Hidden Secrets of Navigation Systems
Helpful Features Abound, if You Can Find Them
Geeks are hip, and that goes for mom geeks as well. I’ve noticed this trend in my own mommy circles: black-rimmed glasses, moms hanging out with their laptops at the coffee shop — I even heard the ‘80s movie classic “Revenge of the Nerds” is being remade! As geeks or geek-wannabes, I know there are many moms out there who either secretly, or not-so-secretly, love having cool gadgets in their cars. One gadget that epitomizes the move toward nerd city is the in-car navigation system.
That said, I know many women who have navigation systems in their cars and have only used them a handful of times; in time, the systems lose their luster as the novelty wears off. I’m convinced that having navigation/GPS technology in my car is a great tool, but it can be daunting to those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy. I am here to tell you, ladies: You do not need an advanced degree or pocket protector to appreciate (and use) a navigation system. Let me try to demystify some of the typical navigation system’s most useful mom-functions.
There are many types of navigation systems available. Some are full-featured map displays that give audio and visual directions. Others are cell-phone-based concierge services where a live person directs you to your destination or a computer gives you turn-by-turn directions. There are also many portable navigation systems that can be used with any car, old or new.
Here are some of my favorite, often-overlooked features that can be found in many systems:
• The ability to look up telephone numbers in the system’s point-of-interest module. I avoid 411 charges on my cell phone by using this feature, a huge budget-saver for my family.
• Voice activation, which allows me to keep my eyes on the road and operate the navigation features at the same time. Plus, my kids love to try their hand at giving some commands.
• Real-time traffic reports are available in some models, giving me information about what areas should be avoided due to traffic snarls — a big time-saver when I’m late to that play-date at the zoo.
• Restaurant look-up for when I don’t want to think about making dinner. (Are you with me on that one?) Just enter a type of cuisine and the system sends me on my way.
• Concierge services; I really value being able to push a button and get movie times, restaurant reservations and even door-unlocking services. (Me? No, I’ve never locked my keys in the car.)
• Help finding historical sites or landmarks on trips. Some of these sites are included in the system, but I can even look up more obscure things on the internet (at home or in the coffee shop) and then enter them in the system. It makes even short trips an educational endeavor for my kids.
• Electronic “bread crumbs,” which I use when I want to find a different route out of a neighborhood. I just know there has to be a shortcut! But just like Hansel and Gretel, I can always get back if necessary. No more getting lost.
• I can use that same bread-crumb technology to teach children about street navigation and address numbering. I mark an address along my route that shows the kids how street address numbering works and how the numbers change as I travel in each direction. They’ll be ready for ”The Amazing Race” before you know it.
• I can also save points of personal interest and address-book information within the system. I usually need to leave my car for the grandparents when they watch my kids for the weekend, and this feature alone can save both of us time because they can easily find baseball practice and the movie theater with one simple touch of the button, meaning I don’t have to write everything out for them.
• Nav systems can also help me maximize my gas mileage. Who doesn’t want this? The navigation system can help me by showing the shortest route (which may be different from my usual route), another budget-minded feature.
• Some systems offer vehicle tracking as part of their package. Having the ability to track my teenager’s whereabouts gets a bit dicey, but might just be enough of a deterrent to keep him out of trouble.
• And last, but certainly not least, I use the timing feature of the system to tell my kids exactly when we will arrive — eliminating the “are we there yet” banter that inevitably occurs.
I know nav systems can be overwhelming, even intimidating, but the time it takes to learn their abilities is miniscule compared to the time they’ll save you and the benefits you can get out of the technology.
Comments
Why use 411 for information? There are many free numbers to call for information, including 1-800-goog-411.
Posted by: | Apr 3, 2008 10:18:26 AM
This family car most definately needs a nav system. Time saved is a child who doesnt have to pee in the back seat, you can guess how frantic they can be. Lucky for now stable in the seat and nav can only expedite the trip. Now if it only came with a zune i could scroll to the bottom of the play list and find all the directions an old man like me needs. derection as to input destenation so as to illuminate route.
nav system good must purchase.
Posted by: s.t.l. | Jul 28, 2008 3:47:43 AM
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