Archive for the 'GPS' Category

Best GPS for Geocaching Posted By : Thomas B. Asbury

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Thats right, there is no one perfect GPS for geocaching. There may be one that you consider perfect for yourself, but probably not everyone has the same needs you do. However, overall there are highly recommended GPS for geocaching out there, and they are all listed below. These are considered the best GPS for geocaching. The geocaching community has rated these as the most popular GPS for geocaching in the last year. However, choosing a good GPS for geocaching depends on what and how you, personally, plan on using your GPS in the quest for the cache. I can’t tell you the one single GPS that has been proven the best for geocaching, though I have put together a list of the most qualified and top rated GPS for geocaching. So I encourage you to look into each of these GPS and find what exactly it is that you are looking for and choose which GPS is best suited for your geocaching needs. GPS technology is constantly changing so check back often for updates.



Features of the Best GPS for Geocaching:

Long battery life (between 15-25 hours)

Plenty of memory to hold waypoints (14-25 MB should be good)

Easily portable/light weight (hand held)

I geocache at night so a easily readable screen

WAAS capability (allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters)

Water proof/resistant

Top Rated GPS for Geocaching

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Garmin Etrex Legend

Magellan Explorist 200

Garmin GPS 60

Long Battery Life for a Handheld GPS

One of the best features a handheld GPS can have is a long battery life. Geocaching is suppose to be a relaxing hobby where geocachers can enjoy taking their time in the great outdoors. A long battery life for a GPS can save a lot of frustration while geocaching. It allows for more wilderness geocaching where the prize might be miles away or there could be several geocaching waypoints in the area, which happens a lot in cities. So be sure you add this feature to your list when deciding the best GPS for geocaching.

GPS Needs Plenty of Memory While Geocaching

It is a common practice to revisit waypoints several times because the geocaching treasure is constantly changing. If you are one to revisit geocaching waypoints then your GPS will start to run out of memory and it is hard to decide which waypoints you need to delete in order to enter new ones. So when shopping for a GPS be sure you save yourself the hassle of having to decide which waypoints are more important and get plenty of memory for your geocaching GPS.

Geocaching GPS Should be Light Weight and Portable

No one enjoys walking around the woods geocaching while carrying a big heavy burden of a GPS. There are some handheld GPS that weigh up to 3.5 pounds. That would be a terror to go geocaching with. Anything over 2 pounds is a little to heavy to be considered in the best GPS for geocaching category. So try and stay under 2 pounds when shopping for your geocaching GPS.

GPS Should Have WAAS Capability to be Good for Geocaching

WAAS has been around for awhile and yet many GPS owners still have no idea what it is. WAAS capability basically allows for a GPS unit’s accuracy to be within 3 meters. When it comes to geocaching this is key. No one hides their prizes out in the open so it really is important to get as close to the waypoints provided as possible, and a GPS with WAAS capability can do just that for you. So, again, when deciding which GPS is the best for your geocaching needs be sure to include WAAS capability as a must have feature.

When Geocaching GPS Need to be Water Resistant/Water Proof

As most already know, geocaching, is an outdoor sport, which means weather applys. When it comes to a $100+ piece of equipment thats primary use is outdoors you don’t want a little water to ruin it. So be sure your geocaching GPS is some what water resistant. Particularly if you are one to go geocaching in the woods where there are plenty of places to accidentally drop the GPS into standing water.


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Top Rated Portable Handheld GPS Posted By : Thomas B. Asbury

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Thats right, there is no one perfect handheld GPS for everyone. There may be one that you consider perfect for yourself, but probably not everyone has the same needs you do. However, overall there are highly recommended handheld GPS out there, and they are all listed below. These are considered the top rated handheld GPS. A reliable community of assorted handheld GPS users has rated these as the most popular/satisfactory handheld GPS out there. However, choosing a good handheld GPS for yourself depends on what and how you, personally, plan on using your GPS. I can’t tell you the one single handheld GPS that has been proven to be the best, simply becauce there hasn’t been one. Though I have put together a list of the most qualified and top rated handheld GPS. So I encourage you to look into each of these GPS and find what exactly it is that you are looking for and choose which GPS is best suited for you. GPS technology is constantly changing so check back often for updates.

