Bluetooth GPS vs CF GPS

For some people there is a debate over which to choose a Bluetooth gps receiver or a compact flash gps receiver. I have used both so I am writing from experience. There seem to be quite a few advantages a Bluetooth gps receiver has over a cf gps receiver.

The main advantage would be versatility, you can use a Bluetooth gps receiver with a Bluetooth pda as well as a compatible bluetooth mobile phone whereas with a cf gps receiver you are limited to only a compatible pda as mobile phones usually don't have a cf slot.

Another advantage is with regards to battery life, some bluetooth gps receivers have exceptional battery life lasting up to 26 hours, some mobile phones also have a long life, although a pda won't last anywhere near that, when using a cf gps receiver the pda battery is usually depleted faster as the it has to also power the cf receiver since the cf receiver can't work on its own

The third consideration is convenience, one can find some new gps receivers that are extremely small, the holux gpslim 236 comes to mind, because of their size and sensitivity you can stick them in your pocket and still get a very good signal so you don't have anything sticking out of the pda as is the case with a cf gps receiver.

Another thing to consider is that a lot of newer pdas seem to be loosing the compact flash interface, a good example is the fujitsu siemens loox 720, it has being rumoured that the loox 720 replacement won't be including a cf interface. My conclusion would be it seems that manufacturers don't consider the cf interface that important to include in newer pdas, kind of like being phased out so it might not be a good idea to invest in cf devices

My final argument would be that when it comes to using a gps receiver for driving, it is easier to position a bluetooth gps receiver in a convenient position where it can receive a better signal than with a cf gps receiver because since the cf gps receiver is fixed to the pda, you are limited by how much you can move the pda around and still have a good view of the pda screen.

Based on all these facts I would consider a bluetooth gps receiver a better choice to a cf gps receiver.

Francis Ononye writes about bluetooth gps receivers at http://www.bluetoothgpstips.com

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Avoiding GPS Theft

There has been a lot of reported vehicle break-ins with satellite navigations units stolen from the vehicles. This I will say is partly due to the growing popularity of satellite navigation units.

A lot of the owners leave the windscreen mounts of these devices attached to the windscreen when they detach the units, this is a give away signal that leads to the vehicle being broken into with the vandal looking for the device in the dashboard.

My solution is simple, get a windows or symbian smartphone, that is compatible with a navigation software and use that for your navigational needs. These smartphones are really getting smarter, you would want to look for a series 60, 80, or 90 symbian phone or any windows powered mobile phone. Bluetooth functionality is a prerequisite as that is what is used to connect to mobile phone to the portable bluetooth gps receiver. Get yourself a compact buetooth gps unit like the holux gpslim 236, that is currently the smallest unit and you are done.

Before you talk about screen size, I will say the screen size isn't that bad at all from experience. Most smartphones have enough screen display size to do the gps justice. There are a lot of advantages to this setup. One thing I will say is I have never heard of a car being broken into because of a phone cradle in sight but leave a gps cradle in sight and you could be asking for trouble.

In the United Kingdom you can get a free contract smartphone like the nokia 6630/6680 and alternatively if windows is your thing you can get an orange spv c500/c550/c600 or the t-mobile variants, you can get a navigation software with a bluetooth gps receiver for less than £200 and you are good to go.

Francis Ononye writes about satellite navigation Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francis_Ononye

Automatically Tracking Your Car, Fleet, or Boat with GPS

There is a huge number of GPS products on the market for all sorts of purposes. For example there is a specific subcategory of GPS products tailored for vehicle tracking and surveillance- in other words, tracking a car, a fleet, or any other automobile (hey you could even track a boat, etc).

Certain product lines are sold only through authorized dealers and distrubutors- these are generally the more higher end GPS units used by heavy industry or car rental companies.

You can consider GPS car tracking as a branch of security as well as something that can help fleet management companies or car rental facilities, etc, to manage their operations more effectively, cut costs, and find out who's slacking on the job.

