GPS Information Service
Information on GPS navigation and other GPS applications
GPS Information Service is a WebSite Devoted to Info, News, Resources, Advice & Tips for GPS Navigation Systems and other GPS applications.
Insider Tips When Choosing A GPS
Like the internet, a GPS is another technological advancement made by the military, which has been approved for civilian use. In just under two decades, GPS devices have expanded into cell phones, boats, automobiles and hand-held devices. At first, GPS systems were too expensive for the mass market, but now you can buy a good device for less than $200. There are many different brands, features and map types for site navigation these days, so many consumers spend a good deal of time reading reviews and doing some comparison shopping before they buy.
“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. 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.
Commuters might like the Dash Express GPS, which displays crowd-sourced traffic data and allows live internet searches to find the best way around traffic jams. Boaters might like the Lowrance iWay 600C’s marine navigation mode with point-to-point navigation and satellite imagery. Hikers, campers and hunters can try the Magellan CrossoverGPS, while the Mio Digiwalker H610 works best for pedestrians and bicyclists. Garmin seems to be top dog for automobile GPS systems, although the TomTom ONE XL 330-S and Magellan Maestro have also made the top 10 list.
Hand Held Refurbished GPS systems Are Great Deals
Isn’t it strange how there seems to have been an explosion of refurbished GPS devices on the market, within just about any given ecommerce store that can be found by doing a google search? It is really no big surprise, automotive GPS navigation units are wildly popular and demand for them is going to be high, especially if they are cheap.
Why are there so many cheap refurbished GPS on the market? Well, that brings us to the important points of WHY so many GPS devices (along with any electronic devices in general) end up being labeled as “refurbished”. Oddly enough, some of the refurbished GPS devices have actually never even had a problem at all, and in some cases, they are still brand new, literally still factory sealed. Here is a list of some of the common reasons why electronics can get marked as “refurbished” by their manufacturer:
1. The person who originally wanted the product brought it back to the store, which means that they returned the item to the store that they bought it from within 30 days of the purchase date. In some circumstances the reason behind this return has nothing to do with the functionality or quality of the product; sometimes people just don’t want the product that they bought.
2. A product could find itself “over stocked” and the company could be looking for ways to unload inventory. At that point the retailer will put the product back on the shelves at a marked down price, or ship the GPS back to TomTom, Garmin, or Magellan; when the product is sent back to the manufacturer, the company has to decide what to do with the product – sometimes they just label it as refurbished after making sure it works, and then put the units back out on the market at a marked down price. There is a small chance that the product has not even been opened.
3. Another reason could be that the product was the one on display in the store. Devices used as display models generally get shipped back to the factory; the factory then inspects the product, makes any necessary changes, and ships it back out under the refurbished label.
4. The product was opened. If this happens and the store doesn’t want to deal with the unit themselves they send it back to the manufacturer who reseals it and labels it refurbished.
5. Shipping damage. Sometime boxes get crushed or dropped by shipping personnel, if the damage is major or minor, components or just cosmetic, the unit is shipped back and labeled refurbished.
6. The last reason why a GPS might be labeled in this way is that it didn’t work as promised. How common this is depends largely on the product and how many mistake the manufacturer made in creating the product. The problems could be cosmetic, like a scratch on the display, or they could be mechanical, like a broken part, and if they are able to repair the item’s cosmetic or mechanical problem they do so; once the repair is done the GPS is as good as new, and some might content it is now actually less likely to become defective than the non refurbished products sitting on the shelves of Best Buy; this is due to the fact that refurbished products under go very extensive testing.
Chances are, if you are purchasing a refurbished GPS you are going to be getting a good deal for you money. There may still be some bad apples in the barrell, but probably not more than if they were all “new” devices.
Features Of The Garmin Gpsmap
It can be confusing to navigate the world of Garmin Global Positioning System maps these days. There are so many models, but how are they different? After all, why pay for features you won’t use? Truly, there is a Garmin GPSMAP for everyone, so in this articles, we’ll look at some of the different navigator maps currently on the market.
