Posts Tagged ‘GPS navigation’

First Time Buying A Gps Navigation Unit That Suits Your Needs

Friday, January 29th, 2010

If you have been thinking about getting yourself a GPS navigation system but not quite sure which one might be good for you. There are probably more out there than you would have first thought so it could make the decision making a little difficult. So to make life a little easier on your decision making below you will find five different systems that are considered the best.

The Tom Tom Go 740 Live is an information packed GPS navigation device that gives you complete traffic reports, what is going on with the weather, it also includes local fuel prices as well. The system is powered by Google search and map and this model has the ability to update information much faster than in the past.

This particular model of GPS navigation device is all real time and even has a feature where you can share your information with all your family and friends via their own instant messaging system. You can also get into the system and actually correct things that may be incorrect due to name changes, location changes, etc.

The draw backs to this system is the fact that the response time to getting directions seems a little sluggish and the battery life is just little over two hours before it has to be recharged.

Garmin Nuvi 1690 is a GPS navigation system that actually offers free (ad supported) service from their NuLink data service which is a combination of ATandT and MSN Direct. For the first two years the service is ad supported and after that if you want to remove the ads you will be charged five dollars a month for their ad free service.

This unit is jam packed with features such as finding gas prices, getting incident reports, weather reports, Google search, White Pages search, flight information, even movie times and information. The system is also equipped with Bluetooth hands free dialing.

The main draw back for this unit is that they use to have a memory card reader for regular SD cards but they have switched to microSD cards which very few people have at this time.

Tom Tom has another GPS navigation device called the Tom Tom XL340 S. This one is a little less expensive than their other model. Do not let the lower price fool you, it is still full of helpful features. It is a little bit larger than other models but if you like to be able to have better visual, then this model with its larger screen would probably be a good fit for you. Another nice feature is its voice to text feature, giving you complete hands free operation.

The great thing about he voice to text is that the responding voice can be English, Spanish or French and better yet if you want, you can download celebrity voices to add more fun to the experience.

The GPS navigation system called the Magellan Roadmate 1470. This system has a nice little feature that picks up on the most commonly visited places by most people and allows those to be easily accessed by just a touch of the finger. This system does not lack in features having pretty much all the same features of most similar systems. One thing that you will notice about this particular system is its exceptional speed.

The only thing that seems to be a problem with this GPS navigation system is the way it is mounted in the car causing the cable to get in the way.

Ever noticed all of the portable gps deals that are in the world? Gps systems are definitely a big hit in the world today. With the best GPS system, you will never get lost again.

Getting to Where You’re Going: GPS Navigation

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

“Pull over and get directions,” is a phrase that grates on every man’s last nerve. It’s an admission of failure on our parts to have to do it. True, it’s become clich, but generally speaking, stereo types have some basis in fact. A little GPS navigation might save your masculinity.

Written directions are fine and with current map sites up on the internet, you can get a clear visual of where you’re going. But what happens when you leave your computer and hit the highway? You get lost Columbus. That’s why you need a GPS navigation system.

GPS units are small and relatively inexpensive. They are generally battery operated and require very little juice, so the operating times can be quite a few hours. Should your trip be longer than that, they usually come with a charger so you can plug them right in and keep truckin’- literally. With various sizes and styles, there is a GPS built for virtually any vehicle.

GPS navigation works using a series of satellites (generally 24-32) that are in orbit around our planet. The satellites radiate a constant signal, much like your spouse does when you miss a turn. But unlike your spouse’s signal, your GPS navigation system will pick up the signals and use them to decide where you are. This is not just on the highway either, you could be anywhere where there’s sky and your GPS will work.

Quite a few people have “GPS” built into their cell phones now. It should be noted that these only work while within signal range of a cell tower. So if you are in the middle of nowhere, the chances of you finding your way to somewhere are slim. Laptops are another option, and though they come with all kinds of extras, installing a laptop in your personal vehicle could cause a little clutter.

