GPS World

Covert GPS

2009-04-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Covert GPS is an instrument that is utilized for tracking the whereabouts of an individual, vehicle or other item. The application of this device is wide and so is its user. Mostly the law enforcement officials, private investigators, business owners, parents and suspicious spouses use covert GPS to meet their objectives.

Covert GPS tracking device has proved to be very effective in tracking down the stolen vehicle. Law enforcement agency using a ‘bait’ vehicle equipped with a covert GPS tracking device, monitor the vehicle for movement and then, with GPS tracking software, track and recover the vehicle. A suspecting spouse can also monitor the movement of his/her partners movement using this device.

Parents are also now using covert GPS system to track the movement of the kid. Parents now get the covert GPS installed to the vehicle of their children and can monitor their movement. Apart from this they can also monitor how fast their children are driving.

Even the business owners can use this small device to monitor their employees for efficiency and honesty. For instance the owner of the company can be alerted by a covert GPS tracking device about an employee using a company vehicle when he or she is not authorized to do so.

Characterstics of Covert GPS Tracking Equipment

Manufactured in different price ranges and brand names. Price depends on its frequency to deliver the updates.
Covert GPS tracking devices can be either hard-wired into a vehicle or secured magnetically to the frame underneath a vehicle.
The batteries are rechargeable. There is an option to purchase a more powerful, longer lasting battery. Some companies manufacture hibernating batteries which can enable a covert GPS tracking unit to operate for up to a month entirely unattended.
Covert GPS Tracking device consists of GPS tracking software that incorporates satellite mapping technology to allow users of GPS tracking devices to pinpoint the location of their assets. Some of the software and covert GPS tracking devices allow real time tracking, which allows users to see movement as it occurs.

Handheld GPS Navigation System

2009-04-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

A handheld GPS Navigation system is a pocket size system that can fit easily into your pocket and lead you to the required destination. Well it sounds interesting na! Ya of course after all it is the question of convenience. So you have decided to buy the handheld GPS navigation system.

Have you done necessary research as to what type of Handheld GPS navigation system you will purchase? Well don’t worry here are the necessary inputs that would certainly aid you in your purchasing decisions;

Even the handheld GPS system comes in varying sizes. Do you want to slip a unit into your pocket? Various carrying cases are available.
Choosing a system that has multi-parallel channels is a good idea. This ensures that several satellites are tracking you at one time rather than just one. You get faster fixes in difficult conditions.
Make sure that your system can store 100 or more way points. These are geographic points that can be used as markers.
Pick a system that can give the distance and direction of a point from your current position.
Ask the dealer that whether the system can store several routes.
Pick a system that is capable of using UTM grid data maps or local grid maps. Make certain that the system can use the common dictums used worldwide.
The unit you are intending to purchase should be rugged and waterproof.
Backlit display in the system is must. This is essential if you intend to do your hiking or bike riding at night.
Make certain that the battery life of the unit is sufficient for your travels.
Ask the salesperson to show you the demo. First ask him to do and later you try.

How to Buy GPS Car Navigation System

2009-04-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

GPS or the global positioning system is the necessary post modern automobile accessory which provides valuable inputs in traveling even to the unfamiliar regions. The GPS navigation system when attached to the car will guide you anywhere on this planet as they are powered by satellites

Since the car GPS guides you turn by turn with voice prompts and visual maps, the days of making wrong turns, getting lost and wasting time and fuel will finally come to an end. You can have either fixed units or hand-held machines for the navigation needs. GPS systems are in fact revolutionary as there haven't made any other car accessory as useful as GPS, so far.GPS is available in two variants:

Mapping- This type of GPS is helpful to plan your roots and feed it in the machine to lead you throughout the journey
Non-mapping- Non-mapping GPS is helpful to spot a particular item like finding out your car when you lost the way.

