Have you ever found yourself frustrated with slow moving traffic only to reach a certain point (an hour or so later) to find that the problem seems to suddenly fix itself? Have you ever been sent on a poorly marked detour during road construction only to find an hour or two later that you are hopelessly lost and have no clue where to go from there? Do you travel often and find that road signs are often obstructed or missing all together? Have you ever found yourself late to important meetings as the result of bad traffic, bad weather, or poor directions? If you have answered yes to any of these questions you are a prime candidate for purchasing an auto navigation system for your car, truck, or SUV.

You may think that only people who travel extensively need these incredibly useful devices and systems. The truth of the matter is that anyone who spends any time during the average day in a car could seriously benefit by owning an automobile navigation system or device of some sort. The problem often lies in deciding which of these systems would be best suited for your specific personal navigation needs.

Stand-alone Navigation Systems

These types of systems offer the most complete and thorough mapping utilities. You will often find extended or subscription features with these systems that offer vital information about daily weather, traffic, and construction issues in the areas in which you are traveling even going as far as offering alternate routes in order to avoid possible delays along your route. You can purchase systems that either have maps already loaded or that require you to go online in order to download the maps the system will use. These systems are usually great at not only offering detailed driving directions but also information about landmarks you should see along the way. They are the best buy for those that will rely heavily upon them for directions and travel details.

Multipurpose Handheld Navigation Devices

These auto navigation systems are by far the best for busy active families. These devices don’t offer the same turn by turn directions as the stand-alone navigation systems but software can be purchased that will enable them to do so. The primary benefit of these devices is that they can be useful both in and out of the automobile. They are excellent choices for those who spend a great deal of time outdoors. If you get your thrills hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, or row boating down the way you will find that these devices offer a great number of options to the average consumer and are an excellent choice for those who want more from their navigation dime than a system that can only be used inside an automobile.

Laptop/Palm Based Systems

Technology improves continuously and often by leaps and bounds. It should come as no surprise that our laptops and Palm Pilots could quite easily be turned into personal navigation devices complete with turn-by-turn directions and many other bells and whistles along the way. Some of the devices that make this happen cost less than $100 which makes this an excellent choice for those who travel extensively with Palms and laptops in tow.  In fact, if you already own the Palm or laptop it seems almost a waste of money to invest in more extensive auto navigation systems when you can have all you really need for a minimal investment. Of course, there are those that can be quite costly and the ultimate decision is yours alone. I happen to be the bargain hunter type (which often translates to cheap).

Regardless of which type of auto navigation system you ultimately select I believe you will find that having this type of assistance in your travel offers a certain level of safety and security that you may not have enjoyed previously. Take care and enjoy your travels, I hope you find that things go much more smoothly and confidently with the assistance of your auto navigation system.
Have you ever found yourself frustrated with slow moving traffic only to reach a certain point (an hour or so later) to find that the problem seems to suddenly fix itself? Have you ever been sent on a poorly marked detour during road construction only to find an hour or two later that you are hopelessly lost and have no clue where to go from there? Do you travel often and find that road signs are often obstructed or missing all together? Have you ever found yourself late to important meetings as the result of bad traffic, bad weather, or poor directions? If you have answered yes to any of these questions you are a prime candidate for purchasing an auto navigation system for your car, truck, or SUV.

You may think that only people who travel extensively need these incredibly useful devices and systems. The truth of the matter is that anyone who spends any time during the average day in a car could seriously benefit by owning an automobile navigation system or device of some sort. The problem often lies in deciding which of these systems would be best suited for your specific personal navigation needs.

Stand-alone Navigation Systems

These types of systems offer the most complete and thorough mapping utilities. You will often find extended or subscription features with these systems that offer vital information about daily weather, traffic, and construction issues in the areas in which you are traveling even going as far as offering alternate routes in order to avoid possible delays along your route. You can purchase systems that either have maps already loaded or that require you to go online in order to download the maps the system will use. These systems are usually great at not only offering detailed driving directions but also information about landmarks you should see along the way. They are the best buy for those that will rely heavily upon them for directions and travel details.

Multipurpose Handheld Navigation Devices

These auto navigation systems are by far the best for busy active families. These devices don’t offer the same turn by turn directions as the stand-alone navigation systems but software can be purchased that will enable them to do so. The primary benefit of these devices is that they can be useful both in and out of the automobile. They are excellent choices for those who spend a great deal of time outdoors. If you get your thrills hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, or row boating down the way you will find that these devices offer a great number of options to the average consumer and are an excellent choice for those who want more from their navigation dime than a system that can only be used inside an automobile.

