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.
In this day and age of personal assistants, personal shoppers, personal chefs, and all too personal personals it only makes sense that now we have what is jokingly (in many cases) referred to as a personal navigator. Many newer cars, particularly luxury models, are beginning to offer auto navigation systems to drivers as incentives to purchase or as part of luxury packages and upgrades. The idea of that little extra security and luxury is quite appealing to many drivers, especially those of us who could get lost in the mall parking lot if exits weren't clearly marked.
The truth of the matter is that even if you elect not to pay the premium upgrade costs that car makers are adding to the price tag for the luxury of those devices it is quite possible to have the protection and peace of mind that auto navigation systems afford drivers on even the most meager of driving budgets. Facts are facts and getting lost costs time and money while stopping to ask for directions is a risk in and of itself. If you spend a lot of time on the road you really can't afford not to have some sort of navigational device to assist you in getting safely and securely to your next destination.
If the fact that you can purchase these devices rather inexpensively isn't enticing enough for you, I should add that most are quite simple to install yourself. Many of them require nothing more than the ability to stick a suction cup to your windshield and plug an adapter into a cigarette lighter. I did mention that installation was simple didn't I? For those who would rather have a more elegant look in their automobiles you are perfectly free to pay a lot more for an in dash system and installation by professionals. You can occasionally get a good deal on installation if you purchase an auto navigation system from certain retailers.
You should keep in mind however, that in dash systems tend to cost a great deal more than those you install yourself and you can't take them with you when you sell or trade the car. For these kinds of systems you need to consider the value to you verses the value improvement to your vehicle. Will the in dash system raise the value of your car when you are ready to trade in your car or will it make no real difference in the value of you car? If the answer to that is no, then it may be a poor decision from a financial point of view. However, if having a system that isn't part of the dash will lower your perceived value of your automobile then it is a worthy investment. Ultimately, you are the only one that can determine whether this is worth the price and the investment.
If you decide not to go with an in dash auto navigation system you might be delighted to know that there are a world of options available to you. Not only do you have the stand-alone navigation systems that are already loaded with all the data and information necessary to operate but you may also choose software and hardware that can be added to your PDA or laptop as well as handheld navigational units that can be upgraded to operate as mapping units in addition to basic GPS units.
When all is said and done you must decide which type of auto navigation system you want for your car and your lifestyle. Decide what your actual navigation assistance needs are and choose the device and assistance that is best for your family. If you've ever been hopelessly and utterly lost I believe you will agree that there really is no price too great to pay in order to never experience that feeling again. I know I am perfectly willing to pay top price for my personal navigation assistant, though I will continue to search for the best possible bargain for my navigational dollar.
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