Pros and Cons of Auto Navigation Systems and GPS Devices
Auto navigation systems and GPS devices are everywhere you
turn in this day and age. You can find them in your car, boat, plane, even in
your purse (if you have a PDA or cell phone with GPS capabilities combined with
the right software and/or subscriptions). If that isn't enough for you, you
also have the option and capability of turning your laptop computer into a GPS
device if that is your desire. The thing that most people forget to check out
or ask about when looking at all the nifty features of unit A over unit B is
how easy is the unit you are considering to use?
Handheld GPS and auto navigation systems offer sensible
solutions to common travel related problems. They will not have all the answers
all the time but are a great help most of the time. There are many styles and
types of GPS and auto navigation systems that are available in today's market.
Some people may not fully understand all of the neat tricks you can do with
your GPS system. Here are a few things you may not have realized you can do
with your GPS device.
1) You can always find the spot where you parked your car by
marking it. Talk about a treasure hunt where "X" marks the spot!
2) You can track your route while hiking, biking, or
horseback riding so that you can retrace your steps in order to find your way
back where you started.
3) Some GPS devices can even allow you to 'go it alone' by
offering the option of a digital compass rather than telling you step by step
where to go (if this interests you, check the package details to see if this is
available on the unit you are considering).
Keep in mind however that GPS and auto navigation systems
aren't fail safe. There are a few problems that the brochures, boxes, and
salesmen might neglect to mention.
1) You still need to carry around an Atlas or road maps for
backups as there are occasions when the data for GPS units may not be current
or accurate. Remember that roads are built, close, and in need of repair and
maintenance all the time. It's nearly impossible to have one that is always
correct up the minute.
2) These devices do not typically work well inside buildings
or under dense forest cover.
3) Batteries, batteries, batteries. These are worse than
digital cameras when it comes to burning through batteries. This is one reason
that people tend to leave them charging at all times if you're leaving your car
with your unit be sure you have extra batteries for backup as it is quite
likely that you will need them at the worst possible moment.
4) GPS units do not recognize the existence of mountains,
rivers, and other obstructions in your path so the directions and coordinates
they give can occasionally be misleading.
There are many pros and cons when it comes to not only auto
navigation devices but also for handheld GPS devices as well. Be sure that you
try out the model you are considering before you buy it if at all possible.
This will make your decision much easier and allow you to see whether or not
you will be able to easily use and understand the auto navigation system you
choose.
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