| When shopping for a new or pre-owned car, it's nice | | | | Portable GPS devices are also available, with popular |
| to explore the possible amenities one can enjoy in | | | | brands produced by Garmin, Harman Kardon, and |
| driving comfort. Heated seats, an in-dash CD player, | | | | Magellan. |
| satellite radio, and remote locking and ignition features | | | | Benefits of GPS for Drivers |
| are helpful bonsues for one who spends a lot of time | | | | If you travel frequently for business or leisure, owning a |
| in the car. For the directionally impaired, however, a | | | | Global Positioning System can assist in timely arrivals |
| global positioning system, or GPS device, may be | | | | and reduce instances of getting lost. Because satellite |
| viewed more as a necessity than a luxury. Indeed, as | | | | technology is involved, GPS units are operable in |
| cities grow and develop, roads and landscapes change | | | | inclement weather conditions, anywhere in the United |
| with such speed that the map companies can't quite | | | | States and beyond, and can be used any time of day. |
| keep up. Having a GPS unit in your car ensures that if | | | | While a good GPS unit could run anywhere from a |
| you need to be somewhere soon, there's a reduced | | | | few hundred to more than a thousand dollars, there is |
| risk of getting lost along the way. | | | | no actual fee for using GPS technology. It isn't |
| What is GPS? | | | | necessary, either, to go broke looking for a good |
| Global Positioning is a navigation system that relies | | | | device - some mobile phones offer GPS capability |
| upon satellite surveillance of roads and interstates. | | | | with their services, which is handy if you're on foot in a |
| Decades ago, the United States Department of | | | | strange city and need directions fast. |
| Defense launched about two dozen satellites into orbit | | | | If you are prone to misdirection, a good navigational |
| for various military purposes. Two decades ago, the | | | | system for your car can help your driving |
| government allowed for civilian use of this system, and | | | | performance. When shopping for your next car, ask |
| in recent years many car manufacturers have added | | | | your dealer about GPS options. |
| in-dash navigational systems in newer car models. | | | | |