GPS Systems and Reviews

On the Road with Portable Gps Systems

Are you ready to get out in the world – and let the wind blow in your hair while you’re at it? There’s nothing like being able to get out and take a good trip to several cities around the country, whether for business or pleasure. This country alone has so much to offer that you don’t want to miss any of it. But of course, if you’re staring down at a map, you just might miss all of it while trying to figure out where it is you’re going. Many people have discovered that there are a few great alternatives to using the paper map you buy in the gas station. One is the use of Internet mapping websites that allow you to download fairly accurate maps and specific directions to different locations with ease. However, if you’re not sure of the exact location you’re going, you need something even more up-to-date and convenient – for many, this comes in the form of portable GPS systems.  

What Are Portable GPS Systems?

Portable GPS systems are the mobile version of the standard built-in or add-on systems you can find in many automobiles. They are designed to provide drivers with a way to map directions to and from locations within their city and beyond – as they work by connecting to a satellite feed that can be regularly updated to reflect road conditions as accurately as possible. 

The portable GPS systems are often more popular than the built-in version, which comes as a standard or optional feature in a vehicle, or the add-on version, which can be purchased at a later date and professionally installed in a car, because they are more affordable and compact. However, the built-in and add-on versions tend to have larger screens that work better for those who have difficulty seeing – and they may have more features already available. The choice the customers make in purchasing either the built-in, add-on, or portable device is one made based on personal preferences. However, one of the major reasons one might choose the portable device as opposed to the other two is simply due to the many options available at a cheaper price.

Which Are the Most Popular Available?

There are several models of portable GPS systems available that continuously catch the attention of interested customers. This is because they each have a reputation for being reasonably priced, reliable, and extremely accurate. Below is a partial list of those devices that customers tend to purchase with the most consistency:

Magellan Crossover – This is a very handy portable device that allows you to navigate, plan trips, listen to MP3s, view pictures, and search for various points of interest with ease. It is very popular because it is pocket-sized meaning that you don’t have to leave it in the car to take advantage of its capabilities, and it has a long battery life (up to 8 hours) so if you go camping, you can get around without worry of losing your very advanced compass/music player. Many people use this brand and model to accomplish their hiking, boating and fishing adventures, so if you like to get outdoors but often fear getting lost, by taking one of these handy devices with you, you will get to leave your worries at home.

Garmin StreetPilot c340 – Garmin already has a great name its market as one of the best companies to offer any portable GPS systems, so it is no wonder that consumers flock to whatever they make available. In particular, the StreetPilot c340 is popular because, like the Magellan Crossover, it is handheld, yet offers full-sized features, including a 3-D view of the area you’re in, a simple touch screen to assist with the navigation features, and options to plan trips outside of your vehicle. It also has a battery life that stretches to about 8 hours and allows you to view your pictures, making it a fun and safe addition to your next in- or out-of-vehicle trip.

TomTom Rider Portable – This company also is synonymous with accuracy and reliability and offers a variety of models to satisfy varying customer needs. In particular, the Rider Portable was created for those who travel more so by motorcycle than any other mode of transportation. It is very durable, tough, and water proof to accommodate any outdoor conditions, while still maintaining a sleek and stylish look. This model offers a 3.5” color touch screen and has an anti-glare coating and sun visor for easier viewing; and it comes Bluetooth-ready, which allows customers to receive turn-by-turn voice navigation instruction wirelessly and clearly. But possibly its greatest feature is its “plug and play” feature that allows customers to simply begin using the device without the necessity of installation or activation. 

Cobra Handheld Navigator – Another handheld portable that can also be used in your vehicle, this device is to be used after loading its accompanying software onto your computer. Reminiscent of the online map websites you might be accustomed to using, this system allows you to punch in the location you want to reach after loading your origin location. Once this is done, the Navigator’s screen maps out the directions you will take turn by turn. The device includes all continental U.S. states and boundaries, and also includes Canadian and European cities and boundaries.

Garmin StreetPilot 7500 – I couldn’t resist throwing another one of the Garmin portable GPS systems onto the list. Why? They have such a great reputation that it is difficult to single them down to one. This particular system makes the list because, while it is similar to the handheld version, it was created for the larger vehicle and has a large 7” touchscreen for greater visibility. In addition, it has an MP3 player and great entertainment options ensuring your trip is informed and enjoyable.