Features of the Top Rated Handheld GPS:



-Long battery life (between 15-25 hours)

-Plenty of memory to hold waypoints (14-25 MB should be good)

-Easily portable/light weight (hand held)

-Easily readable screen (mapping)

-WAAS capability (allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters)

-Water proof/resistant

Top Rated Handheld GPS

-Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

-Garmin Etrex Legend

-Magellan Explorist 200

-Garmin GPS 60

Long Battery Life for a Portable Handheld GPS

Portable GPS should be just that, portable. When you are out and about with your handheld GPS you won’t always have the opportunity to charge up. And you don’t want to be confined on how far you can go with your handheld GPS by its batter life. So make sure when you are looking to buy one of these top rated portable handheld GPS that it has a long battery life.

The Best Portable Handheld GPS Should Have Plenty of Memory

Because portable handheld GPS units are generally smaller manufactures try to cut costs by not putting in the more expensive more compact memory. So if you buy a GPS that is to your liking in size it might not have nearly enough memory for you to be happy with. So be sure when you are buying your handheld GPS that it has a satisfactory amount of memory to hold waypoints.

The Top Rated Portable Handheld GPS Should be Light Weight

Bigger is not always better. Especially when dealing with portable handheld GPS. No one wants a massive break of a GPS that basically can only be mount, thus taking about from the “portable” aspect. Some handheld GPS weigh up to 3.5 pounds, which for most people would be much to heavy. When looking for portable handheld GPS try and stay under 2 pounds.

The Best Portable Handheld GPS Should Have WAAS Capability

In order to be considered the “best” or “top rated” portable handheld GPS it must have WAAS capability. Most GPS have no idea what WAAS is. Basically WAAS is technology in the GPS that allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters. WAAS might not be the deciding factor on your handheld GPS, it all depends on how you want to us the GPS. So think about how you plan on using your handheld GPS and if you need more accuracy then go with WAAS, otherwise save your money.

The Top Rated Handheld GPS Needs to be Water Resistant/Water Proof

When it comes to a $100+ piece of equipment that’s primary use is outdoors you don’t want a little water to ruin it. So be sure your portable handheld GPS is some what water resistant, particularly if you use your GPS out in the open.


Original source is here

Best GPS for Hunting Posted By : Thomas B. Asbury

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

That’s right; there is no one perfect GPS for hunting. There may be one that you consider perfect for yourself, but probably not everyone has the same needs you do. However, overall there are highly recommended GPS for hunting out there, and they are all listed below. These are considered the best GPS for hunting. The hunting community has rated these as the most popular GPS for hunting. However, choosing a good GPS for hunting depends on what and how you, personally, plan on using your GPS for the hunt. I can’t tell you the one single GPS that has been proven the best for hunting, though I have put together a list of the most qualified and top rated GPS for hunting. So I encourage you to look into each of these GPS and find what exactly it is that you are looking for and choose which GPS is best suited for you. GPS technology is constantly changing so check back often for updates.



Features of the Best GPS for Hunting:

-Long battery life (between 15-25 hours)

-Plenty of memory to hold waypoints (14-25 MB should be good)

-Easily portable/light weight (hand held)

-I hunt at night so a easily readable screen

-WAAS capability (allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters)

-Water proof/resistant

Top Rated GPS for Hunting

-Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

-Garmin Etrex Camo

-Magellan Explorist 200

-Garmin GPS 60

Long Battery Life for a Handheld GPS

One of the best features a handheld GPS can have is a long battery life. Hunting is not a short event most go hunting for days even. A long battery life for a GPS can save a lot of frustration while hunting. It allows for longer hunting trips to locations you would not be able to go without a GPS with longer battery life. So be sure you add this feature to your list when deciding the best GPS for hunting.

GPS Needs Plenty of Memory While Hunting

It is a common practice to revisit waypoints several times because most hunters have spots they like. If you are one to revisit waypoints your GPS will start to run out of memory and no one wants to delete spots that have been good to them in the past for hunting. So when shopping for a GPS be sure you save yourself the hassle of having to decide which waypoints are more important and get plenty of memory for your hunting GPS.

Hunting GPS Should be Light Weight and Portable

No one enjoys walking around the woods hunting while carrying a big heavy burden of a GPS. There are some handheld GPS that weigh up to 3.5 pounds. That would be a terror to go hunting with. Anything over 2 pounds is a little to heavy to be considered in the best GPS for deer hunting category. So try and stay under 2 pounds when shopping for your hunting GPS.

GPS Should Have WAAS Capability to be Good for Hunting

WAAS has been around for awhile and yet many GPS owners still have no idea what it is. WAAS capability basically allows for a GPS unit’s accuracy to be within 3 meters. When hunting you want to know exactly where you are and how far you have to go in case of an accident. So when deciding which GPS is the best for your hunting needs be sure to include WAAS capability as a must have feature.

