Engaging Your Mobile Experience...

You can seriously contemplate installing a GPS-based navigation system in your car if you are one of those people who are constantly on the move and your travels keep taking you to new and unfamiliar terrain. You can choose from a wide variety of navigation systems that are available in the market today. Most of them will be able to provide you with audio and video directions whenever you venture out to explore the world. This satellite based guidance system will be available to pinpoint your exact location anywhere on this planet. They can not only provide you information about the important places / landmarks in cities but will also assist you in finding your way if you ever undertake those wild safaris.

GPS systems are now available in large varieties to choose from. They can primarily be classified in three major categories – built-in, portable and hand held devices. The built in systems have larger screens and are generally placed permanently. They require openings to be made in your vehicle to place them. These can be combined with DVD players, video games etc. when the navigation system is not in use. The other two systems provide the advantage of portability in that they can be shifted from one vehicle to another. However, these systems have comparatively smaller screen size thereby causing hindrance in their utilization. The handheld devices are the most suitable for outdoor activities such as trekking but they have their utility restricted in long drives unless a co-passenger is available to operate them. Portable units can be attached to dashboards using Velcro or other means. They can be effectively utilized taking advantage of better displays and user friendly graphics user interfaces.

Size of display is an important factor when installing a GPS in your vehicle. The choice would depend on requirement and budget. For example, a 5.5 inch LCD display may be difficult to read if you generally drive alone. Therefore, an 8.4 inch display might be most suitable if the 2 to 2.5 times increased costs do not matter for you. Correct choice of software can also improve usability as some software allows changing sizes of fonts thereby increasing readability.

Another important factor is the type of interface you intend using your GPS system with. GPS systems are available with both the serial and USB interfaces. You can therefore decide on the type of interfaces available with you. Incase your serial interfaces have all been utilized you still have certain options available. You can either use USB to serial converter or find ISA cards with serial ports on it. The latter is comparatively a cheaper alternative.

Power management is an important issue especially for the portable and handheld devices. Portables provide 12 volt outlets. Power can also be drawn from the installed cigarette lighters. For the handheld devices, carrying spare batteries or rechargeable batteries of correct ratings can be a good idea.

While installing portables in your vehicle the intended location should provide good view for the GPS, should avoid glare of the sun while not disturbing the interiors of the vehicle by a great deal. The built in systems are usually placed in the stereo slots as they have built in radio tuners and players. Another thing to keep in mind is to keep it out of the deployment zone of the airbag. Therefore, they are recommended to be installed by professionals.