Auto GPS System

What’s The Difference Between The Tomtom 710 And The Tomtom 910?

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:18:11 +0000

What are the benefits of buying a tomtom 910 instead of the 710? I’ve searched online but would appreciate some clear advice in english instead of in techie jargon.

If I Purchase A Tomtom Gps That Come With Mapshare, Do I Ever Have To Purchase A Map Upgrade?

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:13:12 +0000

I can not seem to find this answer anywhere.
I know with garmin and Magellan you have to pay for map updates.
Is it that you have to pay for updates with TomTom and then the mapshare makes minor corrections from users?

Not Your Ordinary Bluetooth: The Latest Bluetooth GPS Devices

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:28:42 +0000

Bluetooth devices have certainly gone a long way since their introduction to the world just a few years ago. Thanks to innovative technological advances in electronics, Bluetooth – named after an ancient King of Denmark – has become so much more than a wireless method of communication between personal devices.
Now, Bluetooth devices can play your favorite music, record handwritten notes and even play slideshows of your favorite pictures. Yet here’s the real treat -Bluetooth products have gone from primarily functioning as a personal communication tool to a navigator’s dream, thanks to Bluetooth GPS devices that can plug directly into your laptop or PDA. We’ve outlined some of the best and most affordable Bluetooth GPS devices on the market today, so you’ll never need to go to the trouble of asking for directions again!
TomTom’s done it again. One of the major GPS product manufacturers out there, they’ve turned Bluetooth technology into a GPS goldmine, thanks to the TomTom Bluetooth GPS Sensor. Created specifically for PDAs and pocket pcs, this sleek device completely eliminates the need for those complicated connection cables, as the Sensor is 100% wireless. Perfect for city and suburb dwellers, the TomTom Bluetooth GPS Sensor offers clear and detailed street maps in real-time and is compatible with a majority of popular PDAs, pocket pcs and smartphones. You can buy this Bluetooth GPS device at your local electronic store for under $200, or shop online for even greater savings!
Not to be outdone by their competitors, Garmin has unleashed their own Bluetooth technology with the Garmin Mobile 10 Wireless Bluetooth GPS Deluxe Package. While this may be a mouthful, Garmin Bluetooth technology offers powerful navigation solutions for your PDA, laptop, pocket pc or smartphone. With detailed street maps of cities and suburbs in North America, simple operating instructions and a battery life that could put the Energizer Bunny to shame, you can journey with confidence and ease no matter where your travels may take you.
Still haven’t had enough? Magellan has the perfect product for when you look to buy Bluetooth GPS devices -the Magellan RoadMate 6000T Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator and MP3 Player. With a brilliant color display screen and over six million preloaded points of interests – including restaurants, movie theaters, gas stations and ATMS – you’ll never need to worry about getting lost again. Plus, with the ability to play digital music files, you can travel while listening to all of your favorite tunes! It’s truly a product that knows how to multi-task, but keep in mind that this product is a little more expensive than most of its competitors: online prices average around $699.
As you can see, your favorite Bluetooth product doesn’t have to be limited to just personal communication devices. With major brands like Garmin, TomTom and Magellan all offering superior products at prices that can fit every budget, you won’t need to find a reason to buy Bluetooth GPS devices today!

Paul has a blog dedicated to helping consumers choose the right GPS navigation system for them. You can check out more information and find the “Deals Of The Day” at TrackItGPS.com

The Best Handheld GPS Unit For Your Next Outdoor Adventure!

