Pick A Garmin Please - Many Options

I need a GPS

It's true auto navigation systems installed by automakers look completely natural and integrated into the features of the vehicles we purchase. For that reason alone, many people opt to pay several times over what the system would have cost to have installed by someone other than the maker of the automobile. It's amazing how much of an impact aesthetics makes when it comes to purchasing your next dream car, or even your first dream car. The thing is, even if the GPS system doesn't seem to flow with the look of your car, there are very valid reasons for getting one in the first place and the safety and security they provide travelers is very well worth the sacrifice of a few aesthetic features.

Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition


It isn't exactly necessary, however, to completely sacrifice aesthetics in order to have the safety and security that auto navigation systems provide. As a matter of fact, some of the most popular brands of these systems are actually installed into the car by use of suction cups rather than cutting into the dashboard or removing the ever so important stereo from your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping price conscious consumers in mind, manufacturers are offering many options well under the $500 price while also affording consumers the luxury (or lower price, however you decide to call it) of installing these devices themselves.

Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator

It's important to remember that not all GPS (global positioning satellite) devices are meant to assist in auto navigation and make your purchase according to your specific needs. When shopping for one of these devices it would be comparing apples to oranges to compare a tool that's widely used for activities such as geo caching, hiking, biking, or boating. Each of these will bring in different price tags while offering greatly varied features. You need a GPS device that's meant for mapping directions if you plan to use your device or system for driving.

I try to keep pointing out the fact that not all GPS or auto navigation systems are created equal because this is very important to remember. You run the risk of purchasing the wrong system without proper planning and having a bad overall experience. Even among systems designed specifically for automobiles which offer mapping and navigation assistance there are different types that will appeal to different needs and uses. There are three types of auto navigation systems. Those three types of systems include: Navigation systems that are designed to stand alone, handheld systems that suit multiple purposes, and systems that are designed to work with laptops, PCs, pocket PCs, and PDA systems.

Each of the types of auto nav systems and GPS devices offers different benefits and drawbacks. It's ultimately up to you to decide which will suit your needs best. The stand-alone systems are often the most popular choice and are excellent for those who need driving directions and nothing more. They offer a steady power supply, turn-by-turn direction (in many cases), the security of being there at all times (no worrying about whether or not you remembered to actually bring it along), and verbal directions along with landmarks which should let you know you're on the right path. There's a reason these are the most popular.

Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition

For people who want to take their navigational tools off road on occasion, other GPS devices might be much better suited to your needs. Handheld devices often require additional software in order to work well with door-to-door types of directions or regular driving directions, however, they offer portability for those who wish to go biking, hiking, or kayaking and need the confidence that directions and navigational tools can provide.

For people who have laptops or PDAs, the software that's available for these provide an excellent service when it comes to navigation both on and off roads and the beaten path. The cost is offset greatly if you already own your laptop or PDA and well worth a little extra investment, particularly if you'll use this particular tool on a regular basis.

As I've said before, there is no perfect navigational solution for everyone, but there are quite a few that are nearly perfect for all who will dare to use them.

Did You Know This About GPS (Auto Navigation Systems)?

Consider the Garmin NUVI 205W GPS

The technology and hardware for auto navigation systems have improved significantly since their initial development. It's hard for many people to see the product which exists now and realize exactly how far these devices have come since their origins in the U.S. Armed Forces. The thing to keep in mind is that they still have a long way to go. These GPS devices are far from infallible and still have some serious faults that prohibit us from canning the compass and maps all together.

Another thing to keep in mind is there are almost always problems of some sort with electronic equipment. This is especially true when it comes to equipment that's run by software. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, check out a computer with a Windows operating system. We often find ourselves at the mercy of the limitations of the software we are using.

The same holds true when it comes to software driven auto nav systems and GPS devices. This fact alone makes them a little unreliable. For those times when reliability isn't at its best, remember that for the most part the system works well. It's just difficult when the times you need it to work well are the times when it's malfunctioning. The good news is the units themselves are often quite resilient and even able to withstand the manhandling a typical rough and tumble two year old can dish out.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

It's also important to realize GPS technology isn't meant to replace the use of maps or common sense when driving. You can only store so much information on a GPS device and roads are constantly being built, changing, improved, and moved. For that reason alone it's nearly impossible to guarantee any device will have 100% accurate information all the time. You should, however, choose a GPS device or auto navigation systems which allows for frequent and simple upgrades to the maps provided. Updating regularly and immediately prior to any large trip will go a long way towards saving some serious hair pulling while you travel.

