subject: Car Navigation System - Couple of Tips on How to Choose the Right One [print this page] Car Navigation System - Couple of Tips on How to Choose the Right One
Recently I had a look at thses new in-dash entertainment systems. After searching on the internet for these systems, I couldn't believe how many different makes and models that there are for sale nowadays.
So how do you decide which one is best for you. It's hard to know which one will suit you best, as they all seem to have so many different features and functions, it can get a bit mind boggling.
Taking a few notes on what that you are going to need these systems to do for you. Maybe it will be the entertainment part of the system, or the navigation, or if you have a family then it is definitely going to be both.
The majority of the navigation systems come with Garmin, but some have TomTom to control the GPS navigation. They both do the basic navigating, but they both have slightly different features.
After looking at the specifications for both systems, I chose the Garmin, just because of the ECO function. Which could save me money on gas costs, and slightly reduce my carbon footprint.
The TomTom wasn't far behind, as it has some good features of its own. It just depends on what is most beneficial to you.
I am not the bothered about music and movies, so the children decided which features they wanted on the entertainment side of things.
Every year we take a road trip, so being able to play CD's and DVD's is a must for the long journeys. Playing movies and listening to music from their ipods was one of the features that my kids liked. Which means nothing at all to me.
The one redeeming feature of the entertainment system, is that it has dual zone audio, I don't have to listen to kids movies again. Music sphere, Pandora app, what on earth is all that. I just left to the kids, they seemed to know everything about them. Kids are much more up on the technological side of things these days. Unlike us old foggies, who haven't got a clue.
The system we decided on was the Pioneer avic-x920bt, which I liked for the GPS and the kids liked for the features of the entertainment system. Being able to make hands free phone calls is a must for me, as I'm constantly in touch with the office.
A great safety feature, making and receiving phone calls while keeping your hands on the steering wheel, at any time, but especially with the kids in the car.
The kids are happy with this new in-dash receiver and I must say I like it too. So make sure you get the kids involved in the decision making process, this will make for much less stressful traveling.
