It seems that no matter how hard we try, it is impossible to rid the world of stereotypes, especially those that involve driving: Women are bad drivers, all younger drivers are irresponsible behind the wheel, and men never admit that they need to pull over and ask for directions. But, interestingly, technology may be able to ease the pain of this third category of drivers.

Your In-Car Guide

Automotive navigation systems are making the driving experience all over the world a little less stressful. You won’t have to worry next time you get a couple of hours from home and realize that you left the directions to your vacation hotel on the kitchen counter. Let’s learn more about what these systems are all about.

The technology. Automotive navigation systems use GPS (global positioning system) technology to detect your vehicle’s position. GPS uses a network of satellites that continuously transmits signals to Earth during orbit. These signals can pinpoint your vehicle’s location to within several meters under the right conditions.

In general, navigation systems compare GPS signals with maps that are stored either on a DVD or on a device’s hard drive to create a visual map of your best route and current location. The map appears on an LCD that is either installed within a vehicle’s dashboard or held on a pedestal that extends from the dashboard, and then the system guides you along the way. As roadways change over time, you may need to buy updated DVDs that contain new road information if you have a DVD navigation system. Or, some systems that store maps on a hard drive let you update maps through your PC.

Ease of use. Most automotive navigation systems are fairly easy to use. Some screens are big enough that you can clearly see a detailed map, and others screens are smaller or give you a view that isn’t as detailed so the map doesn’t distract your line of sight while driving. For example, the Magellan RoadMate 700 ($1,049.99; www.magellangps.com) stores its map on the device’s hard drive so you can easily mount the screen on your dashboard. The device lets you decide which view works best for you while driving: a detailed view of the road layout, a map view with bright icons and text, or a maneuver list that shows you when and where to turn.

To help keep your eyes focused on the road, many systems offer spoken step-by-step directions in addition to the maps so you don’t miss your turns. Some also automatically recalculate your route if you, say, turn before the map suggests you turn.

Favorite features. Automotive navigation systems aren’t limited to mapping a driving route for you. Many can inform you of and guide you to the nearest family restaurants, gas stations, or other points of interest during your drive. Many systems also let you choose what kind of route you want the device to show you. For example, you can choose to see a map of the shortest route to your destination, the fastest route, or a route that avoids freeways. However, most systems don’t include real-time updates for traffic jams or construction clogs on the road.

Cost. The price for an automotive navigation system can vary widely depending on the type of device you want. Smaller systems that you can easily mount on your dashboard will cost you less than an installed system, such as the DVD navigation systems your automobile manufacturer installs in the dashboard of your new car. For example, the 2005 Infiniti G35 offers an optional in-dash DVD navigation system for around $2,000, almost double the cost of the RoadMate 700 we previously mentioned.

Shop Around

When you first hear “navigation system,” you may picture handheld GPS devices that many people use when they hike, bike, or visit a city they aren’t familiar with. Though those devices are based on the same technology as automotive navigation systems and are made by some of the same manufacturers, such as well-known Magellan and Garmin (www.garmin.com), in-car navigation systems can have features that are quite different. (Learn more about handheld GPS devices in “No More Lost Highways” on page 12.) So, read on to learn about some automotive navigation systems that demonstrate the range of features these devices offer.

The Garmin StreetPilot 2620 ($1,071.41) offers preloaded maps on the device’s hard drive and includes more than 5 million points of interest. You can input roads you want to avoid, and the 2620 will create a route that avoids those areas. Or, if you need to find something quickly, such as a gas station, you can use the Find Nearest On Route feature to have the device search for the nearest gas station.

TomTom’s GO 700 ($899; www.tomtom.com) includes maps on its 2.5GB hard drive and an LCD mount for your vehicle’s windshield. The GO 700 is unique because of its compatibility with the TomTom PLUS service, which lets your GO 700 obtain up-to-date traffic and weather reports and download updated maps to your TomTom. The GO 700 also lets you accept or make phone calls using its Bluetooth connection.

With DVD navigation systems, the available features and installation requirements are slightly more complicated. For example, Pioneer’s AVIC-N2 ($2,200; www.pioneerelectronics.com) is an in-dash DVD navigation system that also includes AV capabilities. You use this device’s map disc to set your driving route, and then the device stores that information in memory, letting your passengers listen to the satellite radio or watch DVD movies. As with similar products, you can give your system voice commands if you need to recalculate your route or, in this case, even change the radio station. You could try installing the AVIC-N2 yourself; however, most DVD navigation systems have complicated setups and wiring needs, so it is best to leave the installation to a professional.

Some DVD navigation systems, such as those found in new cars, require professional installation. Acura, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes, Toyota, and other automobile manufacturers offer optional navigation systems when you buy some of their models. This option is usually available on higher-priced or luxury vehicles, but as popularity for in-car systems increases, automotive navigation systems, in general, won’t be limited to high-end cars. General Motors is already planning to offer its OnStar navigation feature as a standard on all new GM trucks and cars sold in the United States and Canada by the end of 2007. Although OnStar doesn’t include the LCD in-dash DVD navigation system that other manufacturers currently offer, GM’s standard of providing navigation assistance could set the bar high for its competition to offer their systems on more models to meet consumers’ growing demand for such a feature.

Choose Wisely

With the variety of features navigation systems offer and the costly price tag for those on the market today, the buying decision is a tough one. If you would prefer to be able to take the system out of your car, you may want a smaller system you can mount on your dashboard. If you like the convenience of having a system that isn’t in your line of sight and that offers options such as AV capabilities in addition to GPS services, an installed DVD system may work best for you. In either case you should research your options to find the best fit for your needs.

by Jennifer Suggitt