Posts Tagged ‘cars’

Software’s the Missing Link to Your GPS Unit

Friday, December 11th, 2009

When consumers submit reviews on the vaious GPS devices from the larger brands, they seem to focus primarily on the technical aspects of the device; the overall look, performance levels, and the user-friendliness of the unit. What GPS product reviews usually ignore, regrettably, is the GPS Software that is needed in order for the device to connect with the Windows or Mac systems properly. This software is required for tasks like synchronizing and installing the latest maps and POI’s to a GPS device. Just like normal software, GPS software which is overly complex should be avoided. Appreciating the differences between GPS software might not be the deciding factor that moves you to purchase one specific brand, but understanding the supporting software is required after you already set your eyes on one GPS device. The kinds of GPS software are going to usually be nearly identical for different models within a particular brand. A nice model to look into is the Garmin Nuvi 465t Truck GPS Navigator.

Garmin Nuvi Software

Garmin Nuvi manufactures a comprehensive collection of specific GPS software which consumers may buy from their main website. Software updates could be downloaded directly or by using another type of software called WebUpdater. When you want to make WebUpdater download software, you simply have to hook the GPS to your desktop and follow the software instructions. Garmin also offers a number of mapping programs made to support either Microsoft or Mac platforms. There is also a dedicated section specifically for Mac users allowing them to make the most out of their Garmin Nuvi GPS devices.

TomTom HOME

The TomTom HOME allows you to search your TomTom for installed software and add upgrades when required. On top of its basic features in transferring maps, TomTom HOME also enables software owners to download files that are used in the TomTom, then customize and reinstall them to form unique displays, giving it a more personal screen. In addition, TomTom even managed to produce software for mobile phones, most of which has been scrapped. Fortunately TomTom still makes an application which runs on an iPhone 3G.

Magellan Software

Magellan may have the permanent habit of selling affordable goods, but there is plenty of software made to be downloaded for free, including two different versions; VantagePoint and MapGuard. VantagePoint is a comprehensive application which lets you download all the GPS action to a desktop monitor. Every one of the maps, trails, directions, and waypoints are accessible and your maps can be perused using both the 2D and 3D effects.

MapGuard is Magellan’s alternate program and contains MapSend Manager and Mapsend Lite. The MapSend Lite is a state of the art application designed to view any map on a PC, enabling you to choose waypoints and design directions. This software also support Geocaching, and you can also convert information into several different formats. A great unit to consider is the Garmin Nuvi 465t Truck GPS Navigator.

Judging Each Application

Keep in mind, GPS software ought not be the single basis in picking your latest GPS device. These applications are only available to compliment their GPS systems and tap into that product’s maximum usability. Out of the ones listed, TomTom HOME easily outdistances the competition because of your opportunity to personalize the user interface. Some of software may additionally be sampled even if you don’t have the corresponding GPS device.

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Nuvi 465t.

Deck Your Car Out with a Magellan GPS System

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Nearly all of the more established GPS device marketers are continually working to improve their global positioning products. The manufacturers are developing more advanced features to make finding one’s way easier for travelers who use tires, sneakers, or any other means of transportation available. In spite of the fact that these manufacurers are honestly intending to make their GPS devices accessible for the middle-class consumer, the effect of all the technology contained in the product will understandably be higher prices. The best that many companies can do for those of us who can’t afford the latest gadgets is to market absolutely basic models of the GPS devices so they can be affordable for your typical consumer. A nice option is the Magellan Roadmate–70 Portable GPS Navigator.

Magellan GPS devices are rather singular since they have always made their top-selling models to be inexpensive and convenient. The downside of affordability, naturally, is that state-of-the-art technology is almost never available at low prices. Predictably, then, the quality of Magellan’s GPS models has been given mixed reviews. Magellan addressed this shortcoming by producing several high-end products for the more dedicated GPS users.

Magellan Maestro

If you are looking for an inexpensive companion for your auto, the Magellan Maestro series offers quite a few units which are specifically for car navigation. Magellan Maestro models are found in the 3000, 4000, and 5000 designations. Every one of the 3000 models are particularly affordable with one or two including the Maestro 3100 priced at under $200 which is outrageously cheap for a GPS device that has 2-D and 3-D display options. Probably their most appreciated function is the QuickSpell feature, that enables simplified input for destination names.

Every other single aspect, including the performance is mediocre and hanging is all too constant. With the exception of a couple of the 4000 and 5000 models, the Magellan Maestro is really not reliable, but the price remains reasonable.

Magellan Roadmate

As explained by the name, this set of Magellan GPS devices were designed for cars as well. Although they are different from their Maestro siblings in terms of appearance. Roadmates are made to be less bulky to tote, having a sleeker footprint and providing the same interface. As a result the Roadmates are about as easy to work with and much easier to tote than the Maestros. A great unit is the Magellan Road mate–70 Portable GPS Navigator.

