Tips & advice to buying in-vehicle Satellite Navigation - Decide how often you intend to use the satellite navigation system. Inexpensive satellite navigation systems simply plug in to your car's cigarette lighter and are small enough to store in your glove compartment, but they're not as user friendly.
- Consider the layout of your car. Some satellite navigation systems come with a monitor that displays a map. The monitor is commonly installed on the dashboard or on a pedestal extending from the dashboard. In some cars, such an installation may block air vents or make it somewhat uncomfortable for a passenger to enter or exit the vehicle or sit in the passenger seat.
- Select a satellite navigation system that features multiple ways of getting to your destination. This can include by address, by post code, by a personal address book or via a location selected directly from the map.
- Look for a satellite navigation system that gives you vocal as well as graphical directions. The satellite navigation systems that use a map and monitor include arrows that show you the direction of a turn and also indicate where your car is on the map in relation to the destination. Other satellite navigation systems use the head unit or radio to display the name of the street on which you are to make a turn or on which you are travelling. Both of these satellite navigation systems also give you verbal directions as you approach a turn.
- Select a satellite navigation system that includes point of interest data. Most GPS satellite navigation systems include locations of airports and other transportation services, ATM’s and banks, restaurants, hotels and a host of other sites.
- Choose a satellite navigation system that offers updates of the point-of-interest data.
- Consider installation time if you are working on a tight budget. satellite navigation systems that rely on maps displayed on monitors are more complicated and take longer to install than other types of satellite navigation systems.
- Some manufacturers of GPS car navigation satellite navigation systems warn that, if the product is installed by a consumer or an unauthorised dealer, the company will void the warranty. The same can apply to a vehicle manufacturer’s warranty
- Many Pocket PC’s or palm type devices can be fitted with external GPS receivers and navigation software. Some devices come fitted with an integrated GPS receiver. This modular approach gives you cost effective dual functionality.
- The latest Smartphones are compatible with GPS software designed specifically for use with mobile phones. This might provide a low cost solution to your basic satellite navigation needs.
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