Something else to keep in mind with your auto nav device is that it isn't very reliable when you don't have a clear view of the sky. For that reason there may be times when you aren't able to get a clear signal. Tunnels are a great example of one of those times. It's not just about one signal; the device must be able to lock onto three satellites at the very least in order to be 'seen'. A fourth satellite is usually required for verification of the data. This means that in some situations where you have a clear view of the sky, you may not be in a position where all four satellites have a clear view of you and more importantly your GPS device.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

GPS and auto navigation systems are still far better than trying to read dusty old maps for most of us. Despite that, it's always a good idea to go into a buying situation with all the facts in hand rather than thinking you've discovered the next best thing to sliced bread only to find out that the crust is a little hard and crumbly at times. This technology is wonderful and offers many benefits to those who are willing and able to make use of it.

The Future With GPS Auto Navigation Systems

We've Come a Long Way Baby!

Back in the dark ages, it was nearly impossible to navigate the shark-infested waters of Main Street or big city USA without the assistance of a road map or some other major navigational aid. Back then if you found yourself lost you either had to stop and ask for directions at a convenience store along the way or drive along until you found a payphone you could use in order to call for better directions. This process became a little easier once cell phones became prominent and affordable to the masses. Today, it's become even better if you can believe it.



Gone are the days when you drove around in circles hoping to find a place to stop and get directions to take you back to the beaten path before your gas tank uses the last of its fumes. Now, you can simply use GPS tracking to find out where you are and then get directions to the nearest destination of choice or simply find your way back towards your destination. You can actually go on vacation now without taking a massive road atlas or half a dozen maps of a half dozen states along for the ride. Gone are the days of needing a tour guide in order to fold your maps back into their former positions.


Vacations are now much more relaxed as a result of the lack of stress involved in merely getting there. Not only is getting there easier with the use of auto navigation systems, but getting around once you reach your vacation destination is much easier to handle. This makes the entire vacation experience much more enjoyable to all involved and helps build memories that aren't marred by serious adult conversations about the lack of road signs and a few expletives about the fact that armadillos seem to be the only ones around to ask for directions.



Beyond the vacation factor, business meetings were always a step away from potential disaster before the advent of auto nav systems that exist to help you find your way in the jungle that has become corporate America. The good and the bad of corporate America is that it isn't only on one coast or another but scattered throughout the country. This means there are times when you'll find it absolutely necessary to take drives in places you may have never considered visiting at any other time in your life.

Cornfields, I assure you, begin to blend together and all of them look alike after a while. Only the most keen observers can tell at any given time one cornfield from another. This is one of those times when it is almost necessary to have an excellent tool to assist you in navigating throughout the countryside en route to your business destination, particularly if it's in the Midwest.

Many times being late is not an option and being lost in the middle of nowhere is even less of an option. An excellent auto navigation system will help you avoid this possibility all together while also helping you in other instances where weather, road construction, and general traffic delays could cause you to be late for those oh so important meetings.

You'll also discover that even when your job isn't on the line there are plenty of reasons to make use of your auto navigation system. Work and play aren't the only reasons to make use of GPS systems such as this. Getting to your daughters big day at school or your son's big soccer game even when traffic is snarled to a standstill is another great reason to use this type of technology. In fact, there are situations almost every day in which this technology will prove quite useful if you're of the mind to utilize it. It doesn't really matter what you're using your auto nav system for as long as you're using it frequently and faithfully you're getting your money's worth.

How Does Your GPS Work Anyway?

Have you ever given serious thought to the incredible benefits having an auto navigation system will bring to your life and your travels? The truth of the matter is that the more sophisticated GPS systems on the market today provide much more than simple directions from point A to point B. Today's auto nav systems are your one-stop travel shop when it comes to finding points of interest, restaurants, fueling stops, and places to sleep along the way.

If you've never given it much thought, perhaps learning a little more about how an auto navigation system really works will give you something to think about when you get around to considering the impact a device such as this can make in your life and the lives of your family members. The thing to remember is that not all GPS or auto nav systems are the same. There are different types of information along with different kinds of functionality and design. However, they all work on very similar principles.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

GPS systems use satellites that orbit the earth in order to send signals that are received by the GPS device. The system has software which interprets the signal and uses the data in order to form conclusions about the current location based on the time it took to receive the signal from the satellite, and the exact location of the satellite that sent the data. By combining the information, a conclusion can be drawn by the GPS or auto navigation system as to the exact position of the GPS device. Three satellites are used in order to determine the point of intersection and a fourth satellite insures the accuracy of the data.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Auto navigation systems are more sophisticated and much more functional than the original military GPS devices that were first used. You can not only get directions to guide you on your trip, to make up for detours, and get you back on track after wrong turns, but you can also get information about local destinations, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and a few other points of interest along the way.

