GPS Guides

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GPS Devices Buying Guide

Categories: GPS Articles, GPS Guides, Gps Units | November 17th, 2007 | by Mike Tucker | no comments

GPS devices fall into four categories:

Recreational GPS: Take your Recreational GPS device everywhere. Handheld GPS units fit nicely in your pocket, backpack, or mount easily onto your dashboard. Some, such as the Garmin Forerunner, also come in a wristwatch-like design, perfect for hikers and bikers looking for a lightweight GPS device they can see at a glance.

Automotive GPS: Automotive GPS devices built expressly for car use often include built-in maps or allow you to download mapping data. Many provide voice directions so you can keep your eyes on the road, and also include touch screens, and mounting options.

Marine GPS: Marine GPS devices designed for use aboard marine vessels and watercrafts boast a rugged waterproof design and may also float. They often include onshore and offshore maps, chart-plotting functions, and a screen that's clearly visible in sunlight. Some even have the ability to predict tides or locate fish.

Cell Phone GPS: The latest innovation in GPS technology is GPS-enabled cell phones. Many of these cell phones offer turn-by-turn directions like most GPS devices, and generally have a smaller form factor. This technology is developing rapidly, and web-enabled applications like friend finders, and local business reviews are just some of the possibilities.

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Garmin GPS - A Review Of A Few Of Their Automotive Offerings

Categories: Automotive GPS Systems, GPS Articles, GPS Guides, GPS Systems, Garmin GPS Units, Gps Units | November 12th, 2007 | by Mike Tucker | no comments

Garmin is the largest consumer GPS manufacturer and has become almost synonymous with "GPS". Garmin was started in 1989 and has a history of producing leading GPS products and they have sold millions of GPS receivers. The have a nice line of Automotive GPS units.

Garmin StreetPilot c340 -

The Garmin StreetPilot c340 is in the middle of the "c" series. The big advantage it has over the c330 is text to speech. This means that instead of the voice prompts saying things like "turn left in 100 meters" it will say "turn left on Main Steet". This can really be an asset when driving city streets and you don't want to look over at the GPS screen to confirm which turn to take.

Additionally, the c340 can be upgraded with an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. This means that live traffic information can be sent to your StreetPilot to alert you of accidents, construction, or simply rush hour traffic. When applicable the c340 could then route you around that traffic if a faster route can be established.

If you want to save a little bit of cash, you can opt for the c330 if you don't mind not having text-to-speech nor want the optional traffic receiver. Otherwise, this is a good pick for the feature mix and price point.

Garmin Nuvi 250 -

Garmin has announced the Nuvi 250 which is in the middle of the entry level Nuvi 200 series. The Nuvi 250 is designed to be an extremely simple device, without many of the advanced options many people never use. I often get feedback from readers that a particular device would be a good match for them, but the price was a little high and they felt like they were paying for features they really didn't need. The Garmin Nuvi 250 might be a perfect fit for them.

One of the changes for the Nuvi 200 series is that the flip-up antenna is apparently gone, replaced by an internal antenna. I've never been a fan for the flip-up antenna design so this is a welcome change.

Many of the PDA features in the rest of the Nuvi lineup have remained in the Nuvi 250 such as the world clock, calculator, unit converter, and the picture viewer. You can also load up Garmin's additional paid content such as the Savers Guide and Travel Guide products.

The Garmin Nuvi 250 comes with a 3.5″ display, which is the standard among the entry level GPS devices, but still provides enough of a screen to ensure ease of navigation. There is an SD card slot for loading additional products and maps.

So, no Bluetooth, no traffic, no MP3 player, no FM transmitter, no widescreen display. However most people can probably get by just fine without those features. However there is something else that you might just want that is missing, text-to-speech. You will need to move up to the 300 or 600 series Nuvi to get that feature. If Garmin had included text-to-speech with the 250, this device would be untouchable in the entry level category, but it would have also likely cannibalized sales for the still popular 300 series. And most people will get by just fine without text-to-speech.

For more information on Automotive GPS or Garmin Products check out Garmin Automotive GPS Products They are an authorized reseller of Garmin products.

Thanks

Donald Martin
http://www.ezwebmall.biz

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

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Tomtom GPS Software - A Buying Guide

Categories: GPS Articles, GPS Guides, Gps Units, Tom Tom | November 11th, 2007 | by Mike Tucker | no comments

Tomtom GPS Software - A Buying Guide
Most of us have heard about GPS systems, but don't know a lot about the various brands, like Garmin, Navman, or Tomtom GPS software. The latter provides GPS solutions for a wide number of applications, including navigation in your car, on a motorcycle, from your phone or PDA or at the office.

You simply need to purchase a GPS receiving device for the application you want to use GPS for, and install the appropriate software. For instance, if you wanted to use your Treo or other SmartPhone as a GPS system, you'd buy what's called a Mobile 5 unit. This unit connects with your phone via BlueTooth, and gives you access to maps, door to door navigation instructions that stay onscreen while you take calls, and a handy, intuitive interface.

Tomtom GPS software can either purchased separately from your GPS unit or bundled with a GPS receiver. A DVD containing this software is usually around a hundred and fifty US dollars. That's not a lot to spend if you want to ensure that you always know how to get where you need to be.

Many softwares lets users update maps on the go, and share their new information. This means that if you hit an unexpected spot of construction or other obstacle, you can tell other users about it. That way, the maps always stay up to date. Also, unlike many other computerized directions, Tomtom GPS software will work almost anywhere in the world that you can receive a signal.

GPS software can be purchased online, or from most major electronics stores. You can purchase it with a GPS device, or, if you already have a compatible one, buy the software separately. These GPS Units and software are a great way to always know where you're going, no matter where you are.

Peter Cutforth is an internet author and GPS user, living in Brisbane Australia!

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

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