In the area of performance, the Roadmate is a bit improved with one or two models such as the Roadmate 1212 offering the Centrality Atlas III Processor. If you prefer playing with the menus, you may observe a fairly irritating delay while pressing the buttons. The battery life isn’t remarkable either; it’s usable for somewhere near 3 hours at which point a recharge is called for.

On a happy note, the Roadmate is considered an improvement over some of the Maestro budget devices, logging far more POI’s as compared to the Maestro 3100 which has a meager 750,000 points of interest. The Roadmate closes the gap with other brands by offering in excess of 6 million points of interest. Text-to-speech, which is always a handy feature, is additionally included in a few of the reasonably priced models. The price isn’t much of a concern either, which is notable for a slim device. A good device to look into is the Magellan Roadmate–70 Portable GPS Navigator.

Despite the fact that there are only two collections to select from, they each have at least 10 models within each set all with different prices and functions. The least expensive Magellan devices aren’t recommended for constant users on account of the regular crashes, but the higher quality models are quite satisfactory and will be sufficient for travelers to be pleased with.

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Magellan Roadmate–70.

Your GPS Navigator’s Not Complete Without Accessories

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

The latest and greatest GPS models available in stores generally contain enough options to satisfy many drivers who prefer their car navigation to be simple and safe. But there might be times in which you find the limits of your GPS device yet still want your GPS device contained more applications or more tough design for rough situations. A great model to look into is the Garmin Nuvi 770 Portable GPS Navigator.

Don’t sell your GPS device and buy a better one to meet your evolving needs just yet. Stores have many GPS accessories that may attach to your device and may offer some additional functionality that can suit your needs. The prices of most of these GPS accessories are obviously nowhere near the price of your next GPS device. Below are a few of the common GPS accessories that are made by all of the larger companies.

Chargers

The majority of the less expensive devices do not last too long with quite a few of them posessing a battery life of just 2-3 hours. Consequently you need to charge your GPS devices with mind-numbing regularity during lengthy drives. Although the majority of the devices ought to be packaged with a GPS charger, there could be days when the charger doesn’t work or may be mislaid. Do not settle for any imitation chargers because they could ruin the battery. Always get chargers made by the makers of your GPS device. These chargers are made to totally charge the correct device promptly, so you can rely on it for extended road trips. A nice option to consider is the Garmin Nuvi 770 GPS Navigation system.

Carrying Cases

These GPS accessories can be quite low-cost and helpful accessories that are engineered to defend your GPS device from exposure to an assortment of elements. Even though some GPS devices are rugged enough to withstand these elements because of their own casings, a carrying case provides one more barrier against the world, and the cases with straps are easier to hold on to. Travel cases are improved styles of carrying cases which are still compact, yet made for holding additional GPS accessories such as chargers.

Adhesive Discs

A few types of GPS devices can be entirely too complicated to fasten to certain kinds of car windshields. Before the frustration becomes unbearable, think about spending a few bucks on some adhesive disks. Fastening your GPS device should be as easy as sticking this disc to the windshield or another flat surface and then mounting a GPS device onto the disc.

Car Kits

The kind and amount of accessories provided which comprise the car kit will vary depending on the manufacturer, but normally, car kits are the best GPS accessories to buy if you don’t know what accessories you truly need or if you would like to be equipped for any new and unusual situations. The majority of the car kits include mounting kits, adhesive disks, data cables, and power adapters. In case you have lost some accessories, a car kit can easily replenish your supply or offer more for “just in case” scenarios. Take a look at the Garmin Nuvi 770 Portable GPS Navigator for a nice unit.

Certain models might need more accessories than others; so the most practical way to learn about accessories for a certain GPS device is to read through the product page which applies to your device and look for the accessories made for your device to avoid making any redundant purchases.

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Nuvi 770 Portable GPS Navigator.

What Every Outdoor Enthusiast’s Gotta Have

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Global positioning products are currently popular amongst drivers who prefer to move safely through tangled and congested areas. Although, if you explore the history of global positioning devices, you quickly learn that GPS devices were heavily used by hunters and other people exploring the wild places who want to lower their chances of getting lost. When R&D teams started developing the technology for the most recent GPS devices for car owners, those very technologies were incorporated into the handheld GPS models as well. These updated handheld GPS devices are designed very much like mobile phones thanks to their shape and colored screen. For your car, an excellent unit is the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Many of the GPS devices designed for autos may even be carried by outdoorsmen if they are familliar with the interface. Most of the GPS devices made by TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan are small enough to hold in an adult’s hand or fit in your pocket. Although for the job of using the appliance while walking or using just one hand, more appropriate interface could be appreciated. What follows is a list of a few products to consider.

