Technology has achieved many useful developments in satellite navigation systems that allow a small electronic device to navigate its exact location (Longitude, Latitude and Altitude) through satellite. When it knows its position, the navigation device calculates the navigation information including terrain, directions, roads and more.
Nowadays, most vehicles come with the satellite navigation devices pre-installed in them. These devices are generally used by motor vehicle drivers, military, outdoorsmen, boaters and for other military applications.
The well known satellite system that is fully functional at the time of this writing is the GPS or the Global Navigation System. GPS in the United States contains 24 to 27 satellites orbiting at an altitude of approximately 20,000 km with an inclination of 55 degrees in six different planes.
The Russian counterpart to GPS is called the GLONASS, which is derived from GLObal Navigation Satellite System. Though the initial satellites for GLONASS were launched in 1982, the system was not fully operational till 1995. The GLONASS has deteriorated to only 12 satellites, due to economic difficulties. The Russian GLONASS constellation is expected to become fully functional by 2010 and there are plans to include India as well.
The European Union is working on EGNOS derived from European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System. It consists of 3 satellites intending to supplement the GPS and GLONASS systems by determining the accurate signals and position with in 5 meters. It is expected to function in 2006.
The European Space Agency is working on introducing an alternative to GPS, called Galileo. The receivers will be able to combine the signals of 30 Galileo satellites and 28 GPS satellites to get highly accurate positions.
There are many satellite navigation systems yet to launch in several countries. The Satellite system of France is called the DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite) The Chinese system is called BEIDOU, but these satellite systems do not come under the caliber of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.
GPS Navigation Systems: What Next?
Your Ford F150 With A Magellan GPS Navigation System
Customer Review: Unshaded directions
I was disappointed to find out that if you are wearing sunglasses, you can't see the screen. While the NAV300 works great, I was also disappointed with the voice commands. They are hard to understand and don't have a TX drawl. I think a cheaper model would be a better buy. I like the Bluetooth, but the MP3, video, pictures, etc. are wasted features. The speed alert is very helpful on major highways and POIs are a great addition to plain roadway signs.
Customer Review: Designed without the Customer in Mind
I would not recommend this product unless you want to be frustrated. The DVD instructions did not work in any DVD player I had. Then I discovered I must use a pen stylus for inputting addresses but there was no place on the unit to store the stylus. I guess they assume you are going to buy your own velcrow to keep from losing it. The idea that you need a stylus is very bad as with a Garmin your fingers do the work. I had a hard time trying to figure out how to input correctly on this unit. But without instructions on their DVD that did not work I wanted to call their customer support. It was Saturday morning and I called. They told me they have no Saturday or Sunday business hours and to call back Mon-Friday 8-5. This is my working time so that does not work for me. I guess Delphi has not figured out they are selling a customer product which requires some support and their customers would like support when they are not at work themselves. In any case, I returned the unit to Delphi and purchased a Garmin from Sams Club. I needed no assistance on the Garmin and quickly had it taking me to destinations without a stylus. I paid a little more but there is no comparison. I suggest Delphi get some real marketing people working with their engineers in the future.
The 2006 Ford F-150 is a straight-shooting pickup that's as versatile as it is attractive-and the reasons why the F-Series has been the best-selling pickup in America for an amazing 28 years.
Curb appeal has taken a step up thanks to available 20-inch wheels and a new Chrome Package with available five-inch chromed tubular running boards and 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels. Inside, Sirius Satellite Radio is available and includes a six-month trial subscription, and safety is also enhanced with available Traction Assist on 4×2 V-8 models. Plus, the F-150 is the only pickup in its class to earn a NHTSA 5-star driver and right-front-passenger frontal crash rating, as well as a "Best Pick" recommendation from the IIHS for its frontal offset crash performance.
The F-150 XLT Super Crew is available with a choice of 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter V-8 engines. We'll put our money on the cowboy-tough 5.4-liter V-8. Start up this unit and you'll find out real fast what makes it a favorite of folks with a variety of things to do. First, the thing hauls. It's a SOHC V-8 with electronic fuel injection feeding power to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with available electronic shift-on-the-fly part-time four-wheel drive, and limited-slip rear differential.
One unexpectedly nice thing about the F-150 pickup is how well it rides. Granted, the terms "truck" and "comfort" are not exactly kissing cousins, but the fact is that the Super Crew's advanced suspension with cast-aluminum control arms in front and outboard mounted rear shocks, both class-exclusives, deliver great ride and handling. No wonder the F-150 won just about every magazine award since it was introduced.
The F-150 interior is built to suit, with two rows of seating for six passengers (five passengers if you order front captain's chairs). The Super Crew has Big Sky-like spaciousness, including 40.1 inches of front headroom, 41.3 inches of front legroom, and a whopping 65.8 inches of front shoulder room (with similar rear dimensions). This is one cab that will never be found lacking in comfort. Especially when you consider that the XLT trim level has such standard features as breathable premium cloth upholstery and fold-down center armrests. A six-way power driver's seat is also available for added comfort.
