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Searching through GPS navigation devices is easiest when you begin with the basics. Before you get all strung out and confused with too many details, start with the broad, general key points of each potential GPS device, then you can work your way through the dozens of tiny options and features that GPS navigation devices have to offer.

Whether you are looking for a hand held GPS device or an auto GPS unit, the size should be one of the first things you consider. GPS navigation devices that are too small have screens that are too small, and they can be difficult to read. On the other hand, the larger the unit is, usually the heavier it becomes, and it can end up getting in your way more than it shows you your way. Make sure you narrow down your choices to units that are comfortably sized for your use. Of course, probably the single biggest factor in deciding on GPS navigation devices is price.

Depending on what features and abilities you want, prices range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars. Before you walk into a store, have a price range already in mind that you are comfortable with, and stick to that.

Many people find that GPS navigation devices with pre loaded maps are useful, and be sure to find a unit with a strong receiver that will prove the units reliability and dependability to you. Many devices can warn you of points of interest such as tolls, construction, and traffic as well as other things like landmarks, restaurants, and even ATMs. Once you decide how important the points of interest feature is to you, you should think about how much more money you are willing to spend for features like built in cameras and mp3 player capabilities. If you honestly do not see yourself needing things like that, be sure to weed out the ones that have the features, because you will be paying extra for them.

If you are in the market for an auto GPS navigation device, first of all, keep in mind that you will be driving in all kinds of weather and times of the day. A bright screen with an anti glare feature is almost required these days. Wide displays also make the maps and information easier to view and interpret, keeping your eyes on the road more often, as they should be.

Make sure when you are shopping for a GPS unit that you look at the unit screen from a distance, so you can see whether or not you can clearly read it.
Some of the more optional features that people do enjoy are a variety of route options, a large points of interest database, or the option to add your own points of interest in, and even text to speech conversion capabilities.

Many people love the fact that their GPS navigation device speaks directions to them. And finally, just for fun, many devices in all price ranges have added fun things purely for your entertainment, such as the option to change the sound of the devices voice. You can choose a man, a woman, and even a celebrity voice to tell you where to go.

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There are so many fantastic features of a handheld GPS system that making a decision on one is full of details. Weighing options, balancing pros and cons, and deciding what you need and what you can go without are all required to really ensure that you walk out of the store with the handheld GPS system of your dreams.

First of all, a handheld GPS system can be fairly cheap, depending on the features that you want. There are many models, in fact, that are priced below one hundred dollars. A handheld GPS system should fit comfortably in your hand. The bigger the device, the harder to handle it can become (not to mention heavier) so you dont want one that is uncomfortable or overly huge. If you are new to the world of GPS systems, try not to jump in head first with a mega system that will take you six months to read the manual for. There are plenty of incredible GPS devices that are not only chock full of features but are also very user friendly. Be sure not to bite off more than you can chew, because the most advanced units have so many features that you would need a novel to reference it all. If you have never gone fishing in your life, you probably would not need to pay for the features of a GPS fish finder combo, which has so many options it is incredible.

One of the greatest things about a handheld GPS system is that it is a very versatile companion. You can take it with you just about anywhere, and use it in the car, on a hike, on a tour of the Great Pyramid, or going on safari in Africa. The handheld device you are considering should be very practical and ready at your fingertips. Speaking of African safaris and Pyramid tours, be sure to pay attention to the resiliency of the handheld GPS systems that you are considering. Many of them are water and weather resistant, but some are not. Some are waterproof, but not others. Also, there is a handful that will float when dropped in water, but not all will. Take into consideration where you might use your new system the most, and go from there with options. Most handhelds are very durable, covered with a rubber outside to absorb shock if dropped.

