Do you know where you are or where you are going? No problem if you don’t as, what was once a novelty tech toy for the rich gadget hound is today’s common method to help the directionally challenged find their way back home. It is called a GPS system and through screen, voice and text-prompting can help you get back on track wherever you are in the world!
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based, fully functional satellite radio system that provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services on a continuous worldwide basis.
Selecting an affordable in-car navigation unit that will suit you best during your travels can be daunting. There are many models and brands to choose from and your final purchase will depend a lot on what you are willing to spend and what the features you need or prefer.
Here are a few attributes to consider:
- Find a unit with a chip technology that has the quickest satellite locator.
- The display screen needs to be quite visible under all circumstances. The larger the screen, the more expensive the unit will be, but even big screens can be difficult to read Transflective screens help you see better when the sun is bright.
- Real time Traffic and/or weather updates should be available.
- A model with included Trip-Planning software may be handy in helping you plan a trip, and then download the information to your GPS unit.
- Also look for a model that includes street-level maps. The more navigation features you want the more you will be spending. Find out if the maps can be updated.
- Make sure that the volume is sufficient when you are driving – powerful built-in speakers, built in FM transmitter or a transmitter in the docking unit so you can listen to it through your car fm radio.
- The form factor: some devices have their buttons in such awkward places that they are difficult to hold. The slightest touch will change your settings.
- Check the mounting option for your preferred unit as where you put it is also important and can be illegal in certain states and countries.
- Portability can be useful if you plan on using it outside the car, like if you would go hiking.
- A great option for your birthday or Christmas wish list are accessories like adapters, additional maps on CD media or flash memory cards, auxiliary antennas that can be mounted at the base of your windshield to improve signal reception, or carry cases to protect your GPS unit when not in use.
- Don’t leave home without one!
|