Back in the day, the primary security method for your vehicle was to have one of those annoying sounding alarm systems. And more recently the security bar we place on our steering wheels when parking. Well now for those extra paranoid folks out there you now have the option of using GPS tracking in case your car ever got stolen.

Or you could always pretend to be James Bond and follow your kids around to make sure they are not falling into the wrong crowd. Those are just a few possible things you can do. It's up to you to decide what you are looking to do.

The truth is, the global climate of security is not what it used to be, at least not in the . Therefore the sense of having an extra peace of mind can go a long way in these uncertain times.

Please note that not all GPS offerings will be the same- depending on the extra features you are looking for, and whether you want a third party to monitor and track you vehicle or even fleet of vehicles, there may be a subscription fee involved someplace.

Keep in mind that is that not all GPS models will work the same way. For example, if you want to track your personal vehicle, there may be a certain proximity range that you must be within in order to track down the signal. Little things like this can make a world of difference in your decision on a GPS car tracking system.

GPS tracking services for people and objects will become an indispensable tool in your arsenal of security devices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Wyryzowski

Kenwood DNX7100, All-In-One Indash Navigation Receiver

Within the last couple of years, companies like Panasonic and Pioneer have focused their attention on multi-media in-dash receivers with built-in navigation. It seemed for awhile that these two brands dominated the market for double-DIN receivers, but now other companies such as Eclipse and Kenwood have entered the competition. Consumers are now given the opportunity to choose from a plethora of selection of multimedia head units, leaving them dazed and confused on how to best spend their dollars.

We will take a look at Kenwood's champion in the market, the DNX7100, since it features virtually everything there is out there. I can't tell you if this unit is better than another since everyone differs on their opinion of what's better or worse. I could tell you, however, of this product's strengths and weaknesses. This will hopefully help you decide for yourself what you would like in a multimedia GPS in-dash unit.

Kenwood DNX7100

First point to make is that the unit is a bit more expensive than the average similar-functional units. It costs anywhere between $899.99 to $1,399.99 depending on which store you buy it from.

The greatest feature of the DNX7100 is the enormously large screen, fitting the entire Double-DIN installation size. It has a bright 7" touchscreen which makes navigating truly helpful rather than painfully annoying. You could easily see the touch-screen buttons at night, allowing you to safely drive and navigate at the same time.

I think another wonderful feature is the pre-installed navigation information that the unit uses. You don't have to use a navigational DVD since all the GPS information is accessed from the built-in hard drive. As a result, you will enjoy the quick response and quick refresh rate of the navigational feature. The built-in hard disk allows you to also listen to your CDs without switching in and out the navigation DVD while driving, another driver-minded design Kenwood featured on this unit.

The unit could also play almost every single media format. DVD, of course, and also DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG1/2, and even JPEG. The ability to run all these files is definitely a plus. However, Kenwood have never gotten over their user-non-friendly menus. Switching from different audio and video sources while driving could be hazardous since it does require a lot of the driver's attention to see the touchscreen menu buttons.

Where the GPS is designed with the driver in mind, the media features appear to be designed with the passenger in mind. The menu is cluttered with a ton of different buttons, making it difficult to navigate through each source's features. But for some people, this may not be a problem after practicing a few times and getting the hang of it.

Another feature of the Kenwood DNX7100 include its ability to receive a back-up camera. This is definitely nice to have if you have a large, rear-view impairing vehicle.

This Double DIN all-in-one receiver is also Bluetooth Ready (KCA-BT100), Sirius Ready (SIR-KEN1), HD Radio Ready (KTC-HR100TR), TV Tuner Ready (KTC-V300N), and iPod Audio/Video Ready (KCA-iP300V). Remember also that the screen is configured as widescreen in its native aspect ratio, so watching movies on this unit won't seem to have the stretched-picture picture.

