Car GPS Navigation System: Which One Works For You?

GPS is a technology at its prime, but choosing the right system can be a pain. The multitude of devices out there, varying feature sets, and the number of things to keep in mind when buying a car GPS navigation system can be simplified if you follow a few simple, common-sense tips. For one, decide what type of activity you'll need navigational information for. Since the advent of GPS, people use these devices for hiking, off-road driving and biking and bike trips. They can also be used portable when you walk, although the inclusion of GPS in mobile phones on platforms like Google Maps means fewer people buy GPS systems just for walking.

Getting lost is mainly caused by two factors: you forget your location, and you forget what the destination was supposed to look like. Rapid changes in the environment can add to the confusion, which is why you need a car GPS navigation system. GPS in cell-phones is well and fine, but sometimes you need to find out if that building is going to look like that, or if the square you cross should have had a fountain, or, More importantly, where to turn without taking your eyes off the road. GPS makes your travel that much easier and safer, and reduces your fuel cost and bargaining time.

The two major manufacturers of car GPS navigation systems are TomTom and Garmin, each of which produces navigational aids that have their uses and drawbacks. At the end of 2009, the top 5 such devices rated online included two from TomTom and Garmin and one from Magellan. The first two production devices are aimed at all price categories and users, the latter for serious users whose needs include off-roading or traveling long distances. So look to TomTom or Garmin for your in-car GPS device. Tools from both companies are easy to install, have extensive map databases, and contain text-to-speech software that renders the route name as you speak, for ease of use and convenience.

Remember to consider simple things before you buy, such as how often you'll need your car GPS navigation system—which can be your memory requirements, battery life, and whether you attach the device inside your car. Actually, think twice about that last point, as installing a GPS device also depends on the layout of your car. A badly installed or obstructing device can hinder your vision, and create a dangerous situation on the road. At the very least, consider whether the air vent will be blocked by the device, and whether it will let you raise and lower your window and turn your steering wheel smoothly. The number of times you use the device will, in turn, affect the number of times you need to update your maps, because if you need to pop it down for a dry-cleaner, slightly older maps will be great.

Finally, remember not to compromise on one important feature: voice-based instructions. These are a godsend for any driver on a long journey, as they tell you where you are, enable you to see the road, and provide a constant reminder to keep you alert.

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