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Men Don’t Ask for Directions So They Need GPS Navigation

August 8th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Most of us have the experience of getting lost before. Be it a simple mistake or a bigger blunder that ends up taking you through more of the North than you really wanted to see, navigational mishaps do happen all the time. Sometimes it can be due to a recent construction and resulting road detours that cause confusion. Other times it is caused by inaccurate or incomplete directions that land you in Pocatello instead of Boise.

Then there are the people who glance at the map and decide that they have a general idea of where to go and will figure out the rest along the way. These are the people who should have their trip driving privileges revoked- or you should get them a GPS navigation system.

What is GPS navigation?
GPS stands for global positioning system, and was developed by the United States Department of Defense. It is, to date, the only global navigational satellite system that works at full capacity. The first of 24 massive satellites was launched in 1978. Although the cost of maintaining the system runs in the hundreds of millions, it can be accessed for free through many web sites. Think of it as a perk for living on earth and having a computer.

The navigation part is what could cost you. But if you take a lot of road trips, sales trips, or just have a knack for getting lost everywhere you go, it will be worth it. You will save in time, gas money and having to replace worn out tires from always having to retrace your steps.

GPS in cars
Many newer vehicles now come harnessed with a GPS navigation system. In addition to that blue On-Star button, being able to see on a screen where you need to be going and hearing the directions can be a tremendous help in unfamiliar surroundings. Cab drivers in major cities are relying on GPS navigation to streamline their time management and be more efficient getting people to and from their destinations.

GPS in other areas
Ships and other water craft rely very heavily on GPS to be their eyes, especially during undesirable weather conditions. Even airplanes use GPS navigation to assist other systems, and for flying en route. Many a hiker has been saved thanks to smaller, hand-held GPS navigation devices. Even smaller models can be found to use with personal digital assistants (PDA) or cell phones.

Hence, with so much variety in the GPS market, you should be able to choose one that suit the user’s needs and whims easily.

GPS and Its Navigation Abilities

February 11th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

When settlers were traveling west during America’s great westward migration, they depended on natural landmarks and the sun to tell them if they were going the right direction. Imagine how much easier that long and tiring journey would have been if they’d had the navigational wonders of a GPS personal navigation device.

Thankfully we don’t have to trundle cross-country in uncomfortable wagons anymore, and we don’t have to wonder if we’ve made the right turn or are traveling in the right direction. Though the Global Positioning System was developed by the United States Department of Defense for military purposes, its many uses have spread to the average Joe and Jane Consumer. We’re always on the move now, traveling by car, boat, train or plane. All of those means of travel utilize GPS tracking.

If you’re planning a trip by car, you probably utilize GPS technology before you ever pack your bags. If you’ve plotted a course using online sites such as Mapquest, you’ve accessed the vast GPS network. Satellites nearly 11,000 above your head figured out where you were, where you were going and the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B. With a bit of research and online comparison shopping, you also can come away with a pretty good on a GPS tracking unit for your vehicle. No more pulling off to the side of the road to consult the atlas, trying to figure out if you’ve missed your turn. With GPS, all those travel direction frustrations can be tossed out the door.

If you have a vehicle tracking system tied to GPS, you also can feel safer about your vehicle in case of auto theft. The GPS can track the vehicle and help authorities recover it before it falls victim to the chop shop and possibly arrest the thief. This type of system, and the protection against theft it supplies, also may help lower your automobile insurance costs. If you have a GPS system installed in your vehicle, check with your automobile insurance provider to see if they provide a discount on your policy premium.

If you’re not quite ready to install a GPS system in your car, check to see if your PDA or cell phone has GPS capability. Some do, and if you already have these items it’s a bonus. Plus, GPS capability isn’t tied to your vehicle. It’s highly portable, so you can take it anywhere you go, no matter if your mode of transportation is your car or your feet.

If you’re interested in purchasing a GPS system of personal, handheld unit, how do you know what to get and what to look for? Like for most electronic purchases, you should do your research. Browse the selections at local electronics stores, read reviews in specialty magazines, and mine the wealth of information on the Web. Some sites you might visit are:

GPS World Buyers Guide

http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=331002

Buying Guide to Personal GPS Systems

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/46154/buying_guide_to_personal_gps_systems.html

Be sure to bargain shop, comparing features, reputation and prices. You can find GPS units for sale from retailers such as Best Buy and Radio Shack, on eBay or Yahoo Shopping, or even Amazon.

Copyright 2007 SmartGPSGuide.com