Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Whether you're hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or taking a mountain bike ride in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help you reach your destination and return safely--but only if you know how to use it! Outdoor Navigation with GPS, the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available, is your guide to getting the most out of a receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Starting with essential definitions such as UTM coordinate systems, position formats, and map datums, and moving on to creating "waypoints," and using your GPS with a computer, long-time GPS instructor Stephen W. Hinch breaks down the jargon and teaches you what you really need to know.

• An emphasis on practical applications over technical theory.
• Examples include illustrative screenshots from the newest receivers--from top companies like Garmin, Magellan, and DeLorme.
• Lists up-to-date Web resources for the rapidly changing technology of GPS and its uses.

Customer Review: Now in an updated second edition
Now in an updated second edition, Outdoor Navigation with GPS is a no-nonsense guide to basic GPS navigation skills, useful for all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and fishing to geocaching, outdoor photography, canoeing/kayaking, and any other activity involving the negotiation of wild terrain. Written in a jargon-free style accessible to readers of all backgrounds, chapters cover how to program waypoint coordinates and reach them, prepare for and recover from disaster, read topographic maps, and much more. Black-and-white photographs and diagrams illustrate this "must-have" for outdoorsmen in the modern age.
Customer Review: GPS Beginner
Just what I needed to get started with my Garmin 76csx. Good price and arrived on time.

Over the past couple of years, the cost of installing a GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably. As an inevitable result of this, more and more people are taking advantage of it in order to make it easier to find out where they are going, plan their journeys, and keep track of where they are.

Satellite navigation dates back a lot longer than many people realize. The principles behind SatNav were first tested back in 1967, but it took nearly 30 years before the NavStar GPS System first began operation as a military application in the mid 1990s. Civilian use of GPS navigation was made available soon after the military launch, but the initial costs of using the system were very high, and required ongoing subscriptions to be paid. The first people who took advantage of GPS were pilots, and surveyors, who needed to be able to measure distances with pinpoint accuracy. In the early days , an affordable GPS auto navigation system was out of reach for the average car owner.

Over time, the costs of GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably, and there are increasing numbers of applications for them and the data that they provide in our daily lives. Manufacturers such as Garmin and TomTom have combined GPS signals Data with existing map information and complex mathematical algorithms to create systems that can be used for navigation on the roads and highways.

These GPS auto navigation systems can be installed into any car in a matter of minutes, and then be used to plan journeys, and keep track of where you are to stop you getting lost on the roads. By being combined with other data, such as traffic news feeds, GPS auto navigation systems can warn drivers about road congestion, and provide alternative routes in real time to ensure that no-one who has such a GPS needs get stuck in a queue again.

There are a number of different styles of GPS auto navigation systems available to suit the needs of the individual, from basic models through to expensive and highly accurate systems able to manage large amounts of data and provide information to the users in order to give feedback about where they have been.

The simplest kind of auto navigation GPS system is a removable gadget that stores the map data internally, and uses a satellite signal to pinpoint the position of the unit. By combining the map data and the satellite signal, routes can be planned, and the user can find their way, while seeing a graphical representation of their route on a small screen. These GPS auto navigation systems can be either removable, or fixed into the car. Many new models actually integrate the GPS into the dashboard, while non fixed systems can either be mounted on the dash, or attached to the windshield using a suction cup.

As well as dedicated auto GPS devices, it is also possible to buy a large number of other gadgets with GPS as a built in feature. Some GPS PDAs can have a GPS module plugged in to them, and used in cars, and an increasing number of cell phones have GPS as a standard feature. On the whole, although these devices have GPS built in, it is not of the same standard as a dedicated system, and wile it may help you know where you are, it will not provide such accurate data or be able to plan routes on the go as well as one of the custom systems from Garmin or Magellan.

At the top end of the list of auto navigation GPS systems, there are a number of fantastic options available. Many of the high end GPS auto navigation systems include a range of features to make getting around as simple and convenient as possible.

Aside from the standard information about maps and positions, these GPS systems can also provide information about local amenities such as gas stations, motels, and even speed control cameras in certain countries. More expensive GPS auto navigation systems come with the ability to upload additional map systems so they can be used in different countries, and through the use of local radio services, provide comprehensive traffic information to the driver wherever in the world he is.

Whether you want a simple auto navigation GPS system to help you avoid the traffic problems in your home town, or are a cross country driver who needs the long distance planning flexibility for getting from a-to-b as efficiently as possible, there is a GPS system available that will suit your needs.

Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries - Automotive Tools

Garmin nüvi 770 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

More maps and wide ? there's simply more to see with nüvi 770. This personal travel assistant is packed with preloaded maps for North America and Europe, not to mention advanced navigation features, a widescreen display, an FM transmitter, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and more. Like the rest of the wide nüvi 700-series, its premium navigation capabilities, like route planning and a h Save up to 10 routes, and specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 4.3 widescreen, or enter your via points and let the nuvi 750 automatically sort multiple destinations for an efficient route Hands free calling with Bluetooth phones A trip log of up to 10,000 points keeps a record of where you've been on the map for easy reference Speed limits for all major highways and interstates A high-sensitivity internal (non flip-up) antenna keeps the unit sleek and compact while the rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows you to use the unit in and out of the car for up to 5 hours MP3 playback with Audiobook player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, and currency converters Built-in FM transmitter allows you to listen to your music, audio books, and gps voice prompts through your car's stereo] Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls, etc.), Route setup (choice of faster time, shorter distance, off-road), Auto re-route (fast auto-recalculation when you take a wrong turn or want to avoid traffic), and Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest) FM traffic alerts (3 months of service included) Interfaces - USB, Audio line-out (headphone) Unit Dimensions - 4.8w x 3h x. 8d Weight - 6.2 oz
Customer Review: Nuvi 770 is great product
I received my Garmin Nuvi 770 ordered from Amazon.com and provided by Globalzar in just a few days and perfect condition. It works right out of the box and is very intuitive to use. After a few days I hooked it to my computer with the USB cable provided and it was immediately recognized, connected to the Garmin website, and downloaded software updates. It works great doing everything advertised and I'll be taking it to Germany to try the European maps out. It's a great feature to be able to define and store my European routes while here in the US and also even use the Garmin to simulate traveling the routes. I've had no problems with the windshield mount but bought a friction pad mount to use in California since it's illegal to have anything stuck on your windshield there. Totally satisfied with Amazon, Globalzar, and especially Garmin who provided a fine product and was very responsive to a couple of my email questions.
Customer Review: this is a great item
This worked great out of the box. I did need to call garmin to see how to change the voice and got very good and very fast info.This item is well worth the money.

It's possible to get greater functionality from your BMW vehicle, as well as greater convenience and safety with BMW Bluetooth integration. It is no secret that use of a cell phone while driving can be hazardous to your safety and that of others - and increasingly, this practice is being outlawed throughout the nation. Using this technology, the main danger of using a cell phone while driving is eliminated and you'll be able to make outgoing calls and receive them without ever having to touch your actual cell phone!

About Bluetooth

Bluetooth (named for a Viking king who brought the entire Scandinavian Peninsula under his rule for a short time during the Middle Ages) is an industry-wide standard, electronic protocol that allows a range of different digital devices to "talk" to each other without the need for cumbersome, tangled cords. These run the gamut from personal computers to game consoles today, but the earliest use of Bluetooth was to integrate cell phones into automobiles, so drivers could use these devices without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

BMW Bluetooth integration means just that - you'll be able to use your cell phone while keeping your eyes on the road and maintaining control over your vehicle. No physical connection between your cell phone and your vehicle is necessary.

Features Galore

this allows you to control your cell phone using nothing more than your steering wheel and radio controls. You'll be able to go though your digital phone book, dial numbers and adjust the volume easily and safely.

If your cell phone supports such features, you can also display information on your BMW's dashboard console and even activate it using voice commands. By using a quality kit from a reputable audio dealer means you'll never miss an important call just because you're listening to the radio. Whenever you make an outgoing call or receiving an incoming one your cell phone mutes the programming playing on your sound system at that moment.

Easy and Affordable

An audio factory pre- assembles each integration kit from genuine BMW parts. These kits use the original OEM wiring and come with clear, step-by-step instructions. With virtual "plug-and-play" capability, you'll have your vehicle ready for "hands-free" cell phone operation in minutes.

The kits come completely compatible with your existing equipment, as long as your vehicle is not equipped with BMW Assist (this must be removed before installing a new kit). BMW vehicles that were not originally manufactured for the U.S. market must also have a factory installed phone system or "Option 640" pre-wiring.

If you want to experience the ease and safety of these types of features, consider talking with a reputable audio sound system installer. With just a few bits of information about your BMW, their experts can tell you exactly what you need in order to enjoy BMW Bluetooth integration.

Audio sound system expert Wayne Hemrick details how BMW Bluetooth integration works. There are many options available for a BMW Bluetooth upgrade and Wayne helps you understand what will work best with you vehicle. For those new to BMW Bluetooth, Wayne discusses the history and uses of this technology.

Nokia LD-3W Wireless GPS Module

Get where you're going with the Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W. Simply type in the address where you want to go and follow the route map on the display; with the accompanying voice instructions, finding your way is easy. The Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W connects to a compatible phone, PC, or PDA using Bluetooth wireless technology, and works with a number of different applications.
Customer Review: It's works well!
I use the Nokia LD-3W GPS Module with my Mobile Nokia E-61. Once a I've download de maps from de site of Nokia, it has begun to work fast. For me, it is very usefull becouse I live in São Paulo, the biggest city os Soth America.
Customer Review: Connectivity
This product does not work with a HP iPAC 2495. User manual is sparse and customer support is useless. Might work OK with a Nokia phone, but I'd advise against trying it with anything else.

