The Fastest Way From Here to There — GPS Navigation Systems

Isn't satellite technology wonderful? Originally developed for the Department of Defense, it has given us civilians' 500-channel television, phone service anywhere on earth and, finally, in-car navigation systems. These handy GPS "nav" systems have become standard fare in many luxury vehicles and are readily available as options on many mainstream cars. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a constellation of nearly 30 satellites orbiting Earth, which can provide your precise location anywhere, anytime and under any atmospheric condition.

Navigation systems are for more than just finding your way in unfamiliar environs. They can be a significant time saver by helping you avoid congested traffic. They can help you find a gas station whenever you run low, a restaurant when you're hungry or another "Point of Interest" (POI) that you might otherwise miss while driving.

Typically, nav systems are installed at the factory, at a price tag of $1,500-$2,500 (or higher if the nav system is part of a larger option package). While you wouldn't choose a car for its nav system alone, there are differences to the nav systems between makes, and sometimes even different models, so you really should test-drive a car that has one if you're thinking of purchasing the nav system as an option. There are also in-dash "aftermarket" navigation systems that cost less, but it is almost always more complicated to install aftermarket products, so take that into consideration. Portable navigation systems have become increasingly popular because they can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and are priced less than in-dash systems. Mobile phone-based navigation is also now available.

We'll cover all of these types, but here are some questions to consider when purchasing any GPS navigation system:

1. Screen appearance. How big is the screen? Is it in color? Is there glare? How is the resolution? Can it be read in direct sunlight? Is it clearly readable from both the driver and passenger seats?

Aftermarket SystemsLet's say you don't have two grand to drop on a factory-installed nav system. There are excellent alternatives in the aftermarket arena (anything installed after the vehicle leaves the factory). Aftermarket systems usually offer the latest features since carmakers have to contend with long product lead times, and they can cost less. First, though, you must choose between an in-dash, portable and a mobile phone or PDA-based system. Note that stand-alone in-dash systems usually have bigger screens, and phone-based systems the smallest.

In-dash systems also typically offer the latest features, but are the most expensive. Plus, they almost always have to be professionally installed and can't be moved from vehicle to vehicle, which is what has made portables so popular.

Portable systems sit on the dashboard instead of being installed in it, though some can be mounted from the windshield. And they can be used in a variety of vehicles.

Mobile phone and PDA-based systems can be a relatively low-cost option for navigation, although with mobile-phone systems you have to pay a monthly subscription fee. For example, Verizon's VZ Navigator costs $9.99 a month or $2.99 for a 24-hour period; you don't have to pay for equipment and can use your existing phone if it has a GPS receiver.PDA systems attach to your device itself, unless they are Bluetooth-based. If you already have a PDA that you are comfortable using (or you plan on getting one), this might be a great option for you.

PDA navigation units include an outboard GPS receiver and antenna, while the map information appears on the PDA's screen. The GPS software needs to be installed on your PDA, and maps must be loaded from an included CD-ROM. You must use a stylus, of course, to enter your destinations and commands. (We strongly suggest you park your car before doing so.)

There are GPS units for almost every kind of PDA Bluetooth PDA nav systems communicate with the device wirelessly, so you can put your PDA anywhere — you can choose to mount it, or not. How can Bluetooth help you with GPS? First, any time you need to update or change software or maps on your GPS unit, it can be done wirelessly. Second, you may be able to search and input addresses from your PC's personal address book.

If you're considering a portable, mobile phone or PDA- based nav system, some of the questions above still apply, but here are a few more:

1. Where will it attach to your car? This is a safety issue. Portables must be positioned out of the path of airbags and typically sit on the dash or attach to the windshield. This means your view of the road might be blocked. Moreover, in an accident, these units can get knocked around the cabin, potentially acting as dangerous "missiles."

What's New in Navigation The latest navigation systems offer a two-way connection so that you can send information to the outside world instead of it just being beamed into your car. TeleNav recently introduced its Shotgun portable that uses a cellular connection to provide more accurate real-time traffic reports and also let users send directions to the system from a home computer. Best Buy's Insignia brand portable nav systems also use a cellular connection to perform a Google Local Search for services in an area as well as send directions from Google Maps to the devices when via a PC.

BMW also recently added Google Local Search to the navigation systems in all of its 2009 vehicles except for the X3, and if a Bluetooth phone is connected to the nav system the number of a business found in a search can be called with just a push of a button. The BMW Search feature can be added as part of the company's BMW Assist Convenience Plan for $199 a year.

Going forward, expect to see more of these so-called "location-based services" incorporated into navigation system, as well as social networking applications that will let you find out where your friend and family are if they're also using a connected nav system.

Hmm... sounds a lot like something you'd find in space, doesn't it?