Make sure to treat yourself to a handheld GPS system that you find attractive. Color, shape, size, and style are all very important. Many people enjoy a smooth, sleek design, allowing for easy storage in a purse or pocket, and other people prefer a bulkier design that is easy to hold on to. The handheld devices come in many different shapes, styles, and colors, so choose wisely. There are tons of accessories that can be purchased separately to customize your GPS system, so you can always check those out, too. Finally, a benefit of a handheld GPS system that cannot go under appreciated these days is the fact that handheld units are completely self contained. You are not required to use any converters, cords, or wires to operate a handheld GPS system, which adds to the lure of them. Take the time to explore the additional options that would entail using cords and wires and plugs, and decide if the benefit that a feature with wires would provide would be worth the hassle of dealing with the wires. If not, dont bother with extra accessories that will only complicate things for you.

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Small business owners are constantly being forced to innovate to keep pace with the giants of their industries and one way to do that is to deploy GPS fleet tracking. This technology helps fleets in a variety of ways including improved fuel efficiencies, higher worker productivity, and better vehicle maintenance. Some of these benefits can be achieved easily simply through installing the units. Others take a little bit more finesse.

The areas that take particularly smart plays on the part of the management is in improving worker productivity. Chances are that your workers already think that they work hard enough. They put long days into their job and think that by installing GPS fleet tracking tools on “their” vehicles that you are somehow infringing on their rights as your employees. This is simply not the case, but since it is the preconceived notion you are going to have to fight it.

There area a couple of different ways to do that, but probably the most effective is open communication with your employees. They deserve to hear the exact reasons that you are planning on using the technology to improve your business. So share with them that productivity can increase by as much as 25% over the two year period after GPS fleet tracking devices have been installed in your small business’ fleet. That fact should get their attention.

Then go on to tell them that the main bump in productivity comes from an increased knowledge base in the operation of the business. Efficiencies are created by knowing the exact location of each vehicle in the fleet that would have otherwise been unavailable. Dispatching will become much simpler, saving workers precious time out in the field. Vehicles will need to be driven less, giving workers more time to provide services or make sales.

You will need to make it clear that the reason for implementing this technology is not to snoop ont he workers, but to improve the overall operation of the business. Worker who know that management is aware of their actions will tend to work smarter, not necessarily harder. They will discover new ways to cut costs on their own which will help give them a sense of ownership in the operation of your business. It will also help the company’s bottom line, ensuring that they stay employed for many years to come.

Despite your clear language and strategic utterances there will still be a few individuals that resent your actions. These people are best won over with time and loving care. Since you business is small, you don’t want to lose your valuable employees even if you improve business operations by 25%. Losing a key employee could be devastating so take the time to hear their grievances and address their concerns. As the owner they look to you for leadership and to take responsibility, so do it.

Almost every small business with a vehicle fleet can benefit from GPS fleet tracking. It just becomes a matter of which fleet tracking system best suites your small business while fitting withing your budgetary needs.

A GPS fleet tracking system can be an important part of helping you keep tabs on your vehicle fleet. Need help with understanding small business GPS? Check out our small business GPS fleet tracking articles.

When I got bitten by the GPS bug, I decided to compare GPS systems to see which would be the best for me. I only had a vague idea of what these remarkable devices did. I knew they were essentially electronic maps, but I had no idea how they worked, or what was important to look for when buying one. So, I decided to do some research.

My first stop was Amazon to check out their best sellers. (Just click on my link below to see the same information.)

I quickly saw that Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom dominated the market. Garmin, I had heard of Magellan and Tom Tom, I had not heard of. My elation at seeing who were the best sellers for GPS units was soon crushed by an overwhelming sense of confusion as I clicked on each item, read its description, and tried to make heads or tails out of the differences between the units.

There must have been some pretty big differences, I thought, because the prices ranged from a low of about $150 to almost $1000 for portable units-the kind you can stick to your windshield and remove to take with you when you’re out of the car.

Well, suffice it to say, I did an enormous amount of research and became an expert of sorts.

To save you some time and frustration, let me tell you the basics of what I found out.

Although there are several manufacturers of portable automotive GPS systems, the three main ones are Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom. Garmin sells about half of the automotive GPS systems in the world, but Tom Tom is quickly catching up. All three companies make a good product, it’s just that understanding the differences between the three manufacturers and their specific products is a little difficult.

