How to Select GPS Devices for Automotive Navigation?

Sitting in your car behind the steering wheel, how often do you find yourself fearing how you will get to your destination? Well fear no more because automotive GPS systems are now freely available. Today most high end auto-motives come ready with an automotive GPS device that shows us the shortest way to get from destination A to B. However if you choose to purchase an automotive GPS gadget for yourself there are some questions you must answer and some features you must keep in mind.

Automotive GPS systems are those that are powered by the car's electric system. They are used in an automobile and have voice features which mean that the device announces aloud for you to "turn left", "reverse", etc.

Automotive GPS devices that come ready with the car are often more expensive. It is more advisable to buy a hand held GPS meant for automotive navigation after you have purchased your car.

Here are the points to consider when selecting a GPS gadget;

What's my use? This is the first and foremost question to ask yourself. If you want a device only for the car you may go for a dedicated automotive navigator. However if you choose to use the same navigator for biking, walking around and trekking, opt for a hand held GPS device.

Select a GPS device based on cost. GPS devices that come with a car are the most expensive. The hand held GPS devices are moderately priced but they need to be installed by professionals and hence add to your cost. Portable devices are most economical.

Look for a GPS device which offers convergence. Get one with radio, hands free phone, MP3, video viewing capabilities.

Try and look for a GPS with large enough LCD screens where the map will be displayed. The LCD screen will increase visibility. Large enough screens also ensure that the directions appear before you in greater detail.

For an automotive GPS system the biggest criterion is that it must be voice compatible. The device must announce the directions to you loudly. Else you will have to look away from the road and check for directions at each turn.

A GPS system which informs about car safety, battery health, upcoming repair work needs are some features to keep in mind when looking for an automotive GPS device.

Make sure your GPS system allows for updates that you can download from the internet. It is needless to say that it must thus have adequate memory space. It should also allow you to store frequently visited locations so that you do not need to prompt for directions again and again.

There are certain GPS systems that will offer you multiple directions to get to a destination. Opt for these. At the same time look for a GPS system which will provide directions for your return from the destination too.

So get going and buy yourself the perfect automotive GPS system. You will never have to take directions again!