In conclusion, the Kenwood's GPS Navigation feature is probably the best in its class because it's fast and easily accessible. It also plays a wide variety of different media, which is becoming standard today; but the accessibility of those media sources may prove itself to be difficult for some amateur users. The menu is only a minor setback for the unit. Remember that it has a large 7" screen with great resolution, color, and brightness. I'll just say that if you can get it at a good price, get it. This is one of the best all-in-one navigation head unit in the market.

For information about Kenwood navigation systems, visit: Kenwood Navigation Systems or Kenwood Car Audio

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bishara_Hazboun

Is a GPS Fleet Tracking System Right for My Business?

You've heard the stories from your peers or competitors about how they are saving money after installing a GPS Fleet Tracking system - and now you are wondering if the time has come for you to get a GPS Fleet Tracking system for your fleet - is it worth the investment?

I've been gratified and amazed time after time over the last seven years as hundreds of my customers have experienced immediate savings and control of their fleets - they all say the same thing - "...I wish I'd done this sooner!".

When I first started installing GPS Fleet Tracking systems back at the "turn of the century" the early adopters felt like pioneers, and wanted to be the first on their block to have this cutting-edge technology. However, most Fleet Owners waited to see what would happen. They missed out while their competitors saved big. Amazingly, as of this writing less than ten percent of fleet owners have installed a GPS Fleet Tracking system. Why? Simple - too much confusion. Fleet owners are bombarded with direct mail ads and telemarketing calls from salespeople selling everything from battery operated devices to GPS enabled cell phones. An in-vehicle, real time system is the only real choice. The other systems will not give you the reliable, timely information you need and are more trouble than they are worth. Besides that, the in-vehicle solutions have become very affordable and easy to install and - most importantly - almost always pay for themselves within their first ninety days!

Is a GPS Fleet Tracking system right for your business? Try to identify areas in which you are experiencing inefficiencies or un-necessary costs where a GPS Fleet Tracking system can have an immediate and lasting impact:

1. Do your drivers take their vehicles home with them? If so, are they permitted to use your vehicles for personal use? It is amazing how many miles can be shaved off once your system is installed, saving big dollars on fuel and maintenance while at the same time eliminating the potential liability of personal use of your vehicles.

2. Are your drivers paid by the hour? Do they clock in and out with a paper time card, noting the time that they start and end their day on the "honesty" system? In general, I've learned that most employees are not "out to get" their employers, but it is hard not to fudge the time card a little. Saving only ten minutes per day of time card abuse will easily pay for your system all by itself!

3. Do you worry about your drivers doing side-jobs with your vehicles and materials? With a GPS Fleet Tracking system you'll get paid for every job performed by your assets.

4. Are you concerned about potential liabilities if your drivers are speeding or driving recklessly? With GPS you are virtually riding along with every driver, all day every day. Your drivers will know it and will think twice before putting your assets at risk!

Why not keep more of the money that is already flowing through your business! Over the past seven years I've learned that (understandably) fleet owners simply will not purchase a system unless they are absolutely convinced that it will save them much more than it costs. Once again, most Fleet Owners find that their GPS Fleet Tracking system pays for itself within the first ninety days.

I know, you still have some concerns about how to break the news to your drivers - that's normal. Your employees are like your family, right? I've learned that your best employees will embrace the system, and yes - the ones that have something to hide will fight it. In fact, you may even lose a few people - but you'll be better off without them.

As soon as your system is up and running you'll kick yourself for waiting this long - but you will also be thrilled with the increase in efficiencies and decrease in costs to manage your fleet.

Don Mastrangelo has assisted hundreds of fleet owners in reducing costs and increasing fleet efficiencies with GPS Fleet Tracking. Learn more at http://www.ReadySetGoGPS.com or contact Don at (800) 688-0999 or by e-mail at mailto:support@readysetgogps.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Mastrangelo

In-Car GPS Systems or Portable Car GPS Systems?

