Whether you’re traveling to a friend’s house in the next town, or driving across the country, it is always a good idea to have as many travel resources handy as possible, that includes maps, water, extra blankets, flashlights, and a little food. It may seem to be an excessive thing to do, but you never know what situation you could end up in – caught in a storm or broken down on the side of the road. The more safety precautions you can take the better. The good news is, in addition to the normal precautions you can take advantage of, technology has taken the liberty of creating one more – car GPS navigation systems. Let’s learn more about them.

What Are They?

You may have heard of GPS systems either from an advertisement on television or from a friend who has gone out and bought one. In recent years, they have become very popular among everyday citizens because of the many advantages that provide. Where once they were pretty much only used by military officials, now they have been tailored to be of great benefit to civilians.

For example, if you getting ready to visit a restaurant on the other side of your town and you’re now sure exactly where it could be, instead of getting on the computer and visiting Google Maps, having to look up the addresses, then printing the map and directions, your in-car system will map the information for you and give you turn-by-turn directions similar to the Internet maps. The bonus, however is that you do it from the convenience of your car and don’t have to worry about your map blowing out of the window.

One thing you should know about these systems though is that car GPS navigation systems and the standard system I just described are slightly different. A navigation system, like the standard system, work from a satellite feed to provide real-time directions to its users. However, the standard version provides you a static map, whereas the navigation version actually gives you turn-by-turn directions as you head toward the location. It can also let you know when you’ve made a wrong turn. It is more interactive – and essentially a better purchase for someone who frequently gets lost when driving.  

Car GPS navigation systems are usually a part of the standard system, yet come with additional software that allow you to take advantage of the additional features. So when you invest in one of these devices, be sure that you’re prepared to spend a little bit more for the extra features.

What Brands are the Best?

As with any technological advancement, when it becomes popular, there will be the good, the bad, and the ugly versions placed onto the market – and it will be up to you to decide which ones are truly the best for your needs, and which are selling you a lot of features you don’t need. While I’m no supreme expert on car GPS navigation systems, I have done some research to guide you in the direction of the brands that have the best names in the industry, as well as what features they have that might suit your needs.

Garmin Nuvi 660 – Garmin is perhaps the most popular brand in car GPS navigation systems. They have been in business for almost 20 years creating electronic technology geared in this direction, so it is no surprise that they are able to create a system that stands out above the rest. In particular, their Nuvi 660 is high-performance and versatile with navigation basics (pictures of roads with turn-by-turn instructions), as well as tools for a person who travels the world, and Bluetooth options. It comes very highly recommended by experts and customers alike, but the only drawback for some would be the price, which falls into the $550-$700 range. Before you hash out that type of money, be sure you need all of the features advertised – you never know, you might find one that suits your needs for a lot less.
    
HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion – This device is a part of the Hewlett Packard collection of devices ranging from printers to computers. Their Travel Companion was created as an all-in-one solution that not only works to navigate you through your streets and neighborhoods with ease, but also keeps up with your schedule, working as a PDA. Many reviewers rave about its capabilities, also noting how compact and stylish it is compared to other devices on the market today.

Magellan Maestro 4250 – This is one of the mid-level car GPS navigation systems on the market (it doesn’t have top capabilities, but it certainly gets the job done). As with the Garmin, it gives you turn-by-turn navigation, which is great. But one of the other features that people love with this device is its voice command features. In addition, it is extremely accurate and performs well overall, making it a top pick among reviewers.

TomTom GO 720 – This is another one of the recommended car GPS navigation systems available. Like the HP Travel Companion, it is sleek and stylish, which works great if you want one that matches your stylish car. In addition, it has a Map Share community tool that provides you with constant map updates in real time. Also, it has a safety option included that allows you to seek help from your car in the event you have an emergency and are without a cell phone.

Mio C520 Navigation Receiver – Another sleek and stylish model, this device has advanced navigation features and a larger screen than most. It actually has more bang for the buck, offering these additional features at around $250-$350. However, in overall capabilities, some of the competition is more reliable and smooth.

Of course, there are more car GPS navigation systems on the market than these, but the ones listed have the best overall reputation and can provide a more reliable experience. But before you run out to buy one do additional research. There may be some car GPS navigation systems that look great, and even work great, but don’t suit your specific needs. And the last thing you need is to spend a few hundred dollars on something you really can’t use.

About Automotive GPS Systems

More and more people everyday are falling in love with automotive GPS systems. Why? Because they are so convenient! By buying one of these devices, you get to completely avoid having to buy printer paper every time you want to print off new map instructions. And by them being very user friendly, you don’t have to worry about one being too advanced for your capabilities. Think about it, they can’t make it too difficult if you have to use it while you’re in operating a vehicle.

Now let’s learn a little more about these systems.