Buying Tips

Are you planning to use your system quite often? If the answer is affirmative then choose the best system. Inexpensive systems simply plug in to your car's cigarette lighter and are small enough to store in your glove compartment, but they're not as user-friendly
Keep in mind the layout of your car. Some systems come with a monitor that displays a map. The monitor can be installed either on the dashboard or on a pedestal extending from the dashboard. In some cars, such an installation may block air vents or make it somewhat uncomfortable for a passenger to enter or exit the vehicle or sit in the passenger seat.
Go for the system takes you to your destination in a multiple ways. This can include by address, by intersection, by a personal address book or via a location selected directly from the map.
The system is more convenient if it gives both vocal as well as graphical directions. The system that integrates both map and monitor includes arrows that show you the direction of a turn and also indicate where your car is on the map in relation to the destination.
There are some other systems that use the head unit or radio to display the name of the street on which you are to make a turn or on which you are traveling. Both of these systems also give you verbal directions as you approach a turn.
GPS consisting of point of interest data will make your traveling much more easily. Many GPA systems include locations of airports and other transportation services, ATMs and banks, restaurants, hotels and a host of other sites.
Choose a system that offers updates of the point-of-interest data.
Consider installation time if you are working on a tight budget. Systems that rely on maps displayed on monitors are more complicated and take longer to install than other types of systems.

Google Maps For Your Mobile Phones

2008-08-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Give your phone a power of google map. No need to carry the paper maps again.....Get your location, drive at the transit direction and phone number and adresses of the local business at your finger tips !

Down load now !

GPS Map For Canada DownLoad

2008-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Download Canada Map Now

By Dale Atikin

http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/download/MapUpdate.exe ( Updated vewrsion for PCs)

http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/TopoMaps122.exe (Single file EXE Version for PC)

http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/TopoMaps131.tgz

Maptech’s Outdoor Navigator for pocket PC, Palm PDA and Smart Phones

2008-08-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Maptech presents Outdoor Navigator GPS software for pocket PC, Palm PDA and Smart Phones. The software can be accessed by paying nominal annual fee. The advantages include : easy access to the USGS database of over 58,000 USGS topographic maps covering the continental US which also includes all the available 1:24,000, 1:25,000, 1:63,360, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000 topo map scales.

Moreover you can also download over 2300 NOAA Nautical Charts for free. This also includes all available chart scales with the best detail. These functions make this software ideal for sea kayaks, sailboats, and powerboats. Or use as a back-up navigation system on larger vessels. Using NMEA-0183 GPS receiver it will be easy for the user to do real time tracking on the map/chart of his choice. Operation is simple Waypoints can be created simply by pressing the stylus on the map. You can create the routes by marking the first point and classifying it as a New Route. At various route points, you can add many Waypoints.

GPS PILOT’s Tracker Review

2008-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

GPS PILOT’s Tracker
GPS Pilot’s Software “Tracker”, has the capability to transform your PDA/Smart phone into a navigational assistant. It provides the effective tools to the user for outdoor adventure and business purpose. The user can get on- line maps anywhere and at anytime. Thus it gives you an advantage of traveling anywhere in the world with the correct map in front of your eyes. You can use topographical, aeronautical, marine, road street level digital maps or scan paper maps.

By using GPS pilot, you can not only locate yourself and navigate freely in any part of the world but you will be also able to know your current location, speed, elevation and direction. Just connect GPS system to your smart phone and get the real life compass which serves the purpose of both- odometer and speedometer.

You can also add tracking for exploring or recording your travels for future references. You can also transfer the track logs to P Cs for exploitation in GIS applications. With GPS Pilot software you can also make your flight plans on the basis of airports, cities etc. While flying, you can also get automatic calculation of winds, time and fuel. Using this software you will be able to add as many point of interest. Locate any address from your address book, export and import location info from external sources and create your selection of best spots.

G PS Pilot's Tracker gives full have full coverage to house number location for USA, Canada and 18 European countries and city-to-city coverage for almost 40 other countries. Maps can be downloaded both from Bluetooth or modem medium. The program also supports the Garmin iQue and rotating screen on the TapWave Zodiac and Tungsten T3.

The Tom-Tom 720- A Device That Can Deliver

2008-07-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Tom-Tom 720 is full of interesting features and can be your trusted companion in case of emergency. It can give you access to up-to-date maps and safety information in case of emergencies. It provides text to speech functionality, has multimedia capabilities and includes Bluetooth. However it is marred by one problem which is that it is only compatible with a small number of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and there is no external volume control. Otherwise on the whole the Go 720 offers good performance and some features that are useful, including map sharing and an included safety tool.

