When we travel, we tend to think of the destination, rather than the roads we take to get there. After all, who wouldn't rather dream of the vacation as opposed to the hours spent in a cramped car with the kids asking every few minutes, "Are we there yet?"
But, the truth is, we have to know where we are to get to where we're going. That is why having a Global Positioning System (more commonly called GPS) is so essential. This cyber map will always be aware of your movements and location, allowing you the security of never having to second-guess directions.
Does this scenario sound familiar? You have traveled down a dirt road, filled with more ruts than dirt, only to enter a town whose biggest attraction is a gas station with inside restrooms. You didn't want to be here, but your innate sense of direction (or lack thereof) coupled with a map that can only be described as adequate, brought you. Now, you have to either turn around or rely on the directions of a man who was more interested in reading the paper than listening to you. It is a tiresome situation, to put it lightly, and one you should not have to experience.
So what difference would a GPS system make? First of all, you would always know exactly where you are. This satellite locator is the only complete one on the word, meaning: the directions it gives you will be based only on the best and most accurate information. Secondly, a GPS system can be personalized. Unlike a map that just gives roads and the occasional extra information, a GPS can be trained to show you local attractions, hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. It can also become your personal address book, storing the roads and routes important to your daily life. With that, you will always be aware of which turn to make and when to do it. No more missing your exit by being distracted; a GPS system will actually tell you to turn.
Because of these amenities, the GPS has quickly risen to the level of 'needed' item. Not only does it assure that you will always know where you are, but it also brings a level of safety to drivers. No more stumbling about the street, hoping to find the turn you need. A GPS system will always let you know when the time is right to turn.
Of course, it must be noted that there are different types of systems and, the cheaper you buy, the less it will be able to do. Though it is usually thought to pay less and hope for the best, in this case, it is wiser to invest in a more equipped system, or at least one more tailored to your lifestyle. That way, you can guarantee yourself a higher level of security when it comes to traveling. Whether going about town or heading across country, you should always know where you are.
GPS - Never Get Lost Again With Satellite Navigation
Learn GPS Navigators – How to Find the Right One!
GPS navigation systems are becoming a really nice tool to have when traveling. Without one, you drive into new areas and have no idea where to find anything. Too much traffic and it can get very stressful! I remember getting lost in Tijuana a few years ago after driving down the coast of Baja. Not a pretty experience especially since I don’t speak Spanish. Because of that vacation, I came home very tired and a nervous wreck! Not just because of getting lost, but trying to drive there through the Southern California traffic! I’m just not used to it, being from a less populated area.
Today, travel is easy with the new GPS navigators. There are quite a few different models to choose from. Voice recognition help keep your hands on the wheel even more while you get verbal easy-to-understand driving directions. With options of different languages or accents, GPS navigators will tell you specific street names with speed limits that are shown on the screen when driving major roadways. Ask it "Where am I?" and it will provide the nearest intersection so you stay on track. Some GPS systems are equipped with Bluetooth® for hands-free calling…very helpful when you are busy eating pretzels and car snacks!
Video games can be played with some GPS models and then your passengers will have something to do on long trips to help ease the boredom. Or use the MP3 player feature and watch and listen with a photo viewer.
Your navigator will inform you about the gas prices at certain destinations, so you can have more money for the fun stuff! When traveling across the borders, the currency converter will keep you informed of today’s rates.
There’s no need to get caught in a blizzard in the winter time either! Your GPS will keep you on top of the weather.
There is one option I couldn’t find on GPS systems at first, which was radar detection or a fuzz buster feature. Then I discovered that you can import custom points of interest on some GPS models that other people have compiled. They include police camera locations and speed traps. Just simply load that information into your GPS and you’ll be alerted before you head into a trap. Of course I really don’t need that feature, because I drive the speed limit, well most of the time. Okay, I may need it because of not knowing a particular area and the speed limits!
In the world of these advanced GPS navigators, the roads should be a lot more safe and calm. Because having a GPS system would enable everyone to easily navigate to their destinations, and create much less stress.
Road rage will become a thing of the past! Yes, and there are unclaimed fortunes in Nigerian banks too.
Garmin Versus TomTom
Caught between the thin red line of selecting the best GPS in town, depends on where you are stuck, in the Alps or in the Ural mountains, some might find the phrase hilarious but solemnly choosing a GPS with so much to choose from banks solely on the geographical location. In other words it is the battle of two versatile worlds of brands when it comes to buying a GPS. In America folks would tell you to opt for Gramin basically due to its pioneering credentials but on the other hand in Europe, the gentlemen would say, "I am afraid we would like to acknowledge TomTom as our GPS".
Both the brands are market leaders in their own vicinity and geographical demographics, and there is without a shadow of doubt that Gramin is the market leader in North America while TomTom operates at the highest levels in the markets of Europe.