You can purchase a vehicle with a GPS system built-in that will help you with navigation when you are in unfamiliar territory and need directions. However, not all of us have the luxury of purchasing a car with that option. While an in-car GPS system is a great idea, portable is the way to go. Just like the in-car systems, your portable car GPS system will help you with turn-by-turn directions to help deliver you to your destination with ease.

TomTom is one company that provides portable car GPS systems. Maps are available for input of not only the United States, but Canada and Europe as well. Some models provide traffic information, too.

Portable systems, though, aren't just about getting there. Another handy feature of having a GPS system available in your car is voice address input. You speak to the GPS-controlled device instead of having to key it in, making it easy to use in your vehicle. Most portable GPS systems come with a hands-free kit to enable features such as the voice address input so that you are not required to remove your hands from the steering wheel to input information.

PDA GPS units, or personal digital assistants combined with GPS devices, are just as popular as dedicated handheld GPS units. Available with built-in antennas and receiving equipment so that you may utilize GPS features right from your PDA, this is a great item to consider. These devices are becoming more technologically advanced with qualities enabling your PDA GPS to receive a satellite signal more rapidly than ever before.

One review lists the following among the Top GPS systems for car navigation:

• Garmin Nuvi 250, 350, 650, 660, and 670
• Magellan Maestro 3100 and 4000
• TomTom One
• Mio Digiwalker C220 and C520

Research the various models and manufacturers and compare for yourself to find which model is going to best meet your needs. Many choices are available; do your homework, and you will find one designed specifically to match your requirements.

Interested in learning more about GPS tracking systems or portable gps systems?

Visit: http://www.gpsstorm.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chaz_Newman

How to Utilize Your GPS System

Just get a GPS or thinking about getting one soon? These devices can be a terrific edition to your automobile especially for those who travel often of continually find themselves in places they are unfamiliar with. Unfortunately, many of us simple plug it in and go without really making the most out of our new purchase. The following tips will help you fully utilize your GPS making it one of your best investments yet.

• Read the Instructions:

  We all are tempted to toss the directions aside and jump in unaware and unprepared. You may be able to get the general idea of how to work the device but you really aren't doing you or your purchase justice without at least glancing over the instructions. Besides telling you how to properly use and care for your GPS the directions will lets you know about added features that you may not have been aware of. It's also important to know how to use it properly so you actually find your way without any hassle.

• Use it In a Familiar Place:

  Your GPS is meant to help you find your way but before you trust it to guide you try testing it. Visit familiar places so you can get an understanding of how the device works. Let it guide you to places you know well so you can see what signals it uses, how detailed the directions are and what if any buttons you need to push or options you have to choose.

• Download Extra Features:

  Most GPS will come with upgrades and other features that can be downloaded from the manufacturer. These can update maps, give you access to new routes, and ultimately make your driving experience and your GPS use easier. Visit the manufacturers website, read the instruction book, or ask the sales representative from where you purchased your device for information about upgrades.

• Save Routes

  If you plan a trip and think you may visit that destination save the route your GPS planned out for you. This is a convenient way to keep a small library of directions so you never have to worry about entering the information again. This can also come in handy when you return from your destination. You can recall these directions and use the information to find your reverse route.

• Program Alternate Routes:

  No matter how detailed your GPS is, it will not help you get anywhere faster if you're stuck in traffic. Unfortunately, the first route your GPS creates will be the most direct which is most likely subjected to heavy traffic. An excellent way to avoid the daily traffic if your in a hurry is to program alternate routes into your GPS.

• Bring Batteries:

  Imagine being stuck in the middle of no where relying on your GPS to guide you when it goes dead. Since you will most likely use your GPS for trips and driving long distances you don't want to run into a problem when it goes dead. Always bring a back up set of batteries or a car charger to make sure your GPS is always charged and ready to go.