Many auto nav systems have upgrade packages which allow you to purchase a subscription to provide you with up to the minute information about traffic, weather, and construction along your route. The subscription costs for these services may be a deterrent for the casual driver but will prove invaluable to those who rely on correct directions and being on time while traveling extensively for work.

Be sure, when you purchase a GPS or auto navigation system, that the system you purchase is not only fully upgradeable but also easily upgraded. It does no good to have a system that's capable of being upgraded if you can't figure out how to upgrade it. Many of these systems can be upgraded by using a something as simple as a CD or DVD in order to deliver the information and upgrades.

If you can't upgrade your system it will become obsolete in time as new roads are constantly being built and old roads are often closed for construction and upgrades. If you don't have the latest data on roads you're essentially driving just as blindly as you would be without an auto navigation system.

Garmin NUVI 205W GPS - Why?

Why Purchase a Garmin NUVI 205W GPS  For Your Vehicle?


Auto navigation systems or a GPS are wonderful tools to have when you need them and face it, we have all been utterly and completely lost at some point in time or another during our driving histories. Of course, some of us get lost far more often than others. I'll be the first to admit I'm one of those who are continuously lost. More than I hate the feeling of being lost, I really hate stopping to ask for directions, which nine times out of ten only result in my becoming more lost than I was to begin with.

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The truth of the matter is, in today's society, being lost is more than a waste of time or a simple inconvenience; it's actually quite dangerous in many places. I know when traveling it's very easy to take a wrong turn and end up in the wrong part of town. Even for those with decent map reading and navigation skills, simple detours can still lead you astray as maps don't usually come with a 'this is the bad part of town' sort of disclaimer.

The fact that being lost can be a frightening situation is intensified in situations when women are either driving alone or with their children. Not only is there the uncertainty as to where you are or how you'll get back on track, but there's also fear of anything going wrong because you don't know the area and there are no familiar landmarks. These situations and that sort of peace of mind are the very reason auto navigation devices are a great idea for anyone who travels...period.

Garmin NUVI 205W GPS only $49.99 with the purchase of Lifetime PhantomAlert subscription!

These GPS devices even the Garmin NUVI 205W GPS, aren't useful only to those who travel frequently but to anyone who uses a car on a regular basis. We all find ourselves at some point in time needing to take detours for road construction, traffic jams, chemical spills, parades, and countless other situations. The paths which are a little out of the way of our ordinary paths, often rob us of familiar landmarks and it's very easy to become completely and utterly disoriented which could result in us going in the complete opposite direction of where we intend to travel. If we have some sort of mapping system onboard which can help us find our way, we will arrive much more quickly and with far less stress than trying to find our way, read maps, or asking strangers for directions, which in and of itself is taking a risk.


Garmin NUVI 205W GPS only $49.99 with the purchase of Lifetime PhantomAlert subscription!



I know there are a lot of people who find personal navigation devices quite useful as well. I seriously recommend having a GPS, specifically the Garmin NUVI 205W GPS installed in your vehicle for many reasons. First of all, you won't have to worry about the battery failing at the wrong moment. I know my cell phone battery always seems to die when I actually need my cell phone the most. The same holds true for flashlight batteries and weather band radio batteries, too. It only makes sense that this would be the case when it comes to navigation devices, as well. Having one installed in your car means that as long as your vehicle has power, so does your navigation device.

Another reason I recommend installation is this: how many times have you walked out of your house without your cell phone, purse, keys, drivers license, or any other document or piece of equipment you need? I do it all the time and often find I'm halfway to my destination before I remember I left behind what I needed. Finding yourself lost is the absolute worst time to realize you left your navigation device at home and is generally the one time you need it. Having it installed in the car means you never have to take it out and as a result will never have forgotten to bring it with you. As you can see, there are many excellent reasons to have an auto navigation system (Garmin NUVI 205W GPS) installed in your vehicle. I hope you'll find it provides you the same safety and peace of mind it affords me.

Garmin NUVI 205W GPS only $49.99 with the purchase of Lifetime PhantomAlert subscription!