Laptop/Palm Based Systems

Technology improves continuously and often by leaps and bounds. It should come as no surprise that our laptops and Palm Pilots could quite easily be turned into personal navigation devices complete with turn-by-turn directions and many other bells and whistles along the way. Some of the devices that make this happen cost less than $100 which makes this an excellent choice for those who travel extensively with Palms and laptops in tow.  In fact, if you already own the Palm or laptop it seems almost a waste of money to invest in more extensive auto navigation systems when you can have all you really need for a minimal investment. Of course, there are those that can be quite costly and the ultimate decision is yours alone. I happen to be the bargain hunter type (which often translates to cheap).

Regardless of which type of auto navigation system you ultimately select I believe you will find that having this type of assistance in your travel offers a certain level of safety and security that you may not have enjoyed previously. Take care and enjoy your travels, I hope you find that things go much more smoothly and confidently with the assistance of your auto navigation system.

I grew up in a little town off I-55. No matter how far from home I am, I always feel safe if I am on I-55 because it is familiar. I know this road. I may not know this particular stretch of road, but I know that if I remain on this road, it will lead me home. There is safety and comfort in that knowledge. This same sort of safety and comfort can now be bought. It is called an auto navigation system and will always tell you which road leads home. That for me is a feature that is truly priceless.

Auto navigation systems are becoming much more common as people are practically living in their automobiles. We bring our work into our cars; our kids sports, lives, friends, and family go along for the ride. Knowing that our children and their safety depend largely upon our ability to get from point A to point B without getting lost somewhere in between or taking a decidedly wrong turn makes the decision to purchase a vehicle with an auto navigation system a much easier decision. The good news though is that you don’t have to go out and buy a new car, truck, or SUV in order to get a very decent auto navigation system.

There are many systems on the market today. With the numerous systems available are plenty of options that will suit all manner of budget as well as the innate desire that men (and some women) are well known for: a desire to have plenty of buttons to push and play with. More and more of the systems offer much more than simple directions. Many offer turn-by-turn instructions while others promise a truly intuitive navigational experience. Regardless of what type of system floats your boat or of whether you prefer the bare bones system that will simply get the job done, there is a system that is probably very well suited to your desires and your temperament.

Many drivers today are finding increased uses for their navigational systems. Some of these uses include: traffic pile ups, weather delays, wrecks, detours, road construction, high traffic areas that are best to avoid, or even simple door-to-door driving directions are sometimes in order. Most auto navigation systems are outstanding in any of the above situations. It is important, however to remember that not all systems are created equal. You need to have a list of expectations and talk with a reliable and reputable dealer to see which device or system would best suit your specific needs.

You should also keep in mind that while a system might not be the right system for your needs doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be the ideal system for someone else you know or love. We all have different needs, desires, and tastes. Don’t push the system you purchased on others as it may not be the best suited for them while it works wonderfully for you. This is another reason that it is important to study the various systems available and make an informed decision from the start. The fact that one system doesn’t meet your requirements doesn’t mean that no system will. Take the time to find the best system for your needs from the beginning in order to be a truly satisfied customer.
Have you ever gone for a long country ride with a man who simply did not believe in getting lost? It happens and often results in hours and hours of driving by the same tree or creek twice and a desperate fear of running out of gas miles away from civilization. At least that was always the case for me. I am not afraid of adventure or trying new things. At least not for the most part, I am however, deathly afraid of being in situations where I have no idea where I am or how far I am from familiar places and things.

I grew up in a little town off I-55. No matter how far from home I am, I always feel safe if I am on I-55 because it is familiar. I know this road. I may not know this particular stretch of road, but I know that if I remain on this road, it will lead me home. There is safety and comfort in that knowledge. This same sort of safety and comfort can now be bought. It is called an auto navigation system and will always tell you which road leads home. That for me is a feature that is truly priceless.

Auto navigation systems are becoming much more common as people are practically living in their automobiles. We bring our work into our cars; our kids sports, lives, friends, and family go along for the ride. Knowing that our children and their safety depend largely upon our ability to get from point A to point B without getting lost somewhere in between or taking a decidedly wrong turn makes the decision to purchase a vehicle with an auto navigation system a much easier decision. The good news though is that you don’t have to go out and buy a new car, truck, or SUV in order to get a very decent auto navigation system.

There are many systems on the market today. With the numerous systems available are plenty of options that will suit all manner of budget as well as the innate desire that men (and some women) are well known for: a desire to have plenty of buttons to push and play with. More and more of the systems offer much more than simple directions. Many offer turn-by-turn instructions while others promise a truly intuitive navigational experience. Regardless of what type of system floats your boat or of whether you prefer the bare bones system that will simply get the job done, there is a system that is probably very well suited to your desires and your temperament.