Standard XLT convenience features include remote keyless entry system, power windows, mirrors and door locks, front and rear 12-volt power points, a compass and exterior temperature display, and even delayed accessory power. Some surprising options are also available, making the F-150 XLT Super Crew suitable for a far greater range of people-and yes, even city dwellers. These include power adjustable foot pedals (a plus for smaller drivers). There's even a reverse sensing system, which is especially useful when backing up slowly if you choose to mount a camper shell on the truck. So is a very worthwhile deluxe mirror package that contains power heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, plus a neat electro chromic (auto-dimming) interior rearview mirror.
What is quite interesting is an easy install GPS navigation system for the Ford F150 by Magellan®, one of the world's leading innovators of navigation and positioning solutions with operations worldwide. Magellan was the brand that introduced the first consumer handheld GPS solution in 1989, and it has maintained its place as a leading global GPS brand for consumers.
With product lines in auto navigation and recreational handheld, Magellan's current product line up includes Magellan RoadMate portable auto navigation solutions, eXplorist handhelds, and MapSend mapping and software products.
There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system including; saving time, fuel economy, safety, and tracking. Enjoy these benefits for your Ford F150 with an easy to install Magellan in-dash system.
Snooper Strabo Gps: Navigates your Route
Customer Review: I would not give this to my ex-wife
Life before the Avic = :) Life After = :( No worries - today is celebration day! I am finally getting this piece of garbage uninstalled. No more driving lost because the navigation quit halfway through my trip, no more listenting to Helen Reddy for hours because the unit locked up when the heavy metal station changed format, and no more The avic-z2 worked ok for the first four months - if you discount the awkward ergonomics: > pathetically small buttons which I guess is ok if you have small hands, but I certainly don't want any of my dates to see that I can use them well > useless iPod interface (must scroll five songs at a time to find one you are looking for - fun with 4,000. Have you ever looked for that elusive Bananarama song while driving? Well, don't. Is is embarrassing to here it is playing when the officer arrives after plowing into the back of a cement truck because) > Radio station screen that does not display the 6th station preset without scrolling and no RDS? Really? > No easy way to turn it off > No dedicated buttons to go to the function (radio, XM, CD) so you have to scroll through using the small buttons The navigation was ok if you consider the learning feature never worked. One year and the unit never learned that I never take the road out of my neighborhood it suggested. I think the learning feature was just a prank by pioneer. The blue tooth was always intermittent, but then four months later the real problems started On cool mornings below 55 the screen was dark until I held down the video button and then pushed the screen, on hot days over 80 the unit completely locked up, the cd/dvd drive motor often ran without discs in it, the disc door stopped working consistently, and on and on. I tried the firmware update, but that was obviously another fake put out by pranksters at Pioneer. I will never buy from Pioneer again. In fact, I will use Pioneer ownership as a reference when I evaluate the judgement of others. If you work at Pioneer, you obviously hate all of us. I would go so far as to suggest that you are a terrorist. Your parents probably threw a party when you chose an out of state college. Your girlfriend probably is in a support program for battered women. The only car I would put this in would be a Pontiac Aztec. That was the only product sold in the last 10 years that was worse. And I am including that stupid Head On thing. I think the Avic should be sold by that Oxyclean guy.
Customer Review: Best GPS out there
I've looked at other car NAVs, even bought an external one for my girlfriend.. 95/100 of them would rate below the Pioneer Z series. The graphics are great, much better than other cars. My co-worker made sure to make that comment a dozen times.. The features and options are great. Bluetooth is great, tons and tons of addons.. 7" screen to watch DVDs or aux for ipod video. Make sure you upgrade the firmware, and the addon ipod interface box is miserably slow(use the built in aux instead). These two minor points don't detract enough not to highly recommend it.
With an outburst of Global Positioning Systems or GPS, going on the new route won’t be a problem anymore. The Snooper Strabo is one of the best selling vehicle navigation devices in the current GPS market. The latest Snooper Strabo GPS is sleek in design that comes enhanced with wireless capabilities.
The dedicated device can be installed in any vehicle as it weighs just 1.1 Kg and measures 10x2x8cm. The satellite navigation system is embedded with a 3.5 inch colour LCD touch screen. The multi-coloured navigation device offers a high resolution of 320x240 pixels. Moreover, a finger-touch screen interface makes navigation easier.
This navigation device is pre-installed with the UK and Ireland Street level mapping and provides automatic routing to the users. Moreover, users can search for unknown routes and later plan a visit with ease and comfort. One could check out the route by simply filling in the street, town and city name into this gadget. After a search, the device offers 3D mapping perspective or 2D overhead view and also provides easy driving directions.
