Mobile GPS devices are becoming more and more popular each day, for they allow great portability. Most consumer GPS devices can be easily fit into the palm and are not that heavy as well. It can also be clip to a pet’s collar or fit into a cell phone. The basic concept behind GPS unit is quite simple. It includes a radio emitter that works with a clock, and together they work with Satellite that are located in the space. And now with the booming of technology, we have GPS device installed in many laptops computers, cars and even at seat back television screen of airplanes.

While the GPS technology does not really need a lot of space, the software that adds the functionalities expected by the consumer, actually does. The software once created, gets improved by getting smaller. The fact that not all GPS features are required by the customers, allows for smaller GPS devices.

How does a GPS device work? As already said, the GPS device requires a radio emitter and a clock to work. The emitter sends the time of the clock to the satellite overhead. The satellite then calculates the amount of time it took for the radio signal to reach them and then figures the distance from that. Three or four satellites compare their location and the time involved. They then show the location within about six inches depending on the accuracy of the unit’s clock.

Portable GPS device can be of many use. Besides plotting navigation or tracking objects and living things, it can use the data as information in applications.

Many mobile devices are GPS enabled in the present times. One of the most talked about, is the GPS navigation system of Nokia N95 and the Nokia 6110 navigator. The GPS of these devices are very user-friendly, and designed to meet the requirements of the modern users.

By: Alice Erin