Okay, this is just between us so be honest. Do you ever get lost when you are driving around town? You know, maybe you're looking for a new restaurant to try that you heard of, and you take a wrong turn and end up in the middle of nowhere. Honestly, getting lost every once in a while is something that happens to the best of us at one time or another. Even the best of us all lose our way now and then and need a little help. With that said, that doesn't imply that everyone stops to ask for directions, especially if you are a man.

There are some of us who hate to stop at the random gas stations or pit stops to get that much-needed input thinking that it implies something about our manhood. And this is why we continue to drive around, circling aimlessly. But we will drive around for hours aimlessly and act like we know what we're doing. Thanks to technology these days there are ways to deal with this issue that make us look smart. I am sure you have heard of the new automotive navigation systems? I'm quite certain just about everyone has by now.

Are you ahead of the masses? Does your own car, truck, or SUV have one of those car navigation systems? You don't have to get a vehicle that has a GPS system already installed in it; actually these can be very expensive from an auto maker. The fact of the matter is that you can buy these devices after market and have them installed for you. One of the most popular brands of GPS systems is Garmin. They offer a large variety of systems in a diversity of price points as well. I recently bought a very high quality GPS system that included a heads up display and a feature that talks to me and tells me when to make turns for under $500. You might think that is expensive but for the time it saves me as well as the peace of mind, I think it is a bargain.

Just last summer I had to make a trip to California and I decided to take my nice little GPS system on this trip and it was a life saver. I basically programmed the start and finish point addresses into the navigation system and it told me where to go. And when I say it told me, I mean it literally told me out loud. A lot of the navigation systems talk to you, which means you don't have to worry about looking down and reading something all the time. These GPS systems work with satellites and work like anywhere on the planet to give you peace of mind wherever you are.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about GPS as well as car care products at http://www.5starshine.com

DVD Fishing:When Fish Won't Bite

DVD Fishing: When Fish Won't Bite When normal fishing tactics don't work, this program reveals secret tips & tricks to increase your odds. Teaches; how to use umbrella rigs, trolling secrets, knots & rigs, fighting techniques, live, natural

Tired of getting lost and being late to events you should be on time for? GPS Navigation is the answer for you! There are a number of ways you could implement GPS Navigation in your life, but one of the most effective tools are portable GPS units.

Portable GPS Navigation, in my opinion, is much more versatile than any other types out there. Unlike in-dash navigation, portable navigation units allow users to detach the GPS device from their vehicles and take it with them wherever they go. It's not limited to only car installation, but you could also take it on hikes, install it in boats, as well as other vehicles that do not have standard DIN or Double DIN size stereos.

At this point, you may be asking what is it that you should look for in portable GPS Navigation. I will discuss key features that are not always featured in portable GPS devices and features that will benefit you the most. I hope that in the end, I have assisted in the decision-making process, guiding you to the best purchase of a GPS Navigation unit.

Screen Size
This is no doubt the first thing you probably looked into. There are screens as small as 3.5" to as big as 7", like the Clarion N.I.C.E. The screens are usually touchscreens so if you find anything that is not touchscreen, don't get it because it will be very difficult to navigate and set the unit while driving or in motion. Generally speaking a large screen would give you better visibility of street names and maps, but a large screen would also prevent you from truly having a portable navigation unit.

However, just because a screen is big does not mean it will be superior in color and contrast-two factors, crucial in visibility while driving away from direct sunlight. 4" or 4.3" screens tend to be the most common these days-providing the best balance of portability and visibility. Some examples of great 4" units include the Clarion N.I.C.E 430, L'road HL043NV, and Harman Kardon GPS-500. If you're looking for more compact 3.5" navigation units, take a look at Pioneer AVIC-S2, Jensen NVX227, and DUAL XNAV3550.

GPS
Most portable GPS navigation units have built-in GPS antennas, capable of receiving anywhere from 8 to more than 20 GPS satellite signals or channels. More signals means that your GPS unit could lock on to "backup" satellites in case the signal is dropped from another. This will allow you to have uninterrupted GPS coverage, without any gaps or lag while navigating.

Refresh Rate / Processor Speed
When you are traveling on the road at approximately 70MPH, your navigation unit refreshes the same as it would if you were going 30MPH. This constant rate is governed by how fast your GPS navigation device could process the information. You could miss a turn or turn on the wrong way if your navigation does not update quickly.

I highly recommend that you find a navigation unit that is faster than 300 MHz (unless it's a dual-core 300 MHz like the Harman Kardon GPS-500). This will aid in faster recalculation of your directions if you had missed a turn. You will also experience closer real-time map refreshes that will be sure to guide you in the right direction at the right time.

Navigation Features

Points of Interest
Navigation units boast countless numbers of points of interests (POI), ranging from 1 million (Pioneer Avic S2) to over 3.5 million points (Clarion N.I.C.E 430). What are points of interests? These are registered (at the time of when they made the maps) shops, businesses (including gas stations), museums, historical landmarks, and restaurants that may be of interest to you. The more POI you have on your portable navigation unit, the more likely that a local restaurant in the middle of nowhere is included in the unit's database.

