Imagine that you are driving around in a new city. The streets are busy and, while you have some idea of where you would like to end up, you have absolutely no idea how you are going to get there. While dodging pedestrians and taxis, you desperately try to find road signs without running other tourists off the sidewalks. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could have an instrument give you turn-by-turn instructions and lead you right to the front door of that great little restaurant you are trying to find? Well, you can! Navigation systems have become extremely common and have helped millions of drivers find their way safely and quickly to their destinations. These handy devices can come as an upgrade feature of your car (oftentimes built into the dashboard and integrated into the instrumentation) or as a small electronic device that you can buy in stores and use in any vehicle (portable).

The differences between built-in and portable navigation systems are subtle, but are important to consider before investing in either one. When choosing your next car, think about the following and determine which kind of system best fits your lifestyle.

- Ease of Use: With the various different kinds of navigation systems on the market it’s important that you choose one that presents an interface that is easy to use. Because you will need to be able to utilize the navigation while driving, it’s important that the system you choose will require a minimum amount of input on your part. Portable navigation systems come in all shapes and sizes, and a trip to the local electronics store will help you narrow down the selection by letting you test out many different models. Built-in navigation systems are chosen by the car’s manufacturer, so you will have no real choice if you choose to install navigation as a vehicle upgrade.

- Convenience: Navigation systems are designed to provide unparalleled convenience for drivers and part of this job is to be located in an easy to access place in the vehicle. Built-in systems are often mounted within the dashboard above the radio controls, so they are easy to see. Portable systems regularly come with a mounting device that can be placed on the windshield, but this may obstruct the driver’s view. As far as being convenient to use while driving, built-in systems seem to have the upper hand in this category.

- Span of Use: Another important thing to consider is how often you will be able to use your new navigation system. Built-in systems are only available for use in one car, while portable systems can be taken anywhere and used by anyone. If you plan to travel often in different cars, it may be in your best interest to invest in a portable navigation system. Some of these systems also offer walking directions, which means even if you aren’t traveling by automobile they may come in handy!

Using a navigation system has become easier than ever, thanks to strides in technology and an emphasis on user-friendly products. What the choice between built-in and portable systems boils down to is your own personal use of your navigation system and how much you are willing to invest in it.

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