Auto navigation systems and GPS devices are everywhere you turn in this day and age. You can find them in your car, boat, plane, even in your purse (if you have a PDA or cell phone with GPS capabilities combined with the right software and/or subscriptions). If that isn't enough for you, you also have the option and capability of turning your laptop computer into a GPS device if that is your desire. The thing that most people forget to check out or ask about when looking at all the nifty features of unit A over unit B is how easy is the unit you are considering to use?
Handheld GPS and auto navigation systems offer sensible solutions to common travel related problems. They will not have all the answers all the time but are a great help most of the time. There are many styles and types of GPS and auto navigation systems that are available in today's market. Some people may not fully understand all of the neat tricks you can do with your GPS system. Here are a few things you may not have realized you can do with your GPS device.
1) You can always find the spot where you parked your car by marking it. Talk about a treasure hunt where "X" marks the spot!
2) You can track your route while hiking, biking, or horseback riding so that you can retrace your steps in order to find your way back where you started.
3) Some GPS devices can even allow you to 'go it alone' by offering the option of a digital compass rather than telling you step by step where to go (if this interests you, check the package details to see if this is available on the unit you are considering).
Keep in mind however that GPS and auto navigation systems aren't fail safe. There are a few problems that the brochures, boxes, and salesmen might neglect to mention.
1) You still need to carry around an Atlas or road maps for backups as there are occasions when the data for GPS units may not be current or accurate. Remember that roads are built, close, and in need of repair and maintenance all the time. It's nearly impossible to have one that is always correct up the minute.
2) These devices do not typically work well inside buildings or under dense forest cover.
3) Batteries, batteries, batteries. These are worse than digital cameras when it comes to burning through batteries. This is one reason that people tend to leave them charging at all times if you're leaving your car with your unit be sure you have extra batteries for backup as it is quite likely that you will need them at the worst possible moment.
4) GPS units do not recognize the existence of mountains, rivers, and other obstructions in your path so the directions and coordinates they give can occasionally be misleading.
There are many pros and cons when it comes to not only auto navigation devices but also for handheld GPS devices as well. Be sure that you try out the model you are considering before you buy it if at all possible. This will make your decision much easier and allow you to see whether or not you will be able to easily use and understand the auto navigation system you choose.
GPS Auto Navigation Related Articles
While technology is constantly evolving it is fairly safe to say that there are some toys that are better suited to remain at the top of the heap than others. The story really is no different when it comes to auto navigation systems. These systems each have different bells and whistles and while there is no one system that is perfect for everyone, there are a few systems that are consistent best sellers.
It is important that you as a consumer know what is available in navigational tools before leaping and buying the first thing you see. There are many neat buttons and features that can really turn a girls (or guys for that matter) head if she isn't sure of what she will actually need and use in her (or his) travels. Knowing what you need, what you would like, and what you are fairly certain you can live without will help you get the best possible bargain for your auto navigation system dollar.
Best Selling Models
1) Tom Tom ONE Navigation System. This system is currently the smallest of the portable auto navigation systems that technology is constantly changing so this could be a short-lived accomplishment. Don't let the size fool you however. Tom Tom may be small in size but it is big on features. The atlas is preloaded so you do not need to add any software in order for it to be up and running. Additionally you can subscribe to the plus features if you have a Bluetooth enabled phone, these features will provide accurate and up to the minute weather and traffic data while you travel. Tom Tom offers four different routing options and different views of the map displayed onscreen. Tom Tom One offers turn-by-turn directions and will quickly get you back on track if you miss your turn. The Tom Tom commercials aren't a terrible exaggeration of the great features this little device has to offer.
2) Garmin Nuvi 660 Automotive GPS. This auto navigation system is one of, if not the most advanced on the market today. Again, technology evolves so quickly that there is no guarantee this information won't be obsolete tomorrow. However, for the time being this is the system that has all the bells and whistles that should set your eyes aglow and get your fingers itching to 'play' with it for a while. Of course, being the most advanced generally brings the largest price tag. There really is no difference in this case and only you can decide if the features available are really worthy of the additional fee. In addition the typical navigation features Nuvi is Bluetooth enabled and has extra features for those who wish to subscribe.
3) Magellan RoadMate 2200T Portable Navigation System. This system is another that is wildly popular at the moment. Some of the popularity of this particular system is the direct result of its versatility. This unit is small enough to be used in settings other than the automobile. You will need to purchase an upgrade in order to use it for driving directions but all indications point to this unit being well worth the price, including that of the upgrade. This nifty device also has other functions such as an MP3 player and photo viewer. And is well suited for use away from the automobile for up to 8 hours. You can also subscribe to a service that provides reliable traffic updates including information about traffic snarls as well as road construction. You can also use RoadMate to point out points of interest, restaurants, and fuel stops along your route.
Each of the models mentioned above has some feature that sets it apart from the others and some features that are very much like the others. You will find a wide range of prices as well as features in all units that you choose to check out. These are some of the best selling auto navigation systems on the market at the moment and are a good place to start your search for your perfect system.
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