Estimated Time of Arrival
Some GPS units, like the Jensen NVX227, have built-in estimated time of arrival (ETA) calculator, which bases its estimation upon your actual speed. This could be quite useful for you if you need to know how long it will take to get somewhere.

Voice
Let's face it, a lot of those GPS navigation voices are definitely irritating. Don't worry, some units give you many more options than just male and female voices. Some have more than the two typical robotic voices, and include voices with accents (both humorous and different; found in units like the Power Acoustik PNAV-1 and the Lowrance iWay 250c GPS). Additional voices give you more variety, so that you will not have to listen to the same voice all the time.

Expandability Options

Media Player
Some users like the idea that their navigation units could also store their media files. Though audio and video playback features tend to be poor on most units, it may be nice to be able to use your navigation unit as a slideshow display or music player. However, since you are after all looking for a navigation unit, do not take this feature to be the determining factor in deciding which to get. Besides, most GPS units have this feature anyway. Just remember that you're looking for GPS navigation, not an Mp3 Player.

Hard Disk
Menu data, how-to tutorials, and map files all need to be stored in your unit. Most navigation devices have built in hard disks to store all these files. It's not small either. 15GB-30GB of hard disk capacity is becoming standard and should be included with virtually every unit. However, some run almost entirely off of SD Cards, CDs, or DVDs. The advantage of having the hard disk is its reliability and speedy access. In addition, built-in hard disks usually give you a little bit of room to expand-either for your media files or potential space for additional map updates in the future.

Flash Card
Most portable GPS units will feature SD card slots. Some also feature other flash cards, including Memory Stick/Pro or MMC. These will slots will be used as either a way for you to transfer media files such as MP3, MPEG, and JPEG files into the unit or it could also serve as a way for you to upgrade the firmware or map data on your unit.

USB
Connection to your PC is accommodated through the availability of the USB port that may or may not be built-in on your GPS. USB ports allow for easier updates and upgrades the manufacturer may have for your unit and will allow you to transfer files with much more efficiency than flash cards.

In short, find what suits you. Most of these features are included with most portable GPS navigation. The more features mean more pricey, so if you can live without some features, you could save a lot of money.

For more information on other GPS navigation solutions, please visit: in dash dvd navigation. Copyright: http://www.sonicelectronix.com

Mosquito Magnet Defender Mosquito Trap MM4000

Don't spend another summer covered in bug spray or trapped indoors. Enjoy your backyard protected by the Mosquito Magnet. Sprays, candles and lotions offer only temporary relief from mosquitoes and biting insects. The Mosquito Magnet biting insect trap is a long-term solution that is scientifically proven to virtually eliminate mosquitoes from your yard. It mimics a human by emitting a plume of carbon dioxide (CO2), heat and moisture, and a short-range attractant, octenol. This precise combination is irresistible to female mosquitoes (the ones that bite), no-see-ums, biting midges, black flies, and sandflies. As the mosquito approaches the trap hoping for a human, it is quietly vacuumed into a net where it dehydrates and dies. Silent, odorless, no mess. By using the Mosquito Magnet continuously throughout the mosquito season, you will be able to capture both day- and night-biting mosquitoes, thereby drastically reducing the mosquito population in your yard. 50-Foot low voltage cord included (burying clips included) Sled base Uses Octanol attractant One-year warranty Refill propane tank and replace attractant every 21 days. Empty net as needed.
Customer Review: Poor Engineering
Yeah I have gotten 2 of them (new). I always get new when a piece of electronic equipment breaks down (The first one would not stay on after 1st season). The new one #2 won't stay on after its 1st season, either. What a piece of junk as far as reliability goes. When it works, it works good. When it does not work (after you use it a little while) it is seen for what it is. Stay away and use DEET
Customer Review: The bad reviews are correct.
OK, when the product works, it DOES kill mosquitoes, BUT it only lasts about a year! This is my second one (Defender) as I thought the design had been improved. (the addition of the Quick Clear feature) There is a reason American Biophysics sold this portion of the company off. Woodstream (the company that has the Defender and Liberty) basically says if you are past the one year warranty, too bad, buy a new one.

For your next hiking holiday, think about a GPS device. GPS or Global Positioning System is a tool that more and more hikers are bringing with them. The system, simply broken down is a series of satellites and units that people will carry. With three rotating satellites, rotating around the Earth it is easy to calculate your position using these handheld tools. Another satellite helps to determine your altitude as well.

What You'll Find

There is a variety of GPS units available today, with a range of pricing available. The more features you find, the more costly they will be, but very basic units are also available. Some allow you to find your latitude and longitude very easily within seconds. They can pinpoint where you are from east to west and north to south.

Garmin offers a full line of products in various models and styles. As one of the leading manufacturers of this product, they provide quality across the board. There are other brands available as well. Brand should not be what you are looking for, though, as you want quality in the battery life, the weight of the unit and the control placement as well.

