your GPS navigation unit.

In fact, sales of dedicated dashboard devices from the likes of Garmin and TomTom have cooled considerably over the years, just as smartphone adoption has exploded.

While there are benefits to map navigation on a smartphone — free apps, integrated traffic alerts and seamless map updates — you might still consider a standalone GPS unit after all.

Before you scoff, consider these reasons a standalone GPS unit still makes sense for your vehicle:

1. Battery life. Using your smartphone for navigation is convenient. You can easily carry it with you on foot, for instance. But it can prematurely drain the battery since you're using multiple wireless radios simultaneously. When running an app like Google Maps, your smartphone uses A-GPS — "assisted" with cellular signals — for added reliability. Many smartphone users already complain about battery life on their device, and relying on it for directions will drain it even faster.

2. Multitasking an issue. If you get a call on the same smartphone you're using for GPS, it minimizes (or in some cases, pauses) the navigation session until you get off the phone. Sure, you can manually open the mapping app again while talking, but that's not exactly safe while behind the wheel. As a result, some users don't want to take a call in case they miss their exit. This isn't an issue with a standalone GPS unit.

3. Bigger screen, mountable. While smartphone screens are growing in size, many GPS navigation units have even bigger displays — usually measuring 4.3- to 5.0 inches — which makes them easy to glance at while driving. Even if your phone's screen is comparable in size, unless you buy a mounting kit you don't have anywhere safe to prop it up securely in your vehicle. Most dedicated GPS units are bundled with a fitted dashboard or windshield mount, or both.

4. Servicing issues. What happens if something goes wrong with your phone and it needs to be sent in for repairs? Or what if it's lost or stolen? Now you're without both your smartphone and your navigation solution. This is a common problem with any convergence device, as you're relying on one product to do multiple things, but it could be aggravating to find yourself lost because you don't have a backup solution.

5. GPS units are lendable. Let's say your significant other has a business meeting or lunch date in an unfamiliar part of the city. Lend them your GPS nav unit, so they can benefit from the turn-by-turn directions, and they don't have to worry about installing and using an app on their smartphone. Or, if you're traveling out of the country and your phone's wireless radios are turned off to avoid roaming charges, using a non-wireless GPS unit is less of a hassle.

Tempted? Here are some suggested models:

• Garmin nüvi 66LMT ($209.99) is a 6.1-inch GPS with lifetime map and traffic updates. Hear step-by-step directions while navigating to your destination, plus the high-resolution screen (800 x 480 pixels) displays your speed versus the speed limit and estimated arrival time. The nüvi 66LMT includes Lane Assist (with brightly colored arrows to indicate your proper lane), maps of the U.S. and Canada, and millions of nearby points of interest (POIs).

TomTom’s VIA 1605TM offers navigation in four North American countries, including free lifetime map and traffic updates. (Photo: TomTom)

• Similarly, TomTom's VIA 1605TM ($199.99) is a 6-inch GPS unit with lifetime map and traffic updates. IQ Routes technology helps you accurately calculate trip time — based on your route, speed and traffic conditions — for the preloaded base maps of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. More than 7 million POIs help you find gas stations, restaurants, hotels, bank machines, and more. The unit reads spoken street names aloud, in one of the many preloaded voices or you can download celebrity voices to customize your trip.

The Magellan RoadMate 2230T-LM includes a parking garage feature to help you find where to leave your vehicle. (Photo: Magellan)

• With an average consumer score of 4.0 stars out of 5 (based on more than 200 reviews), the highest-rated Magellan GPS unit is the RoadMate 2230T-LM($129.99), a 4.3-inch GPS, also with lifetime map and traffic updates. Preloaded with maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, plus 7 million POIs, this talking nav unit helps you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. A "Best Parking" feature suggests nearby parking garage locations, hours and directions, and more.

10 tips for making your dishwasher more efficient

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Washing dishes uses water, energy, chemicals, as well as your valuable time, so an efficient approach can save a lot of each. There is still a debate which is greener, washing by hand or using a dishwasher, but if you do have a dishwasher or are thinking of getting one, here is some more in-depth knowledge to keep that dishwasher running green.

Top Green Dishwasher Tips

1. Go for the full load
   Before running the dishwasher, wait until you have a full load (same rule of thumb for the clothes washer). This will help make the most of the energy, water, and detergent the machine uses. Loading the dishwasher efficiently helps.


2. Choose your washer wisely
   Choose a dishwasher that is rated for energy and water efficiency. In the US, you can start by looking for Energy Star rated appliances, which use 25% less energy than the mandated minimum. Also, know how to read the yellow EnergyGuide sticker you'll find on all new dishwashers--as well as other appliances. Bonus featured include adjustable upper racks (so you can fit a wider variety of dishes), flatware slots (which keep your cutlery separated and easier to clean), and multiple cycle options,including half load cycles and eco cycles. Also look carefully at the decibel rating; cheap dishwashers can be really noisy and you don't want that in a small apartment. Spend a little more to get one with better insulation and as low a Db rating as you can afford.