Many drivers today are finding increased uses for their navigational systems. Some of these uses include: traffic pile ups, weather delays, wrecks, detours, road construction, high traffic areas that are best to avoid, or even simple door-to-door driving directions are sometimes in order. Most auto navigation systems are outstanding in any of the above situations. It is important, however to remember that not all systems are created equal. You need to have a list of expectations and talk with a reliable and reputable dealer to see which device or system would best suit your specific needs.

You should also keep in mind that while a system might not be the right system for your needs doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be the ideal system for someone else you know or love. We all have different needs, desires, and tastes. Don’t push the system you purchased on others as it may not be the best suited for them while it works wonderfully for you. This is another reason that it is important to study the various systems available and make an informed decision from the start. The fact that one system doesn’t meet your requirements doesn’t mean that no system will. Take the time to find the best system for your needs from the beginning in order to be a truly satisfied customer.

1) Safety. We live in a day and age where we can no longer rely on the kindness of strangers when it comes to stopping and asking for directions. Admitting you are lost to a stranger is sometimes more dangerous than actually being lost. Even in the modern day of cell phones there are areas in which even those can’t be reliable and they aren’t really much help if you have no idea where you are in order to get directions to begin with. Safety is an even greater issue if you are a female traveling either alone or with small children. You do not want to make yourself a target whenever you can avoid it. Having an auto navigation system can definitely salvage your trip despite wrong turns, detours, or bad directions to begin with.

2) Security. This goes along with safety to some degree but takes it one step further. Not only do you have and added degree of security from harm or the ill will of other men, you also have a layer of security when it comes to things such as getting to work, court, important meetings, job interviews, dates, or anniversaries on time. You will no longer have the worry of costly traffic delays, particularly if you subscribe to upgrade services, which provide minute-by-minute traffic analysis and areas to avoid. There is also the security of a lower stress commute to your destination even when you aren’t certain of where you are going. Morning commutes are often filled with stress, adding uncertainty to that stress is not the best way to start off your day.

3) No more maps! This one is a huge bonus to me when it comes to my driving habits. I am not the most gifted reader of maps. In fact, I seemed to have received no gifts when it comes to that particular talent. My auto navigation system saves me the hassle of carting around multiple maps for long road trips while also providing the security of knowing I will not have forgotten an important one only to discover it is missing all too late.

4) Having the country at your fingertips. Literally! A good auto navigation system is like having a map to the entire country on hand at all times. Impromptu road trips are the word of the day and no longer require the painstaking planning of days long past. You can even get door-to-door directions to arrive safely and quickly at your destination.

Of course these are not the only reasons that buying an auto navigation system is a great idea, but the certainly make the decision a little easier. As the technology required for these systems evolves prices are dropping almost weekly. Now is the perfect time to buy a great navigation system for your car, truck, or SUV at a terrific price!
If you are one of the many people around the United States of America and the world that has debated whether or not to purchase an auto navigation system for your vehicle perhaps this article can help you understand the major benefits of owning such a system. There are many benefits but there are four that seem to take precedence over all others. I believe you will find many of the four reasons quite compelling and may even change your mind about the need you and your family may have for a device such as this.

1) Safety. We live in a day and age where we can no longer rely on the kindness of strangers when it comes to stopping and asking for directions. Admitting you are lost to a stranger is sometimes more dangerous than actually being lost. Even in the modern day of cell phones there are areas in which even those can’t be reliable and they aren’t really much help if you have no idea where you are in order to get directions to begin with. Safety is an even greater issue if you are a female traveling either alone or with small children. You do not want to make yourself a target whenever you can avoid it. Having an auto navigation system can definitely salvage your trip despite wrong turns, detours, or bad directions to begin with.

2) Security. This goes along with safety to some degree but takes it one step further. Not only do you have and added degree of security from harm or the ill will of other men, you also have a layer of security when it comes to things such as getting to work, court, important meetings, job interviews, dates, or anniversaries on time. You will no longer have the worry of costly traffic delays, particularly if you subscribe to upgrade services, which provide minute-by-minute traffic analysis and areas to avoid. There is also the security of a lower stress commute to your destination even when you aren’t certain of where you are going. Morning commutes are often filled with stress, adding uncertainty to that stress is not the best way to start off your day.