The GPS device accepts extensive customised point of interest (POI) like school zones, ATM booth, hotel, gas station and safety cameras. The speed camera detector indicates users to follow required speed limits at points of alert and counts down accurately to accident black-spots and speed safety cameras as well. In addition, the Snooper Strabo allows users to avoid traffic tie-ups by simply pushing a button to calculate a new route. Moreover, it offers the fastest, shortest route type that avoids toll roads and congestion charges area.
The Snooper Strabo is considered as an ultimate travel companion for you as this portable GPS navigator also offers a digital entertainment system. The device is integrated with an MP3 player that makes the journey unforgettable. Moreover, the built-in rechargeable battery refers that there is no need of permanent installation.
The Best Handheld GPS Devices on the Market Today
Customer Review: This thing totally sucks !!!
Horrible software - very hard to enter addresses. Lets say you're looking for restaurants, you'll need to enter a 'Area'. So you enter a city - it will bring up several options with the same city name. You don't know which to choose. It cannot serach for POIs based on the current location. Worst gizmo investment I ever made.
Customer Review: GPS and software are fine; Windows and the PC platform useless
I got this as a gift in Christmas of 04. All the other things you have read are basically true: good value, lots of accessories included, everything you need is in the box, except a decent sized memory card. I was very impressed for the first couple of weeks of use. No database or software is going to be perfect, so I can understand the strange routings and the incomplete/incorrect street information. Having to install NavMan into the thing straight out of the box before you could use it was also really annoying, but I guess you would have to do that anyway when you buy a larger memory card. Trying to find a town or address was definitely very clunky and almost impossible. Still, for the money, I thought this was pretty decent, at first. First problem was when I tried loading some other software on for hiking. Turns out you have to power off/kn the unit or else the gps receiver would not be released by the navman software for use by the other program. Cycling the power made all memory go away, so I was forced to realign the screen and go through the annoying Windows tutorial every time. I gave up on the topo software. The biggest problem by far is that the battery cannot hold a charge. If you take this out of your car for more than a few days without leaving it on a charger, the unit seems to forget that the Navman software was ever installed. What a huge hassle! I went through this a couple of times, then it seemed like even when leaving it on the charger it would go south. So, when I went to grab it and go on a trip, I had to mess around for 20 minutes reinstalling everything each time. Finally, it would not "remember" the installation at all, and I contacted NavMan tech support. They were pretty nice and sent me a refurbished unit, about a year after I first received it. It worked OK for a couple of trips, and I was careful to leave it on the charger, but then a couple of months later, I went to use it, and... dead again. I have officially given up. Again, I believe this is a Windows/platform problem more than a NavMan problem, but it still amounts to a useless piece of junk. Anyone want to buy mine, cheap? I have since gotten a Garmin ETrex Vista Cx, which is 10 times better, includes a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and always works when I turn on the switch... what a concept! The screen is smaller, but it still gets the point across, and I can take it hiking and biking as well. Garmin gouges you for software and maps, but I would still rather have something that will actually work.
Remember the days when GPS units could only be installed on the dashboard of your vehicle? We do too - and that's why we were thrilled when we learned that our favorite techie toys are now incorporating GPS technology from trusted brands like Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. Products from cell phones to PDAs have caught the GPS fever, turning everyday electronic essentials into convenient - and affordable - hand held GPS devices.
Want an electronic device that will allow you to store emails, maintain your busy schedule and even keep track of those to-do lists - all while navigating you from Point A to Point B? Then you need to check out the latest PDAs with GPS capabilities, many of which can be found in your favorite department or electronic store. Not in the market for a new PDA? Not a problem - there's tons of great software on the market today that will turn your normal PDA into a navigating dream. These great multi-tasking devices take all of the stress out of managing your day-to-day routine while directing you from one meeting or social function to the next. You can even use your PDA with GPS capabilities to look up information about your favorite restaurant, movie theatre or mall - all from the palm of your hand! We recommend TeleNav, an innovative third-party GPS software system that's compatible with most PDAs, as well as some sophisticated smartphones.
Pocket pcs are also catching on to the GPS trend, as more recent models are designed with inherent navigation and mapping capabilities. If you want to get your hands on one of the best pocket pc GPS products on the market today, check out the W800 Pocket PC, a sleek and portable device that not only lets you surf the internet and play your favorite games - you can choose from any of its detailed maps to navigate yourself anywhere in the country! Add in the fact that you can download third-party applications and can easily find a model for under $250 online, and you've got a pocket pc GPS device that will give you a huge return for a small investment.
Another great handheld GPS unit on the market today is the Palm Treo 800w, which not only has all of the great benefits of superior GPS navigation - it has Wi-Fi capabilities as well. With a high-resolution touch screen, a slim design and a camera that would make professional photographers envious, the GPS for Palm Treo 800w has really stepped up the game, even besting some of its more popular competitors. Recently released this past summer, you can find this hand held gps device for under $250.
These days, you don't have to limit your handheld gps devices to your vehicle. Thanks to major innovative advances in electronics, you can purchase the latest PDA, smartphone or pocket pc with superior GPS capabilities, or download navigation software that adapts to the device that you own right now.
