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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Gps systems for semi trucks, may be a truckers best friend

Gps systems for semi trucks

If you are a semi truck driver, saying you are on the road a lot is putting it simply.  Semi truck drivers make their living driving.  These means they are driving at least 8 hours a day, at least five days a week and most drivers will admit to driving many more hours.  This means that they need to know exactly where they are going, the road conditions ahead and many more useful tib-bits of information to keep them safe, to keep other travelers safe and to make their hauls easier and quicker.  For these reasons and more Gps systems may be a semi truck and truck driver’s best friend.

What are some of the advantages a semi truck driver has when he uses a gps system?  Here are a few:

He/she can find the quickest route to his final destination.  This will allow the trucker to save time by getting there quicker and by saving fuel.
If he/she has many stops to make on his route, he/she is able to map it accordingly with a gps system.
He/she can have many points of interests at hand.  This is extremely beneficial if they include gas stations, restaurants and rest stops.  This gives the trucker a chance to plan ahead for rest stops and meals.
The trucker can track his speed and may even be able to set an alarm to sound if he/she goes over a set speed.  This will help avoid traffic tickets and help the driver stay safe.
The trucker may be able to find out about traffic tie ups such as accidents, congestion, and highway construction quicker, possibly even tolls and change routes accordingly.  This could save time.
Could help the trucker to have better pick up and deliver times, which leads to better customer service.

The Gps systems that are built for semi trucks are a bit different than the ones used in normal automobiles.  For one thing, most of them are bigger.  This gives the trucker a better display mode which equals to a better viewing capacity.  Some of the displays are even set up for 3-D viewing.  When set in this mode, the maps look even more realistic and are even easier to read.

Many truck drivers may choose to use a laptop gps system for all their navigational needs.  They may choose to go this route because when not being used for navigational needs, their laptop can be used for many other purposes such as catching up on their email, web searching, watching web casts of their favorite television shows and even playing videos and listening to Cd’s. 

If a truck driver decides to use a laptop computer for his/her navigational needs, a software program are not the only thing needed, a good laptop mount stand is essential.  A semi truck driver needs one that offers such functions as:  being able to swivel from side to side easily, 
a secure and easy mounting system that will not allow the laptop to fall or drop, allowing for clear viewing angles, a mount that does not get in the way of driving, an allowance for tilting and vibration from the road when driving, and possibly even a mount that will attach easily to the truck and then onto the laptop computer.

If you are a semi driver and don’t really like the idea of using a lap top computer or just do not like computers in general, you still have  a few choices when it comes to Gps systems, one very popular choice is the Copilot Truck Gps.  The makers of this system just came out with their newest version, version 11.  Here is a sampling of some of the capabilities and features it offers:

Toll avoidance
Low bridge avoidance
Street by street routing with map turn arrows
Lane change warnings
Fuel cost wizard
Notifies you when you approaching gas stations, restaurants and rest points

Easy to use
You don’t have to be a computer genius to use
Real time tracking

Average costs ranges from $195 to $360 depending on functions you choose

There are a few more brands and models to choose from when buying a Gps system for semi trucks.   Shop around and pick the one that would best suit your business and driving needs. The basics most semi drivers will look for in a Gps system is accuracy ease of use, durability and whether the system has the basic functions needed. 

Plus, don’t forget after purchasing, the owner of the semi truck and or business can more than likely used the newly purchased Gps system as a business write off come tax time.

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