Magellan MapSend WorldWide Basemap

MapSend WorldWide Basemap software enables you to create a basemap for any region of the world and upload it to your mapping Magellan GPS receiver. Adding WorldWide basemaps to your Magellan GPS receiver does not erase your built-in basemap -- it enables you to add basic reference map coverage for areas not covered by the built-in map. New basemaps can be loaded and saved via a PC to GPS cable from your PC to your Magellan Meridian series handheld (requires an optional Secure Digital (SD) memory card), directly to the SD card using a card reader/writer, or directly to the memory of your Magellan eXplorist 400, 500, 600, XL, SporTrak Pro, SporTrak Pro Marine, SporTrak Map, SporTrak Color or MAP 330 GPS receiver. WorldWide Basemap is licensed for use with a single Magellan GPS.

Each basemap region you define contains the essential basic map features such as cities, highways, waterways, railroads, national boundaries and shorelines. WorldWide Basemap also includes basic topography contours, which can help you stay oriented to your environment and find Points of Interest. In addition to the visual map presentation, the map features can be located using tabular search functions on the GPS as well as in the PC application.

Easily toggle between the built-in basemap and your new WorldWide Basemap. Your Magellan GPS receiver will automatically transition to a detailed map when the zoom scale is 0.4 miles or less and the majority of the displayed is covered by the map.
For use with your Magellan Meridian series, SporTrak Map, SporTrak Pro, SporTrak Pro Marine, eXplorist 400, 500 or 600 GPS receiver.

Specifications
Product Number 980640
Operating System Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/NT4.0 or higher
Processor Pentium Processor 100 MHz or higher
RAM 64 MG RAM
Video Card VGA Video Card
Serial Port Yes
CD-ROM Drive 8x CD-ROM drive
Cable Magellan PC Cable

Compatible Units:
eXplorist 400, eXplorist 500, eXplorist 600, eXplorist XL, Meridian Color, Meridian Platinum, Meridian Gold, Meridian Marine, Meridian GPS, SporTrak Map, SporTrak Pro, SporTrak Color, SporTrak Pro Marine, Map 330M, Map 330

GPS units and GPS accessories are available at eBuyersWorld.com

Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle

The Magellan Explorist 210 Outdoor Bundle Includes:

• eXplorist 210 gps
  


• MapSend Topo 3D CD


• Cigarette lighter power cable


• Carry Case

The Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle is an incredible value: 22 MB of available memory, USB port and MapSend compatibility for topo or street navigation. Large backlit display and customizable navigation screens show your GPS information the way you want it. Easy-to-use keypad and joystick.

Add MapSend maps to your Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle for topographic or turn-by-turn street navigation to the 22 MB available memory. The high-speed USB port and simple file memory system make it easy to download and manage coordinates and other information from the Internet.

The Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle has a built-in basemap makes navigating major roads and highways easy. View your position in relation to major points of interest.

Advanced features of the Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle include an area calculator to instantly see the distance and area between any points, and a vertical profile screen to see an elevation graph for the path ahead. You'll know exactly how tough (and how much fun) your trek will be.

The Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle is intelligently designed for comfortable right or left handed use, the clearly marked keypad provides one-touch access to all your most important features. Joystick controller makes scrolling the simple menus fun and easy. The large backlit display is easy-to-read day or night. Customizable navigation screens show your location, speed, direction, and distance to destination and more, just the way you want it.

This is real GPS plus 22 MB available memory.

Magellan Explorist 210 Bundle:

• 22 MB available memory - Add detailed MapSend maps, store tracks, waypoints and more


• Easy-to-use - Navigate in seconds with simple menus, one-button shortcut to key features and joystick control


• Built-in maps - North American or European basemap shows major roads, parks, waterways and many points of interest


• Large backlit display - Clearly see your GPS information day or night


• USB data port - Manage maps and waypoints and download coordinates from your PC


• TrueFix technology - Reliable accuracy to within 3 meters


• Simple file system - Save, organize and access all your stored data with ease


• Area calculator - Instantly see the distance and area between any geographic points


• Vertical profile - View graphical elevation changes for where you've been or where you're going


• Geocache Manager - PC application to download and organize coordinates from the Internet


• Track logging - Store 150 track files with 2000 points each


• Four navigation screens - Map, Compass, Locator and Satellite Status deliver easy-to-use information


• Advanced power management - Two AA batteries provide up to 17 hours of use. Save power with auto-off".