3) No more maps! This one is a huge bonus to me when it comes to my driving habits. I am not the most gifted reader of maps. In fact, I seemed to have received no gifts when it comes to that particular talent. My auto navigation system saves me the hassle of carting around multiple maps for long road trips while also providing the security of knowing I will not have forgotten an important one only to discover it is missing all too late.

4) Having the country at your fingertips. Literally! A good auto navigation system is like having a map to the entire country on hand at all times. Impromptu road trips are the word of the day and no longer require the painstaking planning of days long past. You can even get door-to-door directions to arrive safely and quickly at your destination.

Of course these are not the only reasons that buying an auto navigation system is a great idea, but the certainly make the decision a little easier. As the technology required for these systems evolves prices are dropping almost weekly. Now is the perfect time to buy a great navigation system for your car, truck, or SUV at a terrific price!

While you are not limited to auto navigation systems in order to find your way, they do make being lost a lot easier to handle. In fact, you are never truly lost if you have a reliable auto navigation system. These systems are designed to help you navigate back roads, country roads, city roads, main streets, and out of the way high ways like a pro and they deliver on their promise for the most part.

There are a few glitches just as there are with road maps, the major difference between a common atlas and these navigational devices is that they have up to date information that is quite reliable in most instances (unless there are unannounced road closings and such) and you are limited to the data at the time an atlas or road map was printed when relying on those for directions and navigational input. Additionally you are limited to the combined map reading skills of those in the vehicle. Map reading is a lost art for many and is becoming less and less emphasized as a growing number of people are turning to navigational devices for direction and guidance.

For aesthetic reasons, many consumers opt for auto navigation systems that are installed by the automobile manufacturers. These systems come at a premium price but offer a seamless integration to the interior of the car. This of course makes perfect sense as those devices were literally made for the cars. In the long run it is quite likely that you will pay the most for these devices. Not only are you paying a higher price for the device initially but you are also paying for the service of installing them and the interest on both of those fees. It is a completely personal decision as to whether or not this is the option that is best for you.

Many savvy consumers have discovered that they can have these systems installed in their automobiles by professionals without paying the hefty price tag that comes with interest when purchasing a system and installation along with the vehicle. If you choose the right people to install your navigation system you will find that you save money and have a system that appears natural within the interior of your automobile. You can have the best of both worlds when it comes to auto navigation systems. You do not have to sacrifice your budget in order to get a nice quality system that looks great in your automobile.

For those who are seriously limited on funds but have a real need for the security that an auto navigation system affords there are still many options that might very well fit your needs from a navigation system. You can purchase installation kits and make the installation yourself. This alone could literally save a few hundred dollars on the system. There are also installation kits that include the device at very reasonable rates. Keep in mind that some of the lower priced systems may require a monthly fee for the service. However, many people that cannot afford a large amount of money up front for the system might very well be able to put $20-$50 per month towards the service.

The truth of the matter is that as competition grows among makers of auto navigation systems so do the options available to consumers. Along with growing competition we also see falling prices. It’s a great time to be a consumer when it comes to auto navigational devices.
Auto navigation systems are offering many options to a growing number of consumers each and every year. From systems that are factory installed into automobiles by the automakers themselves to those that simply plug into the car’s battery adapter to use on the go and take along with you, there is a little something for every type of consumer when it comes to these nifty devices and systems. Even those who don’t limit their travels to automobiles can find a device that would work for them as well. There are even devices that are made with water travel in mind and famous for their endurance of less than optimal weather conditions.

While you are not limited to auto navigation systems in order to find your way, they do make being lost a lot easier to handle. In fact, you are never truly lost if you have a reliable auto navigation system. These systems are designed to help you navigate back roads, country roads, city roads, main streets, and out of the way high ways like a pro and they deliver on their promise for the most part.

There are a few glitches just as there are with road maps, the major difference between a common atlas and these navigational devices is that they have up to date information that is quite reliable in most instances (unless there are unannounced road closings and such) and you are limited to the data at the time an atlas or road map was printed when relying on those for directions and navigational input. Additionally you are limited to the combined map reading skills of those in the vehicle. Map reading is a lost art for many and is becoming less and less emphasized as a growing number of people are turning to navigational devices for direction and guidance.

For aesthetic reasons, many consumers opt for auto navigation systems that are installed by the automobile manufacturers. These systems come at a premium price but offer a seamless integration to the interior of the car. This of course makes perfect sense as those devices were literally made for the cars. In the long run it is quite likely that you will pay the most for these devices. Not only are you paying a higher price for the device initially but you are also paying for the service of installing them and the interest on both of those fees. It is a completely personal decision as to whether or not this is the option that is best for you.

