Portable GPS Map Units - How You Can Use Them

Portable GPS maps units can be helpful in a number of ways. If you have this wonderful handheld GPS tool with you, you can give free reign to the explorer in you and enjoy as many hiking and biking expeditions as you want. You can always depend on your portable GPS maps units to keep you on the right track. For this reason, you should be armed with a good variety of GPS maps that can help you to navigate the trip you want to undertake in your vehicle. It is also desirable that these GPS maps are accurate and detailed.

Your portable GPS unit may be pre-loaded with GPS maps, but very often you will find that the details you desire will be lacking in them. Your portable GPS unit could well prove to be a life saver in case you lose your way during your expedition. So acquiring detailed and accurate GPS maps for the portable unit is of prime importance. If you are heading towards an unfamiliar location and that location is not incorporated in the pre-loaded software coming with the GPS unit, you can well imagine the plight you will land in.

It is very easy to locate GPS maps for GPS units. If you will go to the internet, you will find many websites that will offer your free downloadable GPS maps. At the click of the mouse, you can download these GPS maps directly on to the hard drive of your computer and subsequently upload these to your portable GPS unit. A Google search on "GPS maps" will help you locate these places with various detailed maps for any number of destinations.

Actually, there is hardly any difference between the GPS portable maps and the GPS maps for regular GPS device which is mounted, except the fact that they exist in a smaller size in keeping with the smaller screens. Despite that, all the details that go in for a regular navigation system will be incorporated in the GPS maps for the portable units. These will contain all the specifics like the destination information keeping you on track and the information on the terrain of the area. This is a boon for bikers and hikers as it is relatively easy to lose your way in the woods. You have a fancy compass in the guise of your hand held portable GPS unit which can even communicate with you to guide you back on your track.

You may also opt for as many detailed and accurate GPS maps as you can for portable units so as to ensure your peace of mind while on your expeditions. Then you can leave your worries of getting lost in an unfamiliar destination way behind and enjoy your trip fully.

Abhishek is a passionate about Global Positioning Systems and he has got some great GPS Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 109 Page Ebook, "GPS Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Auto-Whiz.com/12/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Automotive GPS Units - Practical Technology

Prior to the invention of automotive GPS units, traveling to unknown areas had to be done through reading a map and/or asking for directions. Both methods had problems. For instance, how can one effectively read a map while driving? Map-reading is only best if there is another passenger in the car, which isn't always possible. Asking for directions can also be annoying, at least if the person giving the directions does so in a manner that is not as clear.

Fortunately, with the emergence of automotive GPS units the process of map-reading and getting directions has never been easier as each can be done either through voice activation, touching the screen, pushing buttons or a combination. Maps pinpointing the exact location pop right up on the screen, while directions can be given through a computer-generated voice. Nothing could be easier or better. The only issue is deciding which automotive GPS unit should be purchased. This article will serve as a guide telling consumers what they should be on the lookout for when choosing automotive GPS units.

The first area of consideration when buying automotive GPS units is seeing how accurate the device is. One way to determine this is by how many channels the GPS unit has. This is because more channels means the unit will be able to communicate with a larger number of satellites, resulting in more coverage. Another way to determine the accuracy of most automotive GPS units is through how its antenna is designed. Make sure the antenna is placed in an area of the unit where it will be able to stand freely.

The next thing to think about when looking at automotive GPS units is size. There are some automotive GPS units that will not be portable. Onstar, which has to be installed in one's car, is an example of an automotive GPS unit that can not be moved from car-to-car. Many other automotive GPS units vary in portability.

Thirdly, perspective buyers of automotive GPS units should take notice of a unit's interface. More expensive automotive GPS units will contain voice-activation and/or touch-screens, while cheaper ones can only be used through a series of buttons. If another person is in the car, using buttons is not as bad, but if only the driver can use the unit, it is important that it be as hands-free as possible. It is also important to try to get an automotive GPS unit that has the capability to give directions through a computer-generated voice. Doing so is another way to ensure that the driver of the car keeps their eyes on the road and nowhere else.

