Is it better to purchase a vehicle with a built-in navigation system, or purchase a GPS unit like a Garmin?
If you simply want assistance getting around town, then a portable unit is the way to go. In-dash navigation systems often include many features as a package, including DVD capability, an upgraded stereo and sometimes an internal hard drive, and can cost upward of $2,000. A basic portable GPS, meanwhile, can be had for around $300-$400.
Besides the portable unit’s price, its major advantage is being able to move from car to car. Portable units are also becoming just as capable as their in-dash counterparts in terms of features and add-ons, such as real-time traffic and weather updates. If you’re the kind of person who relishes remote start, then the ability to program a portable unit’s destination before actually getting in the car may also give it the edge compared to an in-dash system.
In-dash systems have a usability advantage with larger displays and buttons, as well as the plus of not being able to get misplaced in the abyss between the seats, or stolen during a break-in. Mounting a portable unit can be a pain, as windshield-mounted devices can often be distracting. There are alternatives and auxiliary mounting pieces that can help, but they rarely look properly integrated with the rest of the car’s interior like an in-dash system would.
Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, so see our resources and articles on GPS to determine which system is right for you.
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Surely this is a no-brainer... portable units are the way forward.
I love mine because I can switch it between cars, program it in the living room and update it without visiting a dealer.
I can take it to my office and connect to a computer via USB.
Oh, and it cost about 5% of the price of the onboard version for my truck.
And as technology develops I can update it without buying a new vehicle.
Sorry auto builders, but your over-priced onboard nav systems are going the same way as your over-priced audio systems. They are now a long way behind in price & features than portable consumer equipment.
Manufacturers - please just give us a docking port or 2 and we can do the rest.
Neither. We were taking a trip with a friend who insisted on plugging in his portable Nav toy. We were on a brand new highway and the stupid thing kept saying turn around at the next possible time. He kept trying to "fix" it. It never did work good. We were all laughing so hard. These things are absolute waste of money. It must be nice to have money to throw away on such junk. Is it that difficult to read a map or look at a sign? It's nothing more than an expensive toy with questionable value.
Many are considering a new, third option - using GPS navigation on your cell phone. Here is an interesting comparison between using a navigation device and using a service like TeleNav GPS Navigator: http://www.telenav.com/products/tn/advantages.html
i brought one on ebay 560.00 honk kong, installed for 50.00 bucks all up 610.00 Inbuilt cant beat that folks. just over the cost of a portable.... Ebay is your friend. do not go to dealers for it.
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remember, you get to shop around for the portable system, but the in-dash system you're stuck with! some of the in-dash systems work well and are worth the extra money. however, from personal experience i know that some cars such as the previous generation Escalade's work very poorly (in terms of being user-friendly, ease to insert detours, etc). it would be a big disappointment if you bought an expensive car and hated your expensive GPS!
on the other hand, i have a portable system that i bought after much research and LOVE IT! you really need to do your homework to make a good buying decision. if you have your eye already on a particluar car, then i would pay attention to all the consumer and expert reviews available in magazines, online, etc and see what people say about the navigation package