Many savvy consumers have discovered that they can have these systems installed in their automobiles by professionals without paying the hefty price tag that comes with interest when purchasing a system and installation along with the vehicle. If you choose the right people to install your navigation system you will find that you save money and have a system that appears natural within the interior of your automobile. You can have the best of both worlds when it comes to auto navigation systems. You do not have to sacrifice your budget in order to get a nice quality system that looks great in your automobile.

For those who are seriously limited on funds but have a real need for the security that an auto navigation system affords there are still many options that might very well fit your needs from a navigation system. You can purchase installation kits and make the installation yourself. This alone could literally save a few hundred dollars on the system. There are also installation kits that include the device at very reasonable rates. Keep in mind that some of the lower priced systems may require a monthly fee for the service. However, many people that cannot afford a large amount of money up front for the system might very well be able to put $20-$50 per month towards the service.

The truth of the matter is that as competition grows among makers of auto navigation systems so do the options available to consumers. Along with growing competition we also see falling prices. It’s a great time to be a consumer when it comes to auto navigational devices.

Don’t expect your auto navigation system to replace a ‘co pilot’ by any means but it should definitely do in a pinch and be more than capable of helping you get through a few lost moments while stuck in traffic, detouring, or taking a country drive. You won’t have a natural conversation with your navigational system no matter how much the television commercials attempt to convince you that this will be the case. You can however get great details about every single turn of your trip including details about landmarks you should see along the way.

You should be aware that when you miss a turn the alternate route isn’t immediately forthcoming. Computers contain data and it takes a moment to go through the mountain of data sometimes in order to come up with an alternate route. Be patient when dealing with your auto navigation system and it should serve you well both in times of crisis and during your regular daily driving. I know this isn’t always too terribly easy in high stress situations but when you look at it, using a navigation system is a far cry better than relying on maps that must be dug out, dusted off, and translated or an inability to read a map and ending up even more lost than you were to begin with.

Even the best auto navigation system on the market isn’t a replacement for attention to details, seeing and remembering important landmarks, and paying attention to street signs and what lies ahead. The good news is that the technology for these systems is constantly evolving and improving. Data is synching much more rapidly than ever before and more and more often you are finding much more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. The maps that are provided onscreen (in the more sophisticated versions) combined with the verbal directions and details work together in order to create a great driving experience, which would otherwise be filled with uncertainty, doubt, and no small degree of stress.

Regardless of how effective the auto navigation system you choose is, it only matters how effective you feel it is. If it gives you the directions and insights you need in order to reach your destination safely and on time, then I really can’t find fault in the system and would hope that you would not either. There is no such thing as problem free in this day and age and these systems are only as good as the mapping data that they have. The really good news, however, is that data is more often accurate than inaccurate and in most cases you can easily reach your destination.

When selecting an auto navigation system you should really consider how often you travel and how often during that travel you wish you had an alternate route or at the very least an option for your directions, how often you find yourself lost and clueless and needing to ask for directions, and how often you really feel you will use the device you decide to purchase. If you don’t feel you will get the most possible use of your navigation device, then consider one that can be used outside the automobile as well or at the very least one of the less expensive versions. You want to get your money’s worth from whichever device you choose for your auto navigation system.
If you are in the market for an auto navigation system you are definitely not alone. Some people are content to purchase a device, stick it in their windows, and hope it works well whenever the need arises. For those, it is quite likely that most stand-alone navigation units will work quite nicely. The thing to remember is that not everyone is created equal when it comes to primary or even secondary navigational skills. For that reason alone, not all auto navigation units are created equally either.

Don’t expect your auto navigation system to replace a ‘co pilot’ by any means but it should definitely do in a pinch and be more than capable of helping you get through a few lost moments while stuck in traffic, detouring, or taking a country drive. You won’t have a natural conversation with your navigational system no matter how much the television commercials attempt to convince you that this will be the case. You can however get great details about every single turn of your trip including details about landmarks you should see along the way.

You should be aware that when you miss a turn the alternate route isn’t immediately forthcoming. Computers contain data and it takes a moment to go through the mountain of data sometimes in order to come up with an alternate route. Be patient when dealing with your auto navigation system and it should serve you well both in times of crisis and during your regular daily driving. I know this isn’t always too terribly easy in high stress situations but when you look at it, using a navigation system is a far cry better than relying on maps that must be dug out, dusted off, and translated or an inability to read a map and ending up even more lost than you were to begin with.