Visit SFPlanet for all your GPS accessories. SFPlanet offers quality products including discount cell phone accessories and discount PDA

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Wasilewski

How to Use a GPS Device - Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Your GPS System

If you have never used a Global Positioning System before, you may find that it is somewhat daunting to set everything up. Not to fear, though - following these basic tips will have your GPS up and running in no time at all.

1. Turn it on. You will be surprised to find how many people actually forget to follow this basic step.
2. Thoroughly read the instruction manual before leaving the house. The instruction manual is included with the device for a reason. Reading it will help you better understand your GPS system and cut back on complications you may have while using it.
3. Use it in a familiar location in order to both accustomed to the device. Before you go stumbling out into the woods with only your GPS system to guide you, try taking it on a couple of test runs around your town.
4. Be specific. Know where it is you are wanting to go before you program it into your GPS system. The more precise you are in your desired destination, the more precise the GPS will be in issuing you directions.
5. Save places you may visit again. Is there a particular location that you want to return to at a later time? Saving the location will make it easier to find that place again, no matter where you may be.
6. Use memorable names. To make it easier to navigate through your GPS's saved locations, mark each one with a distinct, memorable name.
7. Find alternative routes. Sometimes, if you are trying to get to a place for an important meeting, a GPS is handy. However, it will often times give you the most direct route, which may lead you directly into rush hour traffic. Using your GPS to help you find alternatives to driving through the heart of town at rush hour is always a wise decision.
8. Check the manufacturer for downloadable features. Many GPS manufacturers are always working on improving their products through software updates and feature upgrades. Check their website often to keep up to date with any new software releases.
9. Carry extra batteries. The last thing you need is to be out in the country, away from civilization, and have your GPS system go dead on you. Carrying an extra set of batteries or a car charger is an essential step to take for any long-distance trips.
10. Ask for the trackback route and save this information so that you can find your way back from wherever you may be traveling. After all, what's the point of going to your destination of choice if you can't find your way back?

These are but a few tips to help you get the most out of your GPS system. As you use your device more and more, however, you will surely find more and more uses for it.

Want to turn your new toy into a marine gps system? Read on about GPS systems at: http://www.gpsstorm.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chaz_Newman

GPS Systems Applications

Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, are fast becoming one of the most in-demand technologies of the past few years. Formerly used only by the military, GPS are now common in cars and trucks. The system uses orbital satellites that send microwave signals to the GPS receivers, which translate that information into its location.

GPS device use has significantly increased in the fields of realty, sales and delivery service. There's little use for bulky, awkward maps and atlases when one can merely enter an address into their GPS and have the device direct them to their destination. It can even tell you how long it will take to arrive at your goal! Parents can track their children, police can locate stolen cars and hikers will never lose their way thanks to the GPS. There have been many instances of people stranded in snowstorms or other natural disasters who were rescued thanks to the GPS devices in their cell phones.

GPS have recreational uses, too. Geocaching, the modern-day form of letter-boxing, uses GPS to hide items in obscure places for other geocachers to find using hints and coordinates. Once the cache is found the searchers take the item that's in the cache and leave one of their own. Geocaching is increasing in popularity, with many websites springing up and flourishing, thanks to the availability of GPS devices.

Owning a GPS used to be quite costly but prices now range from less than $100 or as much as $500 depending on the brand you decide to buy. The most popular models provide verbal directions to the destination that's been programmed into it. One of the advantages of such a device is safer driving.

There are four types of GPS devices available now, the most basic being hand help without mapping. These are usually the size of your tv remote control and have a small two inch screen that can be a bit difficult to read sometimes because of its size. They are less expensive than other kinds of GPS and easy to learn to use. They don't, however, have a map database so you would need to know how to read and plot map coordinates.

The other hand held GPS has mapping, that is, it has a base map and is capable of downloading a variety of different maps. Their size and light weight make them ideal for hikers or bicyclists but they do require batteries.