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:33:46 +0000

The best hand-held GPS units aren’t just for cars anymore. Thanks to the sleek and innovative designs of today’s hottest GPS units, more and more people are turning to hand held GPS units for activities that have existed for thousands of years: hunting, camping and fishing!
If you’re a hunter, outdoor enthusiast or enjoy fishing, chances are that you’ve gotten yourself lost on a weekend expedition with your buddies. Maybe you never could figure out how to read that map, or maybe you wandered off farther than you intended – whatever the case, you can kiss the days of complicated manual navigation good-bye, thanks to the introduction of GPS handheld hiking units from major brands like Garmin and Magellan – and even those that can be used on the water! Want to know more about these pioneering products? Here’s the lowdown on the best hand held GPS units that will turn your next hunting or outdoor trip into a stress-free expedition.
Which Way To Camp?
GPS units that are made specifically for hunting, camping and fishing work just like the one that you have for your car or phone. Using satellite technology, your GPS unit is able to track down your exact location and display your real-time position on an easy-to-read map – even if you’re travels take you to the most isolated forests. Thanks to your trusty GPS unit, you’ll never have to spend your valuable time or resources in manually determining your position on a map: just power up your GPS unit and watch as all of the complicated work is done for you! Better yet, use your GPS to mark down the locations of trails, campsites and other landmarks. With the typical battery lasting up to 24 hours, you don’t have to worry about losing these important notes – so you can hunt, hike or fish without worry!
Another great advantage to GPS units that are designed for outdoor use is that they’re made to take a beating. Accidentally dropped your hand-held hiking unit on the ground? Whereas a normal portable GPS unit might end up in pieces, these rugged products will continue to perform without flaw. Got to make a trek through a patch of bad weather? Not a problem! Lucky for you, waterproof GPS units will be able to withstand even the toughest of Mother Nature’s storms.
Some of the best hand-held GPS units out there include the Garmin eTrex, which has an exclusive BackTrack® feature which will help you navigate your way back to your camp or hunting site; The magellan eXplorist, which boasts four navigation screens on a unit that’s smaller than the palm of your hand; and finally, marine GPS units (look for ones designed by Magellan, Garmin and Lowrance), which have enough memory to store up to 500 of your favorite aquatic destinations with the ability to chart a straight course to them! What’s the best part about these products? The fact that many of them start under $200, so you don’t have to blow your budget in order to nab the best handheld GPS unit of your very own – leaving you with more green for your next outdoor adventure!

Paul has a blog dedicated to helping consumers choose the right GPS navigation system for them. You can check out more information and find the “Deals Of The Day” at http://www.TrackItGPS.com.

Quick Guide to GPS Systems

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:33:01 +0000

If you’ve heard of automotive GPS systems, then you’ve heard of Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom. These are the three big companies in the marketplace. And the collectively control about 90% of the market share. Their products all have their strengths and weaknesses, however.
Although Magellan was the original GPS company, Garmin took away a large part of their market share through excellent engineering and a commitment to quality. They’ve marketed themselves as the high-end company, and the results have paid off. Garmin now owns about 50% of the U. S. market.
Tom Tom, a European company, is a recent arrival on the GPS scene. Just as Garmin did before them, they’ve taken away market share from Garmin and Magellan. Garmin is still by far the top seller in the U. S. , with Tom Tom and Magellan each spliting about 40% of the rest of the market.
So, if you want a GPS, and you want to go with the industry leader, Garmin is the company to choose. Having said that, let’s take a brief look at their product line.
What I want to do now, is to give you an overview of their product line, what their systems can do and about how much they cost.
All automotive GPS systems can do the following. They can show you where you are on electronic maps and tell you how to get where you’re going with voice prompts. They also have a pre-programmed database of destinations (called Points of Interest), and a few other bells and whistles.
Garmin’s entry level device, the nuvi 200, can do all of this and more. What’s cool is that at the time of this writing, the nuvi 200 sells for less than $150. Now, the nuvi 200 can do more than just the basics. It can double as a digital picture viewer and an audio book reader, for instance.
A lot of people, however, want more. Let’s see what else you can get with a little more money.
Basic GPS systems don’t tell you the street names when they tell you where to turn. That takes a more advanced, and more expensive, system. The Garmin nuvi 350 has what’s called Text-to-Speech, that is it actually tells you the street name. It also sells for about $200.
Other upgrades you can get are Bluetooth capability, real-time traffic and weather, multi-point routing, and a wider screen. For a few bucks more than the nuvi 350, you can get the nuvi 360, which has Bluetooth. It’s got the smaller 3. 5-inch screen, however. If you want Bluetooth and the larger screen, you’ll have to go with the Garmin nuvi 660.
If you really want to shoot the proverbial moon, then the Garmin 880 might be just the ticket. It’s got voice recognition! Which is really cool. It’s got a cool price, too. Right now it sells for around $900. But if you want a state of the art GPS, then look no further than the nuvi 880.