Understanding How GPS Works
hello, i wantto talk about 4 different points. 1. be ready to pay more on updating maps which are already at least 1 year old. 2. you might experience hardware problem like loosing sound. i can get the sound by doing configuration/diagnostic/audio test. if i try to change the sound level, i loose it all. 3. i wish it has internal battery so i can carry it around. 4. repeat the last comment is somethign you should have in any kind of gps. it is great if you miss something or if you did not understant what was told.
Customer Review: Piece of Junk
I bought my Magellan about a 1 ½ years ago, initially it worked great. Eventually it could no do a locate so I called the help center in (India) they were no help what so ever all they wanted is to have me send it back and pay the standard $175.00 fee to fix it. Eventually it started working again hummm weird, now the sound goes out I keep doing the diagnostic check and it will work and with in 5 minuets it will be out and you have to do it over and over again and now they want another $175.00 just to look at it sounds pretty fishy too me. My sister has one as well hers went out right at the one year mark and they again want to charge $175.00. Sounds like they have a lack of customer satisfaction skills. When it works it works great but once the problems start they don't stop you will certainly spend more fixing it than you pay for it.
GPS is very common place today, yet many of us don't even understand how it works. In fact, a lot of people don't even know what GPS stands for, all they know is how to use it. The term GPS refers to a technology that is also known as Global Positioning System. GPS has become more and more refined over the years, providing consumers with the ability to get from point A to point B much more easily than they had in the past. In fact, paper maps are quickly becoming obsolete.
The Way GPS Works
All GPS units work using the same technology. GPS units get all of their data from orbiting satellites and information about time and position is transmitted from these satellites to the GPS unit. These satellites can communicate with units on the land, in the air, and on the sea. These units are able to calculate where they are located at any one time based on the information that they receive from the satellites. Theoretically, GPS systems can work all around the world.
Of course, for the GPS unit to work as accurately as possible the unit must be able to have a direct line of sight to at least three satellites in the sky. Many people have found that if they are camping, hiking, or driving in an area where they are in deep canyons or surrounded by rock that it becomes very difficult to get a signal, and so the GPS unit may not work at all or it may not work as well as one would think. On the flip side, if you are in the line of sight of more than three satellites the GPS unit will be very accurate, often able to place you within 15 to 20 feet of your actual location!
Many people believe that to make the most of the GPS technology they have to buy the most expensive unit on the market, but this is not necessarily true. All of the units use the same technology, the more expensive units usually just have more bells and whistles such as more user friendly interfaces and touch screen displays. You can buy a very basic GPS unit that will get you around town and on your short trips without a hitch, but if you need a GPS unit that will help you with complicated routes you may want to go with something more costly.
Gps Vehicle Surveillance Equipment is Here to Help You!
Surveillance is not only a game of PI (private investigators) or the police. You can also have a surveillance gear (maybe not as sophisticated as wearable spy equipment or mini audio recorder measuring the size of your fingernail...) to keep tracking almost anyone you want. What I'm talking about here is GPS tracking system.
GPS tracking devices allow you to track your car or any other moving object, like boat, bike or even a plane. GPS trackers are even installed in some high-tech cell phones, which allow you to track a teenager or anyone who uses such a cell phone. However, the main use of a GPS tracking equipment is for vehicle surveillance.
How many times you've seen, heard, or maybe even experienced yourself how burglars steal a car right in the middle of the day. Such things happen every single day. And the worst part is that rarely do the police find the hijacked vehicle. So how can you protect yourself from such unpleasant "surprise"? That's right, by using a GPS tracking system.
But first, let's see where else GPS can be of good use.
GPS Can be Installed Anywhere
Such GPS tracking devices are very small; they can even fit into the palm of your hand. So you can easily attach them to the bicycle or a motorbike for instance.
These devices can be easily attached to the car as long as they're magnetic. You could place one under the hood, in the back of your car or absolutely anywhere else you can think of. Moreover, these GPS trackers have waterproof casings, so you wouldn't have to worry about the damage of such devices.
GPS systems are used in yachts or boats by the owners or renting companies. As long as these gadgets are weather and water-proof, they do a great job for tracking the boat. They're very useful if you don't want to get lost.
Handheld GPS trackers are very good if you like trips. If you go to a picnic and suddenly get lost, you can be rest-assured that you'll find your way out, because these handheld GPS devices have easy to understand user interface and great mapping features.
GPS Data for Vehicle Surveillance
As mentioned earlier, the main area where a GPS system is mostly used- is for tracking vehicles. Such GPS devices are preferred by regular company owners or truck company owners.
Managers want to know who and when are abusing their cars. Because employees love to drive cars faster than they should. They love to drive the vehicle on weekends or holidays for other purposes than the work. So naturally, business owners want to track their employees and find out what's going on with their cars. And they have great options at doing this.
