Q: Do you have a recommendation for a GPS navigation system with maps of the United States and Canada? Do the promised lifetime map updates and real-time traffic notifications live up to the claims?

A: Cellphone apps have largely taken over from stand-alone units, so a lot of people question the necessity of buying a portable GPS. But if you use navigation in your daily driving, I think it is well worth it to have a GPS set up in the car, ready to go at all times.

I recently went through a comprehensive evaluation of portable GPS navigation systems. Followers of my website know that I have an electric car that I use for running around town. I found the range a little bit limiting in the winter because keeping the interior warm takes a lot out of the battery. Before I bought the car, I did the math with the range and faraway places I tend to go. In the summer, I can make it with no problem, but in winter the range reduction makes it impossible. So I found a nice used car and put snow tires on it. Unfortunately, the car did not have GPS. Because my GPS units were kind of old, I went looking for a new one.

My research led me to a strong preference for Garmin. I purchased the 2539LMT ($199 MSRP) for around $150, and it has quickly become the most satisfying GPS I have ever used. It has a sharp, 5-inch glass screen that you can pinch and swipe like a smartphone to view the map. You must be careful to avoid glare, but the sharp, colorful image is worth it.

Garmin has a computer software program that will automatically update the maps. Just connect the GPS to your computer, launch the program and it does the rest. Maps of the United States, Canada and Mexico are included. The traffic warnings are accurate, and the 2539LMT has tons of other nice features. I unhesitatingly recommend it.

As much as I love my new GPS, I love the mounting system I found even more. I hate using a suction cup on the windshield because it obstructs the view, and if you use the mounting disk with adhesive, you probably will damage the dashboard if you remove it later. It's not very secure, either. While a good idea, weighted friction mounts slide around the dash. Ideally, you want the GPS to seem like part of the car, and that is what ProClip does.

Garmin 2539LMT

The ProClip mounting system from proclipusa.com uses custom mounts that clip into your dashboard. Once the mount is in place, you attach a custom device holder for your unit. The result is the most secure, confidence-inspiring mounting system I have experienced, and it makes using my portable GPS a joy. They make mounts for cellphones, as well. You can see my full review at http://tinyurl.com/Proclipreview.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.