Various Features

GPS units offer various features. Some of them are waterproof, which can be very helpful when you are traveling over rivers or find yourself in the rain unexpectedly. You will find another distinction in the different numbers of waypoints that the units have. A waypoint is actually a term that is used for terrestrial coordinates. This is the longitude and latitude as well as altitude of your location. In some GPS units, the term waypoint actually means something different and is used to describe the number of landmarks that are found on the display of your unit. This varies based on the type of map that you have loaded into the unit as well as the unit itself. While more seems to be better here, it can also be distracting and overbearing. Instead, consider the right amount of information for your needs.

As the value of a GPS goes up, you will quickly find digital benefits including a digital compass. You may also find the ability to download various maps to your unit as well as the ability to relocated and zoom. Consider the Garmin model known as the eTrex. It is waterproof and provides up to 500 waypoints. It also offers controls on the side of the unit, giving you more display size. It is lightweight, too. This unit is about $200 in cost. That is about mid range in that quality range. Remember that you get what you pay for in these units. Know what you are getting before you buy.

If you are planning a hiking holiday, do invest in a GPS unit. Choose well because a quality unit means getting the best for your money. You should always consider what fits in your budget and offers features that you will use on your hiking holidays.

The writer Clinton Maxwell is especially passionate about news relating to Benidorm. Recording his experience in reports such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia.html, the reviewer confirmed his experience on problems related to maps of Murcia region Spain.

Garmin Serial Port Cable for eTrex Compact GPS (010-10206-00)

Garmin's PC Interface Cable allows you to connect your GPS unit to your PC. Now you can create routes and waypoints at your leisure on your PC and transfer them to your GPS. You can also easily download map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs to GPS units. The cable features a standard nine-pin D connector for ultimate compatibility. Note that the Garmin PC Interface Cable does not provide wiring for external power.
Customer Review: Garmin Etrex Serial Connection
Product slides into place quickly and works exactly as described. Cable is long enough to conveniently use the GPS real time with a mobile computer.
Customer Review: Perfect mate for Google Earth.
Perhaps is a expensive cable, specially if you don't earn dollars, but it is perfect to complete Google Earth software. I tried it in my contry, Costa Rica, and I am very happy with the results.

Finding the best GPS system is like buying the perfect car. It's all relative -- to you! The perfect car for me would have to be able to survive two rowdy kids, a dog, sometimes two cats, and a wife who routinely picks up junk (Oh, excuse me, they're called collectibles) on the side of the road. It would have to be roomy and maintenance free. For someone else, the perfect car would only need two seats, a rag top, and be able to do 120 mph easily.

In order to find the best GPS system, you have to first understand what they generally do and what are the usual features, then define what you want it for.

By GPS systems, I'm specifically talking about the after-market car variety. You know, the kind you see perched on people's windshields at the grocery store. I'm not talking about the in dash kind that come with some cars, nor am I considering the hand-held varieties you would take on a long hike. The after-market systems are usually called portable GPS receivers, or systems, and that's what I'll call them here.

Basically, all of these portable GPS receivers do exactly the same thing. They show you where you are on an electronic map, and they tell you how to get where you want to go, be it down the street or somewhere across the country.

All GPS systems work off of the same network of satellites that ring the earth, and most of the portable ones even use the same types of receivers. So, the differences between makes and models are not in how they work or what they do, fundamentally, but in the bells and whistles that come with them.

Virtually all GPS systems come with the following:

• Voice prompts that tell you where to turn
• Touch screen
• Large database of "Points of Interest" (locations of hospitals, ATMs, McDonalds, etc.)
• Choice between 2D "map view" and 3D "bird's eye" views
• Automatic route calculation
• Choice between shortest and fastest routes
• Come preloaded with maps of the 48 states

The main optional features to consider when buying a GPS system are these:

• Does it actually say the names of the street you need to turn on as you approach it?
• Do you need a widescreen version (4.3-inches diagonally as opposed to 3.5-inches)?
• Do you need maps of Canada, Mexico, and/or Europe?
• Does it support Bluetooth technology, which allows you to use your GPS system in conjunction with your cell phone to make hands-free calls? (Which essentially makes it a windshield mounted version of those little ear clips people walk around with.)
• Can you enter multiple routes into the unit and have it calculate the best route to get to all of them? Say you were in an unfamiliar city and you wanted to go to the cleaners, the grocery store, the movies, and a local dentist all on one trip. Could the GPS system calculate the shortest possible route to get to all of these?
• Does it have real-time traffic and weather report capability, and can it use that information to re-route you around traffic jams?
• Can you use your device to listen to music (mp3) or to look at digital pictures?
• How big is the Points of Interest database?

