Five Misunderstandings About Car GPS

Author: Michelle_chow

People always go to extremes to take technology for granted. Information Technology might be unimaginatively amazing, but it is never too wrong to take a down-to-earth attitude towards it. Car GPS nowadays is becoming the decade’s new cosset. With the device, people get real-time traffic information and voice directions about when and where to turn. Hands-free phone calls are made possible as well. Unavoidably however, with it also come some common misconceptions.

Misunderstanding NO. 1: privacy violated

Many worried that if they use a GPS device, their car could easily be tracked by government and their privacy are violated. A little common sense of how GPS devices receive signals would disperse the misconception. As Wikipedia says about it,“ (GPS) uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise radiowave signals, which allow GPS receivers to determine their current location, the time, and their velocity.” Although some commercial grade GPS devices send out signals about your whereabouts, consumer car GPS devices sold on the market only receive signals sent from satellites. Government has no interference with the car GPS signals and would not have any idea about our whereabouts.

Misunderstanding NO.2: weather influence

It is true that such fierce weather conditions as thunderstorm, lighting, or hurricane would have influence on the signal receiving of car GPS devices, just as TV and radio signals would be unstable under such fierce weather. However, cloudy and rainy days would do no harm to the performance of your car GPS device. The same GPS technology is used in aviation system, and airplanes can still get through clouds. It’s the same case with car GPS system.

Misunderstanding NO. 3: safety insurance

Some feel that if they have a GPS device installed in their car, they would never need to worry about getting lost or traffic jams. They think that they have invested in a life-time safety insurance. This is not true. With or without a car GPS device, a driver should be equally alert. News about GPS misleading drivers into miseries are not rare. Check up here.

Misunderstanding NO. 4: region-limited

One good thing about Car GPS device is that with proper GPS maps installed, you can get navigation from it wherever you go. Whether you are going from California to Chicago, or from Canada to China, it will work just fine. And many Car GPS devices can get you to POIs(points-of-interest) alongside the road. Wouldn’t that be exciting to take your family out to a detour with the aid of non-region-limited car GPS?

Misunderstanding NO. 5: too pricy

People with this misconception in mind are probably just intimated or mystificated by high end technology. Always believe that science and technology are developed to serve people not to make people hold awe to. Car GPS system are now available for a moderate budget, and with much more improvement it will come in handy for every car. Compared to those produced in other countries, car GPS devices from China might be a good option for those who are concerned with their wallet.

About the Author:

Car GPS Navigation

Professioal Auto GPS Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Five Misunderstandings About Car GPS

Comparison: Route 66 GPS Maps and others

Author: Michelle_chow

Before making a comparison between Route 66 GPS maps and other maps, let’s first make sure we know these terms.


ROUTE 66 Geographic Information Systems B.V. is a privately held company headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ROUTE 66 specializes in navigation soft- and hardware products, and has distribution partners throughout Europe and U.S.

TomTom, a Netherlands-based maker of GPS and automotive navigation systems, is a digital mapping and routing company that focuses on car navigation and has now become one of world’s leading navigation solutions providers.

Destinator is a GPS navigation system, currently own by Intrinsyc, running on Windows Embedded CE and some mobile phone operating systems. It has a standard set of features, including turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance, text-to-speech, pedestrian mode navigation, 2D and 3D views, local search of points of interest, integration with phone applications such as dialer and SMS, support of real-time traffic routing, speed cameras travel guide, and the ability to integrate with SNS and other LBS offerings.

PSMA , short for Power Sources Manufacturers Association, is a not-for-profit multinational power electronics association, incorporated in the state of California.

Sensis Corporation is a global provider of air defense, air traffic control, airline and airport operations management, and data integration and distribution. The company serves a global client base and is actively involved in industry organizations and working groups worldwide, helping to address critical issues and develop innovative, real-world solutions.

Compared with TomTom map, Route 66 map is slower in updating, and it is not as convenient to use as TomTom, e.g. Bluetooth function has to be started manually. But it is more excellent in some other aspects:

1. Detailed street information.

One user in Australia find that Route 66 maps offer much more detailed street information than that of TomTom and Destinator. In his neighborhood, he says, those small streets like Lennon Street in Parkville and Caprice Avenue in Port Melbourne can be found on Route 66 maps, but not on the other two maps. Although Route 66 has to make further efforts in offering much more detailed information in suburban areas, it is so far users’ first choice for detailed street information.

2. User-friendly address entry.

Users don’t have to enter the full name of a certain street. Instead, they just need to enter the first few letters of the street name, and Route 66 would automatically give them a list of street names to choose from. For example, if one wants to find “251 Salmon Street?Port Melbourne”, entering the main information “Sal 251 Melb” would just do.