Automotive GPS systems (also known as global positioning systems) are devices that use a set of coordinates based on latitude and longitude geography to give you the exact position you can be found on earth. It was originally a great tool for military officials to use as tracking devices, but over time, technology wizards discovered the system’s usability in everyday life – and as a result, you can find many of these systems in cars driving right alongside you.

People use these systems for a variety of reasons; one being that they want to map out directions from the location they currently are to a location they would soon like to arrive. By punching in the address locations in the device, it is able to give you a map with a line drawn to and from each location. In addition, if you get a more advanced system, you can use it for navigational purposes that give you turn-by-turn directions, and even lets you know if you’ve begun to head in the wrong direction.

This bonus is perfect for people who get lost easily – and if for those who don’t, but are taking a trip to an unfamiliar area without many public locations to ask for assistance. Even more, if you are that avid road tripper who doesn’t know where you’ll end up until you get there, you’ll benefit greatly from one of these automotive GPS systems as you won’t have to continuously ask for directions in each city you arrive in – and you’ll even be able to map locations based on their proper name, eliminating the need to have an address in tow.

How Can I Get My Hands On One?

If you find yourself intrigued by the thought of getting your hands on one of these convenient and, for the most part, affordable devices, let’s look at a few ways that you can find them available to the public.

Get It Built In to Your Car – Many automotive GPS systems are now found as an optional (and occasionally standard) feature in a new car you buy off of the lot. By having the system built into your car’s dashboard when you purchase it, of course you have little to worry about later – it is already there waiting for you. However, because the car dealership or company may have already established relationships with specific companies, you may find yourself obligated to a system that you don’t really want or need – or worse, one that is astronomically more expensive than one you could have bought on your own. Car dealers are known for hiking up the price for additional features, whereas had you done the work yourself you could have saved hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars. So keep this idea in mind if you are thinking about having one of these devices included in a package deal – make sure it is really a deal.

In-Dash Add-On Systems – Often times, you can go to an auto store after you’ve bought your car to add on the items you want. In the case of the automotive GPS systems available, you can do the same. These add on systems come with a great deal of features – as do the built in systems – including a large LCD display, AM/FM stereo, CD player, and a navigation system. You might also find climate control, Bluetooth capabilities that link you to your cell phone, and the ability to watch DVDs (while not driving). While they are not as expensive as the built-in units, they can still be a little bit pricey because of their innumerable features.

Portable Devices – A popular way to acquire one of these systems is to buy the more affordable, and usually compact, portable device. There are several brands that are popular among customers, including Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. Unlike the built-in or add-on units, these are simply made to attach to your dashboard and are great for those who have multiple cars but only need one unit. All of the brands out there have their own features that make them unique and desirable, but they each come in a sleek design that works well inside any style automobile.

No matter of the many automotive GPS systems you want to purchase, they all have the ability to direct you to your destination with great accuracy and reliability. Your only decision will be to determine how you will acquire one, whether it be through purchasing a new car, getting one built in later, or simply buying a portable version. After you’ve made your choice, you will join many others who benefit from the convenience and security of their automotive GPS systems guiding them through the country with ease.

What are Auto GPS Systems?

These unique systems were originally created as devices to be used by military officials. They are satellite-fed devices that give real-time information on your surroundings and are great for tracking, surveying, navigation and mapping. However, over time, people saw how great they were for personal use, so companies adapted them to a “home version” and made them available (and eventually, affordable) for civilians. Now people use these small devices in their homes if they want to survey their property; or even if they want to plant a small device in their car with a corresponding screen in their home that will allow them to watch and track where their car is going if it is stolen. However, most people use these devices in their cars to map driving directions.

Standard Auto GPS Systems

The standard systems are those that have basic features, such as map directions from point A to point B. Say for example you want to find out how to get to a new restaurant on the other side of town. Normally, you punch in the directions on MapQuest then either write them down or print them. This is a great way to find out where you are going without much hassle. However, if you don’t have access to the computer at the time, or a wrong turn was taken, you will still need directions. By having one of the standard auto GPS systems in the car, you can enter the addresses into the systems and the device will map it out right on the screen. You don’t have to worry about holding a map in your hand while driving. 

Auto GPS Systems with Navigation

These systems are one step above the standard systems in that they offer a navigational feature that not only gives you the highway and street maps, but also gives you turn-by-turn directions based on addresses you enter, directories for hospitals, restaurants, car services and many other points of interest – and they even have a voice prompt and other alerts that let you pay attention to the road while driving.

Of course, the added features come at a cost. Typically, by going with the navigational version, you have to buy additional software that allows the device to transmit information from a satellite feed in real time. However, if the added features sound inviting to you, there’s nothing wrong with paying a little bit more for what you really want.

Top Systems

Like any other product that becomes instantly popular, you will find over time that everyone will put out one too, making it increasingly difficult to determine which is great and which is a fluke. However, the below devices have come highly recommended by reviewers of auto GPS systems, and would definitely be worth your further investigation.