3. Join the clean plate club
   Go for dishwashing liquid and powder that is natural, biodegradable, and free of petroleum and phosphates. Also look for products sold in bulk to save on packaging. Powdered detergents are lighter and so require less energy to ship. For more, see How to green your cleaning routine. If you are running into spotting problems using phosphate-free detergents, try using a natural residue eliminator like Wave Jet.


4. Skip the pre-rinse
   Most dishwashers today are powerful enough to get the all the gunk off, so a lot of pre-rinsing by hand is often just a waste of water and time. Plus, if you rinse all of the dirt off, your dog will have nothing to lick while you're throwing those plates in.


5. Turn down the heat
   Most modern dishwashers have booster heaters to heat the water that comes from your home's water tank. Seems pretty redundant, right? Turning the water tank's thermostat down to 120 degrees results in additional energy savings without compromising on cleanliness.


6. Air dry
   Instead of letting your washer use electric heat or a fan to dry the dishes, just open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let them air dry. Leave the dishes to dry overnight and they'll be ready for you when you wake up.Another option is moisture absorbing minreals, like the ones used in the Siemens Zeolith dishwasher. The minerals absorb heat during the wash cycle, and then release it during the dry cycle while absorbing moisture at the same time. They can reduce power consumption by 20 percent.


7. Picking the right size
   Choose the size model that fits your needs. A compact model is more efficient than a large one unless you have to run it several times a day. For a single person, this might be just right.


8. One glass fewer
   Using fewer dishes and utensils over the course of the day means doing fewer loads in the dishwasher, saving energy, water, and detergent.


9. Keep those large appliances away from each other
   Putting your dishwasher next to your refrigerator will make the fridge have to work harder due to the heat coming off the washer.


10. Off-peak washing
    Delay the start of your dishwasher for off-peak utility hours (many units have timers that will start the cycle at a programmed time). Some utilities even offer reduced rates for energy used during this period, and this is likely to become more and more common in the U.S.

How to Buy the Best Dishwasher at Best Buy

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This unbiased dishwasher buying guide will help you sort through differences and options to choose a dishwasher that’s right for you.

When shopping for the best dishwasher, you’ll discover a wide range of models at different price points. Competition is heated among manufacturers. Each model is designed to address a different segment of the market. First-time buyers may be attracted to low-priced units with basic features. Move-up buyers may be enticed by stylish, upscale machines loaded with bells and whistles.

Best Dishwasher Features

According to Consumer Reports, the highest ranking dishwasher manufacturers are the European makers Bosch and Miele and American manufacturers Kenmore and KitchenAid. The Kenmore Elite series models have been given the highest overall score, although they are pricey at from $1100 to $1350. The 

Bosch Ascenta series models are rated slightly lower but, because they are priced in the $600 to $700 range, are considered an excellent buy. Miele also makes excellent dishwashers in their Futura line, but they’re priced at $1750 or more. KitchenAid’s Superba products are also highly rated and are priced in the $950 to $1500 range, depending upon features. For more detailed dishwasher ratings information, visit Consumer Reports.

Top Dishwasher Features

You’ll find compact, ultra-quiet units with sophisticated controls, high-efficiency design, stainless-steel interiors, and even built-in water softeners. These dishwashers are truly amazing—and are priced accordingly.

“Smart” dishwashers use sensors to size up and monitor cleaning during wash cycles, smart controls are currently available at the high end of a couple of dishwasher lines. They allow tailoring of a machine’s efforts and energy usage to meet the load’s requirements for optimum efficiency. If you want a dishwasher that truly takes the guesswork out of using controls, one of these would be a good bet.

Because models are continually evolving, before buying a new dishwasher, do your homework. Check out consumer ratings for reliability and convenience, and also assess your needs. Do you put on the dishwasher daily or just once a week?

Look for a strong warranty—one or more years for free parts and labor (Maytag offers three years plus free key parts for five years) and free parts and labor on the tub and door liner for 20 years or more. By combining careful, informed shopping and a strong warranty, you can select a dishwasher that will add style 

and convenience to your home for years to come.

Stainless-Steel-Tubs

GE

A stainless-steel dishwasher is stylish, durable, and energy efficient. Photo: GE

A key trend is stainless-steel dishwasher interiors that are very sturdy and maintenance free.

Stainless-steel dishwashers can employ a lower-wattage heating element for drying, which saves energy and helps protect heat-sensitive items on the lower rack. For example, by combining a stainless-steel interior with good insulation, KitchenAid dishwashers successfully utilize a 450-watt element instead of the 600 to 750 watts needed for dishwashers with plastic tubs.

Many manufacturers now make—or are introducing—models that have durable stainless-steel tubs. Stainless-steel dishwashers can’t compete in price with models utilizing plastic tubs, but they are quieter, easier to maintain, and more efficient during drying cycles because the metal reflects heat better. Stainless-steel tubs also allow for higher water temperatures than the typical 140 degrees F. suitable for plastic. Some operate in excess of 165 degrees F., which truly sterilizes dishes.