With criminal activity at an all time high and the ability to trust strangers almost impossible, portable GPS systems are becoming a very handy way to let people avoid having to get out of their vehicles to ask for directions. So the next time you’re thinking of getting on the road to take a trip, consider getting one of this handy devices. Not only will one of these portable GPS systems keep you “in the know” and entertained, they may keep you and your family safe.

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How to Choose the Best Gps Systems

So you’ve been trying to find a new way to navigate through the world and you heard about these devices that can create accurate maps and even give you navigational instructions to and from locations right from your car. These systems definitely do exist and are called GPS (global positioning) systems. But of course, before you go out and snatch the first one that you see, you need to learn about these clever little devices to determine which one would be best for you. So in this article, we will do the work for you to help you choose the best GPS systems on the market. 

Learning About GPS Systems

If you’re still unfamiliar with these systems, let’s take a look back at the movie Enemy of the State. If you remember, there was a scene in the movie where the character played by Will Smith was being tracked by a device his enemies had placed in a bag that he grabbed. By keeping this device with him unknowingly, he allowed the chasers to keep track of his every move on a screen they were watching from another location. At the time, the device seemed very high tech and new age, but now many people take advantage of them in their own homes and cars.

Modern day systems are capable of working in a very similar way as the device in the movie. You can plant a tracking device in your vehicle that allows you to know every move your car makes if your child drives it – or if it is stolen – by watching its activity from a screen in your house, or even on the Internet from anywhere in the world. In addition, these systems can give you driving instructions via a satellite map to a new restaurant in your area, or give you voice-navigation instructions to a restaurant in a new city. However, you have to decide which are among the best GPS systems, not just from reputation on the market, but also according to what will work best for your family. So let’s help you decide what you want. 

Decide What You’re Looking For

Some of the decision-making process falls in the laps of the companies selling you their product. But I believe firmly that one way to help you determine which are the best GPS systems on the market is to decide which ones are best for you – and you make this decision by choosing the features you most need.

There are four main categories of systems out there to choose from, however most companies combine at least two or more features into one device for versatility. To clearly learn about the differences though, we’ll view them separately.

Mapping – There are tons of mapping devices that fall under the category of best GPS systems. This is because more people are usually interested in mapping features, which means companies work harder to make sure this feature is especially accurate and reliable. However, do understand that there is a difference between a device with mapping features and a mapping system. The mapping system is different because it is used to collect data for field work such as farming, timbering, and wetlands/marsh work. Instead, you may want to pursue a system with a mapping feature for directions only, because you could find you’ve bought a device with a lot of “stuff” you just don’t need.  

Surveying – Surveying devices can be similar to those for mapping in that they can be pretty complex beasts for the everyday person simply trying to accomplish a few minor tasks. Models that focus primarily on this feature are also used more so for professional surveyors in the field who are looking to collect data on property and land. While you can find these devices among the others available, for everyday navigational purposes, these would probably be too advanced for your needs.  

Tracking – These systems can come in the more professional version, but many everyday people are finding them to come in handy when they want to keep track of their children, and keep criminals away. These models can come in a variety of forms ranging from a small device put in a car to track its whereabouts at all times, to a cell phone or watch you can give to your child that can be viewed from a remote location. 

Navigating – Many people would say the best GPS systems come as standard navigating devices because they are used to help them navigate through unfamiliar territories with simple and convenient voice turn-by-turn instructions. Of course, as mentioned with the above options, you are likely to have more than one feature in one, but the main idea is to make sure you are getting the features you want – and not a lot of unusable features – for your money.

Now What Do I Choose?

Now that you’ve learned about the differences between the systems, let’s look at a few brands with great reputations for being simple to use with a lot of great features:

Garmin – If price is an issue to you, you may want to turn away from this often expensive, yet always reliable company with a reputation for selling the best GPS systems in the world. Most of their products range from $350 – $750, but you’ll always get plenty for your money, including wide screens, long battery life (if portable), extensive mapping and directory options, accurate navigation, and even MP3 and Bluetooth features.

Magellan – Another company known for selling some of the best GPS systems on the market, Magellan offers a wide variety of products for mapping directions and accurate navigational instruction.

TomTom – This company ranks fairly high as well for its features and offers standard options as well as a Map Sharing tool that gives very accurate and up-to-date information on roads around the country.

Learning which companies offer the best GPS systems in the industry takes time and effort on your part. Of course, this means you’ll need to continue your research beyond the Internet and visit stores with representatives who can show you in person what each one offers. But after doing your research, and determining what you want in a system, you’ll be sure to find one of the best GPS systems on the market that best suits your needs.

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