Garmin Nuvi 660 – These devices are considered high-end for their price (ranging from $550 – $700) and their innumerable features; but most argue that if you can afford one of these pricey models, you are definitely in for a treat. Not only are the easy on the eyes, with a stylish look, but they have wide screens for easy viewing, FM transmitters that allow you to hear your voice prompts and alerts through the speakers of your car stereo, theft-prevention features, and a Bluetooth wireless connection to link you directly to your cell phone. These systems have the highest recommendation from both reviewers and most consumers due to their reliability and real-time accuracy, so if you feel these features fall within your scope of necessity, you might want to give one a try.
TomTom GO 720 – The TomTom GO 720 is another device that comes highly recommended by reviewers of auto GPS systems – both expert and novice. The device containing the system has a great look that many customers navigate toward, and they are not disappointed when they use the system itself and find that it is has all of the great features of standard systems along with a Map Share community tool that gives its customers constant map updates that are loaded in real time. In addition, it has a safety option that lets you seek help without the necessity of a cell phone – an option not deviating far from the idea of OnStar. 

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion – Many customers like these devices because they work as a PDA as well, keeping track of schedules and appointments. Of course, as a computer company, they have to show their chops a little with this extra feature, but their showmanship doesn’t come at the expense of a great product. Like the others on this list, it is noted for its reliability and accuracy and also had a great look that compliments most vehicle styles. It is also set up similar to a PC, which makes it easy for most customers to use – not bad!

No matter where you are in the world, you can use auto GPS systems – whether standard or navigational – to pinpoint your location on the map, so to speak, without ever needing a paper map again. The convenience and security this offers is worth the money you might spend on the product itself. Because, as many have discovered for themselves, auto GPS systems are not only cute and sleek, they are a major upgrade from the traditional map and allow for safe navigation in your area and beyond – and that convenience is priceless.

How much do you know about GPS tracking systems? A little? A lot? Or nothing at all? It is not uncommon to be a little uninformed when it comes to the newer technologies available on the market – especially when there are so many out there! So in this article, I am going to give you some insight into these systems, explaining what they are, how they work, and how they can help you out in your daily life.

What Are They?

To understand about GPS tracking systems, you have to understand the concept of the global positioning system, as they are a subset of this system. A global positioning system (GPS) was originally created as a way to help the military make use of satellite feeds to obtain the position of their own and other military officials. They found these devices to be extremely beneficial as they were able to help determine a specific position with 100% accuracy and even help officials trek through difficult areas and find their way out.

Over time, these devices came available to the public, which helped the everyday person avoid getting lost in areas they were unfamiliar with. In addition, if they used a tracking unit, they would be able to keep tabs on their precious items and even the people around them with no problem at all.  

How Can They Help Me?

As you learn more about GPS tracking systems, you’ll discover just how beneficial they are to your daily life. But here are a few ways:

Pets – Many are excited to discover that they can keep track of their pets with one of these units by simply attaching one to the collar or muzzle and keeping a corresponding device on their person. If the dog runs away, you can not only determine its specific coordinates, but also tell if it is walk, running or even standing by a tree – pretty neat!

Cars – Customers found out about GPS tracking systems for their personal items a few years ago as they became popular in a variety of movies. However, they have more recently become affordable to that same viewing public. So now, if you want to keep tabs on your vehicle, instead of planting a camera near or in the car, you can plant a small tracking device in it that will inform your corresponding device, kept in your home, of your car’s whereabouts at all times. This way, if your car is stolen, or your children take the car and you want to know where they are going, you can simply keep a close watch with the device.

Potential Device Errors

Those who have studied information about GPS tracking systems know that it is possible to have errors occur with them though it doesn’t happen often. Below is a short list of errors that can occur when operating your device:

Multi-Path Error or “Bounce Off” – A bounce off error can occur when the radio signal from a device can “bounce off” of objects that stand between the satellite feed and the device. For example, if you are located in an area that is densely populated with tall buildings or trees then the signal could very well be diverted as it is trying to reach your unit. The result of the multi-path error is a lower accuracy reading.

Signal Delay Errors – If there is a strong storm, or some other form of atmospheric interference like a layer of water vapor below the troposphere that interrupts the signal and prevents it from reaching your device as usual, it can affect the accuracy of your unit.  

Quality of Your Unit – If you purchase a unit that is not considered high quality, then you risk the chance of not getting the accurate position reading you would hope to receive.

So how do you know which ones are considered high quality?

Some companies producing great devices on the market include TomTom, Magellan and Garmin. They are well known and highly respected in the industry for producing units that are extremely accurate, efficient, feature-heavy, and attractive.  

In learning about GPS tracking systems, you have to do your research so that you will find not only what will result in a high-quality unit, but also something that you can use without features you don’t really need. That is not always easy to do if you visit a store and have a salesperson in your face, so it is a good idea to do your own research first. But once you have learned all you need to know about GPS tracking systems, all you will need to do next is get yours and beginning benefiting from this great piece of technology.