The GPSMAP 60CSx Is A Reliable GPS Navigation System
April 7, 2009
The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is a great mid-range, hand-held site navigation device. It’s a little heavier than the cheapest or most expensive Garmins, but it still floats, if need be. It comes with a 128 microSD card and is geocaching/game friendly. Compared to your bare bones GPS, you’ll get a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, turn-by-turn directions, tide tables, a high-sensitivity receiver, which will give you reception even in those remote areas, and custom points of interest.
The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx retails around $535.70, but can be found for as low as $191.50 at www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com or $339 at www.zappos.com. Compared to the $249 Garmin GPSMAP 60, this upgraded version comes with three important new features. First, the new SiRFSTARIII chip set has received wide acclaim for its ability to beam signals under canopies, around buildings, down into canyons and in typically hard-to-reach places. Secondly, this new Garmin model has traded in the dated internal memory system for a microSD card slot that can be upgraded instead, giving you unlimited storage capacity and the ability to use any new map software that comes out. Thirdly, the 60CSx comes with an electronic compass and barometric altimeter that the GPSMap 60CS doesn’t even have.
There are many functions for your GPSMAP 60CSx that you’ll find useful in the wilderness or out on the seas. For instance, those on a fitness routine can appreciate the trip computer with odometer, which indicates how long you’ve been stopped, what your moving average is, the total time, your max speed and more. Mariners can make use of the audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course indication and waypoint proximity. Hikers can backtrack easily using a 10,000-point automatic track log, with 20 saved tracks. Hunters and fishers can look at built-in celestial tables for the sun and moon, which calculate the optimal time to fish or hunt. Drivers can use the automatic routing GPS systems to help them get from point A to point B.
If you’re used to the old GPSMAP 60CS, then you may notice there are some modifications in auto-routing with your new GPSMAP 60CSx. For starters, you’ll notice the newer version calculates a route twice as fast as the old version. In a 140-mile trek with 26 turns, the 60CSx takes 18.8 seconds to route, compared to the 39.4 seconds it took for the 60CS. Additionally, the recalculations if you miss a turn are much faster on the new version too. Some people like turn warnings well in advance, but the 60CSx turn warnings are presented much later. The one true con for this newer version, however, is the battery life. While you’re likely to get 27 hours from your AAs, you’ll still have about 30% less battery life, no matter how conservative you try to be.
The GPSMAP 60 Has Many Benefits
April 7, 2009
The slogan for the GPSMAP 60 is “Making it easy to navigate the great outdoors.” This affordable GPS navigation system is ideal for the occasional hike, sailboat ride or hunting trip. The long battery life, its quick reception and durability make this choice a winner for new users who want to try out the system without dropping $600. Drivers will probably prefer the Nuvi series, which features more detailed maps, voice activated turn-by-turn directions and over 6 million points of interest. Avid hikers may prefer the Oregon 300 or 400 series. However, for just a versatile, all-around decent device, the Garmin GPSMAP 60 is a sensible choice.
The 60 is perfect for beginner navigators or those who need a reliable GPS navigation device while wandering around the woods or waters. The built-in base map and 24 MB of internal memory will store basic marine, topography and city street information. It is waterproof for marine adventures and provides turn-by-turn automatic routing capabilities for road warriors. Hunters and fishers like the alarm clock, sunrise/sunset time, moon phase table and optimal hunting/fishing time features. With 28 hours of battery life, this device is a reliable and affordable companion for outdoor adventures.
There are many pros to the GPSMAP 60. Since this GPS navigation system uses Wide Area Augmentation System technology, the margin of error is 3 meters or less, which is fairly precise. Adding new programs and maps, storing trips and automatically recording waypoints or trails is easy with the computer-like interface too. The unit is waterproof, making it suitable for water travel and rainy hikes. Lastly, the affordable price (less than $200) is a draw for many outdoor adventurers! On the downside, the display screen is only 2.6″ and there is only gray-scale graphics with the old style receiver, which works best in open areas. For hikers traversing deep canyons, urban areas or dense forests, the high-sensitivity receivers are preferable for more reliability.
The www.amazon.com editors gave the GPSMAP 60 full marks, arguing that the GPS navigation system “offers a high-contrast, four-level grayscale LCD (160 x 240 pixels) with backlighting for the display and the keypad. A large-numbers option provides easy viewing. You get 1,000 user waypoints with name and graphic symbols and 20 reversible routes. A handy trip computer provides an odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. The unit also comes with a 10,000-point automatic track log, and 20 saved tracks (500 points each), which will let you retrace your path in both directions.”