To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.

Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!

Top Reasons to Invest on a GPS Device

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:02:54 +0000

As months flash by, it seems science and technology is lessening the gap between imagining and inventing. Some 15 years ago, GPS devices were unthinkable. When risking it in a new strange place, the norm was to simply get a map and know how to interpret latitude from longitude. But in times this is really no cause for knitting eyebrows, as there is a electronic gadget named Global Positioning System navigator.

GPS devices are really a hot item when it comes to automobile features, and it is practically a standard. Some people would rather drive around without intrusive GPS devices in their rides, but most people are impressed and fascinated with this electronic and sometimes, “speaking” version of getting to your destination.

Prior to GPS, the biggest thing must have been Mapquest. It was good while it was unrivaled. Soon what it lacked became apparent. People on the fly, and who know that there are faster ways to organizing a trip, will have doubts about the need to map routes and print them before leaving. Experienced users of in-car GPS have long ago ditched the hassles. They just punch in their destination address once the car has been started, and there you go, your directions come at you step-by-step; sometimes there is the safer option of not having to stare anymore at the screen since most GPS units give you the directions orally (with the choice of a voice that sounds like your favorite movie star).

Heavy dependence on GPS devices in your car also has its downside. Aside from the power issue which is one big headache should it strike, GPS counts on wave-signals that your GPS car receiver gets, the idea of which is not different from imagining the signals that your cell phone gets. Anyone can relate to the sick feeling (and it’s not the good sick) that arises from being deprived a cell signal. Now I’m not going to preempt here which is more important to you: not being able to make a phonecall due a signal drought, or not having a GPS to tell you where to go?

Overtime, things are bound to get stabler anyway. As more and more consumers put their faith on the GPS devices revolution, technology will get cheaper and will improve, making possible the GPS’ basic functionality even with weaker signals. At the same time, more and more signals will be sent out to GPS units, similar to more and more cell phone towers being added in remote areas. But while such a scenario is still somewhere in the horizon, stay happy and content with your car’s GPS system and enjoy the freedom it allows you.

GPS Reviews Comparison – How to Choose the Right Model

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:28:06 +0000

If you’re like me, choosing the right GPS receiver is a little daunting. What helps is a good GPS reviews comparison, where you can learn what various models do and how much they cost. In other words, you need a guide!
Choosing the right GPS device is critical. Prices have dropped over the past two years, and you can probably get a model with more bells and whistles than you think you can. To help you form your game plan, let’s first talk about who the main manufacturers are, then what various models do and how much they cost.
There are a number of companies that make GPS receivers, but the big three are Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is the industry leader with by far the most market share, and also a much broader range of products than anyone else.
Magellan actually was one of the first companies to make these nifty little devices. They were essentially the pioneer. And Tom Tom is the new arrival. Although new, Tom Tom has made great inroads on the market shares of the more established companies by offering great products at great prices.
Any good GPS reviews comparison should tell you what you can expect to buy. So, let’s run over the basic features that you’ll get with any GPS receiver.
All GPS receivers have a touch screen interface, maps of the lower 48 states, and a database of Points of Interest (POIs). All receivers also calculate the best route from where you are to where you want to go, and they give you directions via spoken voice prompts.
The base models of either Garmin, Tom Tom, or Magellan will do all of this and more.
For around $150 you can get the Garmin nuvi 200, the Tom Tom One, or the Magellan Maestro 3100. These three models all cover the basic features I mentioned.
What if you want more? How much is that going to cost?
Well, let’s run over what more you can get.
Upgrades are: more maps (Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Mexico), bigger screen, Bluetooth, real-time traffic and weather, many more POIs (how about 6 million!), and multiple routing.
You can get most of this stuff for $350! For instance, the Garmin 660 can do all of the above except the multi-route calculations. It sells for slightly under $350.
Magellan’s Maestro 4250 is a direct competitor and can do essentially what the Garmin 660 can. The 4250 is currently selling for slightly more than $250.
Tom Tom’s comparable receiver would be the Tom Tom Go 720, which is currently selling for less than $350.
Of course, you might be willing to spend more!
As you go higher in price, each of these companies offers great proprietary features. Magellan has a deal with AAA, for instance, to include their Tour Book right in the device. (For AAA members only. )
A good GPS reviews comparison can only do so much, however.
Now you need to actually get on an informative website and start browsing.

