The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a widely known system that uses satellite signals to track the location and position of vehicles on earth. Previously developed by the US Department of Defense, today it is a common feature in mobile devices and automobiles, including a GPS navigation system to receive data mapping blocks of a city.
GPS navigation is a special feature that gives you 24-hour three-dimensional position information, including speed, weather and traffic conditions in the area where your vehicle is, being able to move forward on the road or anywhere else covered by the satellite-based positioning system.
This technology was first introduced to civilians through experimental Japanese cars. Today, it is a common feature available in GPS-enabled cars around the world, although not all cars include this unit. However, adding in-car GPS satnav is as easy as buying the hardware and very easy mapping software that provides accurate street-level information.
In-car navigation units cost between $350 and $1,000 on average and include a host of features like preloaded maps, voice-guided directions, door-to-door navigation, and rechargeable battery. The advantage of these units is that they do not require a PC connection to work.
Of course, if you carry a laptop or other compatible portable device, such as PDAs. GPS PCMCIA cards enable this feature on your system at a lower price, usually between $100 and $300. PCMCIA drives have lower power consumption and external active antenna with a connector port in addition to their high sensitivity receivers.
When it comes to GPS navigation, remember that most smartphones and other wireless devices are also compatible with this technology. In fact, a large number of them include integrated GPS Navigation, although driving and consulting a terminal is not as practical as having a GPS installed in the car.
New cars often come with manufacturer-installed GPS navigation units. Other car models, old or new, do not include this benefit, but you can add it by purchasing the unit at your dealer, auto parts or other computer specialty stores, or conveniently online.
Buying a GPS navigation unit requires a bit of research to become familiar with the different brands and features each offers drivers. Among the best GPS car navigation systems, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is in a class of its own, but also one of the most expensive.
The Garmin Nuvi 660 gives you all the navigation features you could possibly need while driving anywhere in the world, but also connectivity to PCs and mobile devices via Bluetooth, so this option is considered a good investment.
Other portable navigation systems are sold at more affordable prices and vary in cost depending on the level of mapping and features. Among the most popular GPS navigation units we can mention TomTom One, TomTom GO 910, Magellan RoadMate 2200T and HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion.
Mentioning it separately, the Navman F20 deserves to be highlighted as it is a very good portable GPS navigation unit, which is also one of the most affordable systems on the market, with prices ranging from $250 to $400 according to a popular price comparison tool. online.
This device is also one of the most reliable, intuitive and accurate, among others, intended for first-time car buyers or people with no previous experience in using GPS navigation systems.
There are many other GPS navigation systems out there and most of them ship with a car mount, making it easy to glance at the map without having to stop driving. As prices rise as you explore the different models, you’ll find that many expensive units offer more benefits and durability, including voice guidance.
GPS navigation is a special investment but not superfluous, if you don’t need directions by car, the system is always useful to track where you are, find street names or avoid traffic jams while saving you time and money.