GPS Navigation Systems for Cars Leading the Way

Remember the days when taking a road trip with your family meant stopping at the nearest gas station and grabbing a map to your destination? Well, guess what, those days are over. In today’s world, instead of grabbing a map you can simply use a GPS navigation system to get to your destination with turn by turn direction.  GPS which is short for Global Positioning System is the magic that makes it all happen.  GPS taps into the information provided by satellites in outer space that provide reliable location and time data from all corners of the world. With this vast amount of information at its disposal, GPS navigation systems are becoming increasingly popular.

GPS had its origins in the military but it has gained significant application as a civilian technology as well. It is widely used for commerce, tracking, surveillance, map making, scientific research, recreational activities among many other uses.  Motorists of all kind find these devices extremely powerful as they provide valuable information on a day to day basis with precision accuracy that allows them to navigate traffic by finding the shortest routes, avoid unnecessary delays caused by accidents and other road work, locate Points of Interest (POI) along their journey and so forth. GPS navigation systems for cars have effectively rendered the use of maps completely obsolete and archaic.

A few years ago I went to Washington DC for the very first time armed with only the address of the hotel where I was staying. I thought hopefully I can get a cab with a driver who is familiar with the place where I am going. To my surprise he didn’t need to know where I was going. He had a portable GPS navigation system in his car. He simply entered the address and just like that we were there with turn by turn voice commands, there was no way we could get lost. I was completely blown away.

GPS navigation systems for cars have definitely been a game changer. There is no longer any need to drive around in frustration asking for directions as you try to find where you want to go. Simply get yourself a navigation system and forget the hassle.

Car manufacturers over the last few years have all included the option of an in-dash GPS navigation system to make your commute much simpler as you travel from place to place. However, some road users find having a portable system more ideal because you are not restricted to in car use only but you have the additional flexibility to be used while walking or jogging.

There are several options that are available to you when you decide to get a portable navigation system for your car. Some of the top manufacturers in this market are Garmin, TomTom, Motorola and Magellan. They come in different sizes with a variety of features from voice commands to lane guidance and real time weather updates depending on your need and budget.

GPS Shoppers Guide - Choosing the Right One for You

There are several options that are available to you when you are ready to select a GPS navigation system for your car. Back in the day, these devices started out as bulky instruments that were a hassle to carry around. Nowadays they are as sleek as some of the latest cell phones which are only a few millimeters thick. Here are some of the main features that you will need to consider when you go shopping for a new navigation systems for cars.

Screen Size
The screen sizes for these devices are a big reason to choose one over another. There are a few standard screen sizes that you have to choose from 3.5 inches, 4.3 inches, 5 inches or 7 inches. Of course the larger the screen size the more expensive the unit will be. Take for example the Garmin Nuvi 205 which has a 3.5 inch screen, this model retails for around $87 on Amazon compared to the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 boast a gorgeous 7-inch screen for a cool $600!

Display Quality
The quality of display is also a very critical feature to consider when buying a GPS device. Some of the older models have monochrome display but most of the more recent units are all color display. Color screens provide more data than their monochrome counterparts but they also use more battery power. Also check to ensure that the device is able to work effectively in various lighting conditions. Some devices are noted as being extremely difficult to read in sunlight even for some of the larger screen which can be pricy. Try viewing the display from different angles because some portable GPS devices are difficult to read from certain angles.

Interface Options
GPS navigation systems for cars have their share of bells and whistles to meet the varied demands of consumers. However, the more feature-rich the devices are the more you will end up paying for them. With that said, there are some features that are pretty standard in recent times. Any GPS system that is worthy of note has street-level maps with voice and text prompted directions while driving. Some of the later devices now have the ability to give deliver text to speech technology which gives you the specific names of streets and not just the generic “Turn right at next intersection” type messages. There are also devices that are able to give you information about points of interests (POI) along the way. The ability to store an address book is also pretty standard. Look for a device with touch-screen controls, automatic rerouting when you swerve off-track, and variable map views, such as 3D and bird's-eye views. As you get into the high-end models, look for advanced lane guidance, voice commands, and real-time traffic and weather alerts, which usually require an annual subscription fee.

Maps
Most GPS devices sold in the US market come equipped with built maps for the lower 48 states. However, depending on your location, make sure that your choose a device that includes the appropriate maps for your region/country.  Most manufacturers offer add-on maps, for an additional cost, that expand your device's usable range. Check the manufacturers website to confirm that your location is covered.

Storage
Even though most GPS devices are equipped with built-in maps they might also support removable storage media like Secure Digital or compactFlash memory cards. Mapping data doesn't take up a lot of space and many units even come with a 128MB card.

Accessories
Although most GPS navigation systems for cars are ready to be used out of the box and come with everything you need to get up and running in a matter of minutes. Still, there are a few accessories available that will help you get the most out of your investment, including auxiliary antennas that can be mounted at the base of your windshield to improve signal reception especially in bad weather, and carrying cases to protect your GPS unit when not in use. You can also from a variety of mounting devices, including removable dashboard mounts, motorcycle mounting kits, and low-profile external antenna mounts that adhere to the trunk of your car. You can also purchase additional maps via download or flash memory cards, as well as AC adapters that let you use your portable GPS devices at home or other locations when the built-in battery needs recharging.