GPS Technology For Cars

Gone are the days of the compass with arrival of the GPS (Global Positioning System) based navigation. These systems ensure that you are never lost while driving. It can virtually guide you to any motorable destination in the world. This is made possible by a space network of global navigation satellites which keep watching and guiding all the souls who are lost on Earth! With GPS, communication and navigation has become very simple. This navigation technology relies on twenty four to thirty US satellites placed in a medium Earth orbit, incessantly watches Earth.

Choosing a GPS

The latest devices come with a lot of dynamic features, that help a driver devote his total attention to driving, without worrying about getting lost or asking for directions. It also provides valuable help during an emergency. It is a total navigation solution for the automobile. These navigators come with dynamic maps, which carry a lot of detailing. The latest systems have real time 3D updatable maps of streets, live traffic alerts, voice navigation, language translation, speed limit monitor and a touch screen interface. They even have FM transmitters, which enable you to listen to voice directions over your car stereo. It makes driving simpler and helps you get to any destination in the least amount of time. So, the aforesaid are some of the features that you should look out for in your GPS based car navigation system.

Most of the people who buy these devices, lament about why they weren't smart enough to buy these systems before. The technology is a huge hit in general, with people traveling in hired cars in foreign countries, where asking for directions is difficult due to language barriers. There the language translators also come in handy.

There can be three ways in general of buying one. First one is buying a car with a state-of-the-art GPS. These kinds have big LCD screens, that are very useful while navigating as they provide better visibility. They come up with built in antenna and derive power from the car battery. Disadvantage is that their maps are not updated regularly. Second is buying a GPS device which can be installed later. These systems come with extra features like FM radio, CD players and even DVD players. The third one is buying a portable GPS navigation system which can be used in multiple cars. These are the least expensive of the three and offer the widest amount of variety in functionality and features. To keep tab on their kids driving cars and to locate cars in case of theft, parents can now avail the GPS devices.

Best GPS Devices for Car Use

Now, that we know about the basic features of GPS navigation systems in cars, we can look at the various options available in the electronic market.

Garmin Nuvi 265T
Priced at $185, this Garmin product comes with a built in antenna, 3.5 inch screen with touch screen facility, speed limit indicator and internal downloadable maps with 6 million points of interest. It has voice prompt facility with Bluetooth. It comes with a 1 year warranty and free information on traffic for life.

Garmin Nuvi 765T
This second Garmin product, priced at $270, comes with a 4.3 inch display (resolution: 480 x 272), with Bluetooth and voice prompts. It comes with loads of features like 3D building view, world travel clock, photo navigation, MP3 player, FM transmitter and trip calculator. It has a high refresh rate and very smooth scrolling.

Garmin Nuvi 855
Priced at $245, with built in antenna, it comes with touch screen voice command facility! It has a 'Lane Assist' facility and it can auto sort multiple destinations at a time. It has a 4 hour battery life. Comes with all the features found in the two products reviewed above, except Bluetooth and 3D view. It is a popular product which can provide excellent navigation facility. The traffic alerts need to be paid extra for this product.

With GPS gadgets installed in cars, cutting edge technologies have become available to the common man.