Automotive GPS
Traveling is a lovely thing. It allows an individual to take a given amount of time off from the monotony of day to day life by escaping to a destination of their choice. While most people look forward to the relaxation and temporary freedom of travel, actually making it to your destination can cause an immense amount of stress and anxiety. Enter the Automotive sector of the Global Positioning System, more commonly reffered to as the GPS. Ìt is important for each consumer to understand the ins and outs of Automotive GPS before making a purchase. A comprehensive understanding about all of the information about different types of GPS systems is imperative in order to ensure that each customer is getting exactly what they need out of the product they select.
There are two different types of Automotive GPSs. One is called Stand Alone auto navigation, and the other is PC/PDA based systems. Stand Alone auto navigation are the most typical types. With Stand Alone auto navigation, there is no need for any type of connection to a PC device. They are able to utilize satellites in order to provide the operator with verbal turn-by-turn directions to their destination, along with a visual prompts. These units come with pre-loaded with updated, detailed maps for the United States and various regions in Europe.
There are several sub-catagories of Stand Alone auto navigation. The first type is called Entry Level Navigation. These types of systems are the most basic types of Stand Alone auto navigation that one can purchase. Now, you must take the word “basic” with a grain of salt here, because the capabilities of even the most rudimentary Entry Level Navigation are still very useful when it comes to the average traveler. Depending on the model one chooses, there are maps of just the lower 48 states, but also systems that come equipped with maps of the entirety of North America. These models are particularly popular for college students who have not had much experience driving on highways and in unfamiliar territory. However, they are also used with just as much frequency by adults whos needs do not go beyond what these machines have to offer.
The second sub-category of Stand Alone auto navigation is refered to as the Advanced Navigation System. These types of units boast several additional features on top of the standard pre-loaded maps and voice directions that one would find in an Entry Level Navigation unit. They come equipped with extremely detailed maps of North America, and on average, many more points of interest than one would find on an Entry Level Navigation system. Depending on the model selected, many of these units also have a feature that verbally speaks the name of the street that you are turning onto, which is called text-to-speech routing. Other features include Bluetooth capability and compatability, MP3 players, and real-time traffic capability, which will tell the user if and when they are approaching construction or a traffic jam, and reroute you in the most timely and fuel-efficient manner possible. This is a great feature for individuals who find themselves commuting on a regular basis.
The third sub-category of Stand Alone auto navigation is called Fully Loaded Navigation.
The units that are categorized under this heading have the capabilities to receive premium features along with the standard features that one would find in all GPS systems. The premium features include both MSN Direct service and XM radio, both of which do come with free trial periods, but an (optional) subscription is ultimately required in order to enjoy the benefits of these features. MSN Direct service shares many similarities with the capabilities of any real-time traffic feature, however it also includes features such as real-time fuel prices and real-time weather as an extra assurance that the user will arrive to their destination safely and on time. In order to reap the benefits of the units that carry the XM capability, one must first purchase a GXM-31 antenna. However, this will enable the unit to receive XM radio along with real-time weather and traffic.
Europe Navigatgion is a fourth type of Stand Alone auto navigation. Not only do these units provide detailed maps for North America, but they also provide detailed maps and points of interest for all of Europe. These types of systems are available in Entry Level, Advanced Navigation and Fully Loaded navigation units. They are perfect for consumers who travel to Europe often, or for first time traverlers who would benefit from the navigational aspect as well as the points of interest.
Now that Stand Alone navigation has been discussed, it is appropriate to focus on PC/PDA Systems. These units will not stand alone, and need either a smart phone, PC , or PDA in order to effectively guide one to his or her destination. The packages include both mapping software and a GPS receiver. The source of power for the PC/PDA unit is provided by the aentenna, and the receiver will provide the GPS signal to the PC/PDA. The aforementioned software is then able to show the user’s current location along with detailed maps of the United States and the major highways in all of Canada. The speakers on the PC/PDA will provide verbal directions, and will be able to verbally recalculate your route in the event of a wrong turn. These units are most popular with the sector of the population that frequently use PCs or PDAs.
Price: $299.99
