A Couple of Tips on How to Choose an In-Car Navigation System

Last week I was looking at the new line of in-dash navigation systems. When I searched online I was amazed to find how many different make and models of these systems there are on the market today.

Deciding which one is the right one for you is a bit of a nightmare. There seems to be so many features and functions on these things that it can be quite confusing to determine which one will suit you best. I suppose the only way is to figure out what you want out of these units and write these points down.

Do you need the GPS navigation or the entertainment part of the system, maybe its both. The GPS systems can have TomTom or Garmin navigation incorporated. They have slightly different features, but they both still do the basic navigating.

The ECO feature of the Garmin swayed it for me, after I done a bit of research on both. Reducing your carbon footprint is a good idea, as well as saving you a bit of money on gas costs. Not to say that the TomTom is no good, on the contrary, it has some great features of it's own.

It just depends on what is most beneficial to you. I am not the bothered about music and movies, so the entertainment part of the system I left the choice to the kids, they could choose what features they wanted. Besides how can I watch when I'm driving?

Every year we take a road trip, so being able to play CD's and DVD's is a must for the long journeys. Playing movies and listening to music from their ipods was one of the features that my kids liked. I'm not very good with those types of items, so leave it to the kids.

The one redeeming feature of the entertainment system, is that it has dual zone audio, what a relief. I don't have to listen to kids movies again. The kids can listen to their own music in the back!

The Pioneer avic-x920bt was the system we decided on, me for the navigation system and the kids for the entertainment. Being able to make hands free phone calls is a must for me, as I'm constantly in touch with the office.

A great safety feature, making and receiving phone calls while keeping your hands on the steering wheel, at any time, but especially with the kids in the car. The kids are happy with this new in-dash receiver and I must say I like it too.

I hope you found this informative, if you need more information on in-dash navigation systems, please read a review of the Pioneer avic-x920bt if you are interested.

View the original article here

How to Install a Car GPS - DIY Vs Professional Navigation System Installation

Always getting lost? Frequently need directions for business or family trips? Want to add the convenience of a navigation system to your car or truck? GPS navigation systems are one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades on the market today, and installing one of these systems in your vehicle is a great way to take your driving experience up a notch. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional to install your new nav system, as these installations can be surprisingly complex. Of course, putting a portable car GPS in your vehicle can be as simple as sticking a suction cup to the windshield. But if you're considering installing an integrated, in-dash navigation system, you might want to think twice before you tackle the job yourself.

Aesthetics

When it comes to installing a car navigation GPS, you have to consider how it will look, as well as how it will perform. In most cases, putting in a navigation system involves creating an opening in the dash for the screen, and if not done properly, your new navigation equipment will hardly look its best. From crooked screens to jagged edges to scratched, scraped, and damaged dashes, you'd be amazed at the number of things that can go wrong when you try to put in an in-dash navigation screen all on your own. On the other hand, the installers at your area mobile electronics shop have performed hundreds of similar installations in the past. These professionals can expertly cut the hole for the screen, locating it in the optimal position for easy use, and finish the installation in a smooth, seamless way. When installed by experienced pros, aftermarket car navigation systems can look like they've been there since the day the vehicle rolled off the assembly line!

Performance

Of course, looks aren't everything. The whole point of installing a car GPS system is for its navigational assistance and convenience, so you'll also want to make certain it is installed properly for optimal performance. Lose wires, damaged equipment, and other common amateur mistakes can mean that the gyro, compass, speed sensor, or other parts of the system don't function correctly, disabling your GPS (sometimes permanently). At your local car electronics shop, their technicians are trained professionals with a full understanding of the best way to hook up your new navigation system. From securely soldered wires to fully functional components, they can ensure you're able to enjoy every single feature of your new car navigation GPS to its fullest.

Cost

Putting in your own in-dash navigation system obviously carries a lower price tag than using the professional installers at your local car audio shop. That's because you're paying just for the equipment, not for the installation labor as well. So if low cost is your primary criterion, you may want to look into do-it-yourself installation. For the best results, though, make sure you're being honest about your car electronics installation skills: If you have some technical knowledge, the correct tools, and the ability to closely follow installation diagrams, you should be able to hook up your new GPS car navigation components properly. On the other hand, if you don't have the expertise or tools, the results may not meet your expectations in terms of aesthetics or performance, so do a quick assessment of whether or not you really are equipped to handle your own navigation system installation before you start to avoid disaster down the line.

Maria Allen drives a customized Ford Mustang and is an Internet marketing specialist with Prospect Genius, providing effective search engine optimization for local businesses.

View the original article here