GPS Navigation Systems
GPS Navigation Systems are now so cheap that there is no reason you can not have one, the biggest problem is that there are so many different types to choose from!
This website will examine and explain the different types and features so you can make an informed choice.
Often overlooked, the most compelling reason for getting a GPS is that you do away with all the out of date paper maps as well as no more trying to find out where you are on the map, the GPS device shows you where you are immediately.
There are several different GPS applications:
- Car Navigation
- Fishing
- Tracking
- Camping
GPS systems for cars are probably the first applications you can think of but there are other uses for GPS. Handheld gps systems that make hiking in unfamiliar territory an easier task (you can even get wristwatch sized devices). Fishermen also use GPS to accurately avoid shallows and log locations of fishing grounds.
Another useful GPS application is GPS fleet tracking which allows companies to keep an eye on the location of their goods as they are shipped around the country. Tracking devices are also useful for keeping an eye on where your children are at any moment (for instance special GPS devices can be packed into a jacket or backpack).
The most common use for GPS systems is in car navigation where you set your destination (no need to set your start point as the device communicates with satellites to determine your exact location). The device then either shows your route on screen or even talks to you telling you when an upcoming turn is to be made. If you make a mistake by taking the wrong route the system will calculate a new route and tell you how to get to your original destination.
Other useful features in GPS for auto are:
- Lane assist : Displays the signs you will see and arrows show which lane to take.
- Points of interest : (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, ATMs etc
- Plug in travel guides : For details of local attractions.
- Photo Navigation : Download photos of the area for enhanced navitation.
There are many, many more feaures to be found on different devices.
Nuvi 885T
The Garmin Nuvi 885T is a GPS navigator which features voice activated control so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
This is one of the newer range of Garmin GPS Navigators (and one of only a few in the Garmin range that features voice control). Having said that the Voice control is exceptionally good so you can expect this feature to be rolled out to many more devices in the future.
The unit has many of the common functions that you can find in many other Garmins but two additional features do stand out:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Enhanced MSN Direct
This unit is described as a personal travel assistant and this is due the the Enhanced MSN direct feature that makes the Nuvi 885t so much more than just a GPS navigator.
With MSN Direct, you can:
- Check the weather.
- Avoid traffic backups.
- Compare local fuel prices.
- Find out what's on at the movies.
- Find out up to the second stock information,
- Get current news.
- Find out about local events.
Other Features of the Nuvi 885T
- Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Click to enlarge.
- Junction View gives you a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. Click to enlarge.
- With the POI loader program users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, create custom POIs and more. Click to enlarge.
- Search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.
- Hook up your Garmin to the computer via its USB port
- Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time and more
- microSD card slot for optional mapping and data storage
This unit really does have tons of useful features with voice control making your driving experience so much safer.
Garmin Nuvi 855 Review
Garmin Nuvi 855 Review.. The two outstanding features of the Nuvi 855 are voice recognition and lane assist .
By far the most interesting feature of this device is the voice recognition capability.
It’s only available on some of the 800 series devices but it works flawlessly giving you complete control without needing to touch the unit.
Voice Recognition
Using only your voice you can control all operations of your Nuvi 855. This is an extremely easy feature to use and all you do is learn the pre defined voice commands such as “Find Address” and the 855 will understand what to do.
It means that you will always keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road; it makes for a far safer driving experience.
Lane Assist
When you approach a junction the nuvi 855 will show you which lane you should be getting into by showing you 3D maps and arrows. When you get nearer the junction realistic signs and lanes will be shown so you never need to miss a junction again.
- Sleek, ultra-slim design fits in a pocket; High-sensitivity GPS receiver for fast satellite lock.
- Speech recognition–speak menu options and keep your eyes on the road.
- Pre-loaded with City Navigtor NT maps for North America, including more than 6-million name-searchable points of interest.
- Ability to store up to ten different routes.
- Full feature set–text to speech for spoken directions with real street names; MP3 player, and Photo viewer.