Accuracy is the main attraction to a GPS lifestyle. (And yes, it IS a lifestyle babe) Updating your GPS navigation system is very important. Roads are constantly being widened, bridges get washed out and new roads are being built. Updating your GPS unit using the internet will keep you from trying to jump a bridge like Burt Reynolds did in Smokey and the Bandit.

Where to put your GPS navigation system is not that hard of an issue. Most come prepackaged with a suction cup window mount. It’s literally “lick and stick”. Just make sure you mount your GPS in a spot that is easy to see while you’re driving and doesn’t obscure your view of the road or any mirrors. The whole point of GPS is to get you there; having an accident because of your GPS is more ironic than any Alanis Morrisette song could ever fully express.

Having a GPS navigation system onboard will save you a lot of time and headache. You will be able to arrive at your destination without much difficulty and avoid potential arguments over the map with your co-pilot. Your co-pilot can now remain asleep until you arrive at your destination. This is perfect because you can now change the station on the satellite radio to something YOU want to hear.

Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on Garmin GPS Accessories which showcases reviews of some of the top accessories for your Garmin GPS system.

Some Things You Should Know about GPS

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Over twenty years ago, the United States developed a system of satellites circling the globe in order to help its military navigate the globe with accuracy. With multiple satellites in geo-synchronous orbit, units on land and sea can quickly get an accurate location and also a glimpse at the surrounding terrain.

The satellites send a signal to the GPS receivers on the surface of the Earth and then from there, the location is pinpointed. The system was then commercialized in the 1990s and it has literally taken off.

The GPS units have been in commercial use since the early 1990’s and since then they have exploded to many different areas of our lives. One area that they have literally taken over is in the automobile industry. Car GPS systems are some of the most visible of all of the GPS units out there. These gps units help you get from point A to point B when you put in the destination address or place of interest name ( such as Fed Ex Field). Once this is entered, the route is calculated using your specifications ( such s no local roads, etc..) and then it is displayed on the screen for you to follow. If you need to take a detour, the GPS unit will quickly recalculate the route and display the new directions. And the kicker for some of these systems is that some have voice guidance to help you as well.

Manufacturers have taken the last two decades to produce ever smaller GPS devices so their use can become more widespread. Technology has improved so much that the GPS receivers can be inserted into articles of clothing as well as other common conumer items such as cellphones, watches and shoes.

Some companies also offer GPS tracking services. These services are designed with parents in mind. Parents can now keep track of where their chidren are simply by going to the website of the tracking service company. The service monitors the receiver that is on the child and reports back their location.

Cheap GPS units mean only one thing - the adoption of their use by a large swath of the population. These inexpensive units mean that pretty much every car on the road has them on the dashboard so that the driver doesn’t get lost or waste money on gasoline spent going the wrong way.

You can purchase a GPS unit in one of two ways. You can buy a unit for your dashboard and remove it each time you leave the vehicle alone. Or you can get the GPS unit installed into your dashboard as an option when you purchase the vehicle. Either way, you should search online for the right GPS unit for you.

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Boat Accessories

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Marine GPS system turns out to be intimate to many mariners.this Marine GPS navigation, can be used to help you get back to the coast if you are lost in an unidentified waters, find the way in the night and locate big fish or keep away from wrekage. All this depending on the individual.

Why using the Marine GPS Navigation System? To answer simply, its much more accurate,less hassle than the former methods used to find out your position when you are at the sea or any other body of water.But most importantly its for safety.it will not only help you not to get lost,but also help you to chart ways around tropical storms at sea or any other road or whatever.