To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.

Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!

What You Need to Know About Car GPS Units

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:22:08 +0000

If you’ve been comparing car GPS units, you may have already noticed just how complicated it can be to find one that’s right for you, no matter how tech-savvy you might be. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll be a bit more well informed about what you need to know to find the perfect unit for you and your budget.
If you haven’t already been shopping around, you may not know that all car GPS units essentially do the same thing: they show you where you are and tell you how to get to where you’re going. They also all come with a variety of pre-programmed destinations, called POIs (or, Points of Interest) to make getting where you need to be even easier. All you need is a finger, because all car GPS units utilize touch screen technology.
What makes finding the perfect one for you so complicated is all the extra features manufacturers are including in their products to meet market competition. Before you get too overwhelmed, let’s talk about these manufacturers and compare the products they’re making.
Although several companies produce car GPS units, I’d suggest sticking with the top three: Magellan, Garmin, and Tom Tom. Sure, there are other companies, like Lowrance, Mio, and Pharos. But all these other companies are competing for only 10% of the U. S. market. It may be a personal thing, but I’ve always liked to go with industry winners. Certainly other companies are making quality products, but I like to know that my purchase will be supported year to year.
Magellan was one of the original companies to start manufacturing GPS devices. With a great company name and a wide selection of products, Magellan is a good choice. I really like their Maestro series, which ranges in price from $150 to $350. You can get a Maestro 3100 for less than $150. That’s not their best buy, though. If you just want an entry level GPS, then Garmin’s nuvi 200 is probably a better bet. Magellan’s best buy is their Maestro 4250, which can do everything Garmin’s competing product can, but for $50 less.
Magellan also has a great deal for AAA members that makes the AAA Tour Book available right inside the device. Of course, you must be a member, but if you’re a frequent traveler, it’s an excellent deal.
With almost 50% of the total market, Garmin is the industry leader. A basic Garmin, the nuvi 200, costs only $150. However, if you’re looking to spend a lot more, you can purchase the 880 model, which includes a lot of extra features, for around $1,000. There are no real competitors at the high end of the market place, that is for automotive GPS systems.
Catching up to Garmin is Tom Tom, a company that offers a great selection of products at very competitive prices. For example, what you’d pay for Garmin’s basic nuvi 200 could also get you Tom Tom’s One 3rd Edition, which has a lot of extra cool features. Tom Tom’s GO series has more features and is a direct competitor with Garmin. Tom Tom is currently taking market share from Garmin by offering more features at a smaller price. Tom Tom is no slouch as a company, either. They totally dominate the European market!
Whether you want to spend a lot or a little, comparing car GPS units can be tricky. Continue checking out informative websites so you can find the system that’s right for you and won’t break your budget.

To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.

Rick Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!

Choosing Forerunner Garmin GPS

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:41:09 +0000

There will be less gadgets associated with this option. Runners should be light, unencumbered by gadgets that add weight and increase drag. To that end, the Garmin Forerunner is packed with features. In addition to the powerful and accurate GPS, the Forerunner also features a watch and optional chest-mounted heart rate monitor. Even if you choose to forego the monitor to save money, choosing the Forerunner ensures that you can upgrade later without needing to purchase anything other than the strap.

Keep your routine fresh. Discover additional or varied routing by using garmin’s thorough and complete mapping. Additionally, by planning your run and deliberately choosing the scenic route, your workout can be a pleasant interlude instead of the tedium you may experience when you take the same route each day.

Track it all together. You will want to see your stats to get a sense of how you are doing as well as to come up with some goals. The Forerunner combines two functions, route mapping through GPS satellite-based location, with the gathering of fitness statistics, in a single device. After all, running should be fun and freeing, not encumbered with bookkeeping and record filing.

