GPS Navigation Systems

Once perceived as an expensive toy for geeks, GPS systems are becoming a critical
way for business executives to navigate to client locations, business meetings
and other events. GPS is a satellite navigation system developed by the U.S.
Department of Defense for navigation, surveying and map-making. The first experimental
satellite was launched in 1978, and the system today has more than two dozen
satellites in medium orbits around the globe. In the past few years, civilian
GPS receivers have become the rage, and are used extensively by accountants
and others who do a lot of work on the road.

There are three basic types of systems from which to choose:

• A navigation system built into a vehicle. Marketed by
  a number of electronics companies, these in-dash systems are typically mated
  to each specific vehicle model (or at the least, the size of the opening in
  the dash) and may also include radio receivers, satellite radio receivers
  and the capability to play DVDs. Prices vary from $900 to $3,500, depending
  on the model and whether the unit is factory-installed. Screen size varies
  from 5-inch to 8-inch.
• Stand-alone units. These are typically less costly, in
  the $300 to $700 range, but perform only the navigation function and offer
  a smaller screen. These are either mounted in the vehicle using a third-party
  mounting system or sit on the dash. These systems, while more economical,
  rely on a cigarette-lighter plug-in for power unlike the built-in systems.
• The cell phone/PDA. The current generation of Pocket PC,
  PDA and Smartphone devices offer GPS navigation capabilities, either sold
  through the cellular service company or as an add-on. This is the least expensive
  GPS system, but it also has the smallest screen size.

  All of the systems work well, but each has its own quirks. All, for example,
  must use a GPS receiver to feed information into some type of computing
  and display device. The cell phone/PDA units can draw a lot of power, creating
  issues for already under-powered phones. And none of the navigation maps
  are perfect. In testing dozens of units, we found map software that would
  gleefully command the driver through the middle of a house or into a corn
  field. Still, these are massively valuable units. From finding the nearest
  office supply store to navigating across the country, they perform well.

For those interested in buying a unit, here are five tips to consider:

• The price is not the price. Stores tend to carry the units
  at full retail price, which can be double what you can buy the unit for online.
  The catch is that those buying online and having a problem may find their
  only recourse is to return the unit, a major inconvenience for an in-dash
  unit that is self-installed. A happy medium is to buy from a discount electronics
  chain nearby.
• It’s the software. Some manufacturers low-ball the
  price of the unit, but then charge an arm and a leg for annual updates to
  the maps and software. Since streets and developments change often, updates
  on at least an annual basis are critical. Factor the cost of the annual updates
  into the purchase decision. Also, be wary of data that is on a DVD that must
  be in the unit at all times. Since the bouncing of an automobile can scratch
  the DVD, and replacement of the disk can run hundreds of dollars, this setup
  (popular with in-dash units) is less than optimal.
• Single-task or multi-task? The in-dash units often do
  more than just navigation. But switching from maps to radio to DVD player
  can be difficult or dangerous. At the same time, some units, as a safety measure,
  don’t allow some functions to work until you pull over and park, which
  can be a real inconvenience. Cell phone navigation units interrupt the maps
  when a phone call goes in or out. Stand-alone units may be the best solution,
  but they are also single-task devices.
• Make sure you can turn off the voice command feature.
  First-timers may find the help voice (Turn left in 50 feet) charming and interesting,
  but it soon grows old — like a noisy child interrupting every conversation,
  phone call and song on the radio. Unless you have the patience of Job, make
  sure the voices can be banished.
• Keep security in mind. Like a high-end stereo system,
  a navigation system can be very attractive to car thieves. Make sure there
  is a way to lock the system down so that it is less visible to thieves. N