The addition of portable GPS navigation in your vehicle is relatively inexpensive especially when compared to the overpriced dealership charge that comes when you order a factory navigation system. After market units use the most current technology and maps to help you get where you want to go with the greatest accuracy.

Many are not aware that portable GPS navigations can be used for a number of different purposes, and getting directions is just one. Most are upgradable to be used in conjunction with DVD and MP3 players as well as with Bluetooth capability. Even the after market units can be a great investment. These portable navigation systems that are available are easily installed with a suction cup attached to the windshield. They also use the battery of the car through the DC outlet. These devices are very versatile and can be easily transferred from one vehicle to another.

Some Garmin portable GPS units also have built-in batteries to provide you with navigation even without an external power source. The popular and versatile Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS Navigator comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will last up to 8 hours on a single charge. Although it has a good size screen it is compact enough to fit easily in a pocket or purse. The Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant provides much more than directions; it has an Mp3 player, an audio book player and much more.

One more sort of GPS is referred as in-dash. It usually has a touch screen, allowing you manual entry of your destination information. Such a device can be installed in place of the radio that came with the car so that it is controlling the whole sound system.

With options like Bluetooth, iPod integration, satellite radio, and TV tuners, as well as systems that are designed to fit both standard, and large radios, you can build a system for any vehicle with all the options at a fraction of the cost of dealership installation.

When you load more points of interest into your unit, you will have a better chance of finding your destination easily. Already loaded onto your unit are hard drive maps. These can be easily updated by downloading new ones from your home system and using your SD Card or DVD to load them onto your hard drive. You insert the DVD, on which actual maps are located, into the system. To stay current with the changes in your area, you can purchase new updated DVDs in the future.

There are portable navigation systems priced to fit every budget. Furthermore, the cost is worth the service and entertainment these systems provide. You will never again find yourself lost in a strange city searching for someone to provide you with clear, accurate directions.