The novelty of the TomTom Go 720 lies in the fact that it is available with a Map Share tool that can let you get constant map updates so that your maps offer accurate information and the new option named Help Me aids in case of emergency. This device costs around $500 and can be a very good option for your car.

Design
Designwise it looks cool and consists of more features than TomTom . It is sleek and light weighted GPS device of 4.6X3.2X0.9 inches and weighs 7.7 ounces. Colors in which it is available are black, silver and charcoal gray color scheme. We can easily see a 4.3 inch antiglare touch screen that supports a WQVGA resolution of 480X272 pixels. Screen can be read easily though slight problems can appear in bright sunlight. If this happens you can always tinker with the Preferences menu to change map colors and turn on night mode. The virtual keyboard is very good but comes in alphabetical order instead of the more popular QWERTY format.

If you want to use them, you will find on the bottom of the Go 720 a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a TomTom connector port, a mini USB/power connector, a reset hole, a SD/MMC expansion slot puls a power button on top. You can also connect speakers or an antenna on the back. There is no volume control, all is done after going through some menus and this is an aspect that will not be liked.

Features
The TomTom Go 720 comes strong with a 20-channel SiRFStarIII GPS receiver and maps for Canada, the United States and different points of interest. All is included on the 2 GB internal hard drive. Map Share is an additional feature of the device that allows users to change the maps and then share information with other drivers. The changes can be done right on the device and after that you can save the information, upload and share it. As expected, you can also download changes made by other TomTom users.

You can plan the trip without any difficulty. Just put in the address, city, postcode or intersection and you can give the device instructions to calculate directions based on a number of criteria like shortest route, required arrival time, avoiding toll roads or quickest route. You can also choose an alternative route by tapping on “ Find Alternative icon” and Go 720 will plan a new route.

Maps are viewable in 3D or 2D modes and a very useful status bar at the bottom of the screen will offer instructions like remaining distance or estimated time of arrival. Zoom in and Zoom out of maps is very easy to do.The TomTom Go 720 supports an impressive 36 languages for spoken directions and 8 for text to speech directions. This is more than most portable navigation systems around. As an added plus, you can download celebrity voices from the TomTom PLUS service or you can even record your own voice.

The “Help Me” function on the device will tell you how to get to the nearest car service center, hospital or police station, all based on your current location. The “Where am I?” option tells you the name of the street you are on and the nearest intersection. This info can be given to tow truck services, family members and so on.

Emergency service

The emergency service of the TomTom Go 720 is amazing. It has an integrated Bluetooth that is compatible with Bluetooth mobile phones and you can connect them to make hands-free phone calls. The feature of an Auto-Answer feature can be useful. Through Bluetooth you can also access TomTom’s PLUS services that deliver real-time information on the location of safety cameras, weather reports or traffic info. What you need to know is that using these features will mean you consume minutes from your mobile phone service plan.

Garmin StreetPilot c320- A Promising Device

2008-07-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

How does it look?
Attractive and inviting blue-rimmed monitor on top of its black suction-cup mount, 8.9cm display, and fist size monitor, together they all constitute Garmin StreetPilot c320. It's connected to a suction cup, which easily affixes to the windscreen, with a lever to ensure the grip is air-tight. The neck of the unit is sturdy but easy to swivel, allowing flexibility for most viewing angles.

On the sides of the monitor, controls and input slots are discretely located. There's a small memory card slot - to load additional maps, USB port - to download map updates, internal speakers and volume dial. Also here is the power button, should you wish to turn the device off before your engine; or unplug the power cable from your vehicle and run the device on its internal battery. The power cable connects to your vehicle's power receptacle, conventionally the cigarette lighter.

The touch-screen interface of Garmin StreetPilot c320 is icon-based, and easy to operate. There are two simple options on the main screen, 'Where to?' and 'View map', which allow you to jump straight into using the StreetPilot. The first option presents a range of icons that categories destination types such as food, fuel, intersections, parking and transit. Alternatively, you can browse the map to look for your destination, or use the on-screen keyboard to enter the name/address yourself.