- Save up to 10 routes in memory.
Garmin 1300 Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
The Garmin 1300 has a widescreen display (4.3 inch diagonal), an ultra slim design (25% reduction compared with previous models). It also includes an improved user interface and a new pedestrian mode that makes exploring unfamiliar cities a snap. In addition it includes ecoRoute that will improve your fuel efficiency saving you money on fuel.
The nuvi 1300 offers pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps. CityXplorer maps are available for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe and can easily be downloaded directly to the nuvi.
The nuvi’s enhanced user interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel. Also, Garmins new public transit mode allows you to navigate using buses, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems. ecoRoute – Drivers can view suggestions for fuel-efficient navigation, conserving both money and fuel Public transit – Navigate using buses, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems with optional CityXplorer content. Available for download at garmin site.
Text To Speech
All the Garmin 1300 includes text to speech and spoken street names making it that little bit easier to navigate around unfamiliar areas.
Pedestrian Navigation
The nüvi 1300 series are the first nüvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps, which are available for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi.
The nüvis enhanced user interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel. Also, Garmins new public transit mode allows you to navigate using buses, tramway, metro, and suburban rail systems. Plus, the device comes pre-loaded with City Navigator 48 states NT.
HotFix Satellite Prediction Garmins HotFix capability automatically calculates and stores satellite locations, greatly reducing satellite acquisition time so that you can turn the unit on and get going. With HotFix, your nüvi remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to three days after the device was last turned off.
ecoRoute
Fuel Report tracks fuel usage over time, and Mileage Report monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis. In addition, Mileage Report makes it easy for business travelers to keep track of distance traveled for company reimbursements. Youll have a detailed report for each trip and the miles driven. You also can customize your nüvi by entering your cars fuel economy and the current price of gas.
Other Features of the Garmin 1300
- View photos in Google Earth.
- Built-in lithium-ion battery lasts up to four hours, depending on usage.
- Includes Garmin Lock anti-theft feature.
- Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time, and more.
- MicroSD memory card expansion slot allows for optional mapping and data storage.
- Simplified PC connectivity, using USB mass storage, access either the microSD card slot or the units internal memory directly from your PC desktop.
Garmin Nuvi 255 W portable GPS
The Garmin Nuvi 255 W is one of the most affordable entry level GPS navigators available today.
You might expect to get only a small 3.5 inch screen but the 255W has a large 4.5 inch touch screen that works well even if the sun is shining directly on it.
The nuvi 255 also features the slimline design of the 2X5 models (and it’s dimensions are 4.8 inches by 2.9 inches) and weighs only 173g (about 6 ounces).
Because of this it is so convenient for storing in your pocket or purse to navigate on foot (great for hiking with it’s unusually long 4 hour recharge battery life).
The Garmin 255w is a good performer suitable for most driving situations.
Notable Features of the Garmin Nuvi 255 W
Text to
speech
The 255W includes text to speech which is usually found one in far more expensive units. Text to speech (TTS) means that the unit will speak out street names instead of just announcing the left of or right to turn in so many yards. For example TTS will say “turn left main street in 500 ft” whereas older units will say “turn left in 500 ft”. TTS makes It easier to confirm that you are driving down the correct street.
HotFix
The Garmin 255W GPS has the Hotfix(tm) feature. It’s a way of the unit gaining satellite lock very quickly and it does this by remembering the previous position of satellites which were detected the last time you powered up the unit. It calculates their new positions so it can find them easily again which means the unit quickly locks onto a GPS signal.
6.5 million POI (Points of Interest)
The POI database contains tons of local information to let youeasily find Hotels ATMs restaurants and more.
Optional MSN Direct or FM Traffic reception
To use these services you’ll need an antenna but they give a lot of extra information – most importantly for commuting they will give the 255W up to the minute traffic informaion and the 255W will use MSN Direct to automatically avoid traffic congestion. MSN Direct will also give you other information such as Weather, Gas prices and movie times and the enhanced version gives you route planning, local events, news headlines and stock quotes.
