What You should Know about Handheld GPS

July 5th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

A Global Positioning System or GPS was originally developed and operated by the US Department of Defense.  Prior to it being used for commercial purposes GPS was utilized by the government for 24 hour navigation for sea, ground and air operations.

There came a point when the GPS became extensively used for commercial purposes, there capabilities expanded to include movement and monitoring of people, forestry, cartography, mineral exploration, and tracking down of wildlife that is endangered within their natural habitat and as well as many more uses.

Originally, the GPS is operated on big computer systems but eventually; it has developed into something smaller - the handheld GPS. The good news about the handheld GPS is that it functions just like the GPS in more elaborate machines and it allows the user to generate information anytime and anywhere he or she may be.  Handheld GPS have now gained such a following that there are so many people all over the globe that constantly rely on the handheld GPS to help them navigate around the world and locate areas which are even beyond the navigation and location determination in the past.

Popular Handheld GPS Models

There are many handheld GPS models that are available in the market nowadays. One of the most popular models of a handheld Garmin GPS System is the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx, which is considered as the fastest when it comes to locking onto the satellite. This handheld GPS is equipped with a 2.6 inch color screen, a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass and a special Geocaching menu.

However, despite the fact that this handheld GPS is loaded with many functions, it only weights about seven ounces and could run for approximately 18 hours using two AA batteries. The Garmin GPS is rubberized and is water resistant. If you intend to wade or swim on your trip, you could count on this handheld GPS to survive.

Another popular handheld GPS device is the Magellan eXplorist XL. This  particular handheld GPS is equipped with a 3.5 inch color screen which is viewable even when exposed to sunlight.  Because of the large screen of this particular Magellan model you have the benefit when looking at the maps and obtaining information you need from them.

However, the  challenge of the Magellan GPS is that unlike the Garmin GPS, it is not equipped with an electronic compass or an altimeter. This unique GPS also has a weight of about 12 ounces, which is somewhat heavy when you compare it to the Garmin. With the use of four AA batteries the battery life of the Magellan is roughly 15 hours.

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Automotive GPS - Your Friend On A Lonely Road

June 16th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Average Customer Review: (259 customer reviews)

The individual with a penchant to get lost while driving may discover that having a GPS system in their automobile a useful tool to have. Whether it’s a handheld system, a stand-alone GPS system or a computer or personal data assistant electronic device, they can assist drivers in following the right directions.

Regardless of the type of GPS that you use you should never be subject to either a monthly for the automotive GPS service charge or other related GPS subscription type fees. You can, however add additional services, which will require paying subscription fees.For instance, satellite radio, whether or real-time traffic reports will all cost additional per month fees.

The reason that fees in general are not required for using global positioning services is because it is allowed under federal law and the federal government provides the service itself, which is the reason companies are not allowed to charge for automotive GPS services. however, you will have to pay for the electronic device that interprets the singles from the satellites in orbit that supplies information for your global positioning system.

One of the benefits of using an automotive GPS system in your car is having the ability to know its location at all times. In the tragic event that your vehicles stolen, if your vehicle is connected to a national service, its immediate location can be viewed and that knowledge can be given to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for swift recovery. You’ll find that the majority of rental car companies use automotive GPS systems within their rental vehicles to monitor there location and use.

Assistance is simply a map check away

You can always obtain help quicker, if necessary, by just looking at the map available on your automotive GPS unit. Making a call on your cell phone, you can furnish a precise location or, if you believe your significant other is going to be late and your loved ones are concerned, they can always confirm where you’re at to know if something has occurred to cause you to be overdue.

When you are planning an upcoming trip you can use your home computer to hook into either handheld units or automotive GPS maps which then can be downloaded into these devices. By planning ahead you can decrease the possibilities of wasting valuable vacation time and getting lost by loading in turn by turn directions in advance.there are many different uses for handheld GPS units, including but not limited to marine use in sports, and can also be used as an automotive GPS device for your vehicle.who

In terms of street driving, and automotive GPS is more appropriate than a cell phone as it can assist you in finding your way on unfamiliar roads, giving you the ability to provide concise directions to whomever can come to your assistance if you have a broken down vehicle or can enable you to be found if you cannot seek assistance by yourself.

Different manufacturers offer different features in their automotive GPS systems. One well-known manufacturer is Garmin. one of their automotive GPS units is known as the Garmin Street pilot 2720 gps. Compared to automotive GPS systems such as the Magellan 760 Roadmate the Garmin Street pilot 2720 GPS is a serious contender in the battle for most sophisticated automotive GPS systems.

The Street pilot 2720 is preloaded with software known as city navigator NT street maps, including what are known as points of interest (capital POIs) database with restaurants, ATMs, hotels, fuel and more.

One significant improvement on this model is that there is a touch screen that you can use to operate various features of the unit including touching the map to a specific destination that you wish to go. After inputting your destination the Carmine Street pilot 2720 take shoe there with either 2-D or 3-D maps and turn by turn voice directions. To help keep your attention focused on the road it has the ability to announce street names or exits so you can always keep your eyes on the road.

If you are willing to spend some extra money for a paid service you can add FM TMC traffic receiver in traffic services. When you include these in your 2720 you are informed of road construction or accidents that may be ahead on your driving route. With just a simple touch to the screen you can view any traffic details supplied or if necessary we calculate your driving route to bypass any additional traffic.

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