It is true that auto navigation systems installed by automakers look completely natural and integrated into the features of the vehicles we purchase. For that reason alone, many people opt to pay several times over what the system would have cost to have installed by someone other than the maker of the automobile. It is truly amazing how much of an impact aesthetics makes when it comes to purchasing your next dream car, or even your first dream car. The thing is, that even if the system doesn't seem to flow with the look of your car, there are very valid reasons for getting one in the first place and the safety and security that they provide travelers is very well worth the sacrifice of a few aesthetic features.
It isn't exactly necessary, however, to completely sacrifice aesthetics in order to have the safety and security that auto navigation systems provide. As a matter of fact, some of the most popular brands of these systems are actually installed to the car by use of suction cups rather than cutting into the dashboard or removing the ever so important stereo from your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping price conscious consumers in mind, manufacturers are offering many options well under the $500 benchmark while also affording consumers the luxury (or lower price, however you decide to call it) of installing these devices themselves.
It is important to remember that not all GPS (global positioning satellite) devices are meant to assist in auto navigation and make your purchase according to your specific needs. When shopping for one of these devices it would be comparing apples to oranges to compare a tool that is widely used for activities such as geo caching, hiking, biking, or boating. Each of these will bring in different price tags while offering greatly varied features. You need a device that is meant for mapping directions if you plan to use your device or system for driving.
I try to keep pointing out the fact that not all GPS or auto navigation systems are created equal this is very important to remember. You run the risk of purchasing the wrong system without proper planning and thus having a bad overall experience. Even among systems designed specifically for the automobile that offer mapping and navigation assistance there are different types that will appeal to different needs and uses. There are three types of auto navigation systems. Those three types of systems include: Navigation systems that are designed to stand alone, handheld systems that suit multiple purposes, and systems that are designed to work with laptops, PCs, pocket PCs, and PDA systems.
Each of the types of auto navigation systems and devices offers different benefits and drawbacks. It is ultimately up to you to decide which will suit your needs most. The stand-alone systems are often the most popular choice and are excellent for those who need driving directions and nothing more. They offer a steady power supply, turn by turn direction (in many cases), the security of being there at all times (no worry about whether or not you remembered to actually bring it along), and verbal directions along with landmarks that should let you know you are on the right path. There is a reason that these are the most popular.
For those who want to take their navigational tools off road on occasion other devices might be much better suited to your needs. Handheld devices often require additional software in order to work well with door-to-door types of directions or regular driving directions, however, they offer portability for those who wish to go biking, hiking, or kayaking and need the confidence that directions and navigational tools can provide. For those who have laptops or PDAs, the software that is available for these provide an excellent service when it comes to navigation both on and off roads and the beaten path. The cost is offset greatly if you already own your laptop or PDA and well worth a little extra investment, particularly if you will use this particular tool on a regular basis.
As I've said before, there is no perfect navigational solution for everyone, but there are quite a few that are nearly perfect for all who will dare to use them.
Traditional paper road map fold outs and booklets are quickly being replaced by auto GPS devices as a long distance travelers mandatory tool of choice. Since GPS technology has been transformed from a purely military use and have recently in the past ten years been made readily available to almost everybody, more and more vehicle navigator systems have been introduced.
There are essentially only two types of auto GPS systems, the favorite variety being the bigger and usually fixed (not portable) global positioning devices. Some tag this particular type of electronic guide as the, true car navigator, as it is more exact and easy to use than its other counter part. It has an adequately sized display screen that can be very easily viewed even at an arms length. It also has a clear voice guidance feature which prompts the driver when and where to turn or notifies the person if a designated point of interest is already near.
The second type of auto GPS system generally covers the smaller and more portable ones. They also have the same functions and features as their bigger counter parts. However, hand held automobile global positioning system devices are not very easy to use. They have a small screen that makes it difficult for drivers to immediately consult it without having to stop and look at the details displayed on LCD. While some can manage to drive and look at it at the same time (not recommended), studies have shown that this could be perilous.
Vehicle GPS devices can be an indispensable tool for those who frequently travel by land to new destinations, towns or cities. It could spare them from taking occasional embarrassing stops in order to ask for directions. While traditional road map design has certainly improved over the years, it cannot provide real time prompts or updates like their electronic versions that can save drivers from long delays or dangerous situations that can be easily avoided.
Car GPS units are not just for the topographically illiterate (those who can not read a map). Knowing the main roads and passageways are usually fairly easy to memorize, however traffic and road closures are impossible to predict. If you combine not knowing the roads and passageways plus not knowing the traffic and news of road closures, GPS systems sound even more attractive. Since Auto GPS System devices are regularly being updated by the satellites on weather and road conditions, drivers will be efficiently advised as to what roads to take in order to pass up heavy traffic.
Both Jack Safford & Chelsea Aubin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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