* Train out of the box. Although training is one the most important ingredients in any exercise regimen, it is often overlooked entirely or intermittent at best. Garmin Training Center software, included with the Forerunner, makes a personalizable training experience available to every Forerunner owner. For professional runners, or those needing more features than the Garmin Training Center provides, the TrainingPeaks. Their web site will provide guidance on creating running strategies as well as useful advice for one and all.

* Forget those wires. Many devices we use as our society becomes more tecnnological to try to help us do things more efficiently and faster come with many different cables which can become a tangled mess or lost and this becomes very frustrating. The Forerunner 405 operates without wires and is convenient to use and carry.

* Make running less solitary. If you enjoy running but prefer not to feel alone, the Forerunner can help. You will almost have the illusion of a running buddy to compete against! Garmin Connect a social network allows users to share experiences of runners around the world.

You might want to opt to purchase a heart monitor one day. If you aren’t exercising with a heart rate monitor, then you should start soon if your fitness regimen is something you take seriously. The monitors don’t stop with study of heart beat rate but closely watch consumption of calories and such essential parameters. The Forerunner GPS is an upgradable and good quality heart monitor.

Want to know more about Forerunner Garmin GPS?
Check it out here:“>http://www.forerunnergarmingps.com”> www.forerunnergarmingps.com
This website helps readers identify the best GPS units and shows how to find the right GPS units to meet your needs.

The High Value Of GPS Fleet Tracking

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:17:54 +0000

GPS tracking systems have been used in vehicles for many years. They were originally used in automobiles as a deterrent to theft, and for many years, GPS tracking systems in vehicles have assisted in finding lost or vehicles. In many instances, a GPS system was the last hope of finding a vehicle.
In recent years, many companies that have a fleet of vehicles have recognized the importance of these incredible GPS systems and have had them installed in their fleet vehicles, not only as a safety precaution, but also as a way to improve efficiency and driver performance.
Companies need to know exactly where their vehicles are in order to set up and maintain a productive delivery schedule. Too much time is wasted finding a delivery address, or locating a driver who has turned off their radio or phone.
A GPS tracking system will allow employers to find where any vehicle is at any given time, wherever it is. Shipping companies find this to be a particularly important feature because they not only can they create a better delivery schedule, they can also schedule more deliveries in any given day. It is incredible how technology has progressed. You can find the location of any truck by simply clicking the mouse of your computer.
A GPS tracking system also helps in reducing operating costs and keep you deliveries flowing evenly. When you know where your vehicles are and when they are scheduled back, you can create a shipping schedule that is guaranteed to be productive and efficient.
GPS systems have always been an incredibly effective way of locating vehicles, especially if it had broken down in a dangerous or remote area. However, today, GPS tracking in fleet vehicles have become an important tool in creating and maintaining a productive and efficient shipping department.
Not only can a GPS tracking system promote safety by monitoring the driving speed of the vehicle, it can also locate a vehicle if it has broken down even if the engine is off. Many drivers who have broken down in the middle of nowhere have found these incredible devices to be lifesavers. GPS tracking systems minimize the down time of your fleet vehicles and allow you to maintain a more structured work environment.
GPS tracking systems were originally developed to locate lost or stolen vehicles. When you use them on your fleet vehicles, you will always know where each vehicle is. If the unthinkable happens, and a vehicle is missing, you can locate within seconds, sending emergency vehicles to the location. In times like these, seconds can be critical.
GPS tracking systems in fleet vehicles can assist in routing difficulties, which in turn can save literally of dollars in wasted fuel per year by providing an alternate routes.
These incredible systems can also assist in fewer repairs and can even be used to reduce you insurance costs.
When you are in the delivery business, you know that delivering the shipment on time is critical. When you install a GPS tracking system in your fleet vehicles, you are basically assuring your customers that their shipment will arrive on time. If there is a detour or delay, you will be able to contact your customer and advise them of it ahead of time, thereby providing excellent customer service.
However, GPS tracking does not only provides great customer service, it will also assist in building your reputation as a dependable carrier and your customers are more likely to refer you to their associates.
There are no disadvantages to using a GPS tracking system for your fleet vehicles; it is simply one strategy that you cannot pass up.

Peter Geisheker is a marketing expert that provides marketing solutions for CyntrX, the leading gps fleet tracking solutions provider.