Refurbished GPS Units Are Great Deals
April 7, 2009
Isn’t it strange how there seems to have been an explosion of refurbished GPS devices on the market, within just about any given ecommerce store that can be found by doing a google search? This shouldn’t come as a shocker to anyone, considering the popularity of the hand held refurbished devices, and especially the automotive GPS devices.
What are the reasons behind this deluge of refurbished GPS on the market? There are actually a lot of different reasons why a unit is going to marked as refurbished by a manufacturer or retailer. Some refurbished GPS are still in their pristine, pre-production condition and haven’t even left their own packaging. The most common reasons for electronics based products (IE: GPS devices) becoming “refurbished” are:
1. The person who originally wanted the product brought it back to the store, indicating that there was some motivation on the part of the owner of the product to get their money back. There could have been some defect in the GPS, but this can also not the case; the person who purchased it just ends up not wanting it.
2. The product sat on the store shelf too long and became “overstock”. When this happens, the store will either sell the product for a clearance price, or send the product back to the manufacturer; once the company that made the product get it, a business decision needs to be made about how to best handle the new inventory, this sometimes has the outcome of the device getting labeled “refurbished”, and then distribute the devices out again at greatly reduced prices. In some cases these “refurbed” products will have never been opened, meaning that the discount is for no reason at all.
3. It could be that the unit is left over because it was a “display model”. When this is the case, the product eventually gets sent back to the manufacturer; the manufacturer then inspects (and repairs, if necessary) the product, and labels it as refurbished.
4. The product was opened. If this happens and the store doesn’t want to deal with the unit themselves they send it back to the manufacturer who reseals it and labels it refurbished.
5. Shipping damage. When this happens, it usually just means that only the box that the product was in got damaged, but if anything other than the product was damaged (accessories, or the actual unit), it is completely fixed or replaced by the manufacturer.
6. There was a defect in the product. This can be pretty common depending on the batch of GPS navigation units. Once the defective GPS is in the hands of the manufacturer they test it to see what exactly is wrong with it, and anything that was broken or defective is replaced with brand new parts; when the process is complete, the product is literally brand new again, and some might content it is now actually less likely to become defective than the non refurbished products sitting on the shelves of WalMart; this is due to the fact that refurbished products under go very extensive testing.
As you can see, the reasons for a GPS to be refurbished are varied. There may still be some bad apples in the barrell, but probably not more than if they were all “new” devices.
Choosing A GPS
April 7, 2009
In the past, a Global Positioning System was used solely by the government to track and navigate aircraft, to rescue downed pilots, to create reconnaissance maps, to help soldiers navigate enemy terrain in the dark and to guide missiles. Civilians were later permitted to use a it for a number of reasons. Hikers would use GPS systems to find their way around canyons, forests and mountains, and boaters would find their way to land. Mountain bikers could plot a course, previewing the terrain and rest stops on their devices. And fishermen could track fish patterns below the boat to ensure a big catch. Today, a GPS has become exceedingly popular to put in automobiles, making trips easier and less stressful.
“Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience, performance, value, and service,” proclaims the company website. In fact, Garmin, which has been around since 1989, is the most well-known North American brand name in Global Positioning Systems today. Based out of Kansas, no part of the manufacturing process gets outsourced, as the company designs, manufactures, markets and sells all of their products themselves. They offer GPS navigation systems for all different lifestyles, such as fitness-based systems, automotive GPS systems, systems for hikers or campers, aviation technology, marine technology and site navigation for geocachers.
There are a number of Garmin GPS systems to choose from for your automobile. The low-end Garmins are the 200 Series, which still offer color displays, 6 million points of interest and voice-prompted directions. The Garmin nuvi 350 (starting at $169 at Circuit City) is an incredibly popular device, which is called “a Personal Travel Assistant that combines a GPS navigator, language translator and travel guide capability, an MP3 player, an audio book player, a currency and measurement converter, a world clock and a digital photo organizer.” Instead of prompts like “turn left in 100 feet,” you’ll get “turn left on Main Street.” The Garmin 600 series add a number of exciting features: the 650 adds music streaming capacity, improved graphics, entertainment functions and a larger 4.3″ display; the 660 adds live traffic; the 670 adds European maps; and the 680 adds MSN Direct services with weather, fuel prices and movie times. The nuvi 760 adds multi-destination routing and track logs.
