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Alpine Satellite Navigation, Portable Handheld & Vehicle Fixed

Clarion Satellite Navigation, Portable Handheld & Vehicle Fixed

JVC Satellite Navigation Vehicle Fixed

Kenwood Satellite Navigation Vehicle Fixed

Pioneer Satellite Navigation Vehicle Fixed

Most fixed In-Car Satellite Navigation systems consist of a miniature computer connected to a CD, DVD or Data Card reader; a gyroscope; and a GPS receiver and antenna. A feed from the vehicle's electronics known as the 'speed pulse' supplies additional data to the navigation computer. The speed pulse feed and gyroscope are features that considerably improve the accuracy and reliability of fixed Sat Nav systems compared to the portable devices.

The fixed systems tend to have large, high-quality displays, often touch-sensitive and fold-away. This allows the device to neatly fit into the same space as a conventional in-dash CD player. Most will come with a remote controller and sophisticated mapping with advanced search facilities and a huge number of Points of Interest (POI) - these are useful places like petrol stations and bank ATMs, and leisure spots such as restaurants.

Inputting your destination is easy, either by speaking the pre-assigned name you've given to the address, or by entering the address or post code on the remote control, or by touchscreen. They all support the screen instructions with clear spoken directions delivered through the vehicle's own speaker system for best clarity.

Most fixed car navigation systems can also retrieve and decode realtime traffic information (via a TMC data feed - TMC stands for Traffic Message Channel) and automatically re-route you around traffic trouble spots.

Systems that use CD or DVD to deliver their mapping data will usually double as an entertainment system. Once the required mapping data is read into memory for a particular route or area, the reader is free to play other discs.



Portable Satellite Navigation became the latest high-tech "must have" for UK consumers in 2005, and the huge demand created a big choice of Sat Nav models within a short time, often at very attractive prices.

Apart from price, the ease of fitting and their portability make these devices especially attractive to the average motorist. Unlike fitted in-car navigation systems, they can be transferred easily from car to car - great if you hire cars for business or on holiday, or if your partner occasionally makes a longer trip in their own car.

While in-car Sat Nav systems need to be professionally installed, portable systems often come with a screen mounted arm and cigarette lighter power cable, making fitting quick and easy, if somewhat untidy.