Even the best auto navigation system on the market isn’t a replacement for attention to details, seeing and remembering important landmarks, and paying attention to street signs and what lies ahead. The good news is that the technology for these systems is constantly evolving and improving. Data is synching much more rapidly than ever before and more and more often you are finding much more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. The maps that are provided onscreen (in the more sophisticated versions) combined with the verbal directions and details work together in order to create a great driving experience, which would otherwise be filled with uncertainty, doubt, and no small degree of stress.

Regardless of how effective the auto navigation system you choose is, it only matters how effective you feel it is. If it gives you the directions and insights you need in order to reach your destination safely and on time, then I really can’t find fault in the system and would hope that you would not either. There is no such thing as problem free in this day and age and these systems are only as good as the mapping data that they have. The really good news, however, is that data is more often accurate than inaccurate and in most cases you can easily reach your destination.

When selecting an auto navigation system you should really consider how often you travel and how often during that travel you wish you had an alternate route or at the very least an option for your directions, how often you find yourself lost and clueless and needing to ask for directions, and how often you really feel you will use the device you decide to purchase. If you don’t feel you will get the most possible use of your navigation device, then consider one that can be used outside the automobile as well or at the very least one of the less expensive versions. You want to get your money’s worth from whichever device you choose for your auto navigation system.

If you happen to be wondering why we are seeing these options more and more often on fairly standard automobiles within reasonable price ranges it is because the technology, which was once cutting edge is now more commonly made and as a result falling victim to the old adage of supply and demand. More companies are making auto navigation systems, which means they are pricing them more competitively, this is a win-win situation for consumers who travel often but found the luxury car price tag that once went along with the auto navigation systems to be more than a little restrictive.

Consumers are also electing to have auto navigation systems installed in their automobiles at the retail level. Some stores offer these systems and discounts on their installation to savvy consumers. It’s quite possible to get a much better deal doing it this way for many and you manage not to pay the hefty interest costs that are associated with financing automobiles. Having your own system installed allows you a much greater degree of choice when it comes to not only the price but also the bells and whistles that come along with your navigation system.

While it is fairly safe to say that not every driver will need the top of the line system, it is a good idea to get a fairly decent quality system that can at least provide you up to date information about the route upon which you are traveling. Most of us spend many of our days hurrying off from one point to another and are well aware that every minute counts. A good quality auto navigation system is one that will save you precious minutes during traffic delays, detours, and when faced with unexpected road construction. You may also be delighted to find that your navigation system can on occasion show you a much quicker route to your destination than you may have anticipated.

While manufacturers are offering auto navigation systems to automobile consumers as an upgrade and for an added cost, check the pros and cons before deciding to go that route with installation. In this day and age of comparative shopping, ad match programs, and high competition it is very possible to find a much better deal outside the confines of your automobile dealership. You can find many that offer deeply discounted or free installation of their products, which will look as good as if it were factory installed if that is a concern (and for many it is a major concern). You should learn all you can about the particular model of auto navigation system a particular car maker uses and all of the features that come along with it in addition to any monthly fees that may be associated with the service.

Auto navigation systems that offer no subscription fees may have fewer bells and whistles but may be completely adequate for your personal needs. Only you can decide which will be best suited to your needs. Some find the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have up to the minute and accurate (according to some manufacturers) information about road conditions, closures, detours, and routes is worth the monthly fee that is associated with owning the device and receiving the service. Ultimately you alone must decide whether or not one of these systems would be a wise investment and how much system you want for your money. I personally find that the very peace of mind they provide when traveling is well worth the price.
More and more automobile manufacturers are electing to offer auto navigation systems as options and upgrades to their customers. Gone are the days when these convenient systems were only offered to those buying ultra luxury automobiles. Today you can find these systems as standard upgrades on many vehicles that are in the middle of the price range. Even vehicles such as the Ford Explorer are offering these systems to consumers as part of an upgrade package that is fairly standard.

If you happen to be wondering why we are seeing these options more and more often on fairly standard automobiles within reasonable price ranges it is because the technology, which was once cutting edge is now more commonly made and as a result falling victim to the old adage of supply and demand. More companies are making auto navigation systems, which means they are pricing them more competitively, this is a win-win situation for consumers who travel often but found the luxury car price tag that once went along with the auto navigation systems to be more than a little restrictive.

Consumers are also electing to have auto navigation systems installed in their automobiles at the retail level. Some stores offer these systems and discounts on their installation to savvy consumers. It’s quite possible to get a much better deal doing it this way for many and you manage not to pay the hefty interest costs that are associated with financing automobiles. Having your own system installed allows you a much greater degree of choice when it comes to not only the price but also the bells and whistles that come along with your navigation system.

