Welcome to GPS Guide
Portable Car Gps Navigation System Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Things you won't be told about Auto Navigation Systems
from: Deb St. George, on Auto Navigation System in your GPS Guide From GPSlim.comAuto navigation systems have come such a long way since their inception. It's hard for many to see the product that exists now and realize exactly how far these devices have come since their origins in the U. S. Armed Forces. The thing to keep in mind and remember is that they still have a long way to go. These devices are far from infallible and still have some serious faults that prohibit us from canning the compass and maps all together.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are almost always problems of some sort with electronic equipment. This is especially true when it comes to equipment that is run by software. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, check out a computer that is run by Windows? We often find ourselves at the mercy of the limitations of the software we are using. The same holds true when it comes to software driven auto navigation systems and GPS devices. This fact alone makes them a little unreliable. For those times when reliability isn't at its best keep in mind that for the most part the system works well. It's just difficult when the times you need it to work well are the times when it is malfunctioning. The good news is that the units themselves are often quite resilient and even able to withstand the manhandling a typical rough and tumble two year old can dish out.
It is also important to keep in mind that GPS technology isn't meant to replace the use of maps or of common sense when driving. You can only store so much information on a GPS device and roads are constantly being built, changes, constructed, improved, and moved. For that reason alone it is nearly impossible to guarantee that any device will have 100% accurate information at all times. You should however, choose a device or auto navigation systems that allows frequent and simple upgrades to the maps provided. Updating regularly and immediately prior to any large trips will go a long way towards saving some serious hair pulling while you travel.
Another thing to keep in mind with your auto navigation device is that it isn't all that reliable whenever you don't have a clear view of the sky. For that reason there may be times when you aren't able to get a clear signal. Tunnels are a great example of one of those times. It's not just about one signal, the device must be able to lock onto three satellites at the very least in order to be 'seen'. A fourth satellite is usually required for verification of the data. This means that in some situations where you have a clear view of the sky, you may not be in a position where all four satellites have a clear view of you and more importantly your device.
GPS and auto navigation systems are still a far cry better than trying to read dusty old maps for most of us. Despite that, it is always a good idea to go into a buying situation with all the facts in hand rather than thinking you've discovered the next best thing to sliced bread only to find out that the crust is a little hard and crumbly at times. This technology is wonderful and affords many benefits to those who are willing and able to make use of it. It will never sacrifice common sense or map reading skills however and that is important to understand.
Portable Car Gps Navigation System News
Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig
Garmin may be in the early stages of navigating its way from the narrow roads of portable GPS to the in-car infotainment highway, but the company appears to be on the right path , directing focus away from dedicated compact devices and towards permanent in-dash installations. The latest advancement places a greater emphasis on improving control systems, marking a potential departure from the ...
Read more...Five OEM navigation systems that are worth your bucks
While just about any navigation system on the market will get you where you're going, not all of them are created equally. This is especially true in the world of OEM in-car navigation systems where screen size, interface design, feature sets, and (most importantly) price vary wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some automakers offer cutting-edge GPS navigators with innovative features ...
Read more...In Four Years, Most Cars Will Work With Smart Phones
The Chevrolet Spark offers a stereo upgrade that acts like an extension of a user's smart phone to stream music, navigation and other apps. Notice how few buttons there are, since the system relies on the smart phone's technology to work. (Credit: Matthew de Paula) By 2016 most cars will have
Read more...Information Technology: Related News
5/22/2012 - Volvo Trucks Launches Remote Diagnostics for North America Volvo Trucks launched its Remote Diagnostics aftermarket service for North America, which will be standard on all Volvo-powered VN model highway trucks....
Read more...Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera
Editor's Rating: User Rating: Good: After a simple, 30-minute installation, the Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera seamlessly and automatically delivers video of the area behind the vehicle to a Magellan portable navigation device. Waterproof camera features an ultrawide field of view and good low-light sensitivity. Bad: The camera system can't operate as a standalone unit, requiring an expensive ...
Read more...Monty Hight: Keeping line of sight clear of utmost importance
Q: There is a law regarding placement of a portable GPS on a windshield (not in the middle of the dashboard, for example, even at the lowest point possible). How is it that new cars with the GPS, speedometer, etc. in the middle of the dashboard (the new Prius, for example) get around this law? A driver still has to look away from the road, to a greater extent than in an ordinary car with GPS on ...
Read more...TomTom Reports Unexpected Quarterly Loss on Sales Decline
TomTom NV (TOM2) , Europe ’s largest maker of portable navigation devices, reported an unexpected first- quarter loss after it took a charge for a software bug and as sales to carmakers dropped.
Read more...