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Deaf411 eNewsletter: Shopping for a GPS?
By Deaf411 | May 25, 2011
Using a GPS – global positioning system – instead of looking up on a hardcopy map is now widespread. This useful tool navigates your route from point A to point B enabling people to find their way around town, in another state, or even in another country.
The military originally developed the idea for the GPS system in 1973 but now anyone can benefit from this technology. This satellite-based navigation system is made up of a network of 24 satellites orbiting the earth at all times. This system allows a user to tell where they are located. Depending on many different factors, the accuracy can range from as close to 6 feet to as far away as 300 feet.
Several companies manufacture personal GPS units for the public, and some manufacturers include them in cars and boats. There are four different GPS categories:
* Built-in new car GPS navigation system is included as standard equipment or offered as an option. These are usually more expensive than add-on units but the LCD screen is usually larger which allows better visibility, especially while driving. This built-in GPS navigation system’s LCD display may be part of an overall system that incorporates radio, climate control and hands-free cell phone. The antenna and power attachment is built into the vehicle.
* Add-on in-dash GPS navigation system replaces the built-in radio or radio/CD player in the vehicle. This GPS in-dash system usually has a larger LCD display with AM/FM stereo and CD player. Some systems also include a DVD player. The LCD display folds into the unit when not being used.
This system is often used for RVs and should be installed by professionals who also need to install an outside antenna.
* Portable GPS navigation system offers flexibility to where and how you use it. It allows you to move this portable stand-alone GPS unit from one car to another. Operating on programmable chip memory, it can offer more features depending on each manufacturer, and are less expensive than a factory-installed built-in or add-on units.
Portable GPS units come with a wide variety of features and screen sizes — and a broad price range, depending on your needs. You have choices of standard or wide-screen and features including photo displays and music players. Real-time traffic display is available on some brands and models, usually for a monthly subscription fee.
If you rent cars frequently, trade cars often, or drive leased or business vehicles, a portable GPS unit is a great solution. Major brands include Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, and TomTom.
* GPS apps on mobile phones allow you to use your Android, Apple or Blackberry to get directions, either through pre-loaded GPS application programs, or by downloading them from an App store. The display screen on mobile phones is generally smaller which may make looking at it while driving difficult. Some states do not allow you to use mobile phones while driving.
Shopping for a Deaf-Friendly GPS
With many choices and types of GPS systems, when you shop around and compare units, be sure it meets your needs as a deaf consumer. The size of display screen should be a major consideration; are you able to follow it while driving? Does it offer visible directions, and is the directions clear? Check to be sure that features i.e. voice prompts or text-to-speech does not actually reduce the effectiveness of visual information provided on the GPS display.
Check how you can download map updates and if it is an additional cost.
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This report appeared in the April 2011 edition of Deaf411 eNewsletter, an electronic report which covers a different topic or theme in each month.
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