If you are like me, I have wanted a vehicle with a built-in navigation system for quite a while now. So, I have decided that my next car purchase is going to have one as the newer vehicle navigation systems are getting better. The need for me to use a standalone device to provide quality maps and to navigate where I need to go is becoming a thing of the past. More of the major car manufacturers now have navigation systems available as an option in a wider range of their vehicles but this can add about a $1,000 or more to the purchase price depending on the package included. The benefit of a built-in navigation system is that I do not have to worry about carrying it around when I am out or having to hide it in the car. The result is that Standalone GPS manufacturers have had to release their premium feature models with options like ; "lane assist", "hands free calling", "live traffic", etc, at a lower cost as more people are opting for either an "in-dash" GPS system or using a GPS enabled Smartphone. This has also forced the major GPS manufacturers like; TomTom, Magellan, and Garmin to reinvent themselves with the creation of their own GPS software that is either already available or soon to be available for popular Smartphone platforms (iOS, Android, etc) as their standalone GPS device sales have declined. Which type of GPS device do you prefer using?
My kids are not comfortable with long trips in the car and more than a few times I have thought about installing an overhead DVD player to help preoccupy them for these types of trips. Since my wife wants a minivan (as she is going to be a soccer mom), it makes sense to either get one with a DVD player already or to have an aftermarket one put in. I have seen the screen sizes available at over 20" but that just seems to be a little too big. My ideal screen size would be in the 12" range with a higher screen resolution as I may watch as well while the wife is driving (just don't tell her, I said that). There are DVD overhead systems that offer options that may include:
Built-in speakers
FM transmitters
IR transmitters for wireless headphones
SD and USB support slots
Swivel screens
Gaming inputs
Built-in dome lights
Wireless remote control
If you have a DVD Entertainment System in your vehicle do you find yourself or the kids using it at all?
Some may not be aware that Clarivue can custom cut screen protectors for any of the these types of devices you may have in your vehicle. All we need are the dimensions and you can protect your screen as well as minimize any glare from the outside, making it easier to see where you are headed or for your kids to watch their favorite shows.
