Vehicle or car portable GPS navigation is an inexpensive upgrade to any vehicle. After market navigation units use the newest technology and mapping software to get you from one place to another without error. Also, with today’s advancing technology, you can get portable GPS navigation for far less than the steep price tag that dealerships charge when including factory navigation.

Many are not aware that portable GPS navigations can be used for a number of different purposes, and getting directions is just one. Most are upgradable to be used in conjunction with DVD and MP3 players as well as with Bluetooth capability. Even the after market units can be a great investment. These portable navigation systems that are available are easily installed with a suction cup attached to the windshield. They also use the battery of the car through the DC outlet. These devices are very versatile and can be easily transferred from one vehicle to another.

The Garmin portable GPS systems even use rechargeable batteries, so they are portable and you do not have to worry about finding an outlet to use them. They are rechargeable; some models can go for eight hours without having to be recharged. The screens are easy to see and read, but they aren’t huge, so they can fit into your travel bag or tote. Others offer other features, such as an iPod player and other audio features.

Another system for navigation is the in-dash. These units often have touch-screen capabilities. Touch screens make it possible to enter your destination with a finger. Often, you can replace your car radio, in order to gain control of the whole radio system.

Now that these devices are made to replace both regular and large radios, you can locate a GPS for any car. Even adding such extras as Bluetooth, iPod hookup, satellite radio and television tuners still allows you to upgrade your automobile at much less than what a dealer’s bill would come to.

When you load more points of interest into your unit, you will have a better chance of finding your destination easily. Already loaded onto your unit are hard drive maps. These can be easily updated by downloading new ones from your home system and using your SD Card or DVD to load them onto your hard drive. You insert the DVD, on which actual maps are located, into the system. To stay current with the changes in your area, you can purchase new updated DVDs in the future.

While they were once expensive, portable navigation systems have become affordable for everyone. Money spent on these systems is more than worth it when you consider all of the utility and fun that you get for the price. Most importantly, however, you will never have to stop for directions again with one of these systems.

The addition of portable GPS navigation in your vehicle is relatively inexpensive especially when compared to the overpriced dealership charge that comes when you order a factory navigation system. Some Garmin portable GPS units have built-in batteries that allow you to navigate without needing an external power source. The Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant is very adaptable and includes a lithium-ion battery that you can recharge and it will remain charged for up to 8 hours. In some units, maps are loaded onto a DVD which is inserted into the system. New updated DVDs can be purchased in order to update yourself with the growth of your area.

- Brad Seabourne