Features

Similar to other car GPS the most immediate feature of the StreetPilot is its voice commands. The commands are clear and audible. Even if you don't hear a command, the direction will be indicated on the monitor.

Using the feature of ‘Route Preference', you can set 'Faster Time' or 'Shorter Distance' as the criteria for the StreetPilot's choice of route. The two options may seem an oxymoron at times, but consider the ever-rising price of petrol, and it's a function worth using.

Using its Avoidance’ routes feature, the StreetPilot will avoid guiding you down toll roads, highways etc, should you make use of this option. Such directions to take these busy, sometimes costly routes can be a common occurrence in CBD areas.

Garmin have recently added to their website the ability to create and/or load points of interest to the device. The free download sees the StreetPilot sound the alarm whenever you approach a designated point of interest. In the case of approaching a school zone, for instance, the alarm will ring and the monitor will show the new speed limit. Other points of interest include red lights and speed cameras.

While you're driving, you can access a range of data about the progress of your trip. Speed, distance traveled and remaining, moving time, and estimated arrival time are just some of the figures available.

If you're a frequent overseas traveler, the SD memory card slot might also be an notable feature. Maps for other countries can be loaded into the device this way.

Advantages
A well designed device in both form and function

Eight hour internal battery
Clear Monitor Display

Disadvantages

No Bluetooth call feature
Not as many languages as competing products

Navigon 2100 max and NAVIGON 2120 max arriveed with magical features

2008-07-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Navigon, one of the known companies in the manufacturing of GPS device, has launched NAVIGON 2100 max and NAVIGON 2120 max personal navigation devices (PNDs) in the United States and Canada. Apart from the other features, these devices have come up with latest feature such as NAVIGON’s new DirectHelp(TM), a feature that pinpoints a user’s location and provides instant links to nearby services such as hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance. The devices also include a 4.3 inch widescreen and spoken driving directions via text-to-speech.

The feature that keeps NAVIGON 2100 max and and NAVIGON 2120 max apart in the GPS devices prevalent is Reality View(TM), which provides photo-realistic, 3D images of confusing highway interchanges, as well as Lane Assistant, which assists drivers in making the correct lane choice for upcoming turns and off ramps. The NAVIGON 2100 max features the latest NAVIGON software, including optimizations to routing and user interface.

The NAVIGON 2100/2120 max devices are compatible with NAVIGON’s groundbreaking new FreshMaps service. FreshMaps provides up to 12 trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and POI updates over a three year period to ensure accurate driving directions over time. Both the NAVIGON 2100 max and NAVIGON 2120 max are also compatible with NAVIGON’s optional Lifetime Traffic(SM) and ZAGAT(R) SURVEY Ratings and Reviews accessories.

The NAVIGON 2100 max and NAVIGON 2120 comes with sleek and stylish piano-black casings and an anti-glare 4.3 inch touch screen display. Easy to read 2D and 3D map views and a user friendly interface provide users with an unmatched level of detail and information, including branded points of interest, speed warnings and Lane Assistant. Predictive data entry and route planning, as well as millions of pre-loaded points of interest, help make finding a destination quick and simple.

Features

DirectHelp(TM): provides instant access to directions and phone numbers of emergency services at the touch of a button.
Locates the nearest hospital, police station, tow Truck Company or pharmacy, and indicates your exact location to help these services locate you.
Reality View(TM): exclusive and available only on NAVIGON devices, Reality View gives 3D, photo-realistic virtual reality views of complex interchanges, complete with road geometry and actual road sign text.
Text-to-Speech: provides specific, clearly spoken driving directions and actual street names in a variety of languages.
Lane Assistant: offers simple to view lane guidance to assist drivers in making the correct upcoming maneuver.
Automatic Speed Warnings: indicates posted speed limit and notifies driver with visual and verbal warnings when speeding.
Route Planning: allows users to plot a route with multiple waypoints — a feature found only on high-priced competitor devices.