Future of The Marine GPS: Today the Marine GPS is more and more strong,and they are produced in Hand-Held designs, and even up to the Marine GPS Navigation LapTop computers.Nomatter the types you want and their functions, you will have a Marine GPS which will perform all you want,even if its on topography, navigation in foreign waters,or to go on camping or hiking,Incase its a Hand-Held Marine GPS take it along. Some bigger Yachts and Cruisers use it as ‘Auto-Pilot’ for their ships, and it helps them navigate back to the port at night

The Future of Marine GPS:The marine GPS systems maintains it’s stylishness and come in hand-held models,rigt up to the marine GPS navigation PC You can find a marine GPS that can do whatever you want it to do ,when it comes to direction finding,the geography of far-off water bodies or take it to camp with you if it is a transportable marine GPS.A number of yachts and cruisers use it to navigate

Recommendation On Buying a Marine GPS: Before making up your mind about getting a marine GPS, you need to be sure about the kind you will be using.simply put you have to be sure about issues like weather it is for adventure or for fishing inorder to determine the kind of GPSyou will require and its function.because if you are insearch of a fish finder, u do not need a GPS that is costly with bells and whistles. The marine GPSsystem with bells and whistles is advantageous to Commercial fishermen as it will help them catch fish and get back to shore easily whereas a normal fisherman will not need all this items.

Marine GPS has become almost an essential requirement for all water navigation, and a Marine GPS unit is easy to fine with the retailers,especially online with unlimited choices.More and more manufacturers have got into the Marine GPS system,you can see that even cell phone pocess GPS Today.It all matters on the function of the GPS and what you would like to use it for, when it concerns Marine GPS.

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Technology In The Palm Of Your Hand ” GPS Handheld Receiver

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Thanks to the relentless progress of today’s technology, our standard of living has improved dramatically over the years. A perfect example of this is the introduction of GPS handheld receivers. In days gone by, the average person simply couldn’t entertain the idea of exploring foreign lands for fear of getting lost. However, armed with a GPS handheld receiver, we can now safely explore any place we wish without ever having to worry about losing our way. Interestingly enough, the very first satellite navigation systems were already developed in the 1960s although at that point they were used solely by the military.

Looking similar to some wristwatches, handheld GPS receivers are small devices which are loaded with Global Positioning System technology. Their phenomenal popularity is hardly surprising, considering they can be used for such a wide variety of activities such as, hiking, climbing, trekking, safaris, fishing, hunting, and etc. As could be expected, handheld receivers are now also manufactured for specific purposes, such as the popular hunting GPS Handheld Receiver which is available in a camouflage finish and features a built in compass. Not only are these receivers extremely lightweight, but the also include a bunch of features such as graphics for all locations, up 2000 weight point storage and a ten to fifty retraceable path feature.

Of course, while the basic GPS receivers can be bought for around $100, these only have a very limited number of features. On the other hand, there are numerous models which include a variety of features such as:

Personalized icons Map Database MP3 Built in Anti-Theft WAAS technology Voice activated GPS Non-reflection screen

So why would you need a handheld GPS receiver at all? Here are some of the reasons why it is a good idea and why people are using it:

1) Proving those around you can speak your language; you can always ask for help should you get lost. Alternatively, you could phone for help but if you have a GPS receiver, you eliminate this problem altogether.

2. If you are late for somewhere and you want to reach on time, you need to find the shortest and quickest route available. The handheld GPS receiver can help you to find the best and shortest route possible.

3. Lets assume that you have shifted to a new place and have an emergency where you need to go to a doctor. How do you do that? Where do you find a doctor? With the handheld GPS receiver, you can locate a doctor or even a gas pump if you need. You dont have to ask anyone.

4) The days of getting lost and not being able to find you way are a thing of the past, thanks to the small size of receivers and the fact that you can take them anywhere.

5. When you are traveling with your kids and family then you need to know the emergency services and the way to get to them. Carrying and scurrying for a car or map in your purse is time consuming. With this device all you need to do is to strap it to your wrist and find out the required information!

Yes a GPS Handheld Receiver is a desirable device, but over and above that, it’s a safety device which one should always have on hand.