Just listen:
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Monitor the Speed of the Vehicle – If an employee is driving too fast, he'll waste gasoline and ware tires off sooner that normally would. So a GPS tracker can help you in this situation easily. A GPS tracking system monitors the speed of the vehicle. Whenever the speed limit is exceeded, you get an alert and a report, so you'll have a proof and know who exceeded the speed.
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Know Where Your Car is at the Moment – Let's say you're just turned on your computer and you want to login to the central station to find out where your car (or cars) is at the moment. GPS lets you do that without any trouble. You login to the system and see exactly where your car is now.
* Signal Update Interval – You can set the desired update frequency of the signal of your GPS device. For instance, if you don't need to track your vehicles very often, you can set a frequency to 30 minutes. Otherwise, you can set it to 2 minutes and know where your car is precisely every 2 minutes.
GPS tracking system is very useful. Now only can it tell you where your car is located at the moment, it also tells you about the behavior of the person driving the car. Does he stop often near some burger restaurant? Does he take a break and spend some time in the bar? You'll know everything.
Sat Nav Reviews - Does Your Spankin' New GPS Really Suck?
The Power Of Location-Based Data Altitude is recorded using a barometric altimeter for the Edge 705. This accurate altitude data makes it much easier for cyclists to match their altitude profile with their speed, cadence, and heart rate during post-ride analysis. The Edge 605 gives a somewhat less precise altitude measurement via the GPS positioning system itself. A First-Rate Bike Computer Connectivity and "ANT + Sport" The wireless function also makes it easy to connect one Edge unit to another to share rides, courses and workout data. Heart Rate and Cadence Monitors Be Part of A Community You can also upload to optional Garmin Training Center software for further analysis. Garmin Training Center stores large quanities of workout and ride data. Some of the things you can do are What's In The Box
The 705 comes in three different models. The basic model comes with a heart-rate monitor and a City Navigator street map for U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. You can also get models that add a speed/cadence sensor, and a supplemental map.
The Edge 305 Screen (actual size)
The larger color screen (actual size) on the Edge 605 and 705 shows you your surroundings more clearly and supports real turn-by-turn navigation.
Anyone who has used Garmin's original Edge 205 or 305 already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, rode fastest (or most slowly) lets you tailor your workouts to improve to improve your riding skills for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. It gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your ride.
The Edge 605 automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude. The 705 also track your heart rate, cadence, power (from optional ANT + Sport-enabled third-party power meters), climb and descent. Other nifty features include the following.
Full-Featured NavigationNo more scratch paper paper-clipped to your handlebars. In addition to their cycling computer functions, The Edge 705 and 605 provide the same robust navigation as Garmin's vehicle navigators, with turn-by-turn spoken directions (turn left in 500 yards) and a 2.2-inch (diagonal) color display that shows maps in great detail.
Both devices come pre-loaded with a built-in basemap, and a MicroSD card slot you can use to load new maps or store workout, course and ride data. Garmin has lots of street and topographic maps available for purchase and you can download courses and rides from Garmin or other riders at the Garmin Connect website.
Both feature a high-sensitivity receiver that holds a signal under trees and near tall buildings and have a click stick for easy screen navigation.
One of Garmin's most ambitious decisions has been to approach fitness devices as a total platform with their "ANT + Sport" connectivity system. All of Garmin's new fitness devices, including the Edge 605 and 705, the Forerunner 50 heart rate monitor watches, will interface wirelessly with any devices that are compatible wiht the "ANT + Sport" protocol, including devices from other manufacturers. Currently, Garmin the devices will pair with power meter from SRM or Quarq to measure power - torque and cadence for each leg at the pedals - which is often cited as a true indicator of an efficient ride. It's unclear what other manufacturers will buy into the ANT + Sport platform, but this kind of open connectivity with products from other companies offers a great deal of potential flexibility.
The Edge 705 heart rate monitor uses a robust wireless technology that eliminates cross-talk and interference and delivers real-time heart rate data exclusively to the user's device. This data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis. The Edge 705 with speed/cadence sensor incorporates a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor that mounts to the rear chain stay of the bicycle.
In 2007, Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users. With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing.
Edge 705 gps-enabled cycling computer, heart rate monitor, City Navigator for U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico street map, bike mounts, AC charger, USB cable, Owner's manual on CD-ROM, Quick reference guide
Customer Review: It's useful for running, cycling and automobile, but you have to buy it with the SD data card
This is very easy to use, if you buy it with the SD card it's plug and play. It also measure power (watts), but you will need a power sensor, there are some available for this.
Customer Review: Garmin Edge 705
This is a very nice product. However, if I did it again I would buy it with the maps. The basic maps are terrible. Also, make sure you read the manual with it. If you set up your wheel size manually it will not record the distance (maybe a glitch). The software Garmin provides on-line is nice, but I expect the best and this isn't it.
You've done all the right things. But it's only after the money's been hoovered off your plastic that you discover you are the proud owner of a suckless wonder. Bet it didn't even get a mention in that car navigation review you read, did it?