Magellan Triton Series

The Magellan Triton series is an instructive example to look at since every one of the models from the Sunday driver to the arctic explorer package all appear similar. The budget models start with a respectable 2.2″ QVGA color monitor while some of the more expensive models come with a slightly bigger screen of 2.7″. Every one of the Magellan units sport a hardy casing and are waterproof, therefore you can responsibly carry them along when crossing rivers or during downpours.

Several of the products have an AdventurePack label affixed to them which basically says that those models include some special software called the TOPO! Explorer. Serious explorers need to definitely take a closer look at these packages. The benefit of the Triton line is that they probably have a Triton model that works with your budget with so many different models to pick from. For your auto, a great option is the Tom Tom GO 740 GPS.

Garmin Series

Garmin has quite a few handheld products and each different series is made for specific kinds of navigation. Considering one case in point, the GPSMAP 7X series units are all marine-friendly and intended for crossing the open seas, and the GPSMAP 6X series models have a more rugged casing for heavy duty treatment, but are still reasonably priced and offer a good set of functions such as microSD support and competent navigation.

The eTrex series are handheld GPS devices a customer should look for when budget is a serious concern. They are particularly portable with many of them offering a screen large enough to read with ease.

In case you consider yourself an accomplished traveler in need of something especially tough and prepped with advanced functions, the Colorado or Oregon series will probably suit you. Both series come with a multifunctional touch-screen display, a feature not included in other Garmin series, and they additionally come with different maps specific to the exact model you get. For a great gps unit in your car, consider the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Be aware that any handheld GPS devices should never be used for driving unless a non-driving navigator is using it. If you don’t need any of the specialized functions and want a single device that is able to function on the city street as well as the trail, it will likely be more sensible to purchase an all-in-one device that you can transport in an automobile or by hand.

Joseph Aaron is involved with an online project that helps his readers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Tom Tom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Why Invest in TomTom ONE GPS Navigator?

Saturday, September 5th, 2009

TomTom is a company that is widely recognized for its TomTom GO models that have gotten better every year at providing the most sophisticated technology for accessible and reasonably priced appliances. Even though they haven’t produced any upgraded TomTom GO devices this year, people still keep buying the existing products because they live up to their standards in terms of performance and ease of use. The only problem that certain GPS fans face is the price tag. Another model to consider is the Garmin 7200 StreetPilot GPS.

The TomTom ONE GPS is the solution to this conundrum. The TomTom ONE is a different version for consumers who want to save money but like the TomTom’s options. TomTom ONE actually offers several models, such as XL models which are widescreen. However, only the original TomTom ONE is available in the US. The TomTom ONE has been known for its very low price, and also for its lack of applications and mediocre quality. Finally, the 2nd edition appeared with appreciable design and software developments, replacing the hopelessly inadequate model. This review will concentrate on the updated 2nd edition.

Look and Design

Looks just may be everything, which is why TomTom ONE manages to look attractive with its diminutive and unfussy appearance with a nice curved top. The TomTom ONE GPS is small enough to be carried one-handed and even fit in someone’s pocket. Just by seeing it, you aren’t going to recognize that this TomTom ONE GPS is an inexpensive model.

Setup Process

The installation process is fairly uncomplicated given its plug and play functionality, so you should be able to use the appliance directly after you unpack it. The process involves a phase when you will be required to activate the product online, which isn’t explained fully in the manual. Fortunately; you should be able to locate the information you should have about activation on the comprehensive manual found only on the CD. After you activate your new device, you will be ready for travel.

Navigational Features

The TomTom ONE is quite accurate in the area of positioning and revising as you change locations. Occasionally you could notice it slightly confused by 25 to 50 meters, although it still calculates better than nearly all other entry level devices out there. This device’s routing capabilities are remarkable as well, and you won’t get too many of those annoying directives to make a U-turn very often. It won’t direct you to the quickest route available, but it will find a sensible one. The maps that are in your device include a large amount of POIs, although a small part of the signs aren’t found on the map, so take time to keep the maps updated.

Other Features

The sound quality is good even at high volume, when other systems get muddled. The digital pictures and advanced user interface are a refreshing change and should definitely induce more customers into giving the TomTom ONE a spin. The battery life is less than ideal, running just above 2 hours, and it comes with merely a USB and car charger. Another solid car GPS unit is the Garmin 7200 StreetPilot GPS.

The TomTom ONE comes at an affordable price and the most vital features perform quite well. Take a look at this device as your next GPS product if you really want to save money.

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Streetpilot 7200 GPS Navigator.