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GPS Handheld receiver ” The World at Your Fingertips

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Thanks to the relentless progress of today’s technology, our standard of living has improved dramatically over the years. A perfect example of this is the introduction of GPS handheld receivers. In days gone by, the average person simply couldn’t entertain the idea of exploring foreign lands for fear of getting lost. However, armed with a GPS handheld receiver, we can now safely explore any place we wish without ever having to worry about losing our way. Interestingly enough, the very first satellite navigation systems were already developed in the 1960s although at that point they were used solely by the military.

Looking similar to some wristwatches, handheld GPS receivers are small devices which are loaded with Global Positioning System technology. Their phenomenal popularity is hardly surprising, considering they can be used for such a wide variety of activities such as, hiking, climbing, trekking, safaris, fishing, hunting, and etc. As could be expected, handheld receivers are now also manufactured for specific purposes, such as the popular hunting GPS Handheld Receiver which is available in a camouflage finish and features a built in compass. Not only are these receivers extremely lightweight, but the also include a bunch of features such as graphics for all locations, up 2000 weight point storage and a ten to fifty retraceable path feature.

Of course, while the basic GPS receivers can be bought for around $100, these only have a very limited number of features. On the other hand, there are numerous models which include a variety of features such as:

Map database; Voice activated GPS; WAAS technology, Reflection-less screen; Theft prevention functions; an option for personalized screen icons; MP3 capability.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting a GPS handheld receiver, some of which are:

1) If you’ve ever been lost before, you’ll know you normally have two options. You can either ask for directions, or you can phone for help. With a GPS receiver however, you can immediately determine where you are and you can also get directions to where you want to go.

2) The need for punctuality rates extremely high for some people and in this case, a GPS receiver can help you to determine the best and shortest possible route.

3. Lets assume that you have shifted to a new place and have an emergency where you need to go to a doctor. How do you do that? Where do you find a doctor? With the handheld GPS receiver, you can locate a doctor or even a gas pump if you need. You dont have to ask anyone.

4) Because of their small size they can be taken everywhere with you so never again will you be unable to determine your way.

5) When traveling with your family, it’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the location of emergency services, and if such an emergency happens, finding a map and trying to make sense of it all takes time which could essentially mean the difference between life and death.

The bottom line is; a GPS Handheld Receiver is not only convenient, but it’s also an amazing safety device.

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Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator - Buyer’s Guide

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Looking through all the choices you have these days for GPS units it can very easily become a overwhelming task to accomplish when sorting out all the available features. One unit in particular, the Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator stands out from the others not only for it’s ease of use, but for the driver friendly options that are available at your fingertips. You will no longer have to worry about stopping for directions, bad directions or just simply remembering those directions while on the road and running the possibility of getting lost. Features such as turn by turn voice prompts help to keep your eyes safely on the road.

There are many features that are available on Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS navigator. Firstly one of the most important features is that the unit is portable, which makes taking this with you whether in the car or on foot very easy. Another is it’s size, weighing in at only 5.1 ounces and compact measurements of 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches (WxHxD), it is perfect for the pocket or purse.

A built in, highly sensitive GPS receiver by SiRF built into the Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator gives you unmatched accuracy. Along with the Garmin GMT 10 FMT traffic receiver you have one touch access to re-route yourself around traffic problems so you can stay on the move and avoid traffic jams. The satellite interface allows you access to roads throughout the US, Canada and even in Puerto Rico.

With a resolution of 320 X 240 pixels capable of producing 64,000 colors in a bright, easy to read display the GPS unit allows for plenty of room to display map data in both a 2D or 3D formats.

It also comes with a SD memory card slot for expansion software, such as points of interest, media files and electronic guides. With the flip-up antenna you can connect to an external GPS antenna. Powerful built in speaker and lithium ion battery gives up to 8 hours of use. Along with the unit you will receive a AC charger and a 12-volt power adapter for charging in your vehicle, as well as a windshield suction cup mount.

