What To Look For In A Gps Navigation System?
If you are in the market to buy a GPS navigation system and it is the first time that you have ever purchased one, it might seem a little confusing the first time out. But that does not have to be if you know what you needs are. Here you'll find a few of the best systems on the market to help you get a start.
A good one out on the market would be the Tom Tom Go 740. This nice little unit has some great features that include incident reports, traffic reports, five day weather reports, amongst others. All of this is powered by Google search and map. This particular model does seem to work faster than previous models.
You can get all your information in "real time" and it has its own instant messaging program where you can send all your details to all your family and friends via an instant message. Another nice feature is that you can go into the system and make changes. This especially comes in handy when there have been street name changes or location of business changes, etc.
The draw backs to this system is the fact that the response time to getting directions seems a little sluggish and the battery life is just little over two hours before it has to be recharged.
Garmin Nuvi 1690 is a GPS navigation system that actually offers free (ad supported) service from their NuLink data service which is a combination of ATandT and MSN Direct. For the first two years the service is ad supported and after that if you want to remove the ads you will be charged five dollars a month for their ad free service.
This GPS navigation device is packed full of features ranging from finding fuel prices to giving weather reports. A lot of the information can be gathered through Google search and their White Pages search. They also go as far as getting you flight information and movie information. This system also gives you the hands free service of Bluetooth.
The drawback with this particular model is that they changed their card reader to a microSD card reader so your standard SD cards will not longer work with the Garmin.
Tom Tom has another GPS navigation device called the Tom Tom XL340 S. This one is a little less expensive than their other model. Do not let the lower price fool you, it is still full of helpful features. It is a little bit larger than other models but if you like to be able to have better visual, then this model with its larger screen would probably be a good fit for you. Another nice feature is its voice to text feature, giving you complete hands free operation.
The most fun thing about the voice to text feature is that you can chose from a variety of different voice types like English, French and Spanish. And to top it off you can also download celebrity voices.
Magellan Roadmate 1470 is a one touch GPS navigation system that puts all the most used destinations and places of interests by others at your finger tips at all times. It includes all the same features as most systems and the response time is very quick with its touch screen that displays very easy to see large icons.
The way this unit has to be mounted in the car is a little bit awkward because the cable that is used to connect it seems to get in the way somewhat.
Ever looked all of the that are in the world? are definitely a big hit in the universe today. With the right GPS system, you will never get stranded again.
GPS Navigation: Saving Time and Money
Probably the number one cause of arguing while on a road trip is how to get there. Someone missed a turn and now you're not-so-merrily on your way to somewhere you didn't want to go- usually in the exact opposite direction. To compensate, your inclination is to take the next exit or circle the block. This is not a wise option Dr. Livingstone, you are in unfamiliar territory and chances are you are going to get even more lost than before. What you should have done was invest in a GPS navigation device.
Written directions are fine and with current map sites up on the internet, you can get a clear visual of where you're going. But what happens when you leave your computer and hit the highway? You get lost Columbus. That's why you need a GPS navigation system.
To be clear on this, they are not bulky black boxes with little dish receivers swinging back and forth. Most GPS navigation receivers are actually compact and rather sleek. They will run off batteries and are easily rechargeable in your car. Or you can just operate them straight off a car engine. The displays range from six inches to 10 or better depending on the unit- so really a GPS will fit in virtually any vehicle. Though it is not recommended you mount a large until on a motor cycle or riding lawnmower.
GPS navigation works using a series of satellites (generally 24-32) that are in orbit around our planet. The satellites radiate a constant signal, much like your spouse does when you miss a turn. But unlike your spouse's signal, your GPS navigation system will pick up the signals and use them to decide where you are. This is not just on the highway either, you could be anywhere where there's sky and your GPS will work.
GPS navigation software comes standard with some cell phones now. It is important to realize though, that most of these will only work when you have signal from a cell tower. So though they might be as accurate as a satellite GPS system, they will not be as versatile. In addition to the cell phone option, several manufacturer's make GPS units that plug right into your laptop via a USB port. These generally offer a lot of mapping programs you won't get with the standard handheld unit- In other words, more bells and whistles.
Accuracy is the main attraction to a GPS lifestyle. (And yes, it IS a lifestyle babe) Updating your GPS navigation system is very important. Roads are constantly being widened, bridges get washed out and new roads are being built. Updating your GPS unit using the internet will keep you from trying to jump a bridge like Burt Reynolds did in Smokey and the Bandit.
Where to put your GPS shouldn't be a problem either. They generally come with a window mount bracket that is specially made for the unit its self. That's might nice of them to do so. Just make sure that you don't mount it somewhere that will obstruct your vision. Your trip will be a lot shorter if you take out a drive-thru window before you even get out of the state.
Your GPS navigation system is an asset to you and your family. You will not only find the shortest route from point A to B, but you will be able to do so with the confidence of someone who knows where they are going. This saves you time and allows for you to enjoy a little bit of the scenery on the way.
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on which showcases reviews of some of the top accessories for your Garmin GPS system.