GPS Unit Help

Posted by GPSUNIT on October 24, 2009

With advances in technology, GPS car navigation also called “portable GPS” is becoming more and more accepted as a way to find your way. No more trying to look at a map while you drive or having to pull over. With ease of use features like automatic routing, voice-guided navigation, and route re-calculating it can’t get much easier. Over the past few years, less expensive units have come on the market. Although the average price of GPS car navigation has changed little, the bang for the buck has increased with much better features.

How Does A GPS Work?

The average size GPS portable automotive GPS unit is about 3.75″ high, 5.5″ wide, and 1″ to 2″ in depth. The manufacturers make compromise between small size for portability and enough size so as to have an easy-to-see screen.

The Different Ways GPS Units Are Mounted

Quite a few use a suction cup mount attached to the windshield or dash. Some are screwed to the dash or console with a bracket. Some use a heavy beanbag base that is held to your dash with friction. All work fairly well and your choice of mounting would be influenced by portability, the way it looks, and finding a position for good satellite reception. Starting in February, 2009, Minnesota and California do not allow suction mounts do be place on the windshield.

The best reason to have automobile GPS unit is to give driving directions. Almost all GPS car navigation units use a voice that gives you directions. Not always perfect, the routes are usually quite accurate.

The majority do a fairly good job of showing the best route. On the best units you can program it to do such things as take the fastest route or the shortest route.

Handheld GPS Units Put Through The Ringer

…..to be continued