While it is fairly safe to say that not every driver will need the top of the line system, it is a good idea to get a fairly decent quality system that can at least provide you up to date information about the route upon which you are traveling. Most of us spend many of our days hurrying off from one point to another and are well aware that every minute counts. A good quality auto navigation system is one that will save you precious minutes during traffic delays, detours, and when faced with unexpected road construction. You may also be delighted to find that your navigation system can on occasion show you a much quicker route to your destination than you may have anticipated.

While manufacturers are offering auto navigation systems to automobile consumers as an upgrade and for an added cost, check the pros and cons before deciding to go that route with installation. In this day and age of comparative shopping, ad match programs, and high competition it is very possible to find a much better deal outside the confines of your automobile dealership. You can find many that offer deeply discounted or free installation of their products, which will look as good as if it were factory installed if that is a concern (and for many it is a major concern). You should learn all you can about the particular model of auto navigation system a particular car maker uses and all of the features that come along with it in addition to any monthly fees that may be associated with the service.

Auto navigation systems that offer no subscription fees may have fewer bells and whistles but may be completely adequate for your personal needs. Only you can decide which will be best suited to your needs. Some find the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have up to the minute and accurate (according to some manufacturers) information about road conditions, closures, detours, and routes is worth the monthly fee that is associated with owning the device and receiving the service. Ultimately you alone must decide whether or not one of these systems would be a wise investment and how much system you want for your money. I personally find that the very peace of mind they provide when traveling is well worth the price.

Plus they come with all sorts of cool features. And it’s right there where part of the problem is for anyone interested in purchasing one.

There are essentially too many manufacturers with too many products that do too many things.

Buying a GPS car navigation system feels like getting a master’s degree in engineering.

Well, if you’ll give me a few moments of your time, I can reduce all of this confusion to a few things you will need to think through in order to pick out the right GPS for you and your budget.

Right off the bat, there are three major GPS manufacturers, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is the big dog in the industry, selling around 70% of all GPS devices. Tom Tom is a new arrival, but they’ve grabbed a lot of market share with excellent products at excellent prices. While Magellan is the older company, but not to be outdone in the features department.

There are other manufacturers, but personally I prefer to stick with the industry winners.

As far as what these things do, let’s take a look base features first.

All GPS units can do the following:

* Tell you where you are and how to get where you’re going via voice instructions

* Access a large database of pre-programmed destinations (called Points of Interest, or POIs)

* Interface with the user via a touch screen and an icon-based operating system

* Auto-calculate either the shortest or fastest route

If that’s all you need to do, then for about $150, you can get all this and more. Things like digital picture viewer capability and audiobook capability are essentially standard features.

If you want to spend more, however, look what all you can get!

* Bluetooth for hands-free calling

* FM transmission, so you can hear your device through your car’s stereo system

* More extensive maps, Canada, Europe, Mexico

* Real-time weather and traffic (usually via subscription)

And, there’s more!

As you go up in price what each company offers really starts to differentiate itself.

What you need to do now is get on an informative website where you can actually look at specific devices, see exactly what their features are, and check out their prices.

With all the neat features these things come with, it’s a wonder everyone doesn’t have one. But they don’t, and I think I might know the reason why.

The GPS marketplace is totally confusing!

There are a number of manufacturers out there, and they all make very competitive (and similar!) products. Furthermore prices range from $150 to nearly $1,000. And to make things even more complex, there are a world of features you might want, like Bluetooth, FM transmission, real-time weather and traffic, and multiple route calculation.

Well, if you give me a few moments of your time, I can break all of this down some, and make buying GPS navigation systems seem a lot more user friendly.

First off, let’s talk about who makes these things.

Personally, I have a bias toward the larger manufacturers. I know my unit will be supported and that the company’s not going out of business any time soon.

There are essentially three big GPS manufacturers, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan.

Garmin is the industry leader by far. They also have the broadest product range. Tom Tom is the new kid on the block, but they’ve managed to get a lot of market share by delivering a very competitive product at very competitive prices.

Magellan is actually one of the pioneers in this industry.

Now, lets talk features!

All GPS systems come with spoken directions, a touch screen interface, a database of destinations (called Points of Interest, or POI’s), and ability to auto-calculate a route to at least one destination.

If this is all you want your GPS to do, then good news! You can get this from either of these three manufacturers for about $150!

But what if you want more?

For about $100 to $200 more you can get Bluetooth integration, if hands-free calling is of interest to you. You can also get more extensive maps, real-time weather and traffic (comes with a subscription, usually), and a much larger POI database.