There are a few other features that major manufacturers include. Magellan, for instance, has hooked up with AAA to offer their Tourguide information actually on the GPS itself. Tom Tom has this neat feature where users can make map changes and upload those to Tom Tom's computer database which makes them available for everyone else. And Garmin is coming out with a new unit in 2008 that will learn to recognize your voice so you can enter commands by speaking instead of typing on the touch screen.

So, in order to find the best GPS device for you, you need to first decide which of these optional features are necessary, and which you might like if you can afford it.

You can get a basic GPS system for under $200. The Garmin nuvi 200, for example, has all of the basic features I listed above. It comes preloaded with regional maps (not the entire United States). If you want to spend slightly more, how about the Tom Tom One, 3rd edition, which at the time of these writing (early '08) costs slightly less than $200 at Amazon and comes with real time traffic capability and Tom Tom's MapShare (where you can uploaded changes).

Virtually all of the Magellan Maestro series is currently in the $200 to $400 range. You can get the more basic 3210 for around $250, which has millions of points of interest and, of course, the AAA Tourbook, or you can spend about $100 more and get the 4250, which includes all that the 3210 does and adds Bluetooth, voice recognition, and real-time traffic.

One of the most popular units is the Garmin nuvi 350, which does all the nuvi 200 does, but includes Garmin's "Travel Kit", mp3 capability, picture viewer, world travel clock, calendar, and more.

Deciding can be difficult, but to help out, I've created a website where I've collected all of this information plus links to appropriate pages on Amazon. There you can easily compare makes and models side by side and figure out which is the best GPS system for you. You can get to it from my link below.

Don't put off buying one, though! GPS systems are great. Once you have your first one, you'll wonder how in the world you got along without it.

Lee Cole is a GPS enthusiast who has spent countless hours learning about and using GPS devices. He runs an informative website called http://www.hotgpsdeals.com There you can get more information to help you compare GPS systems.

Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications, Second Edition

This thoroughly updated second edition of an Artech House bestseller brings together a team of leading experts who provide a current and comprehensive treatment of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The book covers all the latest advances in technology, applications, and systems. The second edition includes new chapters that explore the integration of GPS with vehicles and cellular telephones, new classes of satellite broadcast signals, the emerging GALILEO system, and new developments in the GPS marketplace. This single-source reference provides a quick overview of GPS essentials, an in-depth examination of advanced technical topics, and a review of emerging trends in the GPS industry. Engineers can use this book to build GPS receivers and integrate them into navigational and communications equipment. Executives can turn to this book to determine how technology is affecting markets and how best to invest their companies' resources. The book also serves as a handy resource for electrical engineering students looking to advance their studies and careers in GPS.
Customer Review: GPS uses General Relativity
[A review of the SECOND EDITION, 2005.] In the last 15 years, GPS has moved from an expensive and specialised application to a mass consumer market. There are numerous books on GPS; mostly directly at that mass readership. These typically concern how to use a device with a GPS receiver. By contrast, this book is meant for the engineer who has to design such a device. It is a compendium of technical papers covering many aspects you are likely to need. And undoubtedly some you won't, which should be reassuring. Because it means that you do not have to read all of this book for it to be useful. The sensitivity of the GPS satellites and the resultant GPS ground resolution is amazing, as can be appreciated from some of the papers in the book. Due mostly to the stability of the satellites' orbits and their onboard atomic clocks. Chapter 7 describes how GPS requires corrections due to Einstein's Theory of General Relativity! Not just Special Relativity. As a physicist, I found this fascinating. GPS is perhaps the first field where General Relativity is used, not to be tested, but as providing a necessary quantitative model for getting correct results. Akin to how Newton's Equations have been used for 300 years in ballistics. Granted, most readers will be engineers, who might find GR a trifle exotic. The book also has good coverage of the Russian GLONASS system. Perhaps for those who also want to use this for redundancy. Or to combine the signals from this with GPS for enhanced resolution.
Customer Review: Second edition in December 2005
If you are looking at the first edition, please note that the publisher plans to issue a second edition in December 2005.

You don't have to be a newspaper's restaurant reviewer to have tried the cuisine of most restaurants within your area. With more and more culinary cravers equipped with GPS in their own car or that of a dining partner's, getting to any great restaurant tucked away into an obscure, neighborhood location has become very easy.

When it comes to delicious food, the more the better. Whether having a ready range of restaurants and menus of a single style, or a smorgasbord of restaurants of nearly every style in your dining repetoire, finding the best meal or the best deal are two of every diner's delights. With a GPS device, really, your guide to the within-commutable world, getting to the restaurant or eatery of the moment is so simple.

After you get used to having our own GPS and have used it for a couple years, you really find that the several-or-so restaurants that you used to go to all the time become part of a much larger selection of great restaurants. Some people try a new restaurant each week, and have more fun doing so more often, and even more so, when including taverns and other spirit houses.