How to Upgrade?
You can upgrade this device by using certain accessories such as:

NAVIGON Fresh Maps: Up to 12 quarterly map updates over three years; works on all NAVIGON GPS devices and sells for MSRP $79.99.
NAVIGON Lifetime Traffic(SM): Real-time traffic updates, including traffic flow, incidents and alternate routes for the lifetime of the product. Optional accessory with MSRP of $99.99.
ZAGAT Survey(R) Ratings and Reviews: ZAGAT listings for U.S. hotels, resorts and spas, restaurants, golf courses, as well as attractions andnightlife in 70+ U.S. cities help users make informed destination choices. Optional accessory with MSRP of $39.99.

Five Things to Consider While Purchasing Automotive GPS

2008-07-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you are purchasing your first GPS unit or you intend to upgrade your existing model you must consider following 5 key features:

Text to Speech vs. Voice Prompts
Size of the Screen
Mapping
Points of Interest
Form Factor

Text to Speech vs. Voice Prompts
‘Text to Speech’ is considered as one of the most important capabilities in navigation devices. The meaning of Text to speech is that the GPS will read out street names when you are being directed to turn (eg. Turn right on Main Street). Connecting street signs with the words being spoken makes finding your way much easier.

However keep in mind that Text to Speech and voice prompts are two different things. Voice prompts will call out the next turn (eg. Turn right in 500 meters), but drivers will often still rely on street signs or the GPS display to really know when to turn. Text to Speech is gaining popularity because it reduces the need to look at the GPS display, allowing drivers to concentrate on the road not the directions!

Size of the Screen
Sizes in which generally the GPS devices are available are generally 3.5” and 4.3”.
It is the perception of the customers that bigger screen is better than the smaller ones. However, smaller screens are often less intrusive and provide a greater view of the road. Moreover, if you are purchasing a model with text to speech is purchased, the need to glance at the GPS display should already be reduced, potentially eliminating the need for a large screen.

Larger screens, on the other hands provide a clearer view of the GPS display. If street names and icons appear larger, it can also make the GPS easier to use. This may be essential for users who would have difficulty viewing a smaller screen. However bigger screens are more expensive as compared to smaller screens so consumers should weigh their needs with the model they are purchasing.

Mapping
Mapping is an essential part of GPS device. Consumers should find out that what type of mapping comes with the GPS they are buying, especially if they travel often in the US
Now GPS devices are available with pre-loaded mapping. NAVTEQ mapping provides a highly detailed and accurate representation of roads. It can be found in most navigation-enabled vehicles produced in North America.
The range of mapping offered in Canada is:

Canada & US
Canada & US border cities
Canada only

Points of Interest
Automotive GPS are available with number of point of interests such as gas stations, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping centers, hotels etc loaded in them. On selecting POI, the GPS will automatically route you to that destination. The number of POIs your GPS provides varies depending on the model you choose with some offering more than others. These POIs can even be customized so that you only see the ones you want to. Although many users do not use POIs to their full potential, they can be very useful when you run out of gas and don’t know where the nearest gas station is!

Form Factor
What is the design of your automotive GPS? Is it bulky or slim? Latest models come in slim designs. A bulkier unit may not be an issue if you plan to use your GPS solely in the car. In case you want to carry your GPS device with yourself, more compact model might be preferable. Newer units even offer picture viewers and MP3 players as added conveniences.

Car GPS

2008-07-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just like other GPS device, car GPS devices can also receive signals from GPS satellites and can use the information carried by these signals to determine its current location. As they are designed to be used on moving vehicles, they must be endowed with features specific to vehicle navigations systems.

The device you select should be capable enough to give you the best possible route toward a particular destination. It must also be able to recalculate your route in case you miss a particular route instruction. It must also have a text and/or voice system for giving directions. The device should also posses some of the other features such as:
• Map storage system
• Screen or display that can handle images of more than 320x240 pixels in size at a resolution and brightness suitable for driving.
• Address book for storing frequently visited addresses and points of interest
• Detachable or external antenna for better GPS visibility

Since there are many types of car GPS available in the market which are manufactured by different companies you may find difficult to choose one that serves your purpose well.