I suspect it goes largely unnoticed because reviewers in the course of testing spend only a few hours with a unit unlike buyers who - once they've handed over their cash - are stuck with their purchase for a few years at least.
Let me set the scene.
You're driving along minding your own business when, for reasons best known to itself your navigator, without warning, suddenly parts company with your windscreen.
By the time you look down your costly gizmo is either nestling in the comfort of your lap from where it continues to issue its instructions or it's trying to do so from the dark depths of your foot-well.
If it wasn't the first time it probably came as no surprise. So more than likely you spent the preceding 20 minutes or so getting wound up and distracted waiting for the dreaded moment when you're going to have to pull over and sort the thing out yet again.
It's the budget navs we're pointing the finger at for the most part but even at the top end problems can surface.
It almost goes without saying that navs at the low end are built to a price and aimed specifically at punters with limited funds. That's fair enough. Not everybody can afford or even want a no expense spared top of the heap GPS after all.
The thing is, budget models are an exercise in cost cutting and compromise, meaning your unit will come with the basics but of course, don't expect to find too many of the more desirable features and options you'd get at the top end included.
But despite the need to keep costs down, you wouldn't think that manufacturers would compromise on an absolute bare-bones necessity like providing a suction cup that really sucks up, would you?
Well, it appears that some do just that. The result? While some cheap sat navs really sucks others don't suck hard enough.
If you've hit the car navigation GPS review search button on endless occasions, read your share of sat nav reviews and eventually picked out a GPS that was pretty good all round but refuses to suck up, what do you do?
First off get practical, make sure it's not your windscreen. Try again after giving the area you intend your nav to live in a good clean.
If that doesn't work use a little water to dampen the suction cup and give it another go.
If it sticks like super glue all well and good, if not my advice is to do your blood pressure a favour and apply the ultimate cure - shove the thing back in its box and return to sender forthwith.
Now save a few more pennies, hit the car navigation GPS review search button again and go for something that's a little further up the sat nav food chain and less of a compromise in build quality.
Traveling by GPS is Much Fun
The Edge 305HR couldn't be easier to use. Simply take it out of the box, snap it into the included bike mount, and hit the road. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver knows your position in tree cover and canyons, making the Edge 305HR an extremely reliable navigation device. And with the customizable cycle computer, you can select from up to eight different data fields for continuous feedback. Garmin goes well beyond typical cycle computers by integrating GPS technology for basic navigation. In addition, the Edge 305HR gives you the ability to overlay your ride data onto a course map and even "race" a virtual partner, making your training fun while helping to push you toward your goals. The included PC-based Training Center software gives you the tools to create workouts, manage and download courses, and create a detailed post-ride analysis that charts your performance and measures your speed, distance, climb, descent, and heart rate data against varying terrain, elevation, and more. And with the Edge 305HR 's built-in USB interface, it's quick and easy to upload and download information. The virtual partner screen depicts a digital cyclist (representing your desired speed) in relation to your real-time speed. From this set of data the icons will show how far ahead or behind you are from your digital competitor. The Courses feature allows you to race against a recorded course to try and match previously set speeds at every point along the way. Training in urban areas can be tricky, and undesirable traffic can skew training data. To help remedy this problem, Garmin has included an auto-pause function that pauses the training timer when you slow down below a specified speed and resumes when you speed up again so you can focus on your ride, not on your data collection. And with the auto lap function, this smart little device automatically triggers a lap every time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance. With its sleek, waterproof design (the Edge 305HR meets IEC 60529 IPX7 standards, which means that its components can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes), the 305HR is the perfect companion on any bike, and it attaches to either the stem or handlebars. This lightweight device (88 grams) is powered by an 800mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery and delivers an average of 12 hours of use per charge. The rugged case frames an easy-to-read, large, backlit display that makes it a breeze to view the data fields. So whether you're racing against your virtual partner, fighting to shave precious seconds off your old record, or training for the next big race, the Edge 305HR will help to monitor your progress and make you a better cyclist. 
Main menu. View larger.
Bike computer display. View larger.
Course with elevation profile. View larger.
With a built-in barometric altimeter and heart rate monitor, the Edge 305HR goes a step beyond its little brother--the Edge 205. The altimeter delivers extremely accurate elevation readings, and a chest strap monitor sends your heart rate data to the 305HR via a robust wireless transmission. In addition, the 305HR is compatible with the Garmin Speed/Cadence Sensor. This optional, self-calibrating wireless sensor attaches to your bike's rear chain stay and delivers speed and pace data while you train.
The Edge 305HR with heart rate monitor is the ultimate GPS-enabled fitness partner for cyclists. View larger.
What's in the Box
Edge 305 with heart rate monitor, bike mount, Training Center CD, A/C charger, USB PC interface cable, Quick reference guide, and owner's manual.
Customer Review: Great, but I'm on my 5th unit...