When Hunting GPS Need to be Water Resistant/Water Proof

As most already know, hunting, is an outdoor sport, which means weather applys. When it comes to a $100+ piece of equipment thats primary use is outdoors you don’t want a little water to ruin it. So be sure your hunting GPS is some what water resistant. Particularly if you are one to go hunting in the woods where there are plenty of places to accidentally drop the GPS into standing water.


Original source is here

GPS devices is also for climate condition Posted By : Alice

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System that enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time with the help of precise microwave signals. It was developed by the United States Department of Defense, and was christened officially as NAVSTAR GPS. Generally GPS is widely used around the globe as a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. It is also an ingredient product in the scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. It is through three or more than three GPS satellites, the GPS calculates position.

Generally, GPS is divided into three major segments; mainly space segment (SS), control segment (CS), and a user segment (US). To calculate the position by a GPS receiver, it requires the current time, the position of the satellite and the measured delay of the received signal. The position accuracy is basically dependent on the satellite position and signal delay. With the help of higher-chiprate P(Y) signal, position accuracy can be improved. Assuming the same 1% bit time accuracy, the high frequency P(Y) signal results in accuracy of about 30 centimeters.



Definitely, the atmospheric conditions play an important role in the speed of GPS signals. Any inconsistency in the atmospheric condition can affect the speed of the GPS signals as they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere can affect the speed of the GPS signals as they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere.

It was in the days of cold war that the US decided to develop GPS. The launching of Sputnik by the Soviet Union motivated NASA for the development of this project to trace the movements of the satellite Sputnik which later started using for civilian purposes. In the present days the purposes of GPS ranges from path finding for drivers to gathering of information on climatic conditions.


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GPS Tracking For Children: What You Need To Know Posted By : Alvin Toh

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

GPS or global positioning system is a tracking system that can keep track of location via the use of satellite systems. A GPS tracking device can easily be attached to a car, person, backpack, etc.

What is GPS tracking for children?

GPS tracking for children uses a lightweight tracking device that can attach to a backpack or clip onto pants. Some GPS tracking devices for children are worn like watches or even attached to the shoes. The GPS tracking for children allows parents to easily find a child who gets lost or wanders away. It can also be used to help locate a child that is abducted.



How does GPS tracking work?

The GPS utilizes satellite-based navigation techniques. There are a series of satellites used for this purpose which were put into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. The signals emitted are specially coded so that the receivers can process the information and distinguish it from other information. GPS satellites are constantly circling the earth, providing precise information. The system can take the information from the signal and calculate the exact location of the user.

GPS tracking is done through various companies equipped for this service. The GPS device is purchased and programmed appropriately. Parents subscribe to a monthly user service. The fees for these services vary. The tracking device is attached to the child or kept in the child’s possession and turned on. The system can track people to within about several yards so it is quite accurate.

What can I find out from the tracking system?

That depends on the type of tracking service you get. There are some service plans that offer several “trackings” per month while other plans may offer unlimited trackings. Some can give you the tracking information through the internet or by telephone while others may provide software for your computer so that you can do the tracking yourself. Most tracking systems offer optional reports so you can see the activity on the tracking device. Real time tracking is typically more expensive.

Most parents use GPS tracking system to find a child that is lost. The technology is able to locate the street or actual address of an individual with incredible accuracy. Parents can use tracking software to find the location or call up the tracking company who can quickly provide details of the location.

What are the negatives?

For one thing, GPS tracking systems for children are expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 onwards for the device itself. Monthly service plans may cost between $25 and $100 a month. Multiple devices (for several children) definitely cost more.

GPS tracking system for children can give parents a peace of mind. However, some children, especially as they become older, may not want to use the device and they may simply turn it off. Nevertheless, it should be considered a valuable parenting tool that is particularly well suited to younger children. Don’t use the device instead of good old-fashioned parenting. Always provide ample age-appropriate supervision to your children.


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Why You are Missing Out If Your Vehicle Does Not Have A GPS Posted By : Danny Wright

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

There is no denying that GPS systems in vehicles have become increasingly popular recently, largely due to their efficiency and the increased marketing. You and your vehicle will benefit from this system in a number of different ways. But simply having the system is not enough you also need to be familiar with how you can benefit from it and how to use it.

For many people, the usefulness of GPS for vehicles comes with the panic button. The panic button can be used in the case of an emergency ranging from a fender bender to an accident to a theft. As you push the button, an operator at the GPS carrier is contacted. From there, you can either speak with the operator or the operator will notify authorities immediately.