• Rugged construction - Encased in rubber armored, impact resistant plastic

Garmin StreetPilot c330 GPS

Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS
Our StreetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c330 allows you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional birds eye overhead view. For the ultimate out-of-the-box convenience, the StreetPilot c330 comes preprogrammed with highly detailed MapSource City Select street data. The database features nearly six million points of interestincluding hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. As an added benefit, import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin's free POI Loader software. The possibilities are endless upload safety cameras or school zones, and you will receive a warning if you are traveling too fast. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs. The centerpiece of the c330 is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display that makes navigation a snap. The unit also features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning. The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek stylingthe only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. Users can customize their units appearance with an array of colored faceplates (sold separately).

StreetPilot C330 Features:

• Receiver: WAAS-enabled 12 parallel channel GPS
  
• Display: 2.8 W x 2.1 H (3.5 diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; QVGA transflective TFT with 16-bit color; 64K colors; bright white LED backlight and touch screen
  
• Unit dimensions: 4.4 W x 3.2 H x 2.8 D
  
• Weight: 9.45 ounces
  
• Battery life: up to 8 hours
  
• Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
  
• Fingertip touchscreen interface
  
• Look up addresses and points of interest
  
• Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
  
• Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams
  
• SD memory card expansion slot

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 is available at eBuyersWorld.com for $319

GPS units make travelling easier

GPS units make travelling easier. Now they are more affordable than ever

Most of us have used an Internet-based program to get directions to a destination. Many of us have been steered the wrong way, leaving us cursing those directions. Many more of us have used this direction resource and found it to be confusing to find to right way as a “left turn” is really a hard left. Or a street name is not marked on the sign, but instead a Route number. This biggest flaw is safety. You have directions, but have to look down at the printer paper with the small type and look up to see the road. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye or the time it takes to review your next step in driving directions. There are countless flaws in using this type of driving direction resource when a relatively inexpensive alternative can change all that.

A decent automotive GPS unit can very accurately and effectively get you to almost any destination. Many of today’s GPS devices are very easy to follow and understand. In fact most GPS’s even speak the driving directions to you as a turn approaches. For example “Right turn ahead in 1 mile…..Turn right now” It can be as simple as having a person next to you telling you where to go. These GPS units also provide valuable information about your trip. For example, how far it is until you reach you destination, how much time it will take, how far you have driven, and how far until your next necessary turn.

There are a number of factors involve in choosing the right GPS unit. Cost is definitely a major factor. First you should determine a reasonable budget for what you willing spend on a GPS navigation unit. Use that budget to research different models from different manufacturers to determine which is best for you. Some common variables to consider when searching for a GPS unit are: screen size, useability, features, mounting capability, value, and graphical layout.

Even if you have the world’ best sense of direction, you will value your new GPS greatly and it will come in handy more often that you can realize!

Visit www.ebuyersworld.com for great deals on GPS units

Garmin iQue 3000 PDA Does it All

The iQue 3000 is a newly styled, entry-level Palm Powered personal digital assistant (PDA) that offers fully integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The iQue 3000 expands Garmins iQue Palm OS PDA product line, which currently includes the iQue 3200, iQue 3600 and iQue 3600a .

The iQue 3000 welcomes users with Garmins easy-to-use where to or view maps interface. After entering a destination, the iQue 3000 will choose the fastest or shortest route to navigate the user from door to door. The unit automatically recalculates a route if the driver misses his or her turn and notifies the driver of the estimated time of arrival.

The compact iQue 3000 features Garmins Que technology that offers complete integration between organization and GPS navigation functions. Que technology connects the Palm Address Book and Date Book to the GPS electronic map so that users can navigate directly to a specific address from the users contact database or date book.