3. Effective route planning and route management.

Route 66 proves itself to be a match for TomTom in this respect.

4. Fast route re-calculation.

Route 66 map system would get users re-calculate their route when they are no more than 10m off their original route.

5. Convenient phone numbers offered.

When one hits on a certain POI (points-of-interest), Route 66 map would show the company’s phone number. TomTom map does not have this function.

In summary


Route 66, taking advantage of the map sources from PSMA, offers the most detailed map information; TomTom offers wonderful route planning, but the map, drawing on Sensis sources, is not detailed enough; Destinator is detailed enough but is rather poor at route planning.


When choosing a GPS system, we should pay special attention to these three points: detailed map information, route planning quality and search database. Different from other qualities such as convenience to use and multiple functions, these three points are beyond users to make any improvement. Therefore, Route 66 might be an comparatively ideal navigation software.

About the Author:

Car GPS Navigation

Professioal Auto GPS Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Comparison: Route 66 GPS Maps and others

What makes a perfect GPS system?

Author: Michelle_chow

There is nothing like purchasing a new product only to find that it has tons of great additional options that you didn’t know existed. It can make you feel like a kid in a candy store with $100 in your pocket. But the feeling of finding out about great options before you purchase a product can be just as fun. And for many, learning of what to expect beforehand only makes them want it more. If you’ve wanted a navigation system that serves as the perfect upgrade to the paper map then you’ll be happy to know that there are a few great ones on the market. When you’re in need of vital information that will make a difference in buying or not buying, there’s no need to sit around jabbering about how great the product is. So let’s dive right in by looking at what features a perfect GPS system should have.

Large Touchscreen

Most navigation devices come with a standard 3.5-inch screen; however, a perfect GPS features the larger 4.3-inch color TFT touchscreen. This larger size helps you to see the maps more clearly – especially when you choose to view the 2D/3D split-screen option. Additionally, being a touchscreen, you don’t have to worry about having to use a pointer to keep track up just to navigate through the system. By simply tapping the screen with your finger, you can pull up any command you desire.

Preloaded Maps and Storage Space

A perfect GPS unit also comes equipped with maps of your desired place to ensure that wherever you are in the country, you can also feel secure in knowing that you’ll be able to find your way to your destination, and back home again. It comes with 2GB internal memory to ensure that there is plenty of space for tons of maps, which also comes in handy if you want to download more maps to your device. Having this internal card available allows you to download even more maps to your device if wanted, which is a great way to expand the usability of the device and get more bang for your buck.

Text-to-Speech Voice Navigation

Another great feature of a perfect GPS device is being able to take advantage of voice navigation with text-to-speech technology. As a part of this service, you receive turn-by-turn navigation from your starting location to your destination. But you don’t have to worry about looking down at the screen for the directions because the unit will call out the streets that you need to turn onto as you approach them. This is a great feature for those who travel out of town and may run across a street without a street sign in sight.

Voice Prompted Navigation

You never know how much you appreciate guidance at every turn until you have voice-prompted, turn-by-turn navigation at your disposal. This is one of the features that comes standard in a perfect gps system. It allows you to simply type in your starting location and destination then be guided through voice instruction with every street turn or highway exit. It’s definitely a perk that will keep you from getting lost – and one that once you have, you don’t want to live without.

Integrated Radar

If you are a person who gets a bit of a lead foot when driving then you’ll appreciate the integrated radar and trip computer, both of which help to keep your speeds under control. The trip computer is a great asset because it lets you monitor the speed you are traveling, what your average speed has been on your trip, and even how soon you will likely reach your destination. And if you go over the speed limit without realizing it, the integrated radar can snap you back into reality, as it alerts you of any nearby police speed check radars.

Millions of Points of Interest

Being able to stop at any ATM, restaurant, hotel, bank, gas station, convenience store, or even amusement park in the country without first searching for this information before leaving your home may seem impossible. But with a perfect GPS system, it is not only possible, but something users do everyday. This is because they utilize the POI database that comes standard with the device. It allows you to scroll through millions of public locations throughout the country that you might be interested in visiting while on the road. Once you choose a location you want to visit, you simply select it then allow the system to guide you from where you currently are to your destination, turn by turn.

Real-Time Updates

Whether you’re on the road occasionally, or it is required that you travel very regularly for your job, it is always nice to know that you will be informed of any impending traffic situations that can hinder your travel. That is why a perfect GPS device comes in handy to so many consumers. With its ability to connect to three satellites at one time, you have the ability to receive extremely accurate updates on what’s going on with traffic in the area you’re traveling as well as real-time updates on your specific coordinates anywhere in the country.

