Posts Tagged ‘Pda Gps’

TomTom GPS Receiver – Technology in Your Hand

January 16th, 2010



With the increasing popularity of Global Positioning System, a host of GPS related products are coming into the market. The GPS receiver is one of those products that comes in a variety of styles and is manufactured by numerous companies. TomTom is one of the leading brands in the UK.

For anyone interested in a GPS receiver, certain things must be considered prior to purchase including manner and frequency of use. Those who plan to use their GPS receiver may be interested in those models that have a greater range of features. TomTom GPS receiver gives you the most advanced technology with added benefits. The dedicated TomTom receiver weighs only a little more than 10 ounces and measures 4.5 by 3.6 by 2.3 inches that makes it the smallest all-in-one devices ever seen. Its multi color touch-screen display and black case with removable silver bezel surrounding gives it a look of tiny television screen. Its functions are so simple that you will get only two buttons below the screen. One is used for power and the other is used for removing the device from its mount.

This phenomenal GPS device is having another unique feature called as SD (Secure Digital). It is used for loading OS and maps. TomTom’s products emphasize innovation, quality, and simplicity of use, safety and consumer value. Therefore, TomTom GPS receiver is masterpiece in terms of quality. You can avail many benefits if you avail this GPS device. One of the key features is that it navigates directly form the PDA addresses book integrating TomTom software into the PDA menu.

TomTom GPS receiver is a perfect solution to all your connecting needs. It eliminates the need for connecting cables. It is so small in size and having a lightweight that it can be used in the car, or in your bag or pocket for use on bike or on foot. Thus it is the worthwhile device if you are a tech-savvy guy.

By: Jayson Pablo

How to Choose a GPS

December 9th, 2009



You’ve heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. Or, you’re tired of getting lost on your travels. Welcome to the 21st century. Global Postioning System (GPS) has been around long enough that prices are reasonable and the technology is user-friendly. With myriad brands and models, how to choose?

If you want a GPS for both hiking and driving use, then a handheld unit would be the way to go. Some handhelds even have accessories to allow them to be installed in an automobile. But don’t rule out a PDA. More on that in a moment. For driving only, there are GPS receivers made just for vehicle use.

Handheld GPS receivers are either mapping or non–mapping. A basic, non–mapping unit can often cost less than $100 US and usually has/displays the following:

Location Compass heading Elevation above sea level Accurate time Satellite location and signal strength The ability to calculate distance traveled The ability to record your path as a set of waypoints The ability to navigate routes The ability to retrace your steps

Handheld mapping receivers do all the above plus have the ability to display maps. The maps are either pre–loaded or uploaded from your PC. Prices are reasonable for mapping units, starting at around $150 US.

Paper maps are strongly recommended whether you’re using a mapping receiver or not. Paper maps do not require batteries and probably won’t go defective. Also, a paper map gives you a “big picture” view of your situation — something lacking on the small screen of a GPS.

I mentioned earlier your considering a PDA with GPS capability. A PDA is bulkier and the battery life is usually shorter, but if you’re using a PDA anyway, then there are several ways to turn a PDA into a GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS “sleeve.” That is a device that the PDA nestles into. Another choice is one of Garmin’s PDAs. Garmin is probably the most popular GPS maker and they have one PDA/GPS that is Palm–based and one that is Pocket PC–based.

Prices for automotive GPS start at around $250 US. These provide turn–by–turn guidance. Spend a little more than that and you get voice guidance. These are larger than handhelds in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by the car’s electrical system and because of this, they can only be used in a vehicle.

Many automobile manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers as an option. Because they are built-in, the big advantages are security and aesthetics. They are quite a bit more expensive than add-on units and often have fewer options. I’ve also heard some stories of people having a hard time getting map updates.

A PDA/GPS is a good alternative for automotive use. Its screen is about the size of an automotive unit, so seeing the display is not a problem. They can also be powered by the car, eliminating battery worries. The Garmin PDAs mentioned above both come with the hardware and software for automotive use.

If you’re hiking, a basic handheld unit (without maps) will be fine since you’ll always have paper maps with you anyway (you will, won’t you?). An advantage to a handheld mapping unit is that they usually have more advanced features than the basic units. For driving, you have the choice of a handheld, in–car dedicated, or PDA. The handheld does have limited usefulness in a car, as it does not provide turn–by–turn guidance. For a more detailed look at how to choose a GPS, click here.

By: James Chartwell