For drivers in North America who are tired of staring at maps and pulling into gas stations to get directions the new technology of GPS may be the answer. GPS or Global Positioning Systems are an inexpensive and reliable way of finding your exact position on the globe at any given time. For the driver this can mean never having to look a road map again. This is a brief introduction to the major brands of GPS units and some information about each.
Garmin offers two different types of GPS units and many models for each type. The larger of the two the Streetpilot is meant to be mounted in your car and provides street to street directions map and much more useful information during you trip. Some of the more recent models of the Streetpilot offer voicecapabilities and will vocally give a driver directions. The Quest offer many of the same features as the Streetpilot but it comes in a smaller handheld size and is battery powered. The Quest may be a better option if you often find your self leaving the car behind and need directions on foot.
Magellan is one of the oldest consumer level GPS manufacturers and they are still one of the finest. The Roadmates line of GPS units have been around for a while and the newest models are still in competition for the highest in quality. The newest models of Roadmates provide turn by turn directions to your destination with its internal speaker. This line of GPS units are powered by the cars cigarette lighter and mounts easily to most automobiles. The Roadmate 800 provides color 3-D maps on its 3” screen.
The newest brand of GPS unit comes from Tom-Tom. The Tom-Tom Go700 provides directions on it’s 3.5” screen which gives its display in 3-D. The Go700 can give vocal directions in dozens of languages. The most interesting feature about this unit is it’s Bluetooth capability allowing it to connect to cell phones to give weather, traffic and road conditions for your trip.
By: David Stone
Posts Tagged ‘Automobiles’
GPS Buyer’s Guide
March 19th, 2010Types of GPS (Global Positioning System = Tracking Systems) Available For Your Vehicle
January 4th, 2010
Traveling around new places has become a great deal easier with the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS). Earlier, when we planed an excursion to a new destination we were often concerned about navigation our way in the unknown vicinity. People used to hire guides for the purpose, which definitely burnt hole in their pockets. Further, if you are not familiar with the language of the guide then there is very less you can do to complete your tour successfully. All these hassles have been remarkably minimized by GPS. The application finds a wide application in several spheres, including, defense, mining, traveling and exploration, and many more.
GPS turned out to be a significant tool for the explorers, and hence finds a broad usage in modern automobiles. Almost all the contemporary luxury cars come with installed GPS in them. GPS enables its user in finding the places of their interest, such as- restaurants, clinics, clubs, famous sites, or any other such place. However, if your car is not fitted with any sort of GPS device, then it can be also installed separately. There are different types of GPS available for the automobiles. So, before going for any specific GPS for your vehicle, make sure that you are purchasing the most suitable one. Some of the major types of GPS are given here:
• In-built GPS – Almost all the major car manufacturers are offering in-built GPS application in their cars. These cars have GPS tools fixed into a dash, and hence don’t get lost easily. However, cars with in-built GPS are expensive than their non GPS version.
• Portable GPS Tools- These GPS units are tailored for an easy carriage of the device. These are not rigidly fitted into the automobile can be moved from one vehicle to other easily. So, if you have more that one car, then this type of system is highly recommended for you. The system helps you in saving your lots of bucks and efforts. You can also take this system to your home when you are not driving, and help your kids to learn more about the city you are living in. These GPS devices weigh around 10 Oz, and have 4″ inch wide display fitted in it. Its price range starts from $250, and can go up to $500, depending upon the functions and features of the device.
• Pocket GPS Tools- Automobile pocket is an advanced form of portable GPS unit for automobiles. It can be fit into your pocket or palm, and can be easily carried anywhere you wish to. These devices are a bit expensive than the portable form of automobile GPS tools, with a starting price tag of $400, which can go up to $600 for an advanced unit.
All these GPS applications have their own pros and cons, and their applicability largely depends upon your needs. So, before making purchase of the suitable GPS application, prioritize your needs and buy accordingly. Learn more and find out about types of gps (global positioning system = tracking systems) available for your vehicle.
By: Richard Crittendon
Car Insurance – GPS – The Way Forward?
November 11th, 2009
The technology and design of automobiles nowadays has made huge forward advances over the years.
Vehicles are now focusing on fuel economy and their impact on the environment. However, it is technology that can be transferred in and out of the vehicle that could make a difference to how much you pay.
As we become more reliant on our vehicles for everyday life, many remain disillusioned as to the rising cost of their insurance premiums, and it is usually younger drivers who bear the brunt of the blame.
Due to the stigma attached to younger drivers, which usually associates them with offences such as joyriding and car theft, many are increasingly worried that their actions could have an effect on the world of car insurance.
With under-25s feeling the pinch when searching for car insurance, many feel they are being punished due to the actions of a small percentage that choose to commit auto offences.
However, could GPS technology hold the key to not only bring down crime levels amongst youngsters, but also help lower the cost of our insurance premiums?
With plans to introduce GPS technology into vehicles, and some insurance companies looking to branch out into ‘pay-as-you-drive’ policies, soon your driving habits could help contribute to the cost of your premium.
Indeed, several provinces in Canada have already put such a scheme into place, using GPS ankle bracelets in order to keep track of the worst offenders when it comes to automobile incidents.
Through the use of alert systems that are activated when the offender crosses into an ‘exclusion zone’, the authorities are able to keep tabs on where offenders are and where they should be.
By contacting them by use of mobile phones – also fitted with tracking devices – when they step outside their boundaries, the chances of intervention before they commit further crimes are increased.
And the technology appears to be having an effect – both on crime rates and car insurance premiums – in the provinces that the technology has been introduced to.
By: David Collins