Generally speaking, there are two types of CAR GPS device

Vehicle with built-in or fixed car GPS system
Portable car GPS device

Purchasing a Vehicle with a Fixed Car GPS Device
Only brand new luxury vehicles provides the feature of Built-in or fixed car GPS device. For those who can easily afford one, this can be the best option because the GPS device is already integrated in the vehicle’s system. This prevents you from taking the pain and effort of installing the car GPS device on the vehicle and loading additional navigation software on the system.

Purchasing a Portable Car GPS Device
Those who don’t have car with built in GPS device can go for a portable car GPS device. Now, for this type of car GPS device, you are again given two options: a portable car GPS preloaded with maps or a unit that would require you to transfer map data from your PC to the device.

Since the car GPS device needs to have a map in either option, choosing a car GPS unit preloaded with maps would seem to be a wiser choice. But while this type of car GPS device will save you from all the hassles of loading maps to the system, it also costs higher ($1,000-$1,500) than the other option.

The greatest advantage of portable car GPS units that requires map transfers, on the other hand, is their price, which would generally sell at the $500 to $800 range. Installing the system on your car, however, may be quite difficult and laborious.

Blackberry Smartphones With GPS- Phone Becomes more Smarter

2008-07-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Blackberry smart phones are the new generation smart phones with GPS features. These phones work with the BlackBerry Maps application, as well as a range of other location-based applications and services. This is one of the most suitable devices using which you can plan your travel trips with much more ease. Using its capabilities you will get to know where you’re going with ease by pinpointing your geographic location or accessing turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

Navigate with fun and ease!

Navigation on Blackberry Smart phone is a fun and it can be done with great ease using its GPS capabilities and BlackBerry Maps:
Plan your route and view it on your BlackBerry smartphone
Build a list of your favorite destinations for easy reference
Receive step-by-step driving directions to businesses, restaurants, or wherever else you’re going today
Get more out of social networking sites and location-based mobile games
You can also take advantage of a wide range of third party GPS navigation services for your BlackBerry smartphone. Colorful 3-D moving maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, traffic alerts and rerouting are just some of the features that may be available.

It Has a Business Advantage Too!

Provide your business a competitive edge by using the power of built-in GPS capabilitieson BlackBerry smartphones, along with Location-Based Services (LBS) such as employee and resource tracking, dispatching and more
Some of the companies using BlackBerry smartphones with GPS solutions to improve business. Here are the case studies:

Team Transport streamlines dispatching process using GPS navigation capabilities of BlackBerry devices.
Safelite Auto glass enhances productivity with BlackBerry smartphones by deploying dispatching, GPS tracking, mobile printing and more.
Paulding County School District in Georgia uses the BlackBerry smartphone for GPS tracking of school buses in the county.

Pleasure Trip With Garmin's Nuvi 500

2008-07-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

Garmin's Nuvi 500 is one of a new navigation device in the Garmin Nuvi line. This new product of Garmin fills a huge void in the GPS market providing both auto navigation as well as off-road capabilities yet retaining functionality such as a touch screen.. Thus it posses all the feature you want.

Auto
Nuvi 500 is a waterproof device available with with topo maps. It comes with auto maps of the 48 contiguous US States plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico. You can easily connect the device to either a TMC traffic cable or the MSN Direct traffic service. As an extra benefit you are also provided the Historic Route 66 map guide by by MAD MAPS. The only thing that appears missing from these otherwise fully loaded devices is Text To Speech. Multi Destination Routing with route optimization also appears to be supported.

Off-Road
Nuvi 500 series very capable for off-road tasks because of its waterproof to IPX-7 standards and an 8 hour battery life. Topographic maps are included with the Nuvi 500 so you can tap a switch and move from auto maps to topo maps. Other off-road navigation functions such as – compass, tracklog, removable battery, and connectivity with geocaching.com are an added advantage. The Garmin 500 Nuvi can also be used for bicycling, walking in pedestrian mode, or loaded with optional marine charts for boating.

According to Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales “This multi-mode nuvi is the ultimate device for those seeking portable navigation in the car and in the great outdoors,”. He further said “This product allows us to combine features from several of our most popular automotive and outdoor navigators into one compact unit. From weekend trips to the lake, to a hike around the trail, nuvi 500 is ideal for people seeking automotive and recreational navigation in one dynamic device.”

