| For the directionally challenged people who can | | | | to your own driveway. |
| never find their way from point A to point B | | | | You can find many of these GPS models offered |
| without maps, compasses and personal | | | | in new cars today. Some of these are included as |
| assistance, a GPS system can change your lives. | | | | standard equipment on luxury autos and others |
| Never again will you call someone to say that you | | | | are optional equipment. The overall price that you |
| are lost. A GPS unit is the most reliable navigator | | | | pay for having these as optional choices will be |
| and map-reader that you will ever need. | | | | higher than purchasing them in stores, but they |
| You can even dump all of those unwieldy maps | | | | are neatly placed in the dash and well worth the |
| from the glove compartment and rejoice at your | | | | money. Most models with a good assortment of |
| newfound freedom. GPS devices have been | | | | features can be purchased for about $300. |
| around for a number of years but it has only | | | | There are some models being sold for under $100 |
| been within the past 5 years that the technology | | | | but these are not worth the time and effort and |
| has improved to the user-friendly style we know | | | | are not user friendly. There are also some that |
| today. | | | | sell for over $1500 and you may prefer to |
| In the late 90s when the firs GPS hand held | | | | choose one of these high-end models if you do |
| systems were being marketed, the devices were | | | | lots of driving. |
| large and ungainly. The technology was in its | | | | Any of the built in navigation systems are usually |
| infancy and the mapping was dealing more with | | | | designed for particular types of vehicles and these |
| showing you latitudes and longitudes. There were | | | | have extras like DVDs and radios in addition to |
| lines showing various highways but little | | | | the regular features. The screens are larger and |
| information was available to help you understand | | | | they are very user friendly. Bluetooth use is also |
| what you were seeing. The new GPS devices | | | | included as well as hands free speech to text |
| cannot only show you every road and landmark, | | | | capability. When you pay extra prices for these |
| they can signal when you are approaching traffic | | | | models in your new car, you will pay at |
| lights. Today's models even use voice technology | | | | least$1000 or more. Some of these GPS models |
| to tell you in advance when you need to turn. | | | | can cost several thousand dollars. |
| The voice technology has added a great deal to | | | | You can purchase a GPS system as a separate |
| the use and function of these navigational buddies. | | | | unit through other retail vendors and use them in |
| GPS systems are great for long distance drivers | | | | any vehicle and these will cost you about |
| and vacation loving families. These little navigational | | | | $300-$700. There are a few models that can |
| aids can get you across town or across the | | | | cost more. These can be moved from vehicle to |
| country and never once will you have to pull out a | | | | vehicle and mounted on the dash or on the inside |
| map or stop to ask directions. These units are | | | | windshield. There are even permanent bracket |
| absolutely priceless for salesmen and others who | | | | mounts that can be fitted to hold these devices. |
| are constantly on the road. They not only provide | | | | Some of these units can be a bit awkward and |
| you with step-by-step directions many of them | | | | they can get in the way, especially if your car is |
| have a number of other additional features that | | | | tiny. Many of these also have small screens that |
| can be used. | | | | can be hard to read. The overall convenience and |
| Some of the GPS systems are able to download | | | | assistance they deliver makes these awkward |
| up to the minute traffic and accident reports and | | | | moments worth all of the effort. |
| will provide you with advance warnings about | | | | You can even buy single model hand held units |
| traffic jams, roadwork and other traffic hazards. | | | | that are designed for hikers. These will not only |
| They will even calculate new routes for you to | | | | keep hikers from getting lost they let others see |
| take to avoid long waits on the highway in mile | | | | where they are. You can purchase these in pairs. |
| long traffic queues. | | | | Your second model can show you where the |
| All GPS systems are not the same and different | | | | person with the first unit is at all times. GPS |
| models and makes come with very different | | | | system capability and technology has been |
| capabilities and features. These are investments | | | | integrated into PDA and Cell phone units as well as |
| for you so it will benefit you to carefully look at all | | | | into some laptop computers. These do not have |
| of the tasks that each model can perform. You | | | | all of the features of other models but they can |
| can find some models that will download entire | | | | offer you some assistance in finding locations. |
| libraries of music or books on tape to play on the | | | | When choosing a GPS system you should look for |
| road. Some of these are compatible with | | | | one with 20MB or more of available storage so |
| Bluetooth systems. You will even locate GPS | | | | you can save many locations and other |
| models that can provide you with listings for | | | | information. Also make sure that you have one |
| every type of attraction or tourist feature that | | | | that can be recharged in your home as well as in |
| you could desire. | | | | your car. |
| With a modern GPS today you can ask it to | | | | Most of the customer support numbers are very |
| locate the nearest restaurants, movies, gas | | | | helpful and can usually assist you by phone with |
| stations, or shopping center. Even schools, | | | | any small problem that you are having with your |
| subdivisions, intersections, tourist attractions and | | | | system. There are many makers of these |
| banks are never more than a few seconds away. | | | | systems including Magellan, Tom-Tom and Garmin. |
| Your GPS can direct you safely to your chosen | | | | Garmin has been one of the leading innovators of |
| destination and then you can click the button to | | | | this type of technology throughout the years. |
| return home and the saved map will return you | | | | |