Quiet Dishwashers

Bosch

Many manufacturers offer dishwashers with differing levels of quiet. Photo: Bosch

Today’s hottest dishwasher hot button is quiet. Most of us want the sound of silence, particularly in the kitchen, which, for most families, is the hub of the house.

Families weary of trying to converse over the drone of water pumps and the hum of motors are opting for appliances that work discreetly. This fact has awakened a world of noise-reduction technologies, and dishwashers are toward the top of the silencers’ hit list.

Nearly all major manufacturers are promoting quieter dishwashers, particularly in the higher-priced models. “We have explored new design components and conducted consumer sound evaluations to launch ‘the quietest dishwasher made in America,‘“ says a Jenn-Air spokesperson. Whirlpool says about its Quiet Partner model: “You have to hear it to believe it. We like to say that the Quiet Partner dishwasher quite literally gives you back your kitchen.” Frigidaire’s Ultra-Quiet Insulation Systems models are promoted as “among the quietest you can buy.”

To make their best dishwashers quieter, manufacturers have added sound-dampening insulation, sound-absorbing wash tubs, vibration absorbers, and low-noise pumps. With many brands, these are optional features and will boost the price significantly. For example, KitchenAid offers four different levels of quiet, depending on how much quiet you want and what you want to spend.

Dishwasher Controls & Styling

Across the board, dishwasher controls have become simpler to use. For example, Whirlpool has a One-Touch control that requires just what the name implies—pushing one button.

Although electronic controls are trendier, they are more expensive and don’t offer any particular advantages over mechanical controls. They are the easiest to set but can be slower to reset than a dial. Push buttons are also easy to set but can leave you wondering what part of the cycle you’re on if you have to reset them.

Bosch

Sleek dishwasher only reveals controls when the door is opened. Photo: Bosch

Three basic cycles are important: light, normal, and heavy. People who are brave enough to wash china and crystal in a dishwasher will want a delicate cycle. Delay start is a popular feature because it allows you to set the dishwasher to start automatically at a later time.

European-style models such as Creda’s do a beautiful job of integrating the control panel into the face panel. For the ultimate in clean design, check out the ASKO or Bosch, which have no visible controls on the front—instead, they’re located along the top edge of the door.

Finishes include stainless steel, white, black, and—with some—custom panels that match your cabinetry. In its Designer Series, ASKO offers deep rose, teal, plum, and slate blue. The company will even paint the control panel to match any color sample provided by a customer.

Dishwasher Capacity

The interior capacity of this dishwasher is maximized by space-saving racks. Photo: GE

All conventional under-counter dishwashers are about the same size because they’re made to fit under a standard-height counter in a 24-inch-wide space.

If you’re considering a European model, double-check its capacity to be sure it isn’t sized smaller than its American counterpart. With racks, flexibility is the name of the game. When shopping for a dishwasher, match the rack style to the types of things you wash. If your dishes are unusual in size or shape, for example, you may want to take one along to the store with you.

Covered baskets can be helpful for containing small items. Beyond that, watch for options that offer flexibility such as terraced racks, fold-down trays, and adjustable or removable tines.

Energy-Efficient Dishwashers

Energy efficiency is more important than ever. In the 1990s, federal regulations imposed minimum energy-efficiency standards on new dishwashers. As a result, all of today’s dishwashers use about half the electricity needed by dishwashers made back in 1972, and they also use less water. Together, these savings can result in a significant difference in your utility bill.

According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, about 80 percent of the electricity used to wash dishes goes toward heating the water. Many new dishwashers save energy by heating their own water. Purchasing such a model can achieve savings of up to 20 percent off the total cost of heating water for your house. These dishwashers keep their water temperature at 140 degrees F., so you can also lower the temperature on your water heater.

Today’s standard-size dishwashers use an average of 8.11 gallons for a normal cycle compared to the 16 gallons it takes to hand-wash dishes. New dishwashers achieve this efficiency by utilizing high-volume pumps to recirculate a relatively small amount of water through fine-mesh filters. The filters strain particles from the water to ensure thorough cleaning, and the pumps deliver a powerful spray to the dishes. The pump in a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher, for example, recirculates fewer than 8 gallons of water (for a normal cycle) at a volume of 42 to 50 gallons per minute—up to 2,000 gallons per cycle.

Another benefit of most new dishwashers is that you don’t have to pre-wash dishes before loading them (this boosts overall energy efficiency significantly). Instead, they employ voracious solid-food disposers and sophisticated spray arms to literally blast away food. For instance, Maytag’s Six-Tier wash system has a total of 52 jets that spray from just about every direction you can imagine.

For comparison shopping, each new dishwasher is posted with a yellow Energy Guide label. This rates the average annual cost of using a particular model based on average usage and a median price for gas or electricity. When you compare a few of these, you’ll discover that, annually, most dishwashers cost about $60 to operate in homes with electric-heated water and $40 where water is gas-heated.

Numbers tend to vary only a few dollars per year from one model to the next, and more expensive units are not necessarily more efficient. Most differences are so minimal they’re insignificant unless you compare a truly high-efficiency model such as the GE Profile, which is rated at $44 per year for electric and $24 for gas-heated water.