Posts Tagged ‘gps navigation’

First Time Buying A Gps Navigation Unit?

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

If you are in the market to buy a GPS navigation system and it is the first time that you have ever purchased one, it might seem a little confusing the first time out. But that does not have to be if you know what you needs are. Here you’ll find a few of the best systems on the market to help you get a start.

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.

You can get all your information in “real time” and it has its own instant messaging program where you can send all your details to all your family and friends via an instant message. Another nice feature is that you can go into the system and make changes. This especially comes in handy when there have been street name changes or location of business changes, etc.

The only draw back for this system is that the battery life is only about two hours before you have to recharge it and that it does seem to have a slow response time when getting your route directions.

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 only draw back for this GPS navigation unit is the fact that it no longer takes standard size SD memory cards and have switched to microSD cards.

Another good GPS navigation system is yet another Tom Tom, the Tom Tom XL340 S is a less expensive a bit larger model. But do not let the lower price misguide you into thinking its not a good model. It is full of your standard features and it has a larger screen with larger icons for those who prefer a much easier visual effect. A real nice feature is the voice to text feature where you have complete hands free control with voice activation.

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 way this unit has to be mounted in the car is a little bit awkward because the cable that is used to connect it seems to get in the way somewhat.

Have you ever noticed all of the portable gps deals that are in the world? Gps systems are definitely a big hit in the universe today. With the right GPS system, you will never get stranded again.

Road Maps and Headaches or GPS Navigation

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Probably the number one cause of arguing while on a road trip is how to get there. Someone missed a turn and now you’re not-so-merrily on your way to somewhere you didn’t want to go- usually in the exact opposite direction. To compensate, your inclination is to take the next exit or circle the block. This is not a wise option Dr. Livingstone, you are in unfamiliar territory and chances are you are going to get even more lost than before. What you should have done was invest in a GPS navigation device.

Road maps are hard to fold and though it’s nice to use online mapping services like MapQuest and Google Maps, what happens when you take a wrong turn? Often you are so lost you can’t find your way back to any common reference point on your 2×2 inch mini map. What you need is the up to date visual picture with directions you get with GPS navigation.

To be clear on this, they are not bulky black boxes with little dish receivers swinging back and forth. Most GPS navigation receivers are actually compact and rather sleek. They will run off batteries and are easily rechargeable in your car. Or you can just operate them straight off a car engine. The displays range from six inches to 10 or better depending on the unit- so really a GPS will fit in virtually any vehicle. Though it is not recommended you mount a large until on a motor cycle or riding lawnmower.

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.

Other options to a self-contained GPS navigation system are cell phones and laptops. GPS is becoming standard in cell phones now, but these are unreliable at best due to limited data storage on cell phones and reliance on cell phone towers instead of orbital satellites. Laptops are another option, but they are bulky compared to a GPS unit and you have to have an onboard power inverter in case your trip exceeds your laptop’s battery life.

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.

A GPS navigation system is truly a modern must. Our roads have become a tangle of options and navigating from one point to another has gotten complicated. The Vikings never had GPS, be thankful you don’t have to sacrifice a bull to Odin in hopes of finding Aunt Lil’s new house. All you have to do is punch in her address.

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.

The Different Aspects Of GPS

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

The GPS unit sitting on your dashboard owes its existence to the need for the United States military to be able to navigate the surface of the Earth with ease. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the United States launched satellites into the Earth’s atmosphere into geo-synchronous orbit. These satellites made it possible for the military to maneuver on land and sea with ease.

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.

Since GPS has been commercialized, the most common GPS units being used today are the car GPS units. These devices allow you to map out your route to your destination from your present location. Simply put in the address or place of interest (such as U.S. Capitol or the White House) and the device will perform all of the calculations for the correct course. The route is then displayed on the screen on the GPS so you can follow along. The best part about using a GPS over traditional maps is that if you miss your turn for any reason, the GPS will recalculate the current position and the new, best route to your destination. In advanced models, the turns and directions are not only graphically displayed but a voice command is also utilized in order to keep your eyes on the road.

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.

GPS tracking services can even allow you to keep track of your child by simply logging into their website and looking at the data compiled and displayed. In a few short moments, you will be able to see where your child is anywhere in the world. This is accomplished because the GPS device and the GPS satellites are in constant connection with each other.

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.

In the last century, many boaters were not equipped with these navigation systems. They had to trace their way out buy using the then available methods of consulting star charts, using longitudes and latitude lines to find out their way. These various tracking and navigation systems were time consuming and inaccurate. With the evolution of science and technology, several satellites were lunched into space and with this the GPS navigation systems were developed. These systems work by sending signals of longitudes and latitude so as to locate where exactly a particular object is located on the earths surface. This technology has today greatly helped in the development of fishing sonar and the Marine GPS and has greatly improved the fishing sector.

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

With each passing day, marine science has continued to develop with more and more sophisticated GPS systems coming in. They vary from the smallest one known as the hand held models to the larger computer lap top GPS Navigation systems. These systems have been adapted to carry out various functions and thus it is left for the user to choose what he wants to do and a marine navigation system will be available for him to use. You can fine a navigation system adapted for topography in foreign water bodies or use the hand held type for hiking and camping. The auto pilot mechanism can also be used in some large cruisers or yachts to navigate a ship back to port during a dark night.

