While shopping for a GPS navigation system, a lot of people decide that they don’t need anything fancy. They would rather have a GPS that simply gives them reliable directions as opposed to something with all the latest gadgets and extras. Whether it’s an issue of affordability or just a lack of desire for something fancy, there are still plenty of options to choose from and the process of finding the right GPS can still be somewhat difficult. This article will go over all the basics when making GPS comparisons of affordable GPS navigation system and how this differs with higher end GPS comparisons.
Comparing affordable GPS models is drastically different than comparing newer, feature-filled models. With top-of-the-line GPS devices there are so many features out there and every model has such a unique combination of these features. There is so much to look at and compare. On the other hand, with basic GPS models things are, without a doubt, much simpler. Comparing basic GPS models primarily boils down to only two main things, navigation and reliability.
The more affordable GPS models are generally older and therefore have more dated processes of calculating routes (newer models still aren’t perfect at navigation but are generally better at it because of the newer technology). So when looking at affordable GPS models, it is important to see how good the navigation is. This is not to say that you won’t be able to get reliable navigation with an older model, there are plenty of affordable devices with very good navigation. It’s just the possibility that the navigation could be poor. And the navigation is the main purpose of a GPS, especially if you’re not going to buy something with too many features.
This brings to question how to find the device that will navigate well. One way to judge navigation is with a GPS comparison. Most GPS comparison charts usually have pros and cons that will make a note if the navigation is good and if a system has especially bad navigation it will most likely be noted. Looking at reviews is also very helpful. An important thing to keep in mind when reading reviews is to look at the overall reviews and don’t put too much weight on any single review. There is always going to be that one horrible review from someone that happens to live on the one street where the device has a glitch. Take specific reviews with a grain of salt.
Although affordable GPS devices might not have many features, they are still something to pay attention to but extra features should be considered as just that, extras. Although there might be a feature that you just must have, but are you willing to trade a bit of navigation reliability for it? Only you can answer this question, it is all part of shopping for a device and making these GPS comparisons.
By: Jason Spodeck
Posts Tagged ‘Reliability’
How To Detect GPS Tracking Units
November 1st, 2009
The new GPS auto tracker technology allows just about anyone to track anyone else. In addition almost all new cell phones have GPS tracking capabilities built in to them. Some even have the ability to transmit location information even with the battery removed. All of which make you wonder what happened to personal privacy. The answer is that there really is no privacy. Granted there are legal restrictions as to how and when you can use the new tracking technology however detecting GPS tracking units can sometimes be difficult.
There are basically two types of GPS tracking device technology available to the public. The simplest is called a passive or logger tracking device. This device is also the most difficult to detect and defend against. These devices can be as small as a matchbook and can be hidden just about anywhere. They are attached to a vehicle or individual and after a specific amount of time they must be retrieved. After retrieval the device is usually attached to a personal computer and the information is downloaded into a data base that is provided by the device manufacture.
Probably the best defense against passive/logger tracking devices comes in the form of a GPS blocker. These small units normally plug into your automobiles cigarette lighter port and provide protection for about 30 feet in any direction. Small handheld units are also available that run on batteries that also provide short range blocking. These units can range in price from $200 to $850.
The second type of GPS auto tracker or personal GPS tracking units are called real time tracking devices. These units do just as the name implies, provide current real time location information on the individual or vehicle that is being tracked. This accomplished through the use of cell phone technology. Recent technology improvements have greatly reduced the size and reliability of these tracking devices. You can purchase a battery operated unit the size of a small cell phone that will provide tracking information for up to a week before the battery requires charging. More commonly these units are attached to a vehicle and use the vehicles power supply to provide power to the tracking unit.
Real time tracking devices generally require the user to contract with a GPS tracking service company. These companies frequently provide the tracking devices and the software necessary to track the device on your personal computer. Depending on the contract the information is uploaded to you at time specific intervals. The most common information uploads range from 5 to 10 minutes.
Defending against this type of tracking device is relatively easy with a combination cell phone/GPS blocking device. These units range in cost from $300 to more than $1000. Of course either a cell phone or a GPS blocking device may accomplish the same affect. In addition if you feel that you are being tracked illegally you can contact your local law enforcement agency and let them do a scan of the vehicle or personal effects in question. Many small law enforcement agencies do not have this capability and in that case you have the option to purchase a scanning unit and do the scan yourself.
A word to the wise if you are involved in a criminal enterprise. Much of what we have outlined here will not prevent US government agencies from tracking you and your vehicles.
In most cases it is illegal to track just about anyone without their permission. However given the fact that is so hard to detect many tracking devices it is likely that illegal GPS auto tracker and personal tracking device technology will continue to be used.
By: Jim Kesel