Clearly a great tool for cycling, and I love it - when it works. But I've now had to return mine for the 5th time, due to the unit shutting itself off mid-ride. Very annoying, and dealing with Garmin customer service is super slow (usually 30-45 minutes on hold before you can find a human) Love it, just wish it were reliable.
Customer Review: Wonderful Tool for Cyclists
I have found the Gramin Edge 305 to be an outstanding tool for cyclists. It was SO easy to install and modify the data I wanted to observe. Being a senior cyclist (over 60) I was just amazed at the amount of data this unit collects and calulated. I remember when just having a simple mechanical bike speed indicator was a BIG deal. Now I can download all the data I ever wanted to observe about every ride. Now my only problem is my wife is tired of looking at my ride analysis after every ride.
The crying needs for successful and enjoyable holiday travel – getting to the destination, and providing some entertaining distraction along the way – are now answered with the help of heaven-sent, handy GPS-based navigation systems. Whether you are traveling cross-country or taking a quick weekend trip, having a GPS device will make your journey easier, faster and much more fun.
In recent years, GPS devices have begun to mature from barebones units to more feature-packed devices that also let you play music and even make calls from your car. Both GPS- systems and satellite radios are becoming hot add-ons for new cars and rentals, and there are a variety of interesting and ever more affordable options to upgrade your existing vehicle. Today's systems work well with small and built-in GPS antennas providing visual and voice prompts for upcoming turns, and dynamically adjusting when you take a detour. These systems can normally store at least major highway maps for the entire regions plus detailed maps for a specific region, as well as associated points of interest, addresses and even phone numbers for businesses, gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
There's so much to see and do when you are on vacation that you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing while driving or hiking. It’s especially true when you’re taking a tour around national parks and other scenic vistas – that’s the reason enough to be looking out the windshield and not at the map. Now you have the power and security to make any trip an effortless and memorable one whether you're working, sightseeing or a little of both. You will never get lost again or miss out on the points of interest thanks to GPS. Whether in your own car, a rental car or RV Rental, integrating the in-car entertainment like an MP3 player and tour guide content will allow you to travel at your own pace; visiting the places you want to see. With multilingual turn-by-turn visual guidance, voice prompt navigation and easy to read graphics, traveling from place to place has never been easier and so visitor-friendly. It also gives you suggested directions, so you don't get lost, for the most popular driving routes as well and invite you to get off the beaten path to take the roads less traveled. You will get to see more, hear more, laugh more and experience more than you ever could have on your own.
When vacationing in unfamiliar cities or countries GPS also comes handy and helps you enjoy your stay and remain focused on the business at hand. Now you can navigate to different places with your GPS specific for the regions you are traveling in. GPS can also help you avoid being scammed by local taxi drivers. With a GPS you know if a "short cut" is really what it is or if the taxi driver is just trying to rip you off by taking you on a longer route. Your visit will be more fun with a GPS since it allows you to enjoy your experience without worrying so much about how to get around.
GPS-based navigation systems are real indispensable additions to your travel gear. Just grab a GPS and enjoy your trip!
A GPS System Will Take You Anywhere
Customer Review: Perfect for my GPS and my camera!
Love the soft light case that fits easily into my purse and works for either my camera or my GPS!
Customer Review: What I was looking for
The case is a little large for my nuvi 200, I thought it would be more snug- but it does the job since I usually store my GPS in the glove compartment.
The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 1 to 100 meters depending on the type of equipment used. The GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, but is available for general use around the world. Many people use it for many different reasons. Here are just a few of the more common ones.
Military
GPS allows accurate targeting of various military weapons including cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions, as well as improved command and control of forces through improved locational awareness. The satellites also carry nuclear detonation detectors, which form a major portion of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System. Civilian GPS receivers are required to have limits on the velocities and altitudes at which they will report coordinates; this is to prevent them from being used to create improvised missiles.
Navigation
GPS is used by people around the world as a navigation aid in cars, airplanes, and ships. Personal Navigation Devices (PND) such as hand-held GPS are used by mountain climbers and hikers. Glider pilots use the logged signal to verify their arrival at turn points in competitions. Low cost GPS receivers are often combined with PDAs, cell phones, car computers, or vehicle tracking systems. Examples of GPS-based services are MapQuest Mobile and TomTom digital maps. The system can be used to automate harvesters, mine trucks, and other vehicles. GPS equipment for the visually impaired is available.
Mobile Satellite Communications
Satellite communications systems permit "remotes" to communicate with "hubs" via satellites. A typical system uses satellites in geosynchronous orbit: this requires a directional antenna (usually a "dish") that is pointed at the satellite. When the "remote" is portable, as on a ship or a train, the antenna must be pointed based on its current location. Essentially all modern antenna controllers incorporate a GPS receiver to provide this location information.
The remote uses its location for two distinct purposes: first, to point the antenna at the satellite, and second, to compute the distance to the satellite. The distance to the satellite is crucial when deciding when to transmit a TDMA burst.