When on vacation and exploring a new location, finding the best hidden gems for your dining delight is a great way to have an even better time when on holiday. Whether or not you research all of your destinations before or during your trip, you can easily find the diamonds in the rough, or plan in a list of places to dine while away. If you love restaurants and don't have GPS, this is something to seriously reconsider. Click here to see some popular GPS devices

http://www.ifoyer.com -- Portal to the Popular Internet. Always free. No pop ups, or internet annoyances. Get there online in style from the top level of the web! :)

Earthmate GPS PN-20

DeLorme, famous for its topographic and street map detail, has created a GPS receiver to enable anyone to use a wide variety of detailed maps and aerial imagery for all outdoors activities. The Earthmate GPS PN-20 is a low-cost, high-sensitivity, fully integrated handheld GPS that delivers capabilities previously unavailable at any price.

DeLorme maps and imagery on a handheld GPS

GPS for wherever you go. On Trail.... On Road... On Water....

An All-in-One Handheld GPS Solution from DeLorme
Includes Topo USA 7.0 DVD mapping software with full U.S. topographic and street maps, plus aerial imagery

• NMEA-compliant 12-channel receiver
• Fast acquisition times, outstanding signal retention
• High-resolution 2.2" TFT color screen for total clarity under a variety of lighting conditions
• 75 MB of user-available internal flash memory
• SD card slot for up to 2 GB additional memory
• Holds up to 10 tracks (10,000 points per track), 1,000 user-defined waypoints, and 50 routes
• Aerial imagery available for free download
• Pre-loaded worldwide highway/major road base map
• Waterproof to IPX-7 standard
• Impact-resistant rubberized housing
• On-device road routing
• Runs on 2 AA batteries (included) or available lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• WAAS-enabled
• Device dimensions: 2.43" W x 5.25" H x 1.5" D
• Weight 5.12 oz.

Why the All-in-One PN-20 Handheld?

Maps Included
No extra maps to buy. Includes DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 DVD software with full, updated U.S. topographic & street maps to export as needed to your PN-20. Also includes an on-device highway-level world base map.

FREE Aerial Imagery Downloads
Includes $100 worth (400 sq. km) of DeLorme Aerial Data Packets of your U.S. areas of interest. Download Aerial Data Packets containing black & white aerial imagery (DOQQs), Sat-10 colorized satellite imagery, and scanned USGS 7.5-minute quads using Topo USA's NetLink tab.

Multiple Views of the Same GPS Location
On-device data layering lets you select which map or imagery type to see of your GPS location. Switch among data types to gain a comprehensive view of where you are--it's revolutionary and provides a whole new level of geographic detail.

Bright Color Screen
Works in bright sunlight to total darkness. Sharp brand screen featuring the latest transflective screen technologies to maximize visibility under a variety of lighting conditions.

Rugged and Waterproof
Conforms to IPX-7 waterproof standard with impact-resistant rubberized housing for a solid grip. Concealed battery compartment with SD card slot. Includes two AA batteries.

High-Performance Technology
Features STMicroelectronics chipset with SiGE RF front-end and DeLorme firmware for outstanding signal acquisition and retention. Works equally well under dense foliage or in-vehicle.

Easy Exchange of Maps, Tracks, and Waypoints
Exchange pre-cut multi-state routable regions between Topo USA on the desktop to the GPS, or select only the specific, customized areas you want--topographic maps and imagery. Exchange routes, tracks, and waypoints between the GPS and Topo USA (two-way transfers).

Extensive On-Device Memory
75MB of internal flash memory available in addition to the preloaded world base map. Holds up to ten tracks (10,000 points per track); 1,000 user-defined waypoints; and 50 routes. SD slot also available.

Powerful Topographic Software Included
The included Topo USA PN-20 software is loaded with additional capabilities for use on a desktop PC. Create automatic road and trail routes, elevation profiles, and realistic 3-D flyovers. No extra charge to you--a $99.95 retail value by itself!

A Powerful Partnership

Earthmate GPS PN-20 and Topo USA
The Earthmate GPS PN-20 with included Topo USA 7.0 DVD software provides a complete two-way map data, waypoint, and track log transfer capability:

It's a powerful way to create and save detailed GPS-accurate maps for use on the desktop software and on the GPS.

• Prepare exactly the maps and imagery you want on the desktop, including waypoints, tracks, and automatically generated routes, and then transfer to the Earthmate GPS PN-20
• Once you've been in the field or in-vehicle with the Earthmate GPS, transfer your new and updated waypoints and track logs back to the Topo USA desktop software and edit and save within your map files

Topo USA/Earthmate PN-20 Map Exchange Overview
DeLorme has pre-cut U.S. multi-state regions within the included Topo USA software. This allows you to update the world base map on the GPS with more detailed routable U.S. highway and major roads for your region(s) of interest. This design maximizes user-available, on-device internal memory for even more detailed topographic maps and imagery you cut from Topo USA of your precise areas of interest. The Eastern 1(A) multi-state region, as an example, requires 12 MB, with a total of 75 MB available on the device. These precut regions are located in the left window of the Handheld Exchange dialog, which is also where your map packages, waypoints, and tracks will be stored once created. (Note: you can store up to 2 GB of data on an SD card. The SD card slot is located within the battery compartment, beneath the batteries.)

