GPS Reviews

By now you’ve probably heard the television and radio ads urging you to “Get a Garmin” this holiday season. But what are the real benefits of owning a consumer GPS device? Since we know you’re not the kind of person to simply buy what the TV tells you, we’ve provided the following objective list of reasons to own a GPS from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom or any number of consumer electronics companies.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Car GPS Device?

So let’s cut to the chase. Are GPS devices just cool gadgets to show off to your friends or do they have some practical purpose in your life? Here are some of the things you can do with a GPS device:

- Get directions. Obviously, the number one selling point of any GPS is that it helps you get from Point A to Point B without getting lost. New GPS technology allows you to pre-program your trip into the device and then receive directions via turn-by-turn navigation. On many Garmin GPS, the information is even delivered by a friendly computerized voice.

- Use it as a phone. The Magellan Maestro and other recent GPS devices now integrate Bluetooth technology into the device, so you can now use the GPS as a hands-free phone. With concerns about safety due to cell phone use in the car (and many states having passed hands-free cell phone laws) this feature is more relevant than ever.

- Drive more safely. As amazing as it sounds, many GPS now provide warnings about upcoming obstacles in the road as well as advice about which lane has the least amount of potential traffic. These features give you an advantage over the unexpected bumps in the road that could pose a real safety risk to you or your family.

- Get there quicker. In the “old days” you had to bite your tongue and wait it out when traffic got tough. Now, GPS devices help make the traffic snarl a thing of the past. Many systems are linked to your local highway traffic reports and can clue you in when you need to take an alternate route. In fact, GPS technology has become so advanced that it can even provide that alternate route on the fly!

- Find something to do. Magellan, Garmin and other companies are now preloading their auto GPS with links to thousands of restaurants, movie theatres and other entertainment options. You can search by what you want to do tonight, and the GPS will provide a wealth of options (and even tell you how to get there).

- Enjoy your trip. If you’re taking your family on a car trip, pack your toothbrush and your GPS! GPS can provide information about all the points-of-interest along the way. You’ll get everything from national monuments to scenic overlooks - and everything fun in between. The GPS device will tell you the most efficient way to get there, so you won’t end up wasting a lot of money on gas.

Traveling around new places has become a great deal easier with the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS). Earlier, when we planed an excursion to a new destination we were often concerned about navigation our way in the unknown vicinity. People used to hire guides for the purpose, which definitely burnt hole in their pockets. Further, if you are not familiar with the language of the guide then there is very less you can do to complete your tour successfully. All these hassles have been remarkably minimized by GPS. The application finds a wide application in several spheres, including, defense, mining, traveling and exploration, and many more.

GPS turned out to be a significant tool for the explorers, and hence finds a broad usage in modern automobiles. Almost all the contemporary luxury cars come with installed GPS in them. GPS enables its user in finding the places of their interest, such as- restaurants, clinics, clubs, famous sites, or any other such place. However, if your car is not fitted with any sort of GPS device, then it can be also installed separately. There are different types of GPS available for the automobiles. So, before going for any specific GPS for your vehicle, make sure that you are purchasing the most suitable one. Some of the major types of GPS are given here:

? In-built GPS - Almost all the major car manufacturers are offering in-built GPS application in their cars. These cars have GPS tools fixed into a dash, and hence don’t get lost easily. However, cars with in-built GPS are expensive than their non GPS version.

? Portable GPS Tools- These GPS units are tailored for an easy carriage of the device. These are not rigidly fitted into the automobile can be moved from one vehicle to other easily. So, if you have more that one car, then this type of system is highly recommended for you. The system helps you in saving your lots of bucks and efforts. You can also take this system to your home when you are not driving, and help your kids to learn more about the city you are living in. These GPS devices weigh around 10 Oz, and have 4″ inch wide display fitted in it. Its price range starts from $250, and can go up to $500, depending upon the functions and features of the device.

? Pocket GPS Tools- Automobile pocket is an advanced form of portable GPS unit for automobiles. It can be fit into your pocket or palm, and can be easily carried anywhere you wish to. These devices are a bit expensive than the portable form of automobile GPS tools, with a starting price tag of $400, which can go up to $600 for an advanced unit.

All these GPS applications have their own pros and cons, and their applicability largely depends upon your needs. So, before making purchase of the suitable GPS application, prioritize your needs and buy accordingly. Learn more and find out about types of gps (global positioning system = tracking systems) available for your vehicle.

When you are out in the field hunting and using a GPS unit it is very helpful to have the right accessories for your GPS. It makes your GPS unit much more simple and easy to use.

1. Carrying Case - A carrying case will save your GPS from getting some scuffs and scrapes on it while hunting in the outdoors. No matter how careful you are with your GPS you are bound to drop it sometime while in a spot and stalk hunting situation or walking to your tree stand. Most durable carrying cases have a clear vinyl for protecting the display. This is also helpful to reduce glare from the display area. The carrying case also has holes in it for easy use of the operating buttons.

2. Software - You will want to get the correct mapping software for your GPS unit. Having topographic maps loaded on your GPS for the area you are hunting is extremely helpful especially in a spot and stalk situation. You can find canyons, springs, and other areas that you can check for game.

3. Lanyards or Holsters - You will want to have some form of carrying your GPS unit either with a lanyard or holster. A retractable lanyard is great for hunters because it keeps the GPS unit handy when needed yet out of the way when not in use. A holster is also a good option because it is easy to get the GPS in and out of without making a lot of noise like a belt clip and button setup.

4. Instructional DVD - An instructional DVD about your GPS unit is a great way to learn how to get the most out of your new GPS unit. The last thing you want to be doing is trying to figure out how to use your GPS unit when you are out hunting. You will want to learn how to enter waypoints, make a route, and a track. Also make sure you know how to access the hunt/fish calendar so you know when the best time to be in the field is. Also learn how to access the sunrise and sunset information on your GPS unit.

Of course, you can get vehicle power cables, gps mounts for your bike, car, or boat, and additional memory cards for your GPS unit. But a good carrying case, topo map software, lanyard or holster, and an instructional DVD are the most helpful GPS accessories for any hunter.

The rapidly rising popularity of GPS systems has resulted in the market quickly becoming flooded with an array of models.

The best GPS for your car is one that offers a variety of features that greatly increases the usability of a GPS system, making it that much more value for your money.

Here are the features you should look for in a GPS for your car.

1. Plain language driving directions including street names.

A GPS with audible driving directions will tell you where to turn and what to do without you having to take your eyes off the road. This not only more convenient for you but safer too.

2. Color Maps with a variety of themes.

This is especially noticeable when there are many roads being displayed on the screen. Make sure you check out the night time display. Many models mute the colors at night resulting in a mushy display that’s hard to read.

3. Millions of Points of Interest

On short trips, it’s nice to be able to select your destination instead of having to type in the address every time. On long trips, you’ll be happy you’re able to ask for the nearest coffee shop and not find the next listed stop is the next state over.

4. Voice Commands

Control your GPS system by simply saying the commands out loud. The Garmin Nuvi 880, for example, allows you to access over 30 different functions using voice commands. You can control your GPS system without ever having to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

That’s what we hear consumers asking for. Get that list of features and you’re more likely to be happy with whatever model you choose.