Many cars also have a button that says communication so that you can talk with an operator without there being an emergency. You may use this button in the event that your car breaks down or you are having mechanical problems. It can be settling knowing that all you have to do is push a button and you can have someone come pick you up.

Another advantage of having a GPS is being able to see where your kids are at when they first get their licenses. You can keep an eye on where the car is without actually interrupting their plans. No longer do you have to pest them with a curfew or where they can and cannot go.

The most obvious reason, though, to have a GPS for your vehicle is to know where your car is when it is stolen. If you are ever a victim of vehicle theft, it is extremely easy to retrieve your vehicle or find out where it is heading. All you have to do is inform your GPS carrier that the vehicle has been stolen and they will be able to track the exact location and speed of the car.

Along with that, the GPS carrier will also be able to track where the car is heading so that you can keep an eye on where to meet them. The GPS carrier will then notify the authorities so they can jump the gun and catch up with the thief. And in no time you will have your vehicle back in your hands.

Technology has made things so much safer and easier on life and GPS is a prime example of this. The usefulness of GPS for vehicles comes into play for your safety and the safety of your cars. If you are stranded you can quickly have help on the way, and if your car is stolen authorities can be on the way as well. It truly is a device that you do not want to miss out on.


Original source is here

GPS: Helps You Head Towards the Right Direction Posted By : dylanamelia

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

GPS stands for Global Positions System which is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 27 satellites. These satellites are placed into the orbit by the U.S. Department of Defence. Initially meant for military applications, GPS came into civilian use since the 1980s. But unlike today, the system was not available with the mobile phones. Nowadays, many companies have launched GPS mobile phones which help one to get a glimpse of his/her position in a specific geographical location 24 hours a day.

The design of GPS is based partly on the similar ground-based radio navigation systems, such as LORAN and the Decca Navigator developed in the early 1940s, and used during World War II. Not only the GPS is used only in mobile phones, there are stand-alone GPS navigation systems which help you in guiding you in the right track. Advanced GPS navigation system now comes equipped with several car models across the globe. GPS is also proving to be a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. Moreover, GPS provides a precise time reference for scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.



Like a navigation system, GPS enabled mobile phones can help one in getting step by step directions in getting to his/her destination. GPS enabled mobile phones show what your movements are making progress. The main advantage in the GPS enable mobile phone is its re-routing potential. When one moves to the wrong direction, the GPS enabled mobile phones indicate his/her wrong movements and helps to go in the correct direction to reach a particular place.

When it comes to the GPS enabled mobile phones, companies like BlackBerry and Nokia are the market leaders. For standalone GPS devices, Garmin, Magellan, Panasonic Strada, Tomtom, Mitac Mio are the best choices.


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Doh! Man Steals GPS Tracking Device Posted By : Michael Kryzer

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

I was just reading about what I think must be the dumbest crime of the century. It happened a few years ago and involved a 40 year-old man allegedly stealing a GPS tracking base unit worth $2,500 which was being used to monitor criminals on probation.

The authorities were quickly notified that it had been moved and its new location was very easily tracked, leading authorities to the suspect’s apartment. I guess he didn’t even know what it was he had stolen.



GPS units are more common today, and considerably less expensive. Have you ever wondered how does GPS work? Many Global Positioning System satellites orbit the globe, transmitting signals to receivers on the ground. The signals from different satellites arrive at a GPS receiver unit at slightly different times due to varying distances. The distance to any satellites can be calculated using the amount of time it takes for the signal to reach the receiver. So by calculating the distance to several GPS satellites, the exact location of the receiver can be quickly determined.

Drivers are using GPS navigation units in their vehicles. A GPS navigation system has built in software that displays maps of the immediate area. Some GPS navigation systems will even give you voice direction and even suggest alternative routes and shortcuts. But perhaps even more importantly, if you need any road side assistance in an emergency, at the press of a button you will know exactly where you are located so help can get there quicker.

But GPS navigation is not just for drivers. You can have GPS navigation in your mobile device or PocketPC.

GPS tracking devices are also becoming very popular. GPS tracking devices are small units that can be attached to something to keep track of wherever it goes. People use GPS tracking units to keep track of their family members and valuable assets. For example you might use a tiny GPS tracking device to keep track of the exact location of your motor vehicles, your pets, or even your children or your spouse.

There are several different types of GPS tracking device - some provide tracking data in real time, others keep a record that can be downloaded to your computer later.