The PN-20--Topo USA 7.0 System comes with:

Street and Topographical Maps

View Maps	Detailed U.S. Street & Topographic Maps Cut & transfer custom map packages of the exact coverage you want Detailed vector-based maps created from the USGS topographic data & the latest DeLorme U.S. street & trail network U.S. land cover including bodies of water, wetlands, forests, mountains, glaciers, grasslands, rock cover & more Contour lines with elevation numbers Fully routable when combined with the corresponding Regional Highway map By default, saved map packages include data zoom levels 8-17 (which translates to a scale of 4 miles through 40 ft). Saved maps display all roads, land cover, and contours.
View Maps	U.S. Regional Routable Highway Maps Convenient, precut multi-state regions--transfer from Topo USA to your PN-20, as needed Major highways & major roads Required for road routing on the PN-20 Regional maps cover scales of 4 miles to .25 miles
View Maps	The DeLorme World Base Reference Map Preloaded on the Earthmate GPS PN-20 High-level map includes country borders, highways & major roads Displays interstates and major highways at scales of 500 miles to 8 miles Created by DeLorme's staff of professional cartographers

Aerial Data Packet (ADP) Downloads--400 sq. km FREE!
Comprised of the three layers for a chosen area.

View Maps	USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps FREE download into Topo USA as part of your ADPs Transfer from Topo USA to your PN-20, as needed The authentic scanned USGS 7.5-minute paper quad maps Show roads, trails, buildings, large natural landmarks & other unique features
View Maps	DOQQ (Digital Orthoquads) B&W Aerial Imagery FREE download into Topo USA as part of your ADPs Transfer from Topo USA to your PN-20, only as needed Detailed, black & white, satellite imagery Provide a unique aerial perspective, ideal in off-the-beaten-path environments View logging & 4WD roads, bodies of water, and other natural features from above
View Maps	Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery FREE download into Topo USA as part of your ADPs Transfer from Topo USA to your PN-20, only as needed 10-meter colorized satellite imagery for viewing large geographic areas Provides high-level views of vegetation, topography, and large, visible geologic formations on the Earth's surface Natural color satellite imagery derived from merging SPOT 10m panchromatic & Landsat 30m multi-spectral scenes

Customer Review: unstable firmware
Out of the box, the unit I got kept locking up and rebooting. Very unstable. Delorme suggested I upgrade to firmware 1.3, but the unit was already at that level so N/A. Unuseable.
Customer Review: A really great GPS unit
I bought this unit to use outdoors because I have been a big fan of their paper Atlas for more than a decade and more recently of their software. This GPS unit is a real gem! Extremely rugged, water proof (it even floats in case you ever take it with you fishing). Initially, I had planned on only using it recreationally, but I have Delorme's XMap software for work and discovered that I could scan our company system maps and download those onto the PN-20, too. I do however wish that the screen was a little bigger, sometimes it is a little difficult to see the small screen.

I decided to break down and buy one of the hottest items on the market in 2007, a portable GPS unit. After reviewing different brands, models and such I decided on the TomTom GO 720. I'm not much of a GPS guru - in fact I don't know much about them other than what I researched. Given that, I'll share with you my opinion on the TomTom GO 720.

This is quite a handy little gadget. It's made well, with a rubberized casing that won't easily slip from your fingers and a bright 4.3 inch LCD display. Text on the screen is easy to read. I didn't realize how useful it would be until I set it up and stuck it to my windshield (with the included suction stand). I used it for the first time the following evening. The TomTom took me the same route I would have taken myself - it preferred the highway. When the voice is set to pre-recorded human, you won't hear street names or highway numbers, just "turn so and so after so and so miles/feet". When the unit is set to use the phonetic computerized voice, you'll hear street names, road signs and highway numbers. The computer voice doesn't sound obnoxiously computerized. In fact, it sounds somewhat normal - most of the time.

Other features include speeding alerts, FM-transmitter for your iPod, an anti-glare screen, points of interest, Bluetooth, additional voices and something I learned by researching this article - voice address input. You can speak the address of your destination to your Go 720. This would probably be the most useful basic feature, because admittedly inputing an address through the touch screen is not all that intuitive. The TomTom comes with decent software that lets you control just about every feature of the GPS through your computer. For a nominal fee, the TomTom will redirect you through traffic, point you to the cheapest gas station, give you the weather and even list where traffic cameras are located. Some of these "Plus Services" may be useful to certain owners.

All in all a fantastic little unit that does exactly what it's supposed to do, with a number of cool features that make it a neat toy in addition to a sophisticated navigation device.

TomTom GO 720

MoreTech offers it's subscribers just that - more information about technology! You'll find articles on current trends and emerging technologies, as well as tips, reviews, tutorials and even shopping - all related to the internet, computer hardware and software, networking, popular gadgets, the web 2.0, online gaming and more.

http://moretech.us.com