The software that the automotive automotive GPS unit uses is also critical. Most top of the line units have very good mapping software included with the unit. However, as time passes the mapping software becomes out of date. You should make sure that you automotive GPS units software is updated at least once every 6 months. Frequently there is cost for this service but if you live in fast growing urban environment then it is a good investment. Your automotive GPS unit is only as good as its operating and mapping software.

When looking at automotive GPS units one should consider: ease of use, accuracy, size and interface. Keeping these elements in mind ensures that a buyer obtains an automotive GPS unit that is reliable and will best assist them when they are on the road.

James Kesel, MS is the Publisher of GPS Auto Tracker providing information on automotive GPS units and the latest GPS Tracking and Navigation systems.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Are Portable GPS Units Still Viable? GPS Smartphones and Tablets Emerging

When people hear the word GPS, what immediately comes into mind are those sleek and classy dashboard devices in their new cars. But what if you're driving an old unit without a built-in GPS, and then finding yourself lost on your way to a really important interview? The solution to such problems - make use of a portable GPS.

The question however is whether GPS units are still viable, now with a whole bunch of GPS-enabled smartphones and even tablets flooding the market. Making the selection can be a bit so with this in mind, the following article intends to bridge the gap and help consumers in this selection process.

GPS Navigation on Smartphones and Tablets

Most phones out in the market have some sort of GPS receiving capability built into it. With older units people can only do as much as use these phones to transmit to a Public Safety Answering Point. But with emerging GPS software available in smartphones, users can enjoy full GPS receiver capabilities giving them turn-by-turn instructions on how to go to a certain location or establishment.

Smartphone users can access these features by subscribing to a calling plan that supports GPS information and process transmission of maps. These maps can give information on landmarks, businesses and other establishments near your vicinity. Such features are great for using the smartphone not only as a direction-finding tool but also as a tracking device.

Comparing Portable GPS Navigators and Smartphones

* Features

With smartphones offering GPS capabilities as part of their broad range of features, portable GPS units are stepping things up to keep consumers like you interested in the portable navigation device market. On top of its core function of providing reliable GPS directions, you can enjoy other features in your portable GPS unit that were used exclusively by smartphones, PDAs and tablets.

These features include sending and receiving SMS messages, surfing the internet, watching your favorite videos, and much more including allowing you to make phone calls. You can also send a web link of your exact location using Google maps to your friends by SMS.

* Signal

Smartphones rely on towers to send and receive GPS signals. Users can receive clear signals with this however, interruptions can occur if you're near tall buildings, a mountain or inside elevators. How far apart between towers of your service providers can also determine the signal strength of your GPS. Portable GPS navigators on the other hand make use of radio waves transmitted from the more than 27 GPS satellites orbiting the globe.

* Display

Smartphones are limited by their screen sizes, usually averaging at 2.7 inches or going as wide as 4.3 inches. Portable GPS navigators on the other hand can offer larger screens from 4.7 inches to as high as 6 inches on newer models. The size of the screen and its resolution is important in giving you a better and much clearer view of text and maps to guide you on your way.

* Cost

Portable GPS navigators out in the market can range from high-end $250+ models to units priced lower than $100. Smartphones on the other hand may need to be more competitive in this area. Subsidized phones with a service plan can cost less than $199 but you can get tied up with a single provider. Unlocked phones are available however this can go as high as $430 or more on the average.

Making the Right Choice

If you are stuck with making the choice between a smartphone and a portable GPS navigator, the key thing to answer is your purpose for using the device and which features you will use most of the time. Will you use the GPS features much more as compared to the other features of smartphones not present in portable GPS devices? Your own answers to these questions can guide you in making the right selection for your needs.

Get the portable GPS units with a 'shelf life' visit Chinavasion.com or paste this link into your browser: http://www.chinavasion.com/gps-sat-nav/

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.