What They Don’t Want You to Know about Auto Navigation Systems
Auto navigation systems have come such a long way since their inception. It’s hard for many to see the product that 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 and remember is that they still have a long way to go. These devices are far from infallible and still have some serious faults that prohibit us from canning the compass and maps all together.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are almost always problems of some sort with electronic equipment. This is especially true when it comes to equipment that is run by software. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, check out a computer that is run by Windows? 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 navigation systems and GPS devices. This fact alone makes them a little unreliable. For those times when reliability isn’t at its best keep in mind 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 is malfunctioning. The good news is that 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.
It is also important to keep in mind that GPS technology isn’t meant to replace the use of maps or of common sense when driving. You can only store so much information on a GPS device and roads are constantly being built, changes, constructed, improved, and moved. For that reason alone it is nearly impossible to guarantee that any device will have 100% accurate information at all times. You should however, choose a device or auto navigation systems that allows frequent and simple upgrades to the maps provided. Updating regularly and immediately prior to any large trips will go a long way towards saving some serious hair pulling while you travel.
Another thing to keep in mind with your auto navigation device is that it isn’t all that reliable whenever 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 device.
GPS and auto navigation systems are still a far cry better than trying to read dusty old maps for most of us. Despite that, it is 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 affords many benefits to those who are willing and able to make use of it. It will never sacrifice common sense or map reading skills however and that is important to understand.
Auto navigation systems have come such a long way since their inception. It’s hard for many to see the product that 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 and remember is that they still have a long way to go. These devices are far from infallible and still have some serious faults that prohibit us from canning the compass and maps all together.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are almost always problems of some sort with electronic equipment. This is especially true when it comes to equipment that is run by software. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, check out a computer that is run by Windows? 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 navigation systems and GPS devices. This fact alone makes them a little unreliable. For those times when reliability isn’t at its best keep in mind 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 is malfunctioning. The good news is that 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.
It is also important to keep in mind that GPS technology isn’t meant to replace the use of maps or of common sense when driving. You can only store so much information on a GPS device and roads are constantly being built, changes, constructed, improved, and moved. For that reason alone it is nearly impossible to guarantee that any device will have 100% accurate information at all times. You should however, choose a device or auto navigation systems that allows frequent and simple upgrades to the maps provided. Updating regularly and immediately prior to any large trips will go a long way towards saving some serious hair pulling while you travel.
Another thing to keep in mind with your auto navigation device is that it isn’t all that reliable whenever 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 device.
GPS and auto navigation systems are still a far cry better than trying to read dusty old maps for most of us. Despite that, it is 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 affords many benefits to those who are willing and able to make use of it. It will never sacrifice common sense or map reading skills however and that is important to understand.
Related reading:
Mobile GPS Tracking
Categories: Car GPS System Tags: About, Auto, Dont, Know, Navigation, Systems, They, Want
The Real Truth About Buying Refurbished GPS Units
Saving money is really important to you in your consumer purchases. You want to stretch your dollars so that every cent gets you the best value in everything you buy. This is true whether you are buying an mp3 player, laptop computer, or refrigerator. You want value in your GPS purchases.
The only way to do that is to do research on the highest quality products and to find the best way to get those products at the lowest price point. One way to do that is scour the internet and newspaper adds for the best sales. This can take time trying to find out what things are really selling for these days.
Or, you can buy a refurbished GPS.
It is true that there has been a dramatic dip in the pricing of GPS units across the board. In car navigation systems used to run above $500 on a regular basis. These units were costly and you could only hope to get a deal on them if you really looked hard. If you were lucky enough to find a refurbished item it was often gone in an instant because so many people wanted these items.
Now prices are relatively low, often well below the $500 mark. This has left some people wondering why you would even consider buying a refurbished GPS. The reason you should still buy refurbished is that these items are still cheaper than a “brand spanking new” model.
The current price for a TomTom One Third Edition auto GPS on one online retailer is currently just under $200 ‘new.’ If you were to buy its refurbished counterpart on the same retailer you would see a savings of $50. That is like getting a 25% discount just because you went with a product that initially failed the manufacturer’s production standards but has since qualified after being re-outfitted.
The product is exactly the same. The functionality is exactly the same. The value is exactly the same. But the price is radically different.
You shouldn’t just listen to what you read on the internet, though. You need to go out and do your own research and talk to a sales rep yourself if you really want to take advantage of the deals available. Know what you are getting into when you buy a refurbished item and what exactly the means. You will be surprised to know that it can mean a lot of different things.
A refurbished item can simply be on that didn’t work like the company wanted it to so they then fixed it post production. It could have a scratch on it that prevents the manufacturer from selling it as new because of their own production standards. Or it can be an older device with new guts. Whatever the reason the reason for the refurbishment, you will want to know why. This will make you an informed consumer and it will help you decide if the 25% discount is really worth it or if you just want to spend money needlessly.
Why buy new when you can buy refurbished? It is cheaper and you get the same bang for your buck.
Related reading:
Mobile GPS Tracking
Categories: Car GPS System Tags: About, Buying, Real, Refurbished, Truth, Units