When buying an auto GPS device, look at how many “points of interest” are offered. Anything less than 2 million will be frustrating, whereas the ideal number is around 6 million. Next, check for screen size. They range from 2.1 inches all the way up to 7 inch. If you plan to use your GPS while walking, you’ll want something smaller, whereas the 7 inch is best for an RV. For cars, the Garmin nuvi 680 is an ideal 4.3 inch. You’ll want something with good functionality that allows you to switch maps or search points of interest with a button tap or two. Some of the newer, more advanced GPS systems include things like text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, satellite radio/audiobook player/MP3 player capacity and Bluetooth speakerphone capabilities.
Assessing the Garmin Nuvi 255W
March 8, 2009
The Garmin nuvi 255W is a solid choice for a basic GPS system with some nice extras. It has a 4.3” wide touch screen so that you can see 70% more of what’s around you when you’re driving. Preloaded maps of the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico come with the device and it also comes with a full battery charge so it is ready to go right out of the box. Garmin makes it easy to add travel guides and additional maps as well as store photographs with the built-in memory card slots.
Other features that make the Nuvi 255W so popular include:
* A searchable database of 6.Over 5 million POI’s.
* A faster processor which provides smoother drawing of maps
* Enhanced MSN traffic
* Automatic transition between time zones
* Direct interface with Mapquest or Google Maps
* Voice prompted turn-by-turn directions
Like all of the 200 series models before it, the 255W includes a slim, sleek design, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a world clock, a currency converter, a JPEG picture viewers, and a measurement converter.
The Garmin Nuvi 255W has added another dimension to the already-popular 200 series by incorporating many improvements in its technology. For instance, predictive technology enables a much quicker satellite lock and text-to-speech provides clear, spoken directions of actual street names. All of these features are designed to make your driving life easier, and the Garmin 255W will do just that.
A good place to find actual user comments on the Garmin 255W is at Amazon.com. For most popular navigation systems there are several product reviews that can aid you in making the best possible purchasing decision. Customer reports are located on each product page, usually about half way down. Garmin navigation devices normally have a very high rate of customer satisfaction. In fact, 95% of reviewers at Amazon rate the nuvi 255W as either 4 or 5 stars.
You can find more in depth product reviews at TopGPSProductReports.com.
Garmin nuvi 255W Product Report
March 7, 2009
With the number of GPS systems on the market growing all of the time, it can be difficult to find the information you need to choose the best GPS for your particular needs. Every model has pros and cons that need to be evaluated before you make a final decision. For starters, you might want to look at price. GPS system prices can be less than $100 for the most basic units and climb to over $1,000 depending on the specific features and capabilities you want. When you look into the choices that are available, one of the options you’ll want to examine is the Garmin Nuvi 255w.
Garmin products are considered to be the Cadillacs of the GPS world, and the Nuvi 255 is no exception. The 255 is portable and will fit into almost any pocket or purse and also mounts on the windshield or dash while driving. Text-to-speech allow directions to be given clearly and concisely. Instead of hearing “Turn left in 2/10’s of a mile” as in some more basic models, the 255W includes the street name in the verbal directions, “Turn left on Main Street”. in 500 feet”. Since your GPS will speak to you, albeit in somewhat robotic tones, you won’t be distracted by having to look
at the 3.3″ screen often.
The Garmin Nuvi 255 is preloaded with maps of all of North America. In addition, the unit has a JPEG picture viewer, a rechargeable lithium battery, a currency and measurement converter, and a world clock.The anti-glare display provides easy viewing, especially when combined with the touch screen technology. With the larger screen of the nuvi 255W you will see more of the area you are driving in than with a smaller screen unit.
Of course, like with all GPS technology, there are some downside issues to contend with when using the Nuvi 255. You need to be aware up front that the price of the unit itself is not the only cost you will be facing. Although software updates are part of the package, you’ll only get map updates by paying extra fees. These updates can be purchased singly or as lifetime deals. Another potential expense is that you won’t be able to replace the battery yourself. Although the battery is designed to last for a number of years, if it should happen to crash on you, you may or may not be able to find a technician who’ll be able to change it for you, especially at a cost that’s economically-feasible.
