| There are many separate electronic devices that | | | | the in-dash touch screen to mark the number or |
| you can get for your car. There is car audio, | | | | search for one. You will also be able to stream |
| video, GPS, radar detectors, hands free phones, | | | | music from any Bluetooth device that holds your |
| HD satellite radio, rear camera for reversing, and | | | | music collection. |
| probably some other features that I have missed. | | | | Radio |
| What I have been researching for though is an | | | | The most basic of features in the in-dash GPA |
| in-dash GPS navigation / entertainment system. | | | | navigation systems is the AM/FM radio. But that is |
| The Brands and the Prices | | | | just the beginning; you can connect to a Sirius |
| First of, the major players in the in-dash GPS | | | | Satellite Radio receiver or XM radio and listen with |
| navigation systems are from Kenwood, Garmin, | | | | digital quality sound to over 130 channels of music, |
| Pioneer, JVC, Panasonic, and Clarion. Depending on | | | | news, sports, talk shows, and traffic information |
| the features, the price range can be from a low | | | | throughout the U.S. and Canada. |
| of just under $300 all the way up to over $1500. | | | | Audio and Video |
| So, for choice you will have no problem - the real | | | | For the complete entertainment system you need |
| problem is finding the best complete system that | | | | a good variety of audio and video input options. |
| does all that you want it to do at the right price. | | | | The best units let you play your favorite music |
| GPS and Navigation | | | | and videos in many digital audio and video formats |
| This was my first priority; a good GPS and | | | | and be able to play CD, MP3, MP4, CD-R/RW, |
| navigation system. The better ones use the | | | | DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, VCD, HDCD, SD |
| Garmin navigation board that has built in maps of | | | | card readers, and CD-DA discs. |
| the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. | | | | You should also be able to plug in USB devices, |
| Look for an easy to use graphic user interface | | | | MP3 players, iPods, and video game systems. For |
| with touch screen, text to speech voice guidance | | | | battery powered devices like the iPod or MP3 |
| (with a pleasant male or female voice,) selectable | | | | player, you will also be charging the device while |
| 2D or 3D map display. | | | | you are enjoying the music. Other options should |
| Some also feature things like millions of points of | | | | allow you to plug in more speakers, woofers, |
| interest so that you know which places are worth | | | | amplifiers as well as extra screens for the back |
| stopping to visit; one system I saw had 8 million | | | | of the headrests. |
| points of interest. Another great feature is the | | | | Summary |
| traffic ready navigation; you can get traffic and | | | | The last feature that many in-dash systems have |
| weather ready units that warn you of pending | | | | is the ability to plug-in a rear view colour camera - |
| bad weather or traffic jams and then give you | | | | handy for drivers that are hopeless at reversing |
| alternative directions. | | | | or for bigger SUV's and trucks. So which in-dash |
| Bluetooth Hands Free Phone | | | | GPS navigation / entertainment system am I |
| This is a great feature as more and more states | | | | going to buy? I'm afraid I am as confused as I |
| are passing laws that makes it illegal to use a cell | | | | was when I first started researching. I will just |
| phone while driving. You just have to have a | | | | have to pick the features that I really want and |
| compatible Bluetooth phone and you can then use | | | | read the reviews to see which system is best. |