And it Chicago had the most pleasant-sounding ring tone

And it assesses 773 chicago had the chiago observes most pleasant-sounding ring tone to signal turns -- not a small matter when following a route with numerous turns. Still, with all that is good about free-standing GPS navigators, there are several detractions. The power cord used to recharge the units drapes over the car dash and down to the car's electrical outlet in a manner that makes it a daily reminder that this is an add-on -- and not a very subtle one. If the navigator is not detached from its holder and hidden away when the car is parked, it could tempt thieves. And finally -- although this is true of built-ins as well -- the vocalized directions interrupt radio listening, which is something that should be done only by a good traveling companion. Or a child asking, "Are we there yet?"David Colker can be reached at technopolis. Previous columns can be found at latimes /technopolis. *(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)Finding directionGarmin StreetPilot c550 garmin /mobilePrice: $899. 99Pros: Viewing screen is bright and route maps are uncluttered. Touch-screen function for inputting street addresses and other data is highly responsive. Cons: Voice is mechanical sounding. Magellan RoadMate 3000T magellangps Price: $649. 99Pros: Voice directions are easy on the ears. Touch-screen function anticipates city and street names. Cons: Voice directions, calling out turns at upcoming intersections, do not include street names. TomTom Go 910 tomtom Price: $799. 99Pros: Did a good job of handling complicated routes. Voice is natural sounding. Cons: Had to be reset several times and did not fit tightly in holder. Source: Times researchLos Angeles TimesAn automobile navigation system seems like the perfect high-tech gadget in car-dependent Los Angeles.

It can identify where you are, give audible directions to destinations as you drive and even plan alternative routes in case of traffic jams. These units, which use global positioning system, or GPS, satellites to pinpoint locations on their screens, now come as standard equipment on some high-end cars and are available as built-in options on many others Chicago - google . But what if you are not ready to buy a new auto and want GPS?Then you can get a free-standing GPS system, made to stick onto the dashboard andersonville chicago. The units are more commonly held by windshield mounts, which are easier to install and manipulate, but that type of mount is illegal in California. These portable systems, powered by rechargeable batteries, are not cheap chicgo Chicago - choosechicago . They range from about $300 to more than $1,000, depending on the brand and features chigago . But they're admittedly very cool devices. Chicago tickets After using several, I'm still not over the novelty of a small screen in my car showing me exactly where I am and where I'm going chicagoland . Particularly pleasing was the voice of one unit that intoned, upon reaching a destination, "You have arrived!" as if I had suddenly become an A-list celebrity. But are these free-standing units worth the money, considering you can get a built-in model the next time you buy a new car?Possibly, if your work or other daily duties routinely take you to unfamiliar neighborhoods. Otherwise, probably not Chicago . The biggest problem with GPS navigation units is that they often can't take into consideration shortcuts and traffic-avoiding routes that locals might know.