Vehicle Mount GPS are used not only in cars and trucks but also in boats, planes and just about anywhere you need to install such a device. They're small but easier to read than the handheld systems and they use the vehicle's battery for power. The main disadvantage to a vehicle mounted GPS is lack of portability.

Finally, you can install a GPS into your PDA or laptop by purchasing an antenna and software. This means you have the advantages of GPS navigation with more memory at your disposal than in the handheld versions. The screen is larger and easier to read, too.

Whatever your needs, there is probably a GPS device with the features you want at a reasonable price.

Michael Campbell is a affiliate marketer and restauranteur. To learn more about the GPS Navigation Equipment, visit Michael's GPS Comparison site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Campbell,_Jr.

Anti Jam GPS

If we go to war with China the first thing they will do is knock out as many of our satellites as possible. Many secret SPY satellites in the Military will be safe now up there and there equipment in their UAVs, ground vehicles and command and control centers because they have special Anti-Jamming GPS systems with bleeding edge top of the line and state of the art counter measure technologies. You are probably thinking to yourself who thinks of this stuff anyways? Well you know men and there toys and when the US Military wants something no matter how seemingly impossible someone will find a way.

This time that someone was a little company Harris Corp that has about $3 billion in annual sales and over 12,600 employees as of yesterday and they have teamed up with another little company; The Boeing Company, maybe you have heard of them. Harris Corp will provide to the net-centric battlespace smart munitions anti-jam technologies. This means no one gets away and no smart bombs go astray and that our enemies have only one option before meeting their maker and that is to pray.

Now you are probably saying to yourself, “Hey self, that would be cool in my SUV!” Just think never lose an XM Radio connection or have to worry about interference on your urban assault vehicles GPS. Indeed that would be cool and it will inevitably become standard equipment on all in-car system by 2010 through the gracious gifts of transfer technologies or hand me down research from the US of A. Never a lost signal or missed tune, you got to love it. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

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An Overview Of GPS Systems

GPS stands for global positioning system, a system that has been established and is managed by the Department of Defense. The GPS system utilizes satellites that have been put into orbit that help people determine their exact location whether it be for the purposes of personal navigation, military activities, or any type of enterprise that requires an exact global positioning by latitude, longitude and altitude. GPS systems are installed in automobiles, motorcycles, some PDAs, Airplanes, dog collars, fishing boats, and so many other products.

GPS systems all started out in the army in the year 1970. In the army, many soldiers needed navigation systems to know their directions around other countries. Without this device it would be really hard for them to find their way around. This device has saved soldier’s time in war and has also saved many lives. GPS systems are very powerful devices and are a great navigation system to use to get around.

GPS systems have gone for beyond just serving the army. They now serve just about everyone. These navigation systems help drivers find there way through city streets and help hikers find their way through the rough terrains of the mountains. They also help pilots find their way around the skies as well as helping mariners find their way around the great sea. The GPS systems technology can help serve anyone in need of it.
GPS systems can also be purchased for motorcycles, and hikers sometimes use such systems to determine where they are while walking. Cyclists should not be left out of the mix, and runners, joggers, and skiers use navigation systems to prevent themselves from becoming lost in an unfamiliar area. Some PDAs - personal digital assistants - are equipped with built in navigation devices, while some Palm devices also include such systems.

Navigation systems are sold with a variety of features and what kind of features you should look for is solely dependent on two factors - price and need. The most basic of navigation systems will provide you with a route from one point to another point or to multiple points, depending on your destination and trip plan. A benefit of such navigation systems is that they not only serve as a guide to your preplanned destination, they also serve as guide back to where you started. Any route you plan in a navigation system is completely reversible thanks to the innovative design of such systems.