Other features of the Garmin Nuvi 255 W:
- Built in maps for of North America, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and Alaska.
- 3D shaded terrain maps.
- MSN Direct / FM Traffic compatible (optional receiver and charger required)
- Send addresses from Googlemaps or mapquest to create your own POIs.
- SD card slot to add maps and travel guides.
- Photo navigation.
- Touch screen.
- JPEG picture viewer.
- World travel clock.
- Currency converter.
- Calculator.
The main difference between the Garmin nuvi255W and 205 units is that the 255W uses text to speech. The other units like the nuvi 250 and nuvi 200 devices have less features and are good for basic A-B route navigation – there’s no TTS or options for MSN direct/FM Traffic.
Pros
- Solid design and ease of use make this an ideal sat nav system.
- Excellent value for money.
Cons
- Won’t let you plan routes (single destination only) – not a problem for most users.
- Does not have MSN direct/FM traffic built in (it is an optional extra).
The Garmin nuvi 255 W is a very good solid product that won’t let you down. It has advanced features and is ideal for easy navigation .
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Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS
The Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS is a very useful little device when you need a no frills system to easily find your way around.
In fact the unit comes with some extras that make travelling more fun. You won’t need to load maps since they are pre-loaded into the unit for you and each area contains extra information known as POIs or Points Of Interest. These are extra snippets of information detailing local facilities such as restaurants, gas stations and malls etc.
It’s an excellent navigational device and can easily guide you through any city streets and allows you to avoid traffic jams. For travelling in foreign countries you can enter the relevant maps by storing them in the internal memory of the C330 or on an SD card. In addition you can add your own personal points of interest (saving them to the memory card) which is great if you are planning a holiday and want to visit some particular areas that interest you.
Using the touch screen makes it easy to control the device and its voice output, giving you precise information, means you can concentrate on driving while listening to directions. The unit is mounted on a suction cup and as well as letting you easily view the screen it also means you can easily move it from car to car.
The Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS is one of the most popular global positioning system navigation devices in use today since it gives you exactly what you need and of course Garmin is renowned for its high quality reliable products.
At a glance features:
- Simple to use (No bells and whistles) just the bits you need.
- Fast software and fast GPS acquisition.
- High res display with good contrast.
- No buttons – easy intuitive touch screen controls.
- Excellent sound quality from built in speakers.
- You can fire it up straight away for Immediate use without the manual.
Summary
The Garmin Streetpilot c330 GPS does not have all the features(bells and whistles) of its more modern counterparts but the great advantage of this is that it is simplicity itself to use. If you are looking for a GPS device where you don’t have to read the manual all the time and just want a GPS to tell you where to go simply and clearly then this unit is made for you.
Important Notes
- The C330 does not output street names – it just says something like “turn in 500 feet” and NOT “turn right at Main street”.
- The C330 may have old maps and to up date them you will have to pay!
- Very simple to use.
- Works out of the box without you needing a manual to operate it.
- Does the job it is designed to do.
- Does not have spoken street names (not a critical requirement).
- Map updates are not free consider the Streetpilot 340.
- Other newer Garmin navigational devices cost less.
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Garmin 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
This Garmin 405CX sports watch is loaded with technology that a few years ago only profession runners could afford (well, their sponsors anyway). It makes professional level performance monitoring easily affordable for you (and you don’t even need a cable) – all data transfer is done wirelessly!
The Forerunner 405CX continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate.
Forerunner 405CX comes with a flexible, wireless heart rate monitor to help you make the most out of your training.
Continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate.
You can easily transfer data to your computer when the Garmin 405CX is in range – you don’t need cables or hookups.
Improved Algorithms
Super Small high Powered Technology
Weighing in at only 60 grams the Garmin 405CX has these features:
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver and HotFix™.
- Heart rate monitor (a wireless heartrate monitor is included).
- Records Time, Distance and Pace, also calories burned.
- Stores workouts in internal memory (up to 1000 laps).
