Navigation Systems for Cars

The navigation systems now on the market can come pre-installed in vehicles, in smaller, portable systems and can even be found in your cell phone. They make getting from point A to point B a snap, and have several helpful features that are easy to use. One of these features is voiced directions given right from the unit. As you drive, a voice comes from the device warning you of upcoming turns and which direction to take. On some models you can even change the kind of voice speaking to you. This is helpful as it keeps you from looking at the device and not at the road.

In addition, on the screen you can choose on many from a variety of display options such as: route summary, a list of the turns or the graphic view of your progress on the road. You can get what you need and see the kind of directions that you prefer with the touch of a button. You can also check local traffic in the area to see where congestion is at and alter the directions to avoid being ensnared in a jam. These systems download via satellite constantly, so that they keep up-to-date on construction, road closings and other pertinent information.

To make finding a turn easier, navigation systems for cars provide on the screen arrows that show the exact location of each turn. This is backed up by a countdown of the miles and/or feet to the turn as you approach it. On screen displays of road names as you pass give you additional markers when expecting a change in direction. In the menu you can also change the type of instructions that you desire, whether you want the shortest distance, shortest time or to even avoid toll roads when driving to a location.

Navigation systems for cars can also save favorite locations, recent destinations that you have driven to and search for a certain place just by typing in the name. This makes finding directions simple and hassle free. These kind of features make them user friendly for any consumer, and are a handy tool to have when traveling on the highway.

Garmin Nuvi 350

Garmin got popular when they released the Nuvi portable units, they are inexpensive but has robust features that a normal driver would use. These units feature the navigation component plus a reference guide for travelers and also an entertainment center. It is an all in one system.

The Nuvi 350 comes with a preloaded maps of the City Navigator® and with a large database of point of interests (POI) like restaurants, gas stations, hotels etc. an ideal tool for travelers. It is touch screen like most units and typing in your destination will prompt you with 2D or even a 3D map of your destination and also gives you voice directions on every turn. It can even speak out names of streets and exits, elminating the need of glancing at the GPS screen while driving which most of us know is a bad combination.

Traffic Alerts - If you have a FM Traffic Receiver (an option), you can hook it up with your Nuvi 350 and it will tell you of upcoming traffic jams or accidents making the unit fool proof in accurately giving you directions and also saves you time.

Portability - As with the Nuvi Line of GPS navigation systems for cars, the 350 is portable and has sleek and slender design that can actually fit on your pocket and as it comes with a lithium ion battery, you can basically use it without the hassle of the power cable and also can be easily used for hiking and bicycle riding.

Entertainment - The Garmin 350 is a multi-role GPS system and one feature that is available is you can use it also as an MP3 player, picture viewer, world clock, measurement and currency converter andn calculator.