Except for the poor thief who certainly lucked out, the rest of us can enjoy the many benefits that GPS systems provide, not only in time savings but having additional security and peace of mind.


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Get Digital in 2008 with a PDA Posted By : Allweb

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

A personal digital assistant is the best way to organize your busy schedule as effectively as possible. The PDA is a small gadget that will fit in anyone’s pocket and will do so many things for a person. At the beginning, the PDAs were meant to be only organizers, but the latest PDAs such as the Gmate Yopy, the BlackBerries, the HP iPaq feature MP3 players, radios plus cameras and recorders, which means that these are multi purpose devices that can come in handy to a wide range of people. The best and the latest such gadgets on the market are the HP iPaq PDA, Acer N Series PDA, AlphaSmart PDA, Amida PDA, BlackBerry PDA, Casio Pocket Viewer PDA, Dell Axim PDA or the GMate Yopy.

For example, the GMate Yopy is a 206MHz ARM processor and 128 MB RAM sturdy device with an MP3 player and a Paint program plus some video games that will entertain you. As the majority of PDAs the GMate works with Linux. Other PDAs employ Windows Vista or Sympbian OS. BlackBerries are also very popular and you can check out the Curve, the 8800 or the Pearl for a quality device. The PDAs function with memory card slots, and you can improve the memory and store more info if you get more GB. As a rule, PDAs have a SD or Compact Flash card slot, and USB ports for USB flash drives.So, do you need to organize your day and not to leave out anything, leave that to your PDA.



Do you want to check your email? Your PDA gives you access to Internet so you can check out several web sites as well. The connection on your PDA is good, so you can use this while you are away on business or you simply out of the office and away from a computer. As a matter of fact, a PDA can easily replace a laptop, being many times smaller than a laptop. But there is only one small drawback: the screen is small; however, the screen may be a touch screen for the newest PDAs and it is available as colored screen as well. If you need to calculate anything, you can use the PDA. Other features that a PDA has in stock for you are the camera features: you can take pics, record videos, and then you can typewrite, use the PDA as a word processor, or make your spreadsheets for a presentation. Last but not least, a PDA has an incorporated mobile phone, being a good GPS, so you can’t complain, this gadget has them all.


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Features Put the Function in Outdoor GPS Devices Posted By : Jen Wasilewski

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

A few years ago getting lost in the woods would only require a bad decision, a brief moment of disorientation, or a variation in the trail. Now, with a GPS, you can find your way from the beginning to the end or anywhere in the middle. If you’re an outdoors lover in search of some extra backup, look for these forest friendly features.



  • While most personal GPS devices are moderately light weight, when you’re purchasing one for hiking, hunting, or camping, look for one that is extremely light weight and can readily fit in your pants or jacket pocket. You want it to be a welcome addition to your outdoor activities, no a bulky hindrance.

  • The ability to actually see the screen is something we often take for granted while researching GPS’s. To get the most use out of your GPS, find one that will be visible in the dark as well as in various degrees of light. While general daylight may not present a problem, during several points of the day the sun may cause an intense glare rendering your system useless. It’s also important to find one that you that is visually effective at dusk and well after into the night. Your system is useless if you can’t see it.

  • A GPS made for rugged outdoor activities is built different than a GPS that remains in the shelter or an automobile. An environment full of hazards like rocks, gravel, water, and shrubbery can be tough on a GPS. Outdoor activities often entail walking or crawling through areas heavily populated with masses that can potentially can cause harm to your GPS. Outdoor activities also put your device at risk for water damage. A sudden rain storm or a brief dip in a puddle can wreak havoc on your system. It’s not beyond the realms of possibilities to assume that even with the uttermost care, accidents can and will happen, therefore look for GPS that is scratch resistant and water proof.

  • Hiking and other related activities can be a great way to train and test your endurance. If you’re a full time outdoor type who likes to do athletic training outdoors, or keep track of how long it take to reach certain destinations then a GPS can be a great way of timing your progress. Track your performance and watch your progress continue to build with each adventure your find yourself on. The amount and type of training features you’re GPS has is really up to you, however, know how long it takes you to get from point A to point B can be a very handy reference tool.

  • Look for something that has offers the optimal amount of channels that you can receive. Having more channels will allow you a better reception more often. While automotive systems generally work to guide through well charted areas, when you’re in the woods, you are often in dense forests and therefore in uncharted areas. If you do happen to get lost or need to refresh your directions, having multi channel parallel receiver will give you a better chance at getting reception , finding your location, and making your way to your destination.


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