Pros and Cons of Having GPS in Cars
April 12th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
GPS is becoming a semi-standard automobile feature, and a standard one soon thereafter. While some people do not like having GPS in their cars, most people are absolutely thrilled with this new, modern version of mapping your way to your destination.
Mapquest was a good thing, and certainly easier than trying to find the route yourself based on a map that was too big to fold out in the passenger’s seat, but Mapquest had its limitations. Namely, you had to map your route and print it before leaving the house, which requires planning ahead and it meant your plans can’t change. Modern men and women seem to be much more on the fly than Mapquest allowed them to be. Users of in-car gps have no such worries; simply input your destination address once you’ve turned the car on, and voilà, your directions come at you step-by-step, you don’t even have to read them since most GPS units give you the directions orally as you approach intersections.
Limitations of GPS
Admittedly, relying on GPS in your car does have its limitations at times. GPS relies on technology and wave-signals that are sent to your car, similar to signals being sent to your cell phone. Anyone who’s tried to use a cell phone in a valley or in the middle of the woods knows that being without a cell signal can be a maddening experience. However, in most cases, being without a cell signal simply means that you can’t make a phone call, but if you’re relying a 100 per cent on your car’s GPS system to get you where you need to go, and you don’t have a signal, you’ll find yourself in a bit of trouble.
Of course, as more and more consumers buy into the car industry’s GPS revolution, technology will improve, allowing weaker signals to be sufficient. At the same time, more and more signals will be sent out to GPS units, similar to more and more cell phone towers being added in remote areas. For the time being, have fun with your car’s GPS system and enjoy the freedom it allows you. On the other hand, if you set yourself up to never be lost again, never have to look at a map again, or never have to stop and ask for directions again, you’re probably setting yourself up for at least minor disappointment and inconveniences. All of that will change in the next few years though; it’s only a matter of a little time.
No To GPS In Cars?
April 5th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Why You Need To Have A GPS in Your Car
February 11th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Over the past few years, the technology behind Global Positioning Satellites or GPS has grown by leaps and bounds. The technology has become readily available for use by the general public in recent years. Nowadays, GPS units can be found on items as small as a cell phone, but GPS systems are most readily used now in the car. From the military to the general public, the technology behind GPS and the use of that technology has absolutely exploded. GPS systems are now one of the most frequently purchased items in the technology departments of major stores throughout the country. There are many great benefits to having a GPS unit in your automobile and in this article we will discuss three great reasons for buying a GPS unit for you car.
First of all, GPS units in your car can provide up to date, turn by turn directions to you by voice as you are traveling a route in real time. GPS systems can track your whereabouts at any point on the globe. By simply entering the address or general area of you destination the GPS system can guide you there. As mentioned above, many higher-end units will not only give you needed directions, but will also talk you to your destination step by step. This feature is so helpful; many rental car companies are placing GPS systems in every single one of their units in order to help traveling drivers unfamiliar to certain areas easily navigate their way around town.
Secondly and not as well known as a benefit, is the amount of theft protection provided when a GPS unit is in your car. Again, as mentioned above, the GPS system through the use of satellites can track the whereabouts of your vehicle anywhere on the globe. In the event your car is stolen and it is equipped with a GPS system, authorities can track your automobile immediately. Many insurance companies offer discounts to owners of cares that are equipped with GPS. Recent figures show that the risk of having your car stolen drops a whopping 70% immediately if a GPS unit is installed in the car.
The final benefit is most likely the most important and can certainly be the difference in life and death. Many GPS systems sold these days are also combined with monitoring services. These services can provide a wealth of information and assistance including driving directions, roadside assistance, and remote door unlocking and emergency assistance. As we all know, in a medical emergency, seconds can mean the difference in life and death.
These GPS systems can be automatically programmed to contact the nearest 911 operator in the event of an accident. Additionally, since these services are provided through satellites the services will never be interrupted no matter how remote you may be. Knowing this, you can understand how important the installation of a GPS unit can be, providing 24 hour access to critical emergency services in your time of need.
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