ROADvertising :: Advertising on GPS Devices

In-Dash Navigation Systems are navigation systems incorporated in the vehicles’ central dashboard. Most of them are based on a DVD system, the maps being stocked up on the DVDs. However, some systems also use hard disks or an internal memory to save maps (Magellan has a system that includes the entire NAVTECH U.S. database on a single hard drive).

 Brightly colored and ergonomically installed, the flat large visible display uses the liquid crystal technology. Drivers use touch-screen controls to enter addresses or business names by selecting each letter on a screen which displays the alphabet and numbers, or by choosing from a list of pre-stored options.Onboard systems include clever features such as a button the driver can push when he has missed a turn

Portable Navigation Devices are not permanently integrated into the vehicle, having only a simple bracket to mount the device on the surface of the dashboard and are powered via the car cigarette lighter. This class of GPS unit does not require professional installation and can be typically used as a handheld device unit, hence allowing the user to move them easily to other vehicles. On the other hand, though, their portability also means they can be easily stolen if left inside the vehicle.

The display is usually touch-screen, easy to use, with dimensions from 3.5" to 7" and a high resolution. Most Portable Navigation Devices have built-in hard disks in order to store menu data, voice files and map files, whilst other feature SD card slots.

 A PDA is a small computer that has its own microprocessor, memory and operating system (usually Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition, Palm OS, Symbian, or the Blackberry OS). Unlike a regular PC, a PDA doesn't have a hard drive, but stores basic programs such as memo pad, calendar, address book and an operating system in a small ROM (Read Only Memory) chip. Most PDAs have touch-screens where you can enter data or text. They use (liquid-crystal display) LCD screens. Many also have a full QWERTY keyboard where you use your thumbs to enter text.

The majority of PDAs have an expansion slot for additional capabilities. For example, you will be able to plug in extra memory (usually SD cards), camera attachments, modems, Bluetooth attachments, MP3 players and GPS receivers (some types already have built-in GPS receivers). For those without a GPS receiver, turning the PDA into a navigator requires an external GPS receiver which connects to the PDA via cable or via Bluetooth(BT).

Smartphones represent a mobile device that combines the functions of a cellular phone with the ones of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Smartphones enable all PDA functions such as office, memo pad, calendar, address book, office programs plus video files and mp3 files support. Just like in the case of a PDA, most Smartphones have built-in GPS receivers. However, if that is not the case, the GPS receiver can be connected to the Smartphone via Bluetooth or cable.

Smartphones are endowed with different operating systems (mainly Windows Mobile and Symbian), which means that installation of compatible GPS software and maps is needed to enable the navigation function. Smartphones have more memory capacity than most standalone dedicated navigation units. They also have a built-in mobile phone and wireless networking capabilities, permitting this way the download of information without physically being connected to other devices.

Smartphones offer the great opportunity of using POI details in order to communicate through email or telephone.