GPS Systems and Reviews

Are You Ready to Compare Garmin GPS Systems?

I’m sure you’ve heard about Garmin products if you’ve followed any of the tracking, mapping or navigational products in stores today. However, if you haven’t heard about them, this is your chance to learn more about the company that is known as one of the best in the industry for putting out top-quality devices. They offer a wide variety of options for customers wanting to accomplish just about anything related to geography, so let’s take the time to compare Garmin GPS systems so that you can decide if any will work out for you.

Cars/Motorcycles

Most people who compare Garmin GPS systems are looking at devices that will work with their cars or motorcycles in some fashion. Some are looking for units that will help map out streets so that they can route their way from one location to another, while others are looking to have a system give them more specific directions to a location turn-by-turn. And then there is the pack of people who are looking for a device that can keep track of their trusted car, truck or motorcycle while they are not in it. But the good news is, no matter which type you’re looking for, this company has it to offer.

One of their most loved navigation devices for cars is the Nuvi 660, a widescreen unit that has a large assortment of navigator features, in addition to preloaded maps, traffic alerts, a FM transmitter, hands-free Bluetooth calling and a beautiful display that can be read just as easily in the daylight as at night. However, if you drive a motorcycle, this device won’t work because it is not meant for the harsh conditions the outdoors can bring. So in this case you would need one of their motorcycle devices, such as the StreetPilot 2820, which offers preloaded street maps, real-time traffic alerts, wireless Bluetooth capabilities, and water resistance to anticipate curveballs Mother Nature might throw.

Hiking 

If you love to hike, then you will be looking to compare Garmin GPS systems that cater to your tailored needs. This means you’ll need a system that can help you track through areas that are not normally covered by a satellite signal. This company has great devices for this specific need, as they are meant to not only guide you through rugged, wooded, off-the-road terrain, but they can also guide you back to your car – and then guide you home – with absolutely no problems.

One device that is popular for providing great instruction on and off the road is the eTrex Legend, a handheld unit that has a full basemap of the Americas, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, railroads, coastlines, and national and state highways. It offers 8 MB of internal memory in case you want to store additional maps, and it utilizes WAAS, which automatically corrects positions as you move. 

Dogs

If you are in love with your little best friend and want to make sure that it never gets lost again, then you want to invest in one of Garmin’s Astro units that serve as a tracking device to keep a watchful eye on your pet’s whereabouts whenever out of your sight. It not only notes your dog’s location, but also what activities it is up to.

Fitness

For some who compare Garmin GPS systems, the love of fitness and exercise is what draws them toward this company. They provide a variety of running/cycling devices, each called the Forerunner, that not only monitor heart rate, pace, speed, and more, but also help you get from your fitness center, biking trail, or other remote area, back to your house easily and safely.

Marine

Many people who love to get out on the water get a great deal of benefit from marine navigation devices that can help them find their way around the water and back to the docks easily. As you compare Garmin GPS systems for marine activites, you will see that they offer chartplotters, sounders, fish finders, radars, handheld units, autopilots, and marine networkers, each providing a different service, but all keeping you safe and informed on the water.

Make it easy on yourself as you compare Garmin GPS systems. Pay a visit to their website and learn more about their wide variety of products. If you don’t like their site prices, don’t be afraid to look for discount retailers online and at your local store. You might find that taking the time to compare Gamin GPS systems even more will result in a great device at an even better price.

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Choosing Personal GPS Systems Is Easier Than You Think

Are you scratching your head at the tough decision you have to make regarding a GPS purchase? If you have never been introduced to the world of global positioning systems, then it may be a bit perplexing at first. But don’t worry! Companies make their units very user friendly, so as long as you are open to learning the differences between types of devices, and you know what you like in optional features, then you won’t have any problems choosing personal GPS systems that suit your needs.

What Are The Differences?

The first thing you will want to do is determine whether you are looking for a system that is primarily used for mapping, navigation or tracking. While there will be many units available that combine the features, you will need know what you are mainly trying to accomplish before choosing personal GPS systems.

Mapping – If your primary goal is to have directions handed to you when traveling between destinations – and you’re good at following maps – then you will want to consider a mapping device. They are usually a little less expensive than the other types and still offer other great options like photo sharing, MP3 players, and maybe even Bluetooth capabilities. The maps may be 2D or 3D and look similar to those of online mapping services. And many even offer directories in the device so that you don’t need to know an address to a business before mapping the directions.

Navigation – Navigation devices are the slightly more advanced version of the mapping system. Whereas the mapping system will give you instructions and a map to view, navigation units actually give you turn-by-turn directions to a location, and even alert you as to whether you’re about to miss a turn or exit. Some mapping systems come with complimentary navigation services, but many do not, meaning you will have to pay more for the navigation feature. So when choosing personal GPS systems, definitely keep in mind whether you are fine with just viewing a virtual map, or whether you want to have turn-by-turn instructions. This will make a huge difference in the unit you purchase.

Tracking – Tracking devices are great for those who want to keep tabs on their cars, pets, or even family members more easily. Usually there are two parts to these units, one that goes for the ride and tracks where it is going, and the other that displays where the first device is traveling. These systems are ideal for those who have teens who drive the car and want to keep track of where they are traveling.

Determining which one of these systems meets your needs is the first step in choosing personal GPS systems. Now we will look at other uses of the units in helping you choose.

In-Dash, Portable or Handheld

Choosing personal GPS systems usually also relies on how you plan to use the device. For example, if you are primarily planning to use the device to get around town in your car, then you might want to consider getting an in-dash system that cannot be removed unless done professionally. However, if you have more than one car and you would like to utilize the services in both cars without having to buy two separate units you can take advantage of a portable device that can easily go from one car to the next.

Then there is the world of the handheld device. Handheld devices can be used in cars, or they can usually be used outside of the vehicle also. For example, if you want to go on a hiking expedition with your friends and family, you can utilize the handheld unit to get you to the area in which you plan to hike. Then, when you get out of the car, it can lead you through trails with the promise that you won’t get lost.

Usually the mapping and navigation devices are those that are either portable or in-dash, while the tracking units are typically handheld. However, there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t expect these devices to suddenly have no exceptions. 

Choosing personal GPS systems is not a difficult task if you have a basic idea of who you are and what you like in general. After you make those determinations, you can figure out the rest. There may be technical terms to get in the way that have the ability to intimidate you, or even let you allow a salesperson to sell you on a system that has way more than you actually need. But if you do your research and assert yourself during the process then chosing personal GPS systems will be a piece of cake for you.

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