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
Posts Tagged ‘Several Ways’
How to Choose a GPS
December 9th, 2009Keeping Track of Your Kids With GPS
December 3rd, 2009
One great benefit of technology has been global positioning systems or GPS. These systems use satellites to track the whereabouts of people anywhere on planet Earth. They are small units that can be installed many places such as watches, backpacks, cars and even cell phones. Because GPS units are so small they can be used very effectively to as GPS kids tracking devices.
Parents use GPS tracking to keep tabs on the location of their children. Children can be tracked with GPS using their cell phones, watches, backpacks and even attached to their clothing or shoes. No matter where a child is they can be located with a GPS device. Children’s GPS devices are like an insurance policy to help keep your kids safe.
Currently there are a number of satellites orbiting the Earth that were placed by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS tracking technology makes use of these satellites for both navigation and tracking purposes. The satellites send out an encoded signal that are received by the tracking units and then decoded. The satellites are always sending this signal and the GPS devices can use this signal to locate anything or anyone and their exact position on the Earth within several yards.
GPS tracking services can be purchased from several different companies. Tracking children with GPS is very simple to get started with. All you need to do is purchase a GPS tracking device, have it programmed for your service and attach it to the child in some way. Each GPS tracking company does charge a fee for their service and it varies for each one so do some research first to find out which company can provide the features you want at the lowest cost.
You can subscribe to different tracking plans from several trackings per month to unlimited real time tracking. The only difference between the different plans is the cost with the unlimited and real time versions being the most expensive.
There are also several ways to retrieve your tracking information. Some companies will provide the information via cell phone while others have websites that you can go to to do the tracking or even software that needs to be installed on your PC. In addition, you can receive tracking reports to get all the details of where your child has been. This can be a good addition for teens who are driving.
The biggest negative to tracking kids with GPS is the cost. The GPS devices start around $150 each and the tracking services will run you anywhere from $25 to $100 per month depending on the features you desire.
Children’s GPS tracking systems are a great way to give you added peace of mind knowing that your children can be located at anytime and anywhere they might be. While older children may have some reservations at being tracked, younger children often do not even need to know about the tracking device. GPS kids tracking is not a substitute for parental supervision, but it is a great tool to help us keep tabs on our children and provided added security in our dangerous world.
By: Steven Walters
Auto Security Systems – Deterrent Against Theft
November 5th, 2009
There are several ways for you to prevent your car from being stolen. Most anti theft devices will claim to be superior to all others. However, vehicle security devices are not the only way to protect your car. Auto security systems are one part of the system through which you can prevent theft.
Common sense is by far the best, and most effective method, to deter vehicle theft. The first thing that common sense demands is to make sure that you don’t leave your keys in the car, and don’t attempt to hide the key either. Secondly, always use your door locks, and make sure that you roll up the windows. Finally, make certain that you park your car in a safe place, and one that is well lit. When you make things more difficult for a thief, they are more likely to pass on your vehicle and move to an easier target.
It may not make a big difference which auto security system you select, because any of them will be a good deterrent against thieves trying to steal your car. Don’t worry too much about their makers’ claims. Whichever system that you buy needs to fit your needs and those of your car, and you need to use that system consistently to maximize its effectiveness.
GPS tracking devices can help police locate your vehicle if it has been stolen, and are difficult for thieves to deactivate. For this reason, they can act as deterrent devices, simply because they make it so easy for police to recover your vehicle. To make effective deterrents, just make sure that you use a window sticker or some other means to clearly identify your automobile as being armed with a GPS tracking device.
A subtle way to deter car thieves is etching your car’s VIN number into the glass, which will allow car parts to be tracked if your car is stolen and then broken up into parts for sale. Thieves who see these numbers will decide to try stealing another car instead.
Some vehicles are stolen more often than others. The list of cars that are stolen most often are listed in a number of car magazines. If you are in the market for a new vehicle you may want to consult these magazines before purchasing a car. Whether these vehicles have an auto security system or not they may be targets for thieves.
By: Brad Seabourne