Alternatively, you may pay more money for a navigation system that has voice capabilities. You can purchase a navigation system that will guide you to your destination vocally and while speaking to you it will offer up a turn-by-turn dictation of your journey. Conversely, those individuals that spend the majority of their time traveling - like a delivery man may find that they prefer a navigation system that they can preplan many destinations at one time and then move from one set of directions to another. Thus, such individuals require a uniquely designed navigation system -one that possesses multi destination capabilities. Finally, there are different navigation systems for boats, motorcycles, cars, and joggers so you will need to be sure to purchase the product you require for your intended use. The most popular GPS Systems are made by: Navstar, Magellan, Garmin, Slim Trak, Cobra, Holux, Suunto USA, and Timex.

Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://gps.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on GPS units and tracking systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Simons

What to Know When Buying a GPS

Why are GPS units showing up everywhere? You might find one in your rental car, on your wristwatch or even built into your wireless phone. Anti-theft systems use one, heavy construction equipment might use one and having one on your boat now seems to be a requirement. Anytime we want to know our exact location on the face of the Earth, the GPS becomes indispensable. Like many other technologies, feature rich GPS units are now affordable for the average person. So how do you know which one to purchase? Let’s look at few things to consider prior to buying your next GPS unit, but first, what is a GPS unit?
A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit has the primary function of calculating its own location on land or water by using satellite signals. Once the GPS unit knows its own location, it can help the user determine direction and distance to other known locations. For instance, a GPS on a boat can tell the captain how far it is to the shoreline or how far it is to a favorite fishing spot. For the outdoor sportsman a GPS can help with finding your campsite, your vehicle or your next geocache. Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering and canoeing are all made more enjoyable and safer when you take along your GPS.
When buying a GPS system the first thing to consider is how you intend to use it. If you plan on using it while on foot, you’ll want a GPS that is lightweight, compact, weather resistant and that is equipped with features important to foot travel. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is one such feature. WAAS greatly increases the accuracy of your GPS, in most cases to within 10 feet. Accuracy within a few meters is important for the outdoor enthusiast but not nearly as important for navigating through town in your rental car. Next, be sure your GPS has at least 12 channels of reception too. Since your GPS will only work when it receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, less than 12 receiving channels will not get the job done in wooded areas or in steep terrain. If you plan on using your GPS to navigate while driving in your car, its weight is not nearly as important as its ability to display street maps. The GPS mounted to the dash of your truck probably doesn’t need to be weatherproof, but the one on your boat better be.
Here are the features and products I recommend. For the outdoor athlete or sportsman, be sure your GPS has these features: topographical mapping, back tracking, a computer interface, weatherproofing, 12 receiver channels and WAAS. I recommend portable GPS units in the Garmin eTrex Series and the Magellan Meridian Series. For driving applications, be sure your GPS has these features: street mapping, large display, a computer interface and external antenna compatibility. I recommend automotive GPS units in the Garmin StreetPilot Series and the Magellan RoadMate Series. For boating and other marine applications, be sure your GPS has these features: marine mapping, color screen, active sonar, back tracking, a computer interface and weatherproofing. I recommend marine GPS Units in the Garmin GPSMAP Series.
Prices for GPS units vary a great deal and in general, you get what you pay for. While some units cost around $100 and offer relatively few features, others may cost as much as $1000 or even more and are loaded with dozens of features. Here is a good rule of thumb for determining how much money to spend on your next GPS. You should expect to pay between $200 and $300 to get a decent GPS Unit. I own a Garmin eTrex Vista. I believe it is the best GPS available for under $300.
If you don’t have a GPS or yours is more than five years old, now’s the time to get one. Adding a new GPS to your inventory of backcountry toys will take your outdoor adventures to a new level of enjoyment. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir"; (800) 316-9055.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Fitzgerald

How To Find The Best Marine GPS For Your Boat

To find the best marine gps, you have to do a lot of comparison shopping and reading about the different brands before making an informed decision. Do some comparison shopping, read the many reviews, and shop around a little bit before making up your mind which is the best marine gps navigational receiver for your needs. A marine gps navigational unit needs to use at least 12 of the 24 satellites calculating your position. All 24 would be the best, of course. And a larger screen for reading and viewing the water below the boat would be ideal. Some of the smaller, handheld or portable marine gps units are not the best because the size takes away from the clarity of the picture. There are several that are up to 7" with a crystal clear LCD touchscreen so you are able to distinguish a rock from a fish when looking at the water or bottom of the lake or ocean.

