Best Car GPS Navigation Systems

What Features to Compare

When choosing a car GPS navigation, such features as the Type and the Screen require the most significant consideration as they give you an idea of how the device can be used. According to the type, GPS navigators are divided into portable and installable devices. Portable GPS navigators are traditional GPS units, which can be easily removed to carry around, or mount to another vehicle if needed. These GPS units are generally mounted inside the passenger compartment by means of a special suction cup attached to the dashboard, or the windshield. What is more, portable GPS navigators are powered from a cigarette lighter adapter via a micro USB cable. Although, a GPS navigation device features a built-in battery, which provides autonomous operation for some time. Regarding the installable GPS navigation devices, they are produced as traditional car radio tape recorders with GPS navigation and fitted with a center console with a radio slot. On the contrary, they are powered from the in-vehicle electric circuit. Accordingly, it's hardly possible to install a car GPS navigation system properly without the help of a specialist. Besides, these GPS navigation devices cannot be mounted to another vehicle. Also, GPS navigators can be classified into subtypes according to their screen resolution. For instance, GPS navigation devices with large screens (5" and more) are designed to be used in cars while GPS navigators with smaller screens (4" or less) can also be used for hiking and the devices with average screen sizes (from 4" to 5") are designed for both. It should also be mentioned that large-screen GPS navigators provide more readable information and higher image detail.

Another important feature that should be considered is surely Maps and Navigation Software, including navigation apps, operating system, and map software packages. Typically, GPS navigation units are supplied with map software packages for proper operation. Therefore, even if you know exactly your current coordinates, it will hardly help navigate a route until it's loaded. For this very reason, before making a purchase, you should be aware of the features of standard maps and make sure they include all towns and districts you need.

The final criterion you should bear in mind is the Functionality. Modern advanced GPS navigation systems come with a large number of extras. If you have an idea about additional features your device offers, it gives multiple opportunities for its use. Apart from navigation, the device can be used as the music/video/photo player. Usually, medium and high-class GPS navigators support all popular media formats (JPEG, MP3, AVI). This can be useful when you stuck in a massive traffic jam. You can listen to your favorite music or watch an interesting movie, whiling away some time with pleasure. In fact, you can even upload movies on its microSD card. The majority of cutting-edge GPS navigation units are fitted with a standard USB port so that you are able to connect a USB flash drive to your device. Moreover, GPS navigators feature a built-in FM transmitter, which broadcasts audio to your car radio. Besides, some GPS devices are provided with backup cameras that display an image directly on the navigation screen. The importance of a backup camera cannot be overestimated since this handy feature makes parking on narrow streets much easier and more convenient. Even though your car navigator comes without a backup camera, you can buy it separately and easily install on your vehicle. However, make sure that your navigation system is equipped with a standard video input. By the way, the device supports video cameras or portable DVD-players. Furthermore, some GPS navigators come with a Hands-free Calling function, which can be easily paired with your phone via Bluetooth wireless technology. This function will be useful especially for those car owners who dislike using standard behind-the-ear (BTE) devices.