GPS Receiver

2008-07-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

GPS receiver receives the signals from a a constellation of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails). Initially the system was devised for military purpose but later it was opened for commercial use.

These satellites circles the globe at about 12,000 miles (19,300 km), making two complete rotations every day. The orbits are arranged so that at any time, anywhere on Earth, there are at least four satellites "visible" in the sky.

A GPS receiver locate four or more of these satellites, figure out the distance to each, and use this information to deduce its own location. Whole operation works on a mathematical principle called trilateration. Trilateration in three-dimensional space can be a little tricky, so we'll start with an explanation of simple two-dimensional trilateration.

When GPS receiver is used in Smartphone or PDA or Laptop it transforms them into a satellite navigation tool. Using appropriate software you can navigate freely anywhere. You can locate your exact location using GPS receiver in your PDA, Laptop or smart phones. There are many software available that helps you in loading maps of various cities and points of interests in your GPS device.

On the basis of functioning GPS receiver can be categorized as:

Bluetooth GPS receiver
USB GPS receiver'

PDA GPS

2008-07-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

GPS (Global Positioning System) is an excellent tool to determine your exact location. GPS unit in conjunction with software can trace your position on a map via a computer or PDA. Using the correct kind of software you can enter an address and the software will calculate a route complete with turn by turn voice directions. Modern GPS device also includes traffic reports, local speed restrictions such as school speed limits and so on. Most of the current versions also included fixed speed and red light cameras.

A PDA unit combined with GPS unit allows you to have all of the many benefits of a PDA, including daily appointments, e-mail, and document storage, while enjoying the data of a GPS. You can even get voice commands guiding you to your destination.

PDA combined with GPS unit takes the PDA to an entirely new level. For instance, the PocketPC and WinCE products are two on the market today that are used for navigation. When you start researching the right option for you, you might also hear the PocketPC referred to as "PPC".

Just imagine sitting in a meeting where something is going on that you have nothing to do with and you need to schedule a flight to another meeting for the following day. By using your PDA, you can set the time aside and then check out flight plans for your trip.

It is very easy to lose your way in many places and instead of losing time, trying to find the way back to the hotel, simply turn on the GPS and you would be set.

The power of a PDA GPS unit, can be controlled in many ways. Everything we used to carry in our briefcases can now be held in the palm of our hand. Combine that with a compass, maps, nautical charts, an altimeter, and a global clock, and you also have the power of a GPS.

The options for PDA GPS systems are great. People are finding its many benefits. It is no wonder that manufacturers are creating new options for additional features and portability. With this new option, you do not have to stress about carrying some larger piece of equipment with you since you can use something small but very effective and accurate.

What are the major operating systems?
The two major operating systems for PDA are Palm operating system (OS) and Pocket PCs. Palm OS PDAs are made by Palm, Sony and Handspring. Pocket PCs are made by many companies, including HP, Toshiba, and Dell. They have touch screen LCDs which respond both to the stylus and your finger, and most have color displays. Because the PDAs' screens are larger than most handheld GPS screens, the PDAs are great for displaying maps.

There are different ways through which you can have a GPS PDA:

Integrated GPS/PDA - such as the Garmin iQue 3600, iQue M5, and the Mitac Mio 168
Sleeve
CF card
Bluetooth
Cabled to a handheld GPS receiver
Mouse-type (car powered) receiver

Garmins nuvi 880- Featuring Extra Features

2008-07-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Garmin has announced the nuvi 880 series that occupies top spot where portable navigation devices are concerned. The device is endowed with features like speech recognition, dynamic MSN Direct content, a 4.3" color touch screen display at 480 x 272 pixels, a music player, an audio book player, an alarm clock, and maps of the US, Canada and Puerto Rico among others. Some of the next generation features it posses are:

Traffic conditions
Provides updated traffic incident and flow information for most metropolitan areas across North America. Nuvi 880 is smart enough to select a route that avoids traffic accidents, road closures, and construction.

