Conventionally, when Hidetsugu Yagi came up with the first automotive navigation system, its purpose was to assist the military personnel. Regardless of its primitive design, the device still worked.
Nowadays, the automotive manufacturers choose to install a navigation system into new car brands to help motorist get direction, drive with confidence in an unfamiliar and new roads, and to help them stay on their course.
Mostly, people who drive in unfamiliar places may want to have one. It can save time and money if you think like an economist.
If you have none installed in your vehicle, you can purchase the device and fix it for yourself. However, with some brands available in the market, how can you end up with the best option available?
Here are six tips from MCNT that will help you select the best one.
1. Budget
Whether you decide to buy an old version or a new one, it will cost you some money. A good one may cost you around 100 dollars depending on the features that it has.
You should also understand that buying a used version might force you to get some money for the upgrade since people build new roads every day.
Note that you should not spend any cash on a navigation device that does not have upgrades.
2. It Should Be Upgradeable
Think about the number of roads that come every year. Additionally, new buildings are not a new phenomenon in any town.
With that in mind, try to select one that you can upgrade without any problems. Some navigation brands do not take time to update their system, which may not be suitable for you.
Be sure that an upgraded version will keep you on your right tracks.
3. Screen Size
While at the store, it is good that you check the size and weight of the gadget. Think about
the best position to install it. Is it your windscreen or the dashboard?
A small screen is not a suitable device to choose. It may distract you while driving, which could cause a disastrous accident.
Select something that will not strain your eyes, especially if you have eye problems.
4. User Friendliness
Consider something that is easy to use. All the navigation system come with various features that make them vary from each other.
One feature that can make it easy to use includes text to voice. The inbuilt feature will talk to you through a programmed voice; therefore, you do not have to keep checking the screen when driving.
Additionally, consider a system that has easy to navigate menus.
5. Real-time Updates
Sometimes, especially when in a hurry, you would want the system to tell you the shortest route to your destination.
You will find that some of the devices come with real-time updates like if there is an accident ahead of you, or which roads to use if you want to evade traffic.
That can also be helpful in case there is a police vehicle in your vicinity.
6. Pick One That Has Extra Features
With your budget, you can kill two birds with one stone; even if you have a tight budget.
Examine additional features to benefit from the entire system.
Some of the features you could inspect should include an mp3 player, picture viewer, a GPS to SMS feature where someone can text you their coordinates, and a hands-free calling feature.
Final remarks
Take your time when choosing the best one. Initial research is also proper because it gives you a clue of what to expect once you get to the store.
By the way, it is always wise to pick a device from a reputable brand. That means that their mapping standards should be 100 percent accurate.