Garmin has two main lines of automotive GPS systems, the Nuvi and the StreetPilot. The functionalities of each line overlap quite as bit, so does their price.

In general, the Nuvi’s are sleeker, more compact units. Their interface (how you use the system) is not quite as straightforward as the StreetPilot’s interface. Garmin Nuvi’s come in a broad price range, from less than $200 for the Nuvi 200 to almost $1000 for the Nuvi 770. Per price point, Nuvi’s generally have a few more features than StreetPilots.

The main difference between the Nuvi’s and the StreetPilots, however, are these-according to Garmin, Nuvi’s have a high-sensitivity receiver, whereas StreetPilots do not. Nuvi’s weigh about half as much as StreetPilots. (None of these units is heavy, just StreetPilots weigh almost 10 ounces, where Nuvi’s weigh slighlty more than 5 ounces.

The biggest difference between the two units is the user interface. The StreetPilot “c” series was made expressly to be very intuitive and user friendly. This is not to say the Nuvi’s are not, they’re just not super simple, like the StreetPilots.

Tom Tom has devices that directly compete with Garmin’s. The Tom Tom One, for instance, is comparable to the Garmin Nuvi 200, Garmin’s entry level product. Both are basic GPS systems which come pre-loaded with maps, have touch screen, and voice instructions. The Tom Tom One has a battery with only 2 hours average life, where the Nuvi’s battery will last an average of 5 hours.

To my mind, the Tom Toms are not quite as sleek looking at the Nuvi’s, although their quality seems to be comparable.

Magellan does not have the market share of Garmin or Tom Tom, but they still build a good product. The Magellan Maestro 3100 is a big seller on Amazon. In both price and features, it’s comparable to the Tom Tom One and to Garmin’s lower priced units, both in size and weight. Magellan says their battery lasts up to three hours, fifty percent better than the Tom Tom’s.

One of the biggest differences between the cheaper GPS systems and the more expensive ones is the number of “Points of Interest” in the unit’s database.

Points of interest are preloaded hotels, restaurants, business locations, hospitals, basically anywhere you might like to go, which are included in your devices database. The Magellan Maestro, for instance has 750,000 points of interest. The Garmin Nuvi 200 comes with approximately 6 million!

If you’re going to use your GPS for traveling, having more points of interest available might be a key feature, and when you consider the distances involved, 750,000 items is just not that many.

Another feature I think is important is Bluetooth technology. Your higher priced units can work as a cell phone (both making and receiving calls). It’s hard enough (and even illegal in some areas) driving and talking on your cell phone. Add looking at your GPS to that mix, and…well, you might want to pull to the side of the road. To my mind, the fewer devices to keep up with the better.

To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.

Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!

GPS tracking system is a high-end gadget of the modern era, intended to determine the position of a vehicle, person or an asset to which the device is connected. So far it is the most convenient device to get information about a remote asset in regular intervals.

After its introduction in 1978, when it was in its experimental stage, it has become an essential and practical technology to meet high expectations of people in the direction of monitoring remote assets. As the name Global Positioning System suggests the device can be used anywhere on the earth. The technology behind the function of GPS is related to global positioning of the satellites moving round the earth.

However, your GPS tracking system will work only if you have access to Global Positioning System and a GPS receiver. The GPS satellites transmit the information to the receivers and it becomes easy to calculate the location, speed and direction of the asset connected to it. For an effective calculation of position, it is essential for the GPS receiver to receive transmission from three or more satellites.

The information that is stored in the receiver unit is transmitted to a database that can be accessed through the internet or mobile phone. Usually, the GPS tracking system give real time information with a map on their background to display the exact location of the tracked object. However, the downside of the device is that it can hardly trace an object placed inside a building.

