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GPS Navigation Systems: Aftermarket PND or Factory Installed
In this new world of technology, consumers are no longer required to fast-forward through VHS tapes, find room to store their bulky cassettes or visit a store to purchase a new dress. On the list of things that are "out" in the twenty-first century, key maps also rank high on the list due to GPS navigation systems that have taken the place of paper.
When you're lost on a dark country road or when you get into an accident on a deserted highway, GPS maps are not only handy, but also prudent for safety reasons. They make driving far less dangerous and can aid in sticky situations. The question, however, becomes a choice between after-market PND (portable navigation device) and the good old factory GPS system that comes with many cars.
It is no longer necessary to purchase a Mercedes or a Cadillac to enjoy a factory-installed GPS system. More and more mid-range sedans, SUVs and trucks come with GPS systems installed
in the vehicle, and sometimes this choice is cost-effective. When you choose a factory-installed GPS system, however, you don't necessarily have as many options.
Costs
Just like factory speakers and CD players, GPS systems are much more expensive when you purchase them from the dealership. Depending on the model car you choose and the specials the dealership is currently running, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,700 for a factory-installed navigation system. When you purchase a PND, on the other hand, you might spend as little as $250.
While the cost difference is significant, however, you will find that a factory-installed GPS system can be more cost-effective in the long run. When you purchase the navigation system with your car, rather than waiting for the aftermarket version, the technology is included in your car's warranty. If it breaks, you're covered for a much longer span than with most aftermarket systems.
Convenience
There are two ways to look at the convenience of PND navigation gadgets versus factory-installed GPS systems. On the one hand, you are given the freedom of portability with a PND because you can take it wherever you want to go. It isn't connected to your car in any way, which means that it can be shuffled between cars or even carried on foot wherever you need it.
On the other hand, factory-installed navigation systems have the safety features of being permanently installed. You don't have to remember to grab your PND before leaving for work in the morning, and it isn't as easily stolen because it is mounted to your vehicle. Furthermore, you don't have to fumble for the PND in the glove box or console when you need it; instead, the system is incorporated into your dashboard within easy reach.
Safety
Safety is a big factor when discussing any major technological device for a vehicle. Staying safe on the road can be difficult when you have to worry about the intelligence and decisions of other drivers, and you don't want your navigation system to become an obstruction to your driving abilities.
A PND is much smaller than a factory-installed GPS device, which makes it more difficult to read on the go. Furthermore, when you mount it to your vehicle's windshield or to the top of the dash, you might be creating an unintentional blind spot that could eventually cause a wreck.
Features
Hands down, a PND is going to have a wider range of features than a factory-installed navigation system. The technology is newer since car manufacturers don't update their systems as frequently as retailers, and you'll have access to the latest features when you purchase a PND system.
Some PNDs come equipped with similar technology to cellular phones and iPods, such as music, video and graphic images. You'll also find that PNDs can be customized according to your preferences, particularly when it comes to size, color and shape. PNDs can sometimes store more data for longer periods of time than factory-installed navigation systems, though they can be more prone to failure in a crunch.
Bottom Line
The manufacturers of PNDs-including TomTom, Sony, Dash Navigation and Pioneer-have different goals from those who install GPS systems in vehicles. They want to create more advanced features and better versatility, while car manufacturers want devices that can integrate well with the vehicle.
If you are looking for a customized gadget that can be taken in and out of the car, a PND might be the best option for you. If, however, you are looking for the integrated control of a factory-installed navigation system, you might want to talk to your local dealer.