In this application, there are two distinct types of satellites and two distinct antennas: the GPS satellies are MEO and the GPS antenna is typically a 2cm sq. "patch antenna." The communications satellites are GEO and the communications antenna is typically 1m or larger. To a first approximation, the GPS system is less than 1% of the total cost of the remote system.
Location-based services
GPS functionality can be used by emergency services and location-based services to locate mobile phones. Assisted GPS is a GPS technology often used by the mobile phone because it reduces the power requirements of the mobile phone and increases the accuracy of the location obtained.
Location-based games
GPS receivers come in a variety of formats, from devices integrated into cars, phones, and watches, to dedicated devices such those shown here from manufacturers Trimble, Garmin and Leica (respectively, left to right).The availability of hand-held GPS receivers for a cost of about $90.
Tom Tom GPS Products
With the now large array of electronic gadgets and accessories now out in the souk nowadays, actually owning these substance could pose to be a dilemma for users, in provisos of majortaining them, let deserted charge trace with them.
Tom Tom GPS goods, among the most accepted of GPS Navigation usages, feature inventions which are integrated with more than just GPS Navigation skin, but also inventions which could upgrade already own substance into GPS Navigation structures.
Here are two of themost accepted of Tom Tom GPS goods.
Tom Tom movable
From Tom Tom GPS goods come in the Tom Tom movable GPS Naviagion structure, the GPS Navigation blend, adding GPS Navigation skin to ones chain 60 Symbian based cell smarttelephone.
majorly the same navigation usage featureed by all Tom Tom GPS goods are integrated into Tom Tom movable GPS Navigation structure. The totality enclose complements S60 movable receiver platforms, ideally adding GPS Navigation to a S60 cell campaign rota of skin.
The invention enclose comes with a wireless GPS receiver, which is majorly the major GPS Navigation place of the invention enclose, a compatible stallion for the GPS receiver, which also seconds as a cigarette lighter, an MMC license preinstalled with the Tom Tom movable software, and a documentation CD, as well as maps with could be installed into the usage.
The Tom Tom movable basically upgrades ones S60 Smarttelephone into a GPS Navigation structure.
The Tom Tom GO 910 Navigation structure
Dubbed as the smartest portable car guide, the Tom Tom GO 910 Navigation structure really defines the values of Tom Tom GPS goods. With a 20 gigabyte storeroom bulk, the Tom Tom GO 910 Navigation structure is basically more than just a GPS Navigation structure, with capabilities to touch compressed audio store like MP3s. It has Bluetooth connectivity skin, allowing the emblem to take, as well as make, calls from ones Bluetooth enabled cell telephone.
The Tom Tom GO 910 GPS Navigation structure skin four routing options, quickest, mandatory arrival time, express road, and roads to shun, which are all handy routing options for one and all. The Tom Tom GO 910 GPS Navigation structure also skin iPod charge capabilities, with the campaign audio harvest usage clever of patter into a vehicles stereo usage.
It skin a four edge large guard, with the actual component bulk dimensions of 3.1 x 4.2 x 2.5, and weighing 10.5 ounces.
Make Traveling A Lot Less Stressful With the Right Type of Car GPS
Make Traveling A Lot Less Stressful With the Right Type of Car GPS
Navigating using maps can be very frustrating especially if you are doing so while driving your car. This becomes even stressful when you are driving all alone in a strange territory. Sometimes, however, having someone with you won't help either, because more often than not, your companion would end up confusing you more than helping you navigate the road.
But traveling need not always be this difficult. It doesn't even have to be stressful. If you think it is the map that is causing you your problems, then better get away with it and throw it outside your vehicle's window. Instead, go get a new car GPS receiver and use it instead of the map.
Car GPS Devices
Simply said, a car GPS device is a GPS receiver especially designed for cars and their navigation systems. Like all other types of GPS receivers, car GPS devices can also receive signals from GPS satellites and can use the information carried by these signals to determine its current location. But because they are meant to be used on moving vehicles, they must be stuffed with features specific to vehicle navigations systems.
In particular, car GPS devices must be able 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. Other basic features that all car GPS devices must have are:
• 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
Now, there are a lot of car GPS devices of different kinds and brands available for every type and brand of car there is today. Because of this, you may find it difficult to select the particular car GPS that would perfectly fit your needs, should you want to experience the functionality of one.
In general, however, you've got two options should you want to travel with a car GPS device. The first option is to purchase a vehicle with built-in or fixed car GPS system. The other option is to purchase a portable car GPS device suitable for your car.
Buying a Vehicle with a Fixed Car GPS Device
Built-in or fixed car GPS devices can usually be found only on brand new luxury vehicles. As such, you definitely wouldn't see this option viable if you don't have the cash to purchase a luxury vehicle. But 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 removes all the hassle of installing the car GPS device on the vehicle and loading additional navigation software on the system.
Buying a Portable Car GPS Device
For those who simply can't afford a new luxury vehicle but still wants to enjoy the functionality of a car GPS system, the viable option for him is to purchase 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.
