It is true that auto navigation systems installed by automakers look completely natural and integrated into the features of the vehicles we purchase. For that reason alone, many people opt to pay several times over what the system would have cost to have installed by someone other than the maker of the automobile.
It is truly amazing how much of an impact aesthetics makes when it comes to purchasing your next dream car, or even your first dream car.
The thing is, that even if the system doesn’t seem to flow with the look of your car, there are very valid reasons for getting one in the first place and the safety and security that they provide travelers is very well worth the sacrifice of a few aesthetic features.
It isn’t exactly necessary, however, to completely sacrifice aesthetics in order to have the safety and security that auto navigation systems provide.
As a matter of fact, some of the most popular brands of these systems are actually installed to the car by use of suction cups rather than cutting into the dashboard or removing the ever so important stereo from your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping price conscious consumers in mind, manufacturers are offering many options well under the $500 benchmark while also affording consumers the luxury (or lower price, however you decide to call it) of installing these devices themselves.
It is important to remember that not all GPS (global positioning satellite) devices are meant to assist in auto navigation and make your purchase according to your specific needs.
When shopping for one of these devices it would be comparing apples to oranges to compare a tool that is widely used for activities such as geo caching, hiking, biking, or boating.
Each of these will bring in different price tags while offering greatly varied features. You need a device that is meant for mapping directions if you plan to use your device or system for driving.
I try to keep pointing out the fact that not all GPS or auto navigation systems are created equal this is very important to remember. You run the risk of purchasing the wrong system without proper planning and thus having a bad overall experience.
Even among systems designed specifically for the automobile that offer mapping and navigation assistance there are different types that will appeal to different needs and uses.
There are three types of auto navigation systems.
Those three types of systems include: Navigation systems that are designed to stand alone, handheld systems that suit multiple purposes, and systems that are designed to work with laptops, PCs, pocket PCs, and PDA systems.
Each of the types of auto navigation systems and devices offers different benefits and drawbacks. It is ultimately up to you to decide which will suit your needs most.
The stand-alone systems are often the most popular choice and are excellent for those who need driving directions and nothing more.
They offer a steady power supply, turn by turn direction (in many cases), the security of being there at all times (no worry about whether or not you remembered to actually bring it along), and verbal directions along with landmarks that should let you know you are on the right path. There is a reason that these are the most popular.
For those who want to take their navigational tools off road on occasion other devices might be much better suited to your needs.
Handheld devices often require additional software in order to work well with door-to-door types of directions or regular driving directions, however, they offer portability for those who wish to go biking, hiking, or kayaking and need the confidence that directions and navigational tools can provide.
For those who have laptops or PDAs, the software that is available for these provide an excellent service when it comes to navigation both on and off roads and the beaten path.
The cost is offset greatly if you already own your laptop or PDA and well worth a little extra investment, particularly if you will use this particular tool on a regular basis.
As I’ve said before, there is no perfect navigational solution for everyone, but there are quite a few that are nearly perfect for all who will dare to use them.
Save Money by Buying the Right Auto Navigation System for Your Needs
With so many GPS (global positioning satellite) devices and auto navigation systems on the market today how on earth is someone supposed to choose the system that will be best for you? The answer to that question isn’t as difficult as you might think.
It all lies in deciding what you will be using your GPS device to accomplish. You need to know where you will be using your device in order to use it properly. By this I mean will you be using your GPS system for driving, biking, hiking, boating, or ‘off-roading’?
Occasionally you will find that your goals and desires of your auto navigation system or GPS will require use in more than one of these instances, the good news is there’s a device for that too! Seriously, there is a device that is suitable for almost every possible need and use.
If you plan to use your auto navigation system exclusively for driving your automobile, you should probably choose a system such as one of the following: Magellan RoadMate 2200T Portable Navigation System, Garmin StreetPilot c530 Automotive GPS, Tom Tom One, Tom Tom GO 910 Automotive GPS System, or Navman iCN 750 Vehicle Navigation with Camera.
These systems each offer something unique to consumers while also delivering some of the same popular features that consumer’s love. Some of those features include turn-by-turn directions, landmark identification, important stops and destinations along your route, and popular restaurants along the way.
If you want something that is a little more versatile than your typical stand-alone navigation system or GPS then you might want to check out the many options afforded by the handheld GPS systems on the market today.
Many of these will require an upgrade of some sort in order to be useful for turn-by-turn destination information but are excellent for those taking the fun off the beaten path and off road.
For those who love adventure in the great outdoors the following handheld GPS systems offer an excellent choice for keeping you on track and in the know: Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Color Handheld GPS Unit, Magellan eXplorist 600, and Lowrance iFinder Hunt Color.
For those who currently own a laptop or PDA software and hardware add ons can turn your device into a GPS system. These offer a more affordable option to the stand-alone navigation system and are an attractive incentive to many potential consumers.
You will also find the widest variety of features within this particular category. Most of these devices offer the hardware as well as the necessary mapping software as part of the package. This allows them to have relative portability while also offering the full features of the stand-alone navigation systems.
Some of the laptop or Palm systems that you may wish to consider are the following: Garmin CF Que 1620 Compact Flash GPS, Tom Tom Navigator 6 Bluetooth, DeLorme Earthmate Blue Logger, and the Garmin Mobile 20 Smartphone GPS System.
These are by no means all inclusive of the many wonderful and exciting products that are available in today’s market for those interested in purchasing an auto navigation system. You should also keep in mind that new technologies emerge on a daily basis.
With that in mind, prices on existing technologies are steadily decreasing, as prices on new items are often still quite high. It is very possible to get a great deal by shopping last year’s top of the line navigation toy and skipping the high-end navigation gadgets of the current year.
Another way to save money on navigational aids and devices is not to shop among the top of the line devices. Instead of shopping for those that are priced highest, elect devices within the middle of the price range.
These devices generally offer the same excellent quality as the more expensive devices without the over inflated price tags. You should also remember not to pay extra for features that you won’t be using. Having an extra feature or two shouldn’t be a selling point if you won’t be using those features.
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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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