Garmin knew that active individuals needed a reliable crossover device to help them navigate their way. In this world of James Bond caliber adventure, we find ourselves traveling by various modes in our pursuits. At the very beginning of the Garmin line of GPS maps, there are aviation navigator maps for pilots to travel by land, air and sea, such as the GPSMAP 96 or 196, for example. From those basic grey-scale models, Garmin has advanced to full-color portable devices like the GPSMAP 495 and 496, adding airport maps, pre-loaded maps, 3,000 favorite locations, traffic information services, voice prompts, satellite radio and weather.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76 series ranges from $200 to $428.56, depending on the model. The marine-friendly GPS navigation systems are great for serious outdoor adventurers who want a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, location tracking and turn-by-turn directions. The grey-scale Garmin GPSMAP comes with the 76 and 76-S models, while the 76Cx and 76CSx models display in 256 colors with transflective screens. The higher end GPSMAP 76cx and 76CSx models also beat the cheaper 76 models in that they have high-quality receivers for when you’re in deep canyons, dense forests or far-off mountain ranges. Additionally, the more expensive models accept pre-loaded data cards if you want to add more maps without linking up to the computer. If you want geocaching and games, then you’ll need the 76Cx or 76CSx, but if you want the compass and altimeter, you’ll need the 76 or 76Cx.
The Garmin GPSMAP version 378 comes pre-loaded with “Chart Plotter” marine maps, as well as “Street Navigator” road maps so you can travel from boat to car with ease. When boating, you’ll have access to information on 3,200 lakes, depth contours, rivers, creeks, islands, boat ramps, tide stations and obstructions database. At the touch of a button, you’ll then receive turn-by-turn driving directions with voice prompts to get you home. If you’re hungry or need gas along the way home, you’ll appreciate the City Navigator maps information with more than 6 million points of interest. You can also add XM satellite radio, weather and sonar if you’d like.
Who has tried using Bluetooth with GPS on a cell?
I want to get a new phone and a GPS so i figured i would try to get 2 in one. I dont want to pay for a GPS service on a phone so i was going to try to buy a Bluetooth with GPS and just hook it up to a Blackjack 2 ( the phone i want to get). Has anyone tried doing that before!?!?
i dont want to spend a lot of money on something that may not work.
As far as a GPS with bluetooth it works basically your calls would be going through your gps system and its speakers. some have bluetooth and some don't so make sure it says it has bluetooth or ask the sales person you buy it from.
what will archeologist make of geocaching in say 1000 years time?
I have just heard about Geocaching and thought it would be a fun thing to do with my kids. But it got me thinking about the caches that archaeologists find. what will they think. another one that i have often thought about is what will they think if the find a ruined Macdonald's store. Maybe that we went there to to have a sacred meal and worship the clown god.
For one thing, I don't think that there be archealogists from this world around in 1000 years – we're far too far on the road to self destruction! BUT If Ronald MacDonald emerges as a representative of the 20th century – it would be far better for them to think that's who we worshipped than Ronald Reagan!!!!
Has anyone used the freecaddie golf gps software on the Samsung Omnia?
I am trying to select a course which i have transferred over to my phone, but i can't open it with freecaddie. I have followed all instructions but nothing is working. Any suggestions?
I have used the free-caddie before, but I was really not happy at all with it. I think the sync technology is still a couple of years off…phone technology is just not there yet.
After I played with it and was frustrated for a few weeks, I just went out and got a Yardage Pro Golf GPS. It was not too expensive and it works flawlessly. I found them online for $200.
What type of cell phone is best for GPS, texting, and internet through Sprint?
Also, which cell phone plan should I go with. I’m a college student and need a good plan. Do I have to change my current plan in order to get internet and GPS which i currently don’t have, or does that service come with the phone? thank you!
I would suggest the Samsung instinct I have the phone and just love it, it has GPS, text messaging,radio,music player the internet is fast.. did I mention everything is touch screen
you can get the simply everything plan that lets you use all these features for just $99.99 a month/unlimited check it out on the sprint website
Can the iPhone 3G use the GPS and Maps app when not near cell phone service?
I was hoping I could use my iPhone 3G when going off road as an actual hand held GPS device. Can it do that or must you be near a cell phone tower?
so to clarify, you are able to use your GPS/Maps function in areas without cell phone coverage? Like in the desert or mountains? Where there are no cell phone towers?
3G iPhone uses GPS to map match you, it uses GPRS to get an approximation about 4-5 blocks in circumference and than uses GPS to pinpoint your location within about 3-5 meters.
My whole family own iPhones and just added the loopt application to track each other locations. works well.
Can you listen to music while still using the gps on the iphone and other phones?
Like using them at the same time.
You listen to music while using the GPS on the Apple iPhone 3G!
Good luck
Is it legal in UK to use a GPS Tracking device on a Vehicle without the owners knowledge?
Please don't respond with what you "think" the law is! Only respond if you know what the UK Law is!
no, its not illegal