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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GPS Handheld receiver ” The World at Your Fingertips

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

As technology continues advancing in leaps and bounds, it’s undeniable that for the vast majority of us, the quality of our lives has improved significantly. In the not too distant past for example, concerns regarding getting lost prevented the average person from exploring too far a field. Nowadays however, all that has changed thanks to the availability of GPS handheld receivers. Providing you have a GPS handheld receiver, you can explore the world to your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that you’re not at risk of getting lost. Of course, satellite navigation systems such as these were invented years ago in the 1960s but in those early days, their use was for the most part restricted to the military.

Contrary to what many people believe, a handheld GPS receiver is relatively small and similar to a wristwatch by comparison. It’s the sheer versatility of these receivers which impresses people and it’s certainly not difficult to see why, considering they can be used for almost every type of outdoor sport such as hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing and etc. Of course, in order to meet demand, there are now several varieties available such as the hunting handheld GPS receiver, complete with compass and a camouflage finish. Furthermore, these receivers are incredibly light and yet they include all imaginable functions such as 10 to 50 retraceable paths, multi area graphics and up to 2000 weight point storage.

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

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. 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) If for example you’re in a strange place when a medical emergency happens, you’ll have no difficulty at all in locating a hospital or a doctor. In fact, one can even locate a filling station if the need arises.

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!

Hence with a handheld GPS receiver, you will always be safe wherever you go!

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Handheld GPS Receiver: Technology in your hands

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

As technology continues advancing in leaps and bounds, it’s undeniable that for the vast majority of us, the quality of our lives has improved significantly. In the not too distant past for example, concerns regarding getting lost prevented the average person from exploring too far a field. Nowadays however, all that has changed thanks to the availability of GPS handheld receivers. Providing you have a GPS handheld receiver, you can explore the world to your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that you’re not at risk of getting lost. Of course, satellite navigation systems such as these were invented years ago in the 1960s but in those early days, their use was for the most part restricted to the military.

Contrary to what many people believe, a handheld GPS receiver is relatively small and similar to a wristwatch by comparison. It’s the sheer versatility of these receivers which impresses people and it’s certainly not difficult to see why, considering they can be used for almost every type of outdoor sport such as hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing and etc. Of course, in order to meet demand, there are now several varieties available such as the hunting handheld GPS receiver, complete with compass and a camouflage finish. Furthermore, these receivers are incredibly light and yet they include all imaginable functions such as 10 to 50 retraceable paths, multi area graphics and up to 2000 weight point storage.

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

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

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) 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. This amazing gadget is a small portable device that can be carried anywhere. Hence with this you will never get lost. You can easily find your way back no matter what circuitous route you choose

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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Choosing Your GPS Navigation System

Tuesday, December 16th, 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.

GPS navigation systems are now being used by more and more civilians. They have proven to be extremely useful in many different situations. They now come in several different designs, functions and features.

You have no doubt heard of in-car GPS systems and portable directional devices, but how do you chose which one to use? Pricing is one of the most obvious differences between the two options. Portable GPS devices that can be used in more than one vehicle are usually less expensive than built-in models. One portable GPS system, the Garmin Nuvi 350, has most of the same features of other in-car systems, and is in the $200 range. If you must have the latest extras, such as Bluetooth capabilities, the Garmin Nuvi can accommodate you if you are willing to spend a little more. The Garmin Nuvi 350 model employs NAVTEQ mapping features in addition to carrying a relatively low price tag.

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.

Look around the Internet and local shops and check out some GPS brands. You may ask salesclerks what the most popular systems are. Once you’ve gotten an idea about the popular GPS systems, you may then evaluate the cost, quality and options. Jot down what you think are your top brands and narrow down to about 5 or less. Search for reviews and ratings for those brands/models online. Reading what other buyers have to say will give you an idea whether you should go for a certain model or not. You can even ask for advice from other people in online forums. Additionally, you should as for recommendations from people you trust and have bought GPS systems, such as family, friends and colleagues.

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Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator - Buyer’s Guide

Monday, December 15th, 2008

If you find yourself in the market looking for a GPS navigation system, you will quickly find there are countless available options that can make it difficult when making a decision on what to buy. There is one GPS unit available on the market that has what it takesThe Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator. This unit is easy to use right out of the box, putting the hassles of stopping for directions only to forget what was said just down the road and getting lost a thing of the past. The helpful voice prompt’s give you accurate, easy to understand step by step directions without even having to wrestle with that old folded map

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.

Touch screen controls, makes it easier for you to input your information, look for information such as logging or a restaurant. You can also play your favorite mp3’s, listen to an audio book or have your favorite pictures on the screen. Also with the built in travel kit you can have information about your trip such as trip distance, trip timer, real time world clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, and a calculator.

The list of available features built into such a compact unit makes you under stand why the Garmin nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator and the Garmin company it’s self is the top selling GPS navigation system on the market today. It doesn’t matter if you’re a serious traveler or a weekend warrior, with all the available features and the affordable price tag, nobody should go without a Garmin GPS navigation system.

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Handheld or Portable GPS News Winter 2008

Sunday, December 7th, 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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