Plug and Play Capabilities

Some navigation systems require that before you can take advantage of the product you must first register on the company’s website or download specific software. But with a perfect GPS system, you can simply pull the unit out of the box then begin using it. There is no software to download first and now annoying registration to complete. This is especially beneficial for those who are always on the road and don’t have time to get onto a computer to fulfill any extra requirements after making the initial purchase.

No Monthly Fees

Many navigation systems that offer real-time traffic updates will often tack on a monthly subscription fee to use this service. But a perfect GPS system shies away from this requirement, allowing customers to experience the freedom of using such a top-notch service with only the cost of paying for the device. This is definitely a perk that will draw consumers in the direction of this unit.

A perfect GPS system entails a perfect journey for you! Since there are so many features you can take advantage of, why not enjoy them all? Of course, enjoying them would require going out and purchasing your own. So if you want to make sure that this is the device for you, first check with owners of the product to see how much they love these features. That way, you will be able to make a more informed decision before spending your money.

You could also check Things you need to know about GPS car navigation to find out more.

About the Author:

Car GPS Navigation

Professioal Auto GPS Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What makes a perfect GPS system?

The Basics of GPS: Function, Types, and Recommendation

Author: Heide Lynne Canlas

Are you bad at directions? Do you constantly get lost when traveling to other places? Then, GPS is the solution to your geographical problems!

The GPS or Global Positioning System is an electronic navigation device that makes use of a network of satellites found on the Earth’s orbit to locate specific positions and placements. Originally created for military applications, the GPS was first used by the U.S. Department of Defense. It is during the 1980’s when the US government allowed its public use.

Because it takes advantage of the satellite systems above the Earth, GPS units can be used anywhere in the world for 24 hours a day. It works in any weather condition and does not require any set-up fee or subscription charge. GPS units come in a wide variety of specifications and are manufactured by several companies. They are available in consumer electronics shop such as the Apple store and the likes.

How does a GPS work?

GPS units work by receiving information from GPS satellites that circle the earth in specific frequency. These satellites transmit information to the earth through the GPS unit or receiver, using triangulation to calculate and identify the exact location of the user. GPS receivers also compute and compare the time when the signals were transmitted and received, and such time difference also helps in locating the user’s exact position. GPS units feature a screen that serves as an electronic map where the user’s location is to be shown.

Major types of GPS

Below are the major types of GPS receivers:

1. Portable GPS. This type of GPS units is portable enough to be carried along while traveling by foot or car. However, it is not small enough to be kept inside the pocket. It typically measures 4 inches wide and weighs about 10 ounces.

2. Pocket GPS. This type of GPS unit is designed to fit inside the pocket of pants or shirt. It weight about 5 ounces, with a screen that measures 3.5 inches. It typically costs more than the portable units because of its small, slim, and lightweight feature.

3. In-Dash GPS. This type of GPS unit is built into the automobile’s dash board. It is not meant to be carried along, thus adding security to the unit and avoiding loss. More and more automobile companies offer built-in GPS units on the cars and vehicles they are selling.

4. Fitness and Cycling GPS. This type of GPS unit is especially created for people who walk, jog, run, or ride the bicycle. It is designed to fit snuggly on the wrist, just like a wrist watch. Aside from the navigation feature of the device, it can also track the athlete’s pace, distance, speed, and even calories burned.

5. Motorcycle GPS. This type of GPS unit is almost the same as that of used in cars, but is designed to fit on motorcycle consoles, waterproof, and vibration resistant. Most units come with Bluetooth hands-free technology feature.

6. Marine GPS. This type of GPS unit is specifically designed for marine use and comes with plotting functionality. It is equipped with special marine database and navigational aids such as sound signals, buoys, and day beacons among others.

Buying guide for GPS

Before buying your GPS unit from an consumer electronics shop or the Apple store, make sure you know which type best suits you and your needs. While the typical price of GPS units ranges from $100 to as much as $800 depending on the built-in features, there are other units that come with a good deal, like a few bucks off $100. Though other advanced features are tempting and useful, what’s important are the basic functionality and the ease of usability of the unit.

So before you get one yourself, make sure you have reviewed the different models and brands available and identified which unit will be of best help to you and your navigation needs.

About the Author:

Heide Lynne Canlas is a blogger, writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and online marketer, sidelining as a QA officer. So when she notices something wrong with what you say or do and asks you to correct it, forgive her. She's just so used to doing her job.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Basics of GPS: Function, Types, and Recommendation

How to choose a gps system?

Author: Michelle_chow

This time, we will give you advice about how to go about finding the gps system that will best suit your needs.

Step 1: know what’s available
Gps units come in three different types. They can be built into a car, be a part of a PDA or mobile phone, or come as a portable device (single function sat-nav device).