After a long day of travel you might be in the mood for stopping for a bite to eat, to get gas or even resting for the night so you can get a fresh start on the next day. Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator’s touch screen controls allow you to plan a pit stop with just one touch. From there the GPS system will give you directions to your stop and then directions back to the main highway to continue on your trip. The GPS unit also reports on things such as distance traveled, trip timer and time zone changes, currency converter, a calculator and gives you access to some cool features such as the ability to view digital pictures and listen to MP3’s all with this one unit.

Garmin is the market leader in the industry of GPS navigation and has the upper hand in GPS technology. The Garmin nuvi 350 3.5 - Inch Portable GPS Navigator is the #1 top selling GPS navigation system sold and comes with a very affordable price tag. Whether you travel allot or not this GPS navigator will do the job for you.

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Handheld or Portable GPS News Winter 2008

Monday, December 8th, 2008

At handheld-gps-reviews.com we like to stay ahead of the latest news when it come to gps technology. If you are a subscriber to our newsletters you have seen the latest on the realestate scene. Iphones and realtors.

“Earlier this year Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate brand to put its listings on in-car GPS devices through an exclusive feed to Dash Navigation. Drivers can now call up Coldwell Banker listings, map them, get directions and view other Coldwell Banker listings in close proximity.”

Now for some exciting news from Salt Lake City UT and Delorme. At http://www.handheld-gps-reviews.com We check out and report on the latest news when it comes to GPS we are on top.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DeLorme, the leader in mapping and GPS technology for serious outdoor adventures, today announced the Fall 2008 release for its next generation handheld GPS, the Earthmate PN-40. The new device’s rugged design, tested in both Arctic and Antarctic conditions, makes it the ideal choice for serious outdoor adventures.

The announcement came during the Open Air Demo event at Pineview Reservoice, a prelude to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008 show, scheduled for August. 8-11 in Salt Lake City. DeLorme is exhibiting at Booth 19010. The PN-40 will be powered by the 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset for near-instantaneous signal acquisition. DeLorme ConstantLock enables sure-fire satellite retention in challenging GPS environments such as forest canopies.

This thing is amazing it has a Lightning-Quick Performance, New 3-Axis Compass A new dual-core processor delivers immediate screen renderings, even with large color aerial imagery files. With 500 MB of onboard flash memory, the PN-40 can easily handle a vast amount of map and imagery data. In addition, its SD card slot supports high-capacity SDHC cards currently available at up to 32 GB. SD card data exchanges can be sent directly to the card while in the PN-40 via USB 2.0. The PN-40’s new 3-axis electronic compass can be used while held in any position (many other electronic compasses require being held in a horizontal aspect). Also new is a sensitive barometric altimeter for reliably accurate altitude readings (with user calibrations possible).

Exclusive High-End Capabilities Via Topo USA is one thing that sets the PN-40 apart from other handheld GPS receivers is its powerful partnership with the accompanying DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 mapping software. Topo USA 7.0, enables the to import supplemental data including four types of aerial imagery, USGS 1:24,000 quads, and NOAA nautical charts for use with Topo USA on the PC, or displayed on the PN-40. No other receiver can display such a wide variety of map and imagery options.

With the new DeLorme Map Library Annual Subscription plan, users can purchase an unlimited amount of supplemental data via the Topo USA 7.0 NetLink tab. Topo USA 7.0 delivers countless high-end mapping and GPS capabilities. One exclusive feature is the ability to automatically create trail routes, which enables users to easily send their hiking routes to the PN-40 or other popular model GPS receiver, rather than laboriously loading trail points.

Topo USA also uniquely enables users to import collected GPS tracks into Topo USA and convert them to routable roads or trails, viewing and editing as desired and saving for future usage. Indispensable desktop features include realistic 3-D views with flyovers and 360-degree rotation, detailed elevation profiles, public lands for recreation, over 4 million places of interest, and the most up-to-date road detail available on any topographic maps.

