Car GPS System Driving Choices

Car GPS systems were once a novelty gadget, but they are becoming increasingly more popular. With the market now flooded with them, deciding on the best GPS vehicle tracking system for your vehicle can be overwhelming. Narrowing down your choices may depend on your budget, but safety and ease of use should also be considered. Voice directions and a bright screen are a big plus, and a touch screen can be helpful.

There are three main types of GPS vehicle tracking systems, and the advantages and disadvantages of each will definitely factor into your decision. You may be considering purchasing a new vehicle with the navigation system already installed, or perhaps you are looking for an aftermarket in-dash unit. A separate portable unit is the third type of GPS vehicle tracking system that can be used in multiple cars. Your personal needs should determine which type of GPS system will work best for you.

Built-in Car GPS System

Ironically built-in GPS systems offered as a standard feature or as an option on new vehicles tend to be more expensive than an add-on car GPS system. In these types of GPS systems, the LCD display is typically shared with other devices such as the radio or climate control. What's nice about these car GPS systems is that the antenna and power attachment are already part of the vehicle, and the LCD screens are usually large, allowing for better visibility. However, these GPS vehicle tracking systems are usually a step behind in new features available on the market.

In-Dash Add-on Navigation System

In-dash add-on car GPS systems replace a vehicle's normal radio (and CD player), and therefore include a radio, CD player, and sometimes even a DVD player, and most likely will have a large LCD display. These devices should be installed professionally, but are not as expensive as Built-in GPS systems.

Portable Navigation System

If flexibility is what you are after, a portable GPS vehicle tracking system may the right choice for you. These devices provide the ability to swap the GPS system from one car to another, and often can provide more features for less cost than built-in devices. Portable GPS systems are typically easy to mount and be removed quickly. Not all of these devices work on batteries; some require the use of a power plug. So you may want to consider if you will be using this device somewhere other than a vehicle.