Gramin is said to be the pioneer in the industry of GPS navigation and a market leader in United States Of America, particularly because it holds the detailed map of the entire country. Gramin has traveled time and space since its first invention and the contemporary ones are equipped exemplifying and swift touch screen visual operating system aligned with small speakers, the latest models such as nuvi 880 at a price band of $900 which is compact and sleek enough to slide smoothly into your pocket and adorn the palm of you're hand. Its fast satellite acquisition time, even in cloudy and crowded areas align it with the latest technologies innovated for GPS industry. The FM traffic receiver acquaints you with the real time traffic alerts and uploads to take you to your destination from a more convenient route than which was destined. Gramin comes exclusively with its personal database, aiding your journey with information about food, lodging and transit establishments. Language Guide, SD card and Travel Kit are some of the other unique features which make it the most adorable and admired GPS among the American consumers. Nuvi 200 and nuvi 350 which comes at a comparatively cheaper price band of $150 and $200 respectively are two models which are often recommended for the novices at the entry level in the GPS industry.
Tom Tom is a darling of European markets and are known for their cheaper and affordable price bands procuring state of the art technology for peanuts, in the European markets, but that does not signify that a technology which comes cheap has a catch; in fact owing to its market value Tom Tom has gradually amalgamated into the developing and promising markets such as India, China and other South East Asian countries. Among other advantages Tom Tom is known for its reliable and perpetually updated maps. This is something where its competitors have lagged, who has focused their entire strengths on technology rather than the basic purpose of GPS itself. Tom Tom made headlines back in nineties with its in genuine, "Navigator 1", and since then there was no time for the company to look back. Navigator 2 was the next milestone the company set out, before coming up with an entirely latest flabbergasting model of "Tom Tom Go" in 2004 which is armored with features like Bluetooth, touch screen functionalities with huge database of the terrain. Tom Tom not only is a blessing in disguise for the motorists or car travelers as it procures an advanced warning of those hidden cameras with tickets. Another unique asset added to it is the feature of map share which guides you verbally on every direction, so that the drivers can concentrate more on the road rather than the GPS itself. Voice recognition and language selection from over 30 countries provide it with a versatile cloak of superiority over its competitor in terms of safety and usage. The unique feature of "help me" grafted with the Tom Tom GPS guarantees of taking you out of a pickle, on a road trip or journey to a distant land. The database is updated on regular bases for the destinations and land marks of the gas stations, hospitals and other exit points which can be of paramount help, when in a destitute situation.
Some of the critics believe that Gramin has the upper hand and it can out flank the rival Tom Tom by the back of its hand, but as per my opinion, indeed Gramin has the upper hand in technology, but Tom Tom is one company which has made GPS for the common man and visualizing its requisites at a much affordable price structure and offers the best for the true potential and value for your money.
GPS Navigation :: A Necessity For All Drivers
For any driver travelling some distance, GPS navigation systems are essential and can save both time and money. Many people will think “I don’t need one of them, I never get lost”, nevertheless at the price that you or I could pick one of these up for these days, it’s common sense to purchase one for even the occasional drive to a new location.
The GPS systems that are available today offer a lot more than just the map info that many people assume. Since GPS systems have arrived, the technological advancements have added such benefits as locating hotels and restaurants, and notifying the driver of speed cameras nearby. Furthermore, they constantly update with a detailed map of the area, with details of nearby facilities like hospitals; which is a feature that can be highly advantageous in an emergency situation.
The majority of vehicle manufacturers are capable of providing the car buyer with a built-in GPS system. These systems are able to advise the necessary authority of the vehicle location in scenarios where the vehicles’ airbag is deployed, and also when the car has been reported by the owner as stolen.
The detail that many GPS systems can provide in terms of road maps and directions is incredible. Even when abroad, the relevant software is available for you to be able to use your GPS there. The software is regularly available via the internet for the GPS user to download instantly, and to benefit from in almost, if not all countries.
So let’s take a look at some of the most useful and “must-have” options with a GPS device:
- A good viewing screen is vital as it obviously displays all of the data that you will need to see. Make sure it will be clearly visible and easy to understand whilst driving, and all information is displayed in a simple easy-to-follow manner.
- Consider selecting a GPS product that is easy to use, so that you do not need to fiddle around with the setup whilst in the car, but instead can set up what you need in a few seconds.
- Purchase a device that has good mapping software, which will display detailed streets and information on facilities. Ensure that it can also be updated online so all information can remain current.
- A voice enabled system is highly important, as it allows the driver to find their destination without taking their eyes off the road to constantly check their position on the GPS.
For those that do not have a GPS device, you may still decline the need for such a product; however for those that own one, i’m certain that they will never again be without one. They are practical to keep in your vehicle and provide good-quality information when required. They can save you time when travelling to a location and vehicle costs such as petrol whilst doing so. Take a look around at the GPS devices available to find out more detailed information, and to browse the deals that can be found. With the range of equipment available, finding one to meet your requirements should be relatively effortless.