Step 2: How you will use it
The type of gps unit you will need depends on what sort of journeys you will be taking on the road. If you are an occasional driver who just needs to get from point A to B, a single function model by company such as garmin or magellan were good options. If you drive for a living, and your car is your office, consider buying your car with a gps in stall or installing a system into your existing car. If staying in touch with your office or emails or phone calls is important, or you spend a lot of time navigating on foot, using gps as a part of PDA or mobile phone would be the best solution.

Step 3: research the functions
As well as just a basic job of getting you from here to there, there are many more functions that a gps can perform. They can come pre-loaded with information about the roads of most countries, list places of interests, such as gas stations, or tourist attractions, receive live traffic information, and some even know speedcam locations.

Step 4: Hidden cost
The difference between entry level gps units and more expensive units like the garmin 660 are the number of features in the amount of detail provided standard. Features like live traffic information and detailed maps of foreign countries may have to be bought or subscribed to separately. You may also have to pay every few years for updated versions of your home country’s roadmap data.

Step 5: research the latest devices
Technology is constantly improving, and it’s worth checking out consuming magazines and to read about the latest gps units on the market. The first gps unit with mp3 players, such as the garmin 660, are now on sale. Knowing what is about to become available will help you decide what to buy and when.

Have a safe and air-free journey!

About the Author:

Car GPS Navigation

Professioal Auto GPS Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to choose a gps system?

A GPS comparison Test: Garmin/Becker/Harmon-Kardon/Dash

Author: Michelle_chow

I have a big problem. No, not my weight. I need to get some place. I need to get from here to there. Now one option for doing that is this free paper map, which is not gonna exactly work in a car while I am driving, because that’s just not safe. Not only that, but a paper map can’t tell you where you are in relation to where you are going. Now the modern equivalent is a portable navigation device, like this garmin. In fact, we have four, a garmin, a becker, a harmon-kardon and a new dash express. We are going to find which one is best suited to your needs.

Each of these navigation devices does at least one thing well. But each is very different in its approach. They all get you where you wanna go, but some are just easier to use. The last time we review portable navigation devices, garmin was our favorite. we have to say that garmin is one of the better navigation devices, but one of the things they change is the main screen. There are now fewer icons so it’s easier to find your way around. Garmin’s nuvi 78 also has a nice big screen with clear bright graphics. Another improvement is the traffic screen. It now has more detailed and all highways are labeled.

The becker traffic assist is almost the exact opposite. And that’s not a good thing. The mount is unattractive, the menus are difficult to understand. And the maps take too long to load. We found ourselves waiting and wating, and waiting for something anything to happen. But it’s not all bad news for becker. One of the good things about the becker is that it is light and it does get you from point A to point B. However, it’s kind of confusing.

Thankfully, the harmon-kardon gps 810 isn’t the least bit confusing, even though the system is packed full of features. Plus, it’s the one system that feels like it was factory-installed. Harmon-kardon’s guiding play, who was one of our favorite systems last time we had this test because it played a lot of different media files, it still does that. But they upgraded the system with a remote control that mounts on the center council of your car. That remote makes using the harmon system very straightforward. The menus are intuitive and easier to understand. Also the harmon union has a clean looking and a simple miling mechanism.

Finally, there is an all-new navigation system from a northern California company named Dash. The dash express is basically is a portable nav system like the others. But it offers features no other system has. One of the things that is great about dash express is that traffic information is updated more quickly than other systems. In fact, they gathered information from the other dash users. So it’s more accurate and it’s more timely. The dash express has an internet connection. And that connects through a silicon singal, so rather than have a points of interest database, the dash conncects through yahoo local and you can find restaurants, bakeries, or stores. That list is almost limitless. But as revolutionary as the dash is, there are a few drawbacks. The miling mechanism is rather clunky, and the dash does not have a Bluetooth connection for your cell phone.

After our four-day of driving around, we definitely have some opinions on each one of the navigation systems. Now it turns out that each one is good, but for a dramatic different reason. For example, the Garmin is best at straightforward navigating. Plus it also has stuff like currency converter, mp3 player, picture viewer, and other features, but it’s also the most expensive. Next is the becker. And the best we can say about that is that it does get you there. Unfortunately, some of the menus are not clear, and it does have a live time traffic subscription, that’s not bad. Next the harmon-kardon is good for people to play media files, videos, or mp3s and it also plays other music files too. Plus, the remote control gives a real original equivalent feel when it is installed in your car. Finally the dash express is customer built for commuters. It gives you great traffic information and it’s up to date every one to two minutes. Plus, it has an internet search feature.

Before making a final decision however, you should figure out what your needs are, because each one of these nav systems has its strength and weaknesses. And in the end, the most expensive system isn’t necessarily the best.

About the Author:

Car GPS Navigation

Professioal Auto GPS Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - A GPS comparison Test: Garmin/Becker/Harmon-Kardon/Dash