GPS Systems and Reviews

Buy GPS Systems

What to think about when buying GPS systems

Buy GPS Systems
So you decided to join the new age and buy your first GPS system. Congratulations.  Now you must decide on what type to buy.  To help you in this decision, here are a few things to consider.

Why do you want this system?

Are you buying one for navigational purposes?  If you are, where will you be using it the most? Will it only be used in your car?  If this is the case, you may want an auto tracker.  But will you also want to use it when hiking, biking or running?  If so, you may want something that is more portable.

But then again, think about how you bike, run or hike.  Is this just a leisurely type of activity that you do on occasion or are you a type of person who takes this really seriously?  Are you training for an event?  Are you really trying to improve your fitness level or time?  Is this the main reason you need a GPS unit? 

Yes, the purpose of the unit is the main thing you need to know before purchasing.  If you don’t know the main reason why you will be using it, you won’t know what features you will need.

If you say you need it for driving and you drive more than one vehicle, than a portable GPS unit that has mapping capabilities may be what you need.  You might want maps that have all the major highways all ready preprogrammed.  You might want to be able to find out instantly (in real time) what areas are congested with traffic.  You might want to be able to chart your driving course, know the approximate time it will take you to get to point a to point b and finally to your destination.  You might even enjoy some extra features like being able to receive voice command direction turn for turn, finding out about the gas prices in the area and even fun points of interest. 

Yes, you are able to buy GPS systems that have all of that included and even download software programs that will give you more functions.

You can also buy systems that will make your sports life more enjoyable by allowing you to chart your course, save your course onto a computer for viewing and editing, as well as estimating the time it should take you to run, hike or bike the course.

Knowing why you want this system is your first important decision.

Now that you know why you want it, you should start thinking about the functions you want. 

For instance, is it essential that it is easy to use?  Do you like units with easy to find buttons?  What about how the programs and information is downloaded?  Do you need this to be via a USB port or a serial port?

Then there is the display function?  Do you prefer color?  Most people say color displays are easier to read?

Keep these types of functions in mind.

What type of device do you want?

Do you wish to have a PDA with GPS functions added onto it?  A cell phone with GPS additions?  A GPS wristwatch?   A basic handheld GPS unit and or tracker?

Now analyze your budget.  What can you afford?  Can you afford a monthly subscription?  Yes, some services may require this.

Do the math before you go shopping.  This makes it easier when choosing models, brands and types of devices.

Where and how do you want to shop for this system?

Do you prefer to do your shopping online?  You can review many products without being bothered by a salesperson.  You can also read reviews left at many sites by previous customers.  Many sites even offer live operators to help you.

Do you prefer to do your shopping locally at an electronic store, sporting store or department store?

Maybe you would like to compare prices before you actually shop.  You can do this easily online and at your local stores, by calling ahead and asking about prices.

Remember you can also save money sometimes by checking out sale items both online and at your local stores.

You should also consider how important warranties are to you?

Most local stores and online stores will offer you a small limited warranty.  Is factory warranties important to you or does the option of buying an upgraded warranty appeal to you?  Ask about your options when it comes to warranties and what they cover and entail.
By knowing what you want and having a game plan before shopping, you end up with a better deal and you end up buying something that is more to your liking.  You should do this with all your major purchases, including GPS systems.

 

 

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Add more functions to your GPS units with GPS software

GPS software
There are many GPS units you can buy. You can buy handheld devices to help you navigate your way, watches to chart your course and time it, too, auto GPS to keep you from getting lost to name a few.

All of these units come with some exceptional functions.  Yet, many of us love the idea of upgrading.  We can do this by adding additional software programs to our devices.  These software programs will make our units even more invaluable and easier to use.

Here are some software choices you may want to consider:

Google Earth

This allows its user to view map and satellite images. 

Type in an address and you can zoom right onto it.  You can also search for areas schools, restaurants, parks, etc.

You can save your favorite searches.

This is a free tool offered by Google.

3D ROUTE BUILDER FOR GOOGLE EARTH

With this software program you are able to build and edit GPS routes in Google Earth.

Real time Playback.

EXPERT GPS

This is a mapping software program that will work with Windows XP and Vista.  It allows its user to view GPS waypoints and tracklogs from almost any brand handheld tracking device (such as Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and Eagle to name a few brands).  It also allows its users to course a map or track and then send it to its receiver once it is satisfied with the completed results.  Works with both Topo maps and aerial maps.

EASY GPS

This is another free software program that will allow its user to transfer data such as your routes and tracks from almost any GPS device to a computer.  It is a fast and easy to use program tool.  

The tool will list the waypoints on the left side of the screen.  Then it will show a plot of the data collected from the GPS device on the right side of the screen.

Its user can back up data, organize data, print maps and load new waypoints easily and quick.

MAPQUEST NAVIGATOR 5.0

This is a special subscribed software program.  It gives its user the ability to enjoy voice guided directions and other wonderful features such as:

Easy to use menus

3D moving maps

Clear voice that can give turn by turn directions

Real time traffic alerts (great when driving in congested areas)

Special no glare night lighting

A special area to save favorite or used often directions called My Place Foloder

Plus, area gas prices

16 million points of interest

Monthly subscription usually runs a little over $4.00 a month.  May not be operational in all areas.

TRAIL RUNNER SOFTWARE

This software program is great for all types of sports enthusiasts such as:  bikers, runners, skiers, even inline skaters.

You can time your workout routes from start to finish.

You can check your pace.

You can load and design maps of your course.

You can monitor your heart rate.

You have the internet capability to add any background and elevation data you may need.

If you are using a Garmin device it can work along side the Garmin training center to help you plan your workouts.

PROLOOPER

This is a golf game analyzer software.  It uses a yardage device to gauge every shot a golfer makes.  Then it can analyze the shot to tell you exactly where it lands, accuracy of the shot, pattern of the shot, score, distance each club makes as well as sand saving percentages and scrambling percentages.

This software only works with devices that are compatible with handheld GPS yardage devices. User must also have an account with prolooper.com and a computer that is enabled with Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater.

STARCADDY

This is a golfing software program that can be downloaded onto your PDA device. 

It can display a digital map of your golf course.
Give you the exact distance to the green, sand trap or any where else on the course.
Analyze key elements that can help you to choose which club to use each time for each stroke.
Help you to  improve your game.
Easy to pinpoint or zoom in on your position with an easy to read X.
Keeps score for you.

Some software programs are all ready loaded onto your GPS devices when you buy them.  Some you need to purchase.  Other programs can be found for free online.

You don’t necessarily need additional software programs to make your GPS device run better. You may be satisfied with its current capabilities.  But if you are the type of person who likes the best in everything, then you may want to consider adding more software programs to your devices today.

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