Now, it is clear that the GPS receiver is able to receive the information only and store it in a database. Hence, you must need another device or technology to access the information from the database for independent positioning and timing info. A cellular phone modem is the a technology for the purpose; thereby causing it an essential part of a GPS tracking system. There are different possibilities through which it is convenient to obtain the position information.

1 - The modem can be programmed with your mobile number and a timer is set to get information on that particular intervals of time. Adjusting the time interval is just a matter of calling the modem and changing some settings.

2 - Program your cell phone modem as a mobile phone with its own number that allows sending small text messages. Whenever you want any information about the position of your asset, just call the modem`s phone number and you will get an SMS message coordinating with the position.

3 - If you have installed suitable software and map on your mobile phone, the message locating the position on a map can be translated to the mobile phone screen.

All the above three technologies have got same kind of advantages. You can use them without a service contract and without paying for monthly fee. This even will nott allow anyone to know about you using these technologies. As per the disadvantage, in the first two cases you have to translate the SMS text to a position on the map. However, for the third option, you need to purchase the software and the maps.

It is also possible to view the information through Internet or a mobile phone with Internet facility. This possibility allows you check the real-time as well as past information.

The ultimate way is to use a mobile phone with GPS tracking system.

You may be wondering how the system can work in an area where there is no coverage of cell phone. The only solution is to replace the cell phone modem with a satellite modem.

GPS is a free service and is provided for the benefits of public. It has come up as a useful technology in every sector where monitoring remote asset is essential. Thanks to this new age technology, it has reduced the burden of insecurity to a large extent and enhanced performance when used for professional purpose.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.polomercantil.com.br

Being lost in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of New York City is not much fun. People have always been looking for better ways to keep track of where they are, where they have been, and where they are going. Even little Hansel and Gretal left breadcrumbs as they wandered to help them get back home. Granted, the breadcrumbs were eaten by pesky animals almost as soon as they were dropped, but the children had the right idea. When venturing out to places that are unfamiliar, there is a great sense of security with knowing exactly where you are; explorers have been using landmarks, maps, and charts for millennia to stay safe.
We have come a long way since the days of breadcrumb trails and mysterious pirate treasure maps. We ve got GPS on our side now, and walking through the wilderness or hiking through deserted mountains is no sweat with a handheld GPS unit. There are endless reasons to love these gadgets, and the top ten are listed here:

Reason #10: Even though handheld units sometimes don t come with all of the fancy features that larger units like marine devices do, that s ok, because who needs to know the location of buoys when you are geocaching in the Amazon? Handheld ones are simple enough for Tarzan to use.

Reason #9: Handheld units can be cheap, and are available in models that cost below one hundred bucks, a small price to pay for always being able to know where you are.

Reason #8: Handheld units fit comfortably in your hand, making them very portable and readily available, should you need to pull it out quickly or keep it close by. The larger units made for cars, for example, are larger, heavier, and a lot more cumbersome.

Reason #7: Versatility makes handhelds great for anyone doing anything. Whether you are hiking on a trail deep in a ravine or out on safari with the lions, your handheld can go with you, easily.

Reason #6: Handheld devices are made to be tough, so when you are cycling through the desert, you don t have to worry that dropping and having it drug off by a scorpion will break it. They are often constructed with thick rubber to absorb the shock of being dropped time after time.

Reason #5: These little gadgets are just as accurate as the big boys. All GPS units operate with at least three different satellites that orbit the Earth, so a signal is a signal is a signal.

Reason #4: With a handheld one, you can set waypoints, calculate distances traveled, and they have the ability to map out and calculate your entire route, no worries.

Reason #3: They come in so many different shapes and sizes that they are easily customizable to fit not only your needs, but your hand, too.

Reason #2: Handheld units are completely self contained, which means there are no wires, cords, or converters required to use them, unlike many of the marine or auto units.

And, the #1 reason to love a handheld GPS unit is that you will look super suave being the hero of your group when you are in the middle of Los Angeles, dying of starvation, and no one knows how to get to the little hole in the wall eatery you are looking for except for you, thanks to your GPS friend sitting right in the palm of your hand.

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