Rock-Solid Reliability in Even the Most Challenging Conditions. The PN-40 has a 65K-color daylight-readable TFT screen for clarity in any light conditions, and is WAAS-enabled for the best possible positional accuracy. It has an impact-resistant and waterproof (IPX7) rubberized housing, and uses the same rock-solid push-button interface as the still-available Earthmate PN-20, which has performed successfully in the world’s most challenging environments.

Did youknow that DeLorme was the GPS provider for a pair of recent Baffin Island, Canada expeditions. The PN-20 was used on both Will Steger’s Global Warming 101 trip in 2007, and Ed Viesturs’ 2008 Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health. Viesturs, who had accompanied Steger on the Global Warming 101 trek, said he was impressed with the PN-20’s performance and simplicity of use, and was happy to be similarly outfitted for this year’s expedition. John Huston, who was base camp manager for Steger, also relied on a PN-20 during a 720-mile trip he led to the South Pole from November 2007 to January 2008.

In March of 2009, Huston and Tyler Fish will embark on North Pole ‘09, equipped with an Earthmate PN-40 (DeLorme is also helping to underwrite the expedition). Following his South Pole trip, and a training expedition this year on Baffin Island, Huston had this to say: “The Delorme Earthmate makes it easy to navigate. The customization options make the displayed pages and information easy to access, which simplifies navigation a great deal. When traveling in the world’s polar regions we need a GPS that is reliable and easy to use. The Earthmate is our choice, we see it as an honest friend on the ice. it never lies to us and records our progress faithfully.” When the PN-40 hits store shelves this Fall, it will be available at major outdoor retailers as well as online GPS resellers.

Thats the new device report for this month. Stay tuned and why not head over and Join our newsletters.

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Choosing the Right GPS Navigational Device

Monday, December 8th, 2008

GPS navigation systems are devices that provide navigation and accurate positioning information. The Department of Defense created these devices in the early 1970’s. They were created mainly to assist soldiers and military vehicles, ships and planes in establishing positions throughout the world. Today, the navigation systems are used both commercially and scientifically. In the retail world, GPS is used in cars, boats and other vehicles. The devices are also helpful for hiking, fishing and canoeing. The devices provide the user with accurate information and directions. In the scientific community, GPS is essential in the earth sciences. The devices are used by meteorologists to forecast the weather and study the climate. They are also used by geologists to study earthquakes and potential seismic activity.

The popularity of GPS navigation systems has increased dramatically. Regular people have discovered the many ways they can be used. In addition. their various designs, functions and features have made them more attractive.

How Do You Choose Your GPS Navigation System? You’ve probably already heard of in-car GPS devices. But you’ve also probably already heard of portable GPS devices. So which one should you get? One major difference between in-car GPS devices and portable GPS devices is that portable ones are considerably cheaper than in-dash models. The Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS system, which is a portable GPS device, is about $200, and it still comes with almost the same features as most other in-car GPS devices. Moreover, if you’re willing to spend just a bit more on the Garmin Nuvi GPS system, you get to have cool added features such as Bluetooth hands free calling capability to your mobile phone. And what’s even better is that the model utilizes NAVTEQ maps. Overall, portable GPS devices have more benefits, which include a lower price and equally helpful features.

It looks confusing when one is looking for a good GPS system because of the wide range of features, different brands and varied prices. There are hundreds of GPS systems available today varying in the price range of $150 to $900!. A very important thing to be kept in mind while looking for a good GPS system is the features available. What all features do we need? Whether our requirements are met by a standard GPS system or do we need to go in for a more sophisticated one with some additional capabilities If we need a simple GPS system we should not go for something above the price range of $500.

Go onto the Internet and visit your local shops to check out different GPS brands. Ask the salesclerks which systems are the most popular. After you have learned about the different popular GPS systems, you should check into the cost, quality and different options. Narrow your top brands to about 5 or less. Online, look for reviews and ratings for those models. After you read what other buyers have to say, you will have an ideal about choosing a certain model or not. You can also so to online forums for more information. Make sure you get your GPS system recommendations from trustworthy people, such as family, friends and colleagues.

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