Car navigation systems

Few years back, attaching a navigation system to one?s vehicle implied buying cumbersome components that needed intricate installation and application of multiple CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs to download the correct maps. Presently, a lot of navigation systems are equipped with maps and features to match near about any type of budget and level of use. Whether one desires an in-dash setup which preserves the factory look of the car, a plug-and-play GPS which is simple to use and install, or a handheld GPS which can be used in the mountains, on the water, and in your car.

Types of in-Car Navigation Systems:

(i) In Dash Navigation:

In case one desire to maintain the factory appearance of the dash and add the ease of a huge fold-out monitor, one can look for the in-dash navigation system. A characteristic in-dash navigation system has a car stereo equipped with a built-in monitor (ranging from 6-1/2 inch to 7 inch), a hideaway connection box which has A/V inputs and outputs, and an external GPS antenna. The stereo attaches the factory stereo slot in your dash. The hideaway box is normally fixed behind the dash or under a front seat. Apart from CD playback and AM/FM reception, majority of the in-dash systems include DVD playback, such that one can view a movie on the built-in screen when parked. Installation of an in-dash system can be complex, as they need connection to power, ground, the vehicle speed sensor, and the parking brake. In order to collect detailed information on the procedure to install an in-dash navigation system, one can log in to www.crutchfieldadvisor.com

(ii) Remote-Mount Navigation:

A remote-mount navigation system consists of a self-contained GPS receiver which must be linked to a compatible in-dash stereo.

(iii) Plug-and-Play Navigation:

Plug-and-Play GPS receivers are compact and easy in operational use and are perfect in case of those who desires the convenience of in-car navigation sans the problem of a permanent installation. These portable units can be fixed quickly to the windshield or the dashboard and use an ordinary cigarette lighter adapter to power itself that renders them simple to transfer them from one vehicle to another. Equipped with bright color screens that are available in an assortment of 3.5 inch to 7inch, majority if the plug-and-play GPS receivers also include touch screen controls, voice activated systems, a built-in speaker, and an integrated GPS antenna. The most attractive thing is that, touch screen user interface have developed to a stage in which a lot of people find that they can begin using a plug-and-play GPS receiver without first of all going through the owner?s manual. To receive the instruction on how to select the perfect model for the buyer, one can go through the Plug-and-Play Navigation shopping Guide link which is www.crutchfieldadvisor.com.

(iv) Portable GPS: Portable GPS receivers cover models designed for camping, boating, driving (plug-and-play) and also for use as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).In case an individual is planning to use a GPS receiver mainly in the car, one should look for an in-dash, remote-mount , or a plug-and-play system, since these include special characteristics devised specifically for use at the time of functioning a vehicle, such as voice prompts, huge bright screens, and built-in speakers. However, in case one is looking for a GPS device which is capable for use in the hills, ocean, on the road and at the time of traveling, one can check the Portable GPS Shopping Guide for getting tips for zeroing on the perfect handheld model for the requirements of the individual buyer.

Popular Car Navigation Systems:

(i) Garmin StreetPilot c 330 Price range from $270 to $900.

(ii) Kenwood P-NAV6019 DDX-6019 & KNA-G510 Multimedia Navigation Combo which is priced at $1225

(iii) Pioneer AVIC-S1-GPS Portable Car Navigation system that is loaded with a lot of features such as Handheld for automobiles. It has a Touch Screen for display of color. It has a voice activated navigation system. The price tag ranges from $269 to $473. More details of the specification are available at

(iv) Magellan Crossover: Its price is quoted in the website www.nextag.com as $550.

(v) TomTom One Portable Navigation: It is a handheld/portable Car Navigation System equipped with features such as Map, Touch Screen with display in color. It can take voice navigation instruction having its Antenna, Display unit, External Speaker, Maps software and a lot more. The price of the product goes from $255 to $400. One can purchase the product from its website www.nextag.com.

(vi) Garmin Street Pilot c550 GPS Portable Car Navigation: The basic features of the product are it is handheld with automobile-map, touch screen, voice navigation instruction, voice recognition having its antenna, display unit, maps software. Its price quoted in the website www.nextag.com ranges from $434 to $857.

(vii) Cobra NavOne GPSM 4500 Automotive GPS System: This Car Navigation System boasts of features like automobile display color and touch screen. It is equipped with Voice Navigation Instruction with display unit, navigation kit.

Revolutionary Navigation System by Volkswagen and Google:

Auto major Volkswagen and ruling giant of Search Engine, Google have been jointly working towards developing a revolutionary new Navigation System being developed in Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) in California . Under the new system data from Google Earth is used to produce 3-dimensional images of the entire route. Besides, the navigation system is able to collect online data to provide the driver with crucial real-time information, for instance regarding the traffic conditions or the weather. The collaborative effort was able to achieve results during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas held during January 2006 when it presented the first prototype that came nearer to the virtual reality travel information compared to any other system. The main element is a touch-screen interface networked with Google Earth. Accurate 3-dimensional maps, real-time traffic and instructions regarding routes and a search function set novel standards in navigation technology. This purported open system integrates the Internet to fulfill the specific needs of the Driver and his passengers.

Other links

first and foremost buy a quality car seat...
getting taller rims with low-profile tires...
Car magnets are great source through...