The Types of Car Navigation Systems

You no longer have to struggle with looking at a map while you are driving. Not only was that method of navigation a dangerous distraction, it was also difficult to do and often required that you pull to the side of the road to unfold the map and find your place. Thanks to auto navigation systems that are on the market nowadays, you can easily find your way in a manner that is safe and convenient.

Like any other devices which use satellite signals car GPS also picks up information from satellites. The current location and the relative distance from any place can be ascertained easily with the help of the satellites. A car GPS is fitted with specific technology which is required for vehicle navigation.

A car navigation GPS should have map storage capabilities, an antenna to receive proper signals, ease of visibility, an address book for storing addresses of places and points of interest while you are on the highway. There are many car GPS systems available in the market.. You have the option of buying a car already fitted with the car GPS system or you can purchase a portable car GPS unit which can be fitted anytime in any car.

The built in car navigation GPS system:

This offers you the flexibility of using a GPS system straight after you buy the car. This is a luxury built in for your ready use. The drawback is that this sort of GPS usually comes with a hefty price tag. However, the software is already installed and set up and working properly so you don’t have to bother with any of that.

The portable car navigation GPS system:

This gives everyone an opportunity to own a GPS system at an affordable price with all the functionalities attached to it. The portable system is easy to install and use. This again comes with two different options. One unit comes with all the maps preloaded and the other one requires the database of maps to be transferred from a computer to the GPS system.

Since you bought the navigation system for the ability to use maps, buying a unit with the maps preloaded is a big advantage especially if you do a lot of traveling. However, you can get the unit for cheaper if you load the maps yourself as you need them. It really isn’t hard to load your own maps by transferring them from your pc, but you do need to know a little bit about computers. So if you want something ready to plug in and go, the best choice is to buy a car navigation GPS system that is already loaded up and all you need to do is turn it on.

Automakers ready to cash in on car tech - CES 2008- msnbc.com

... an entirely new zero-emissions vehicle ... experience with the OnStar navigation system ... for example, is partnering with Magellan Navigation Inc., on a voice-recognition system ...

Automating the digital car - Digital Life- msnbc.com

... MV-900SDS fastens permanently to the ceiling of your vehicle and ... 700 — if you’ve ever rented a Hertz car with a navigation system, then you’ve already tried the Magellan ...

Automakers ready to cash in on car tech - CES 2008 - MSNBC.com

... an entirely new zero-emissions vehicle ... experience with the OnStar navigation system ... for example, is partnering with Magellan Navigation Inc., on a voice-recognition system ...