| Auto navigation systems and GPS devices are | | | | systems aren't fail safe. There are a few problems |
| everywhere you turn in this day and age. You can find | | | | that the brochures, boxes, and salesmen might neglect |
| them in your car, boat, plane, even in your purse (if you | | | | to mention. |
| have a PDA or cell phone with GPS capabilities | | | | 1) You still need to carry around an Atlas or road |
| combined with the right software and/or subscriptions). | | | | maps for backups as there are occasions when the |
| If that isn't enough for you, you also have the option | | | | data for GPS units may not be current or accurate. |
| and capability of turning your laptop computer into a | | | | Remember that roads are built, close, and in need of |
| GPS device if that is your desire. The thing that most | | | | repair and maintenance all the time. It's nearly |
| people forget to check out or ask about when looking | | | | impossible to have one that is always correct up the |
| at all the nifty features of unit A over unit B is how | | | | minute. |
| easy is the unit you are considering to use? | | | | 2) These devices do not typically work well inside |
| Handheld GPS and auto navigation systems offer | | | | buildings or under dense forest cover. |
| sensible solutions to common travel related problems. | | | | 3) Batteries, batteries, batteries. These are worse than |
| They will not have all the answers all the time but are | | | | digital cameras when it comes to burning through |
| a great help most of the time. There are many styles | | | | batteries. This is one reason that people tend to leave |
| and types of GPS and auto navigation systems that | | | | them charging at all times if you're leaving your car |
| are available in today's market. Some people may not | | | | with your unit be sure you have extra batteries for |
| fully understand all of the neat tricks you can do with | | | | backup as it is quite likely that you will need them at |
| your GPS system. Here are a few things you may not | | | | the worst possible moment. |
| have realized you can do with your GPS device. | | | | 4) GPS units do not recognize the existence of |
| 1) You can always find the spot where you parked | | | | mountains, rivers, and other obstructions in your path |
| your car by marking it. Talk about a treasure hunt | | | | so the directions and coordinates they give can |
| where "X" marks the spot! 2) You can track your | | | | occasionally be misleading. |
| route while hiking, biking, or horseback riding so that you | | | | There are many pros and cons when it comes to not |
| can retrace your steps in order to find your way back | | | | only auto navigation devices but also for handheld |
| where you started. 3) Some GPS devices can even | | | | GPS devices as well. Be sure that you try out the |
| allow you to 'go it alone' by offering the option of a | | | | model you are considering before you buy it if at all |
| digital compass rather than telling you step by step | | | | possible. This will make your decision much easier and |
| where to go (if this interests you, check the package | | | | allow you to see whether or not you will be able to |
| details to see if this is available on the unit you are | | | | easily use and understand the auto navigation system |
| considering). | | | | you choose. |
| Keep in mind however that GPS and auto navigation | | | | |