- Ability to plan workouts and send them to the 405CX,
- Can also be used for cycling workouts (requires optional speed bike sensor).
Virtual Training
You can also use the Garmin 405CX as a virtual training partner to improve your fitness, or you can download previous results to compete against and improve your times.
Controls
You’ll notice that there appear to be only two buttons to control the watch but this would make it difficult to change functions mid stride so a new patent pending method was developed by Garmin. The bezel is touch sensitive so you can tap, hold or run a finger across the bevel and this control various functions making it easy to use during a workout.
Conclusions
The Garmin 405CX is currently the best sports watch you can get and people love using it for fitness training.
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Super Trackstick Car Tracking Device
Trackstick is a passive car tracking device that accurately tracks whatever it is placed into e.g. a car or a rucksack etc. It has low power technology for a long battery life and you can trace the route that it has followed displayed on Google Earth.
Information can be downloaded to your computer quickly to show you the exact route, speed, direction.
It even has its own temperature recorder to help monitor the surrounding environment. A vibration detector, combined with proprietary low-power GPS technology, helps to make this an ideal energy-saving vehicle tracking device.Car Tracking Device Features
- Records the complete travel activities of your vehicle.
- GPS Receiver is the size of a memory stick.
- View maps and reports. Street level mapping.
- Easy to install, takes 5 minutes or less.
- All-inclusive package, no need to purchase additional software or hardware.
-Software is amazing-When used as instructed, batteries last a very long time. I calculated 10 times longer than my Garmin.-Google Earth Integration is flawless-Great product support-The data and time filtering is very helpful-Geotagging with Flickr was fun for family photos.
-The geotagging feature worked well for us when we were in Italy. It tagged every photo exactly where they were taken and showed all the ground we covered on our trip.
-The Trackstick is nothing like any of the other car GPS car tracking products on the market. Its software is top rate with hundreds of different features. You can sort data, export to Google Earth (the Google Earth integration is flawless).
P.S. If you are looking for a useful vehicle tracking device that does not have a monthly payment plan then trackstick is ideal. Note: This car tracking device is not a real time tracking device, you download tracked data when you connect the device to your computer.
Gps For Kids – Tracking Devices For Your Children
GPS For Kids : If you are worried about your children when they play outside and want to know if they are safe then one option is to use an unobtrusive GPS device which can show you where they are at all times.
Monitoring the location of your child is now easy because of advances in minaturization of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. These devices are now very inexpensive considering the peace of mind that they can give you and they are now so small that you can put them anywhere. They come in form of clips which you attach to clothing or shoelaces and these are child friendly, made in the form of children’s toys such as teddys etc.
There are many different types suiting every price range and they can be placed in a child’s backpack, in a buggy or even sewn inside a jacket because they are only a couple of inches tall and one inch wide.
You can also get a GPS wristwatch that is more attractive to older children – this might have more presteige if the child has never worn a wristwatch before!
Safe Zones
One really good feature is the ability to set safe zones where you can set up the GPS device to alert you if it is taken outside a set area that you define on the computer. You can either use a computer or a GPS tracker that will alert you if your child goes out of the set area. So you could define an area where the child is allowed to play such as your yard but also define no-go areas such as a swiming pool and outside the yard of course. In addition you can set up a maximum safe distance to ensure that the child never strays too far.
The wristwatch device also has a safety feature that will send an alert via GPS if it is removed in the wrong way i.e. if it is forcibly removed.
Using GPS for kids is a good idea if you are worried about your children and want to keep an unobtrusive eye on them at all times and of course if something bad does happen you will be able to track your child anywhere in the world.
Note: GPS devices work in areas that cell phones do not because they communicate directly with a satellite whereas cell phones communicate with a land based aerial. Satellites have been launched into earth orbit so that coverage of the Earth is global i.e. Global Positioning System (GPS).
If your child really does not want to use a GPS device or can’t remember to take it with him or her then one option is to use a GPS device embedded into their shoe.
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