GPS Computer Software Web Tips Guide
GPS In Automobiles
By Rainbow Spear
In the past, a Global Positioning System was used solely by the
government to track and navigate aircraft, to rescue downed pilots,
to create reconnaissance maps, to help soldiers navigate enemy
terrain in the dark and to guide missiles. Civilians were later
permitted to use it for a number of reasons.
Hikers would use GPS systems to find their way around canyons,
forests and mountains, and boaters would find their way to land.
Mountain bikers could plot a course, making a review of the terrain
and rest stops on their devices. And fishermen could track fish
patterns below the boat to ensure a big catch. Today, a GPS has
become exceedingly popular to put in automobiles, making trips
easier and less stressful.
The Most Well-Known North American Brand
"Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience,
performance, value, and service," proclaims the company website.
In fact, Garmin, which has been around since 1989, is the most
well-known North American brand name in Global Positioning Systems
today.
Based out of Kansas, no part of the manufacturing process gets
outsourced, as the company designs, manufactures, markets and
sells all of their products themselves. They offer GPS navigation
systems for all different lifestyles, such as fitness-based systems,
automotive GPS systems, systems for hikers or campers, aviation
technology, marine technology and site navigation for geocachers.
There are a number of Garmin GPS systems to choose from for
your automobile. The low-end Garmins are the 200 Series, which
still offer color displays, 6 million points of interest and voice-prompted
directions.
Personal Travel Assistant
The Garmin nuvi 350 (starting at $169 at Circuit City) is an
incredibly popular device, which is called "a Personal Travel
Assistant that combines a GPS navigator, language translator and
travel guide capability, an MP3 player, an audio book player,
a currency and measurement converter, a world clock and a digital
photo organizer."
Instead of prompts like "turn left in 100 feet," you’ll
get "turn left on Main Street." The Garmin 600 series
add a number of exciting features: the 650 adds music streaming
capacity, improved graphics, entertainment functions and a larger
4.3" display; the 660 adds live traffic; the 670 adds European
maps; and the 680 adds MSN Direct services with weather, fuel
prices and movie times. The nuvi 760 adds multi-destination routing
and track logs.
Points Of Interest And Screen Size
When buying an auto GPS device, look at how many "points
of interest" are offered. Anything less than 2 million will
be frustrating, whereas the ideal number is around 6 million.
Next, check for screen size. They range from 2.1 inches all the
way up to 7 inch. If you plan to use your GPS while walking, you’ll
want something smaller, whereas the 7 inch is best for an RV.
For cars, the Garmin nuvi 680 is an ideal 4.3 inch. You’ll want
something with good functionality that allows you to switch maps
or search points of interest with a button tap or two. Some of
the newer, more advanced GPS systems include things like text-to-speech,
multi-destination routing, satellite radio/audiobook player/MP3
player capacity and Bluetooth speakerphone capabilities.
About the Author:
Rainbow Spear has written a number of articles on GPS Systems, Computers, Computer Games, Data Recovery, Internet Security, Identity Theft and
Computer Software including
Garmin GPSMap,
GPS Software,
Computer Troubleshooting,
Computer Forensic Evidence,
Identity Theft Statistics,
Accounting Business Software,
Zone Alarm Download,
Internet Banking.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Give Me Just The GPS Facts.....
If you have purchased a new vehicle lately, chances are pretty
good that it came with a global positioning system. A GPS unit
is a great thing to have. If you are traveling to a new destination
or even looking for a new place in your area, the unit guides
you step by step.
New models can even tell you about a lane closure or a detour.
You can update the unit easily from your computer and can even
download new maps. The days of looking at a paper map are over.
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