Fuel prices
Gives gas price data from over 100,000 gas stations across the country . Drivers will always know where to get the best prices. Save time and fuel by using their unit to navigate directly to the station of their choice

Weather reports

features current weather conditions (including high/low/current temperatures, chances of precipitation, humidity, pressure, wind, and weather alerts) as well as three day weather forecasts.

Enhanced movie listings

search for movies by title or by theater and receive show times, 'star' ratings, genre, actors, and more -- and get driving directions to the theater.

Local events

It also informs the user about the festivals, concerts, and sporting events in your area, and navigates to them.

News and stocks

Keeps you updated with the latest news headlines and financial market updates.

Send to GPS capability

plan trips and look up destinations from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and then wirelessly send locations to your nuvi 780.
As with the Garmin nuvi 780, the nuvi 880 also comes with three months of free MSN

Direct service with each purchase

Once that time period expires, you can re-subscribe for $49.95 annually, or pay a one-time charge of $129.95. The Bluetooth-enabled nuvi 880 also comes with a built-in FM transmitter, front-firing stereo speakers and a removable lithium-ion battery. The Garmin nuvi 880 will hit the streets in Q2 2008.

Garmin Announces new Oregon GPS series

2008-07-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Oregon GPS series models from Garmin are for those people who are mobile and remain outdoors a lot and need a GPS to get around. There are four models in the Oregon series, one being the base model, and then the other three models all have a unique special feature.

All the four of the models are available with a 3-inch touch screen, and the system is designed to be waterproof, shock resistant and survive very harsh conditions. It comes with Hot Fix technology, which is a feature that allows the device to remember a specific location. In addition, it comes with a microSD slot, which allows you to add more maps if you want or need.
Now, more specifically, the 400t gives full color, 3D topographical maps of the US. The 400i gives maps and details about the lakes and rivers in the States. Finally, the 400c gives maps and details about the coasts of both the US and the Bahamas. The Oregon 300 comes with maps of the whole world, and the Oregon 200 comes with simpler maps.

Garmin plans to start shipping out these GPS units sometime soon, and prices start from $480 for the Oregon 200, and it goes up to $640 for the Oregon 400.

Garmmin's Nuvi 500 and 550 -An Ultimate Solution For Rugged Navigation

2008-07-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Garmin’s multi-mode nuvi 500 and nuvi 550 is the ultimate device for those seeking portable navigation in the car and in the great outdoors. According to Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "This product allows us to combine features from several of our most popular automotive and outdoor navigators into one compact unit. From weekend trips to the lake, to a hike around the trail, nuvi 500 is ideal for people seeking automotive and recreational navigation in one dynamic device."

This is a portable and rugged unit that allows the user to Drive, hike, bike or boat. The nuvi 500 is pre-loaded with both road maps and U.S. topographic maps. For use in and out of the car, simply touch the usage mode indicator located at the top of the home screen to change between driving, bicycling, boating or walking mode.

Get turn-by-turn directions; look up restaurants, ATM’s and other point of interests. The nuvi 500 models display shaded digital elevation mapping on the 3.5" water-proof touch screen. This series comes standard with a compass page, track log and a removable, rechargeable battery for extended outdoor use. With one tap of the screen, users can also see their exact location.

In addition, with Garmin Connect Photos, users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community to provide photo navigation by land or water.

When loaded with optional BlueChart(R) g2 Vision, and Inland Lake Vision marine cartography, the nuvi 500 series is great on the water, providing detailed chart-specific information, spot soundings, intertidal zones, wrecks, port plans, restricted areas and more.

For a scenic road trip, the nuvi 500 series comes preloaded with the Historic Route 66 map guide developed by MAD MAPS. This route spans from Chicago to Los Angeles, while highlighting specific points of interest associated with Route 66 along the way.

The nuvi 500 comes preloaded with detailed street and topographic mapping for the lower 48 U.S. states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The nuvi 550 boasts comprehensive street map coverage of the U.S. and Canada. When either model is used with an optional receiver, users can receive important updated information from Traffic Message Channel or MSN Direct.

The dynamic content from the MSN Direct network includes traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock updates and local events. A scooter mount will come standard in select European markets and sold as an optional accessory elsewhere.
For more Information, visit http://www.garmin.com/.