Other Garmin Nuvi 255w reviews have commented that the user’s manual is too basic to be of any assistance, but some say that the operation is so simple that anyone should be able to figure it out. Although there is a website to help you if you run into problems, some users find it to lacking in useful information and not very user friendly. If you’re trying to plot the route of a long trip, it’s also likely that you’re going to end up frustrated because there isn’t enough memory to do long, elaborate planning like this.
The overridding consensus is that the Garmin 255W is an easy to use device which balances the need for features but still being affordable. If you’re interested in having your GPS be equipped with Bluetooth capabilities so that you have hands-free calling, this isn’t the model you’ll want to buy. But if you need a basic GPS unit that will be easy to use and reliable, the nuvi 255W is going to be a solid choice.
Using PDA GPS WiFi
January 29, 2009
In days gone by it was often the norm to have a number of gadgets that helped to make an individual’s personal and business life easier. Some of those gadgets included an organizer, a phone, laptop computer, etc. Eventually, as technology improved, a number of these applications became incorporated onto one electronic device.
Specifically, that electronic device is known as a PDA or personal digital assistant. Therefore, on these PDAs, the consumer can find a calendar application, place to record memos, games, play music, work on spreadsheets and documents and access the internet.
In addition, lots of these organizers have an additional application installed. This application is known as a PDA GPS WiFi.
If considering the purchase of a personal digital assistant with PDA GPS WiFi application it is important to know what a PDA GPS WiFi is and specific features associated with this technology.
What Is A PDA GPS WiFi
First, of all it is important to note that not all the PDAs are built the same. Therefore, some of the applications that one may wish to use on their PDA may not be equipped on the unit.Subsequently, it is important to make a list of what applications are critical and what applications would be nice to have. In order to know what applications are available it is important to conduct research.The perfect way to do this research is to go online and find out what applications are available for PDAs.
For example, if an individual travels extensively or in an area with high traffic volume they may wish to purchase a PDA GPS WiFi unit. This type of personal digital assistant generally has all of the necessary applications to organize one’s life and additionally have installed a GPS unit.
Additionally, if an individual wants to buy a fully loaded PDA they may wish to add on features as their financial resources become available. For example, if they want WiFi capabilities, they may choose to buy a cheaper PDA in which a PDA WiFi card can be purchased at a later time. This can be accomplished by buying a unit that has an expansion slot in which the card can be inserted.
Specific Features
Specifically, a GPS or global positioning satellite application is a powerful software program that helps an individual to map out their destination while traveling.In addition, a PDA GPS WiFi will specifically indicate for the user where they are at geographically at any given moment. One other quality feature to having this type of application on a PDA is that the traveler, in a high traffic volume area, can obtain traffic reports and also receive alternate routes to get around traffic jams.
For more information please visit WiFi Security Camera.
The Nuvi 880 – Your Ultimate Travel Companion
December 29, 2008
The Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS Navigation System gives you a great variety of advantages and functions that make it an excellent choice for any individual who wants a wonderful GPS system. The unit is partly operated by voice and can also be run by using the touch screen. The Garmin Nuvi 880 is among the most popular GPS systems on the market today.
Features
The Garmin Nuvi 880 provides quite a few capabilities that cause it to be one of the best GPS systems available. The system comes equipped with wireless capabilities, giving you the chance to use the cell phone as you drive. There are two front speakers that work with the system so that you can understand the person you are speaking with easily.
The Nuvi 880 also includes voice recognition software. This hands-free system is perfect when you are going down traffic-loaded freeways and in cities where you have to focus all of your attention on your route. The FM radio transmitter is also an included feature and you can real time travel route updates if you need them.
Traffic updates are given using your speaker system so if you are enjoying an MP3 on your Garmin Nuvi 880, your music will be interrupted by the directions. This helps give you confidence that you will not go past your turn and that updated routes will automatically be announced.
The Garmin Nuvi 880 Automotive GPS Navigator also offers simple instructions by mentioning the street names rather than the distance you must travel. The voice system is simple to operate and understand, especially since the only thing you will need to do is key in the end point and the address from which you are beginning your drive to get instructions.
Charging Your Nuvi 880
You Nuvi 880 is easy to take off so that you can carry it with you. The battery will stay charged even away from an outside source of power for five hours or more. To power up your Nuvi 880 you can connect it to a cigarette lighter adaptor, your USB cable, or a standard wall socket adaptor.