For under $350, you can get a state of the art GPS that can do everything I’ve mentioned except calculate multiple routes.

If you want to spend more, great! It’s in these higher price ranges that the differences between companies really starts to play a role. With Garmin, you can get a device that responds to voice commands. Tom Tom has this thing where users can actually send in information about roads and POIs, which makes their database much more current. While, Magellan has a great deal with AAA where you can get their Tour Book actually in the device! (For AAA members only.)

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, so to speak, it’s time to get on an informative website and take a look at specific products, what they do, and what their prices are.

It was just practical for me to get a portable system that I could carry around with me.

While most portable gps systems have basic functions such as voice narrations to help direct you where to go, it’s worth the time to figure out exactly what other features you may need.

For example, there are some models which will tell you which lane to be in so you can make turns in high traffic streets more easily. This could come in handy if you’re traveling in a congested city such as Chicago.

When considering the features that you want in your portable gps navigation system, it’s important to consider if you’ll actually be needing that feature or if it’s just an added bonus.

Here are some things to consider:

Size of the GPS Unit

You can find pocket sized units which are very portable but have small screen sizes. If you want a larger screen the units will be less portable so make sure to consider how you will use your unit.

Price of GPS Unit

Cost is always at the top of everyone’s minds when it comes to technology purchases. As with anything, you get what you pay for. Skimp on a low priced unit and you may just end up with something that functions half the time.

My brother-in-law spent $175 on a no-name brand GPS unit and after using it to help him move across the country, it took a permanent vacation.

You should also consider some of these other major features:

Street name announcement -

Does the voice narration announce the name of the street or does it just say next street?

Time to destination -

Will it calculate how long it will take you to arrive at your destination? This feature is invaluable when you want to know the closest destination out of several choices.

Automatic rerouting -

If you make a wrong turn, does your navigation system reroute you?

You’ll find a lot of choices when purchasing a portable gps car navigation system. My suggestion would be to figure out what options you would like, then find the units which have those features and check the units out physically at your local electronics store.

You can then go online to find the best deals for your unit. Often times, I find the best deals online after viewing the units in a store.

As with most technology, you will find that in a few years there will be more GPS units with more features for lower prices.

I’m very excited to see this technology develop.

Prices have dropped considerably in the past 18 months. Now, you can get a basic GPS system for around $150! If you want a more fully featured model, you can get that for $250 to $350, according to the model and the exact features.

That’s not a bad price for never having to be lost again!

The problem with buying a car GPS navigation system is there are so many manufacturers, and so many models to choose from. Unless you’re a GPS aficionado like me, you’re might be put off by all of the new technologies these things bring together and all of the buzz words you need to know to even understand what you’re buying.

Not to worry!

This little article is going to straighten you out!

Although there are tons of manufacturers of these things, there are only three major players, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Gamin sells 70% of the car GPS systems sold; Tom Tom has a really great product at great prices; and Magellan is one of the main pioneers of the whole industry.

All three companies make excellent products at very competitive prices. You can certainly buy a GPS system from anyone you choose. I just like to stay with the big companies. It’s a personal decision. I want to make sure my device will be supported in the future.

To make things really much simpler, it’s good to know that all GPS navigation systems do essentially the same things. As a matter of fact, they all do the following:

* Tell you where you are

* Tell you how to get to where you want to go with spoken directions

* Let you enter information and make choices via a touch screen interface

* Have a large database of destinations already programmed into the device (called Points of Interest, or POI’s)

* Come pre-loaded with maps (older models you have to download the maps)

* auto-calculate the shortest or fastest route

You can get all of this for around $150. The Garmin nuvi 200, the Tom Tom One, or the Magellan Maestro 3100 can do all of this and more for about that price.

You would be pleasantly surprised, however, at how much more you can get for another $100 to $200!

That will buy you a car GPS navigation system that:

* Comes with maps of Canada, Europe, and/or Mexico

* Let’s you use it in conjunction with your cell phone using Bluetooth technology

* Tells you traffic and weather in real time

* Plays music, and serves as an audio book reader

* And, let’s you hear everything through your car’s own stereo system

That’s a lot of features for the money!

We’re not done, however! There’s plenty more these nifty devices can do.

As you go up in price you get things like bigger screens and multiple routing capability. At higher price points each manufacturer starts to really distinguish themselves with proprietary features–like Tom Tom’s POI database where users can actually make changes to reflect current road conditions. (Tom Tom makes those changes available for everyone to see!)

What you need to do next is to start browsing around an informative website where you can read about specific models and check their prices.