GPS unit

Meaning

A 'GPS unit' is a physical electronic device that uses Global Positioning System technology to determine and display geographic location and provide driving directions. Although many travelers now use smartphones, rental companies still offer dedicated GPS units, and they are common in older or specialized vehicles.

Examples

• The rental agency charged us five dollars a day for the GPS unit.

  The rental agency charged us five dollars a day for the GPS unit.

• I prefer using a dedicated GPS unit because it doesn't drain my phone's battery.

  I prefer using a dedicated GPS unit because it doesn't drain my phone's battery.

• Make sure to mount the GPS unit securely on the windshield before we start driving.

  Make sure to mount the GPS unit securely on the windshield before we start driving.

• The GPS unit lost its signal when we drove through the long mountain tunnel.

  The GPS unit lost its signal when we drove through the long mountain tunnel.

• We need to update the maps on our GPS unit before we head into the countryside.

  We need to update the maps on our GPS unit before we head into the countryside.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to buy a GPS machine for my road trip.

  ✓ I need to buy a GPS unit for my road trip.

  English speakers do not refer to navigation electronics as 'machines'; they use 'unit' or 'device'.

• ✗ The car has a built-in GPS system unit.

  ✓ The car has a built-in GPS unit.

  Combining 'system' and 'unit' in this way is redundant. Use either 'GPS unit' or 'GPS system'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The rental car didn't have built-in navigation, so we had to rent a separate ________.

  💡 A portable device used for maps and directions.

  Show answer

  GPS unit

• Please plug the ________ into the car charger so it doesn't die.

  💡 The physical navigation device.

  Show answer

  GPS unit