| It used to be that a good road map and a final | | | | operate in a similar fashion to handhelds, but they |
| destination were all that was needed to navigate | | | | are meant to be mounted directly into a |
| a vehicle from Point A to Point B. As today’s | | | | vehicle’s dashboard. They eliminate the need |
| technology races ahead, more motorists are | | | | to mount and remount the system for each trip, |
| discovering just how antiquated that concept is. | | | | but they cannot be removed to use in other |
| Thanks to aftermarket GPS systems, the rules | | | | vehicles when needed. They also provide a |
| of the road have changed. | | | | temptation to thieves as they tend to be rather |
| When it is time to update and stop having to | | | | visible inside a car’s dash. Despite this, these |
| figure out how to properly fold a map at the end | | | | devices are popular because they are made to |
| of a trip, you will find the options in GPS systems | | | | become a part of the dash, just like an onboard |
| are rather extensive. With numerous companies | | | | radio system. |
| each touting their own systems and price ranges | | | | - Multipurpose GPS systems – This is basically |
| that swing widely, picking the best system to use | | | | a hybrid system that can be mounted in a vehicle, |
| can prove a little tricky. If you have a handle on | | | | or removed for use elsewhere if desired. This |
| what is out there and what bells and whistles | | | | type of GPS is generally about the same size as |
| might appeal, however, the selection can be easier | | | | a handheld and offers many of the same |
| to navigate. | | | | features. |
| For automotive use, you will find three main types | | | | There are a number of different features that |
| of GPS systems dominate the market. The | | | | can be found in all three types of GPS systems |
| options here are: | | | | for automotive use. The features and brand |
| - Handheld devices – Fully portable, handheld | | | | names tend to combine to set the pricing. Some |
| GPS systems are the most popular machines | | | | bells and whistles are simply not needed by |
| going. These devices can be used in cars and on | | | | everyone, but they do add some extra |
| foot and can range in abilities to offer simply | | | | functionality to these machines. Common features |
| longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates or full | | | | found in GPS systems today include: |
| three-dimensional maps with spoken directions. | | | | - Color roadway maps; |
| These have become the best selling devices on | | | | - Voice-guided directions that tell drivers when to |
| the market because they are not tied down to a | | | | turn; |
| single vehicle and they tend to be a bit more | | | | - Immediate, real-time traffic alerts; |
| affordable. Plus, they can be removed at the end | | | | - Touch-screen activation; |
| of a trip, which eliminates the temptation for | | | | - Multifunction extras, such as MP3 players, video |
| would be thieves. | | | | players; |
| - Mounted GPS systems – These devices | | | | - Settings for biking, walking and driving. |