Plug-and-play navigation is intended for use in your car, but it's also portable and has a ton of features, which makes it one of the most versatile forms of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation you can get. The options, of course, can make it difficult to choose which navigation system is right for you. Read below for helpful ways to narrow down your search.

Many plug-and-play navigation devices feature convenient windshield mounts, bright color displays, and touchscreen controls.

Where do you need to go?

• Maps: A majority of plug-and-play navigation systems come with all the maps you'll ever need built right into the system. A few still require that you upload map data from CD-ROMs, but the CD-ROMs are also included, so its just a small extra step to access your maps. If you want to use your system "right out of the box," you'll want a device with the maps built-in. In most cases, you'll get maps of the lower 48 states, as well as major Canadian cities. Some units come with a CD-ROM — along with the built-in maps — that provide maps for areas such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, so you can find your way, even if you're in an out-of-the-way place.

• Points of Interest: One of the more distinguishing features among plug-and-play navigation devices is the number of points of interest, or POI. POI are all the various places along a journey that might make it more fun, more educational, or be of use, such as theaters, museums, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. If you want the greatest number of options for places to stop, rest, or explore, look for a device with more POI. Dash Express, through their two-way Internet connectivity, provides unlimited, up-to-date consumer-rated POI for businesses, products, and services.

• Storage capacity: A good deal of plug-and-play navigation models also offer additional maps available for upload from their brand's website, so if you want a super-detailed map of New York City, or some maps for your upcoming European vacation (for units that work in foreign countries), they're right there for you. If you think you'll be uploading maps frequently, choose a unit with lots of storage space. Some websites offer additional POI as well, in case you wanted to see a more in-depth tour of your destination. In some instances, you can even upload marine and fishery maps.

• Antennas: Antennas are also an important part of your map-viewing experience. Most plug-and-play models will have built-in antennas. A few may also offer external antennas in addition to built-in antennas, so you get the strongest possible satellite signal, for the most reliable navigation.

What size and color?

• Displays: Many plug-and-play navigation devices now come with full-color, touchscreen displays, that range in size from 3½" to 7". Bright, full-color screens are easy to see, day or night, and the contrasting colors help to distinguish symbols and pathways, even if there is some washout in the sun. Touchscreen functions allow considerably more control and efficiency of use than exterior buttons, but exterior buttons combined with touchscreen controls may enhance your overall experience. If you're someone who doesn't feel comfortable taking your eyes off the road, an all-touchscreen device is probably what you want. If you prefer more control options, you may want to get a combo touchscreen/button unit.





• Screen sizes: Smaller units, with smaller screens, are generally easier to mount and are less intrusive on your view of the road. But large displays may offer more control functions on a specific display screen than a smaller device. For instance, you might be able to see the map, as well as six other menu options on a large screen, whereas a small screen might let you view the map and one or two menu options. If you like to see all the options available to you without having to click through several screens, you may want to get a device with a larger display. Larger screens can also be helpful if the ideal mounting location is far enough away to require squinting or neck-craning. A 3½" display 2½' away from you can be a challenge to read for anybody.

Which voice?

• Voice-guidance: You'd be hard-pressed to find a navigation unit these days without voice-guidance. But, not all voice-guiding systems are created equal. Most of them will give you a list of accents and languages to choose from. If you're an Anglophile, perhaps you'd like to hear a British accent; if you're trying to learn Japanese, perhaps you'll want to switch it to the Japanese directions. Some brands are now including, as part of their subscription services, celebrity voices such as John Cleese. So, if you didn't get enough of him from Monty Python, you can take him along with you on your next road trip.

  One of the most exciting new developments in voice-guidance technology is what's called "text-to-speech." This means that instead of a general directive like "turn left ahead," you'll hear a reference to the specific street name: "turn left onto Greenbriar Drive ahead." This can take out a lot of confusion at a busy intersection or when streets are close together. A navigation device with this kind of technology would be good for you if you know you'll often be driving in areas with confusing traffic patterns.

• Speakers: Most plug-and-play navigation systems come with a built-in speaker for their voice-guidance programs, making the unit self-contained. A few have their speaker located on the DC adapter. Others allow you to connect your device to your stereo's audio input, so you can hear voice prompts through your car speakers. This connection through your car speakers gives you the best possible sound quality, but requires some extra steps in the installation process. This option usually shows up on devices that also have extra functionality capabilities, such as MP3 playback (see below).

Many plug-and-play units offer MP3 playback.

Do you want more than just navigation?

• Extra functionality: Some navigation models include additional user functions. You might find MP3/WMA playback capability or satellite radio controls. If you've been debating whether to spend your budget on a new sound system or a navigation unit, an all-in-one solution can get you both. You can even get Bluetooth®; compatibility on some, which enables you to make phone calls from the navigation unit (providing your cell phone also has Bluetooth capabilities). With Bluetooth and a wireless internet connection, you can also get instant traffic and weather reports. And, some units are expandable, with A/V inputs and outputs available for devices such as your DVD player or portable MP3 player.

Do you expect to use the system outside of your car?

This unit includes navigation modes for walking and bicycling, in addition to in-vehicle guidance.

• Power: All plug-and-play navigation systems work great in your car, but some of them allow you to use them outside of your car, too. For instance, some models come with built-in rechargeable batteries, so you can sit comfortably on your couch and program in your destination before you go anywhere. Other plug-and-play navigation units come with a DC power adapter (cigarette lighter adapter) for use in your car, and often with an AC power adapter as well, so you can charge and use it at home.

How are you going to mount it?

• Mounting: Most of the devices will come with a windshield mounting bracket (suction cup mount), which is one of the easiest and most easily viewable ways to install the device. these work very well with the smaller plug-and-play devices. Other mounting options include heavy-duty adhesive backing, or what's called a "friction beanbag mount." The beanbag mount is a non-slip paperweight, if you will, perfect for uneven surfaces.

There are many other features which could mean the difference between you choosing one unit or another, so be sure to read each product description before you decide which system is the best one for you.

We hope this how-to-choose guide has helped you decide which plug-and-play navigation device to go with. The more you know, the better choice you can make, and the more you'll get out of your new purchase. Enjoy.