Another item to consider when hunting for the best marine gps would be the amount of alarms it has on it. Some have alarms for the clock, off-course, anchor drag, too shallow, too deep, proximity, low battery, arrival, waypoint, water temperature and temperature rate of change and there are others, but the best marine gps would have all the alarms for safety reasons. Along with the alarms, one must consider the nightwatch and sunlight modes many of the best marine gps units use to help with the glare from the sun off the water or to help you find your way back in the darkness of the night.

You will need to decide if you are going to purchase a small, handheld or portable model or a larger, 'stay put' type model of marine gps unit. The portable marine gps navigational units are smaller and fit in a pocket or a purse. However some of the bigger units can be taken out and used in a vehicle such as an RV or a car, but the portable ones are made for walking, hiking, biking and moving about the city with easy. Both styles of marine gps receivers come with the same amount of software and options, it just depends on which you prefer to have outside of the boat.

Do you want to be entertained? Some of the marine gps navigational units come with an audio voice player to play books on tape, others, you have to purchase a subscription to something like XM radio or a weather channel, which is not a bad idea since the weather changes rapidly and you want to be on top of things when the weather starts to change.

Above all, make sure the best marine gps unit has enough software to accommodate all you want to do while out in the boat, such as find fish or avoid large chucks of debris. These things can be done and avoided by the type of software available to download or that has already been downloaded into the marine gps unit. Do you have to purchase more antennas? Or extra cords for your computer to be compatible? These are questions you need to ask yourself and the salesperson behind the counter or on the other end of the website.

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How to Choose a GPS Navigation System

One of the best advantages of having a portable GPS unit is that users can easily travel with the system and use them all over North America, Europe and other programmable destinations. The systems can be easily used in rental cars to help navigate unfamiliar cities, to track distance in altitude on hiking trips and at home around town. The convenience of use is increased by its compact, light-weight design. The unit is very easy to take from one vehicle to another when you need to.

Ease-of-use

Many GPS users find their device extremely helpful when they are trying to navigate their car to a new location along an unfamiliar route. As a result, they need clear, concise direction to provide the proper trip information. A large screen for easy viewing and an intuitive user-interface also help drivers to receive accurate trip information and still operate the vehicle safely. Please take care to watch the road not the GPS unit. I recommend the GPS units that have voice directions as well as visual.

Features & Software

Many users rely on GPS systems as the sole source of navigation for a trip. As such, consumers should look for quality products with high-speed processors to ensure real-time accuracy and efficient, quick map development. It is also important to look for products with large memories support millions of points of interest (POIs) in order to receive accurate map development for the exact route needed.

Waterproof or water resistant

If you are going to use the GPS for kayaking and canoeing and the GPS is water resistant, a special see-through dry bag made especially for a GPS has to be used. Water resistant will be acceptable for all other types of outdoor adventure activities such as hiking and backpacking.

Batteries and battery life

What type of batteries are used with the GPS? Are they normal rechargeable AA batteries or are they special manufacturer batteries? Extra batteries must be carried along at all times just in case. How long do the batteries last? Is there a battery saver mode (sleep mode)? Do you have to turn the GPS on and off each time to save the batteries? How long can the GPS remain on without turning the receiver off before the battery power runs out?

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Patty Pinkerton writes for yourwayelectronics. Patty has been in business for about 10 years selling different product such as wedding gowns, bridesmaids, ect. in the wedding industry. Recently Patty branched out with her husband and started yourwayelectronics selling such items as camcorders, fishfinders, metal detectors, ect.

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