Adding Maps
The Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS Navigation System comes with maps of North America already added but you can acquire more maps when you wish to by downloading the desired routes from the company website. If you are visiting a new country then you might also need to download a travel guide for the area you are visiting. The travel guide can assist you in finding interesting things to do in the country and help you get to motels, gasoline and other practical necessities.
You can save your favorite restaurants and ships in the navigator, also. This allows you to easily find your favorite foods and items no matter where you go.
Finding Parking
If you can never remember the location of your vehicle once you have parked, you will love the feature that keeps track of your parking spot. This great setting is part and parcel of your Garmin 880.
Unbiased Review of Nextar GPS Navigation System
December 4, 2008
Nextar GPS is a Canadian GPS navigational system – an equivalent of the popular US version. Nextar GPS with a large 3.5-inch screen is manufactured in USA and Canada and it has a lot of maps for both of these countries.
The preprogrammed maps include information about some 1.6 million points of interest (hospitals, gas stations, hotels, or any other place) in USA and Canada. There are small in-built speakers in the Nextar GPS which will tell you where exactly to turn. The device is able to remember up to 300 addresses for your convenience.
With Nextar GPS you can easily recalculate your route. It will give you voice directions about your current speed and speed limits, you can switch between 2D and 3D viewing. There is even an extra light for using the device during the night. If you often park your in crowded places you may choose a model with an optional backup camera that will help you to see what’s going on around you.
There is even a small model of Nextar GPS navigation systems which you can bring with you in your purse or pocket. One of few disadvantages is quickly draining batteries. However compared to other GPS systems Nextar is considered to be one of the best. MP3 compatibility and a touch screen make using Nextar GPS even more comfortable.
Accuracy of Nextar GPS will always keep your navigation skills up-to-date. Everything you need to do is to mount the GPS in your vehicle and start the engine.
You can adjust its volume with arrows on the screen or use a head set to listen to voice direction and not distract to other noises. It is comfortable for you and you passengers. As you can see, Nextar GPS will make your trip to a destination place fun and safe.
GPS Tracking Tools for the Athlete?
November 17, 2008
Today, communication and navigation technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS) are finding application in athletics and exercises like running, bicycling, rowing, and skiing. With the Garmin Forerunner GPS watches, you are able to keep track of your real rate and your median and most impressive speeds and even the distance which you crossed. This communication and navigation merchandise manufacturing company has designed its Forerunner GPS brand of watches. You take your pick from the 50, 101, 201, 301, 205, 305, 405, and 705 models of the Garmin Forerunner offering of watches.
These models offer a few standard as well as special functions. As many know, each of the GPS forerunner watches will offer you meticulous data on the area you are in and all the statistics regarding your rate of activity, but some of them offer neat features such as keeping tabs on your heart rate, a computer info recording interface, a GPS transmitter, speed and pace targeting alarms, distance alerts, lap statistics recorder, auto time and distance splits, and a milometer.
The heart rate monitor provides you with important data on your heart during your exercise session. It is crucial to keep an eye on one’s heart rate when one is exercising or burning extra calories, because that will offer you an idea of it your efficiency. Exercises are meant to be done at specific intensities and they can lead to an unwanted effect on the heart if you deviate too much from the right intensity. The 301 model is great on this front, giving you a heart rate monitoring capability.
With the computer info recording facility, you can download your performance details on to your PC and tweak them via some compatible software. Both the 201 and 301 models include the computer data-recording function. The GPS transmitter is likely to be found as an integral feature of GPS watches in the Garmin line. It helps you see the latitude and the longitude of the area where you are currently located. But they make your watch seem a tad weighty.
If you are a professional runner, you may wish to be alerted when your speed rises above or falls beneath certain parameters. Your Garmin Forerunner GPS watch offers this capability. You can also tell the watch to go off when you go over your goal distance. If you are concerned that the display of an abundance of details is likely to frazzle you, just use the smoothing feature to get rid of any tiny differences. The Lap recorder makes it simple for you to record and save your statistics for each individual lap that you take during your sprint. The Autosplits function allows your watch to take recordings measured in time and distance. The milometer records the distance that you’ve covered.
The Garmin Forerunner GPS watches are a must for you if you are a professional athlete.