Users may download detailed street information onto their iQue 3000 from the installation DVD, which is a standard accessory. This industry-leading navigation database allows the user to look up nearly six million points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, transportation hubs, and banks. Map data is provided by NAVTEQa world leader in premium-quality mapping.

iQue 3000 Features:

• Operating system: Palm OS 5.2.1 Garnet
  
• Processor: ARM 9 200 MHz with built-in GPS correlator
  
• Unit size: 2.8 W x 4.7 H x 0.7 D
  
• Weight: 5.2 oz
  
• Display information: 320 x 320-pixel color TFT touchscreen display; 54 x 54 mm screen size
  
• Dedicated Graffiti writing area; usable screen area of 3.0 (diagonal)
  
• Internal Memory: 32 MB RAM and 32 MB ROM
  
• Expandable Memory: microSD card included (128 MB microSD card for North America, or 256 MB preprogrammed microSD card for Europe and Australia)
  
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  
• 3D & 2D map views
  
• Headphone jack
  
• Internal speaker
  
• MP3 playback
  
• USB interface
  
• microSD card expansion slot
  
• IRDA (Infrared communication)
  
• MCX jack for an optional external antenna

The Garmin iQue 3000 PDA is available for $355.99 online at eBuyersWorld.com

Lost About GPS? Here's Some Direction!

Lost About GPS? Here's Some Direction!
by: Keith Thompson

If you've been confounded by all the technical jargon and hype surrounding GPS, confusing what's turning out to be a very useful tool, allow me to shed a little light on your roadmap to deciding whether or not this technology is for you! Originally designed with military applications in mind, the technology was made available to mere mortals in hte 1980's for the many and varied uses we've found so far for these special tools. Not only handy for auto navigation, GPS units have made their way into maritime navigation, backcountry uses, and much, much more!

How does GPS work? GPS (which stands for Global Positioning System) allows you to pinpoint your position anywhere on the planet to within an average of 15 meters, with some units doing much better than that. Twenty-four GPS satellites, paid for and placed in orbit by the Dept. of Defense courtesy of your tax dollars, send signals back to terra firma 24/7. These signals are retrieved by your handy dandy GPS receiver which uses three sources (satellites) to triangulate this information and compute your actual position. If there are four data sources, even altitude can be determined. Since there are normally eight satellites in line of sight from anywhere on earth, the opportunity for accurate positioning exists. Other things that can be determined besides latitude, longitude, and altitude would include things like speed, sunrises and sunsets, bearing, distance and more. While they will work in any weather, some hindrances would be electronic interference, buildings, and certain terrain. A good rule of thumb is that the units will generally not perform underwater, indoors, or underground. There are currently two Global Navigation Satellite Systems in use. Besides GPS, there is the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) Protocols are constantly being refined to enhance the abilities of these systems. A bright light on the horizon is Galileo, scheduled to go online in 2008, which promises even greater accuracy and functionality.

So how do I know which GPS unit is for me? Quite a few choices now exist for consumers in the GPS marketplace. Whether you need a handheld unit for backpacking or boating, or one for your automobile (they are becoming an attractive option!) or for one of a myriad of uses, there are several reputable manufacturers of quality GPS units out there to help you find your way through the maze of choices. Names like Magellan, Garmin, Rino, Etrex and Meridian lead the market, and are readily available. Take your time, check out the various features each has to offer, and get yourself outfitted with one of the more useful and efficient navigational tools out there today!

Copyright 2006 Keith Thompson

About The Author

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.best-gps-review.com, where many resources and information on GPS can be found.
Article from ArticleCity.com

Dog Tracking GPS?

Garmin has done it again. Leading the industry in gps, they have come up with a handheld device that will track your hunting dogs in the field. It is called the Astro. Whether it's tall grass or dense cover there is no more worrying about where you are aiming, you get quick monitoring of your dogs position on the ground so you can follow them around. All you do is attach the DC 20 wireless transmitter to your dog with the wireless transmitter, go outside, and turn em loose. The GPS device also has a setting to alarm you when the dog is pointing.

Using several transmitters you can track up to ten dogs, and you can track them from as far as five miles away (depending on conditions). The system works best in flat open territory.

Using waypoints you can track where, when, and how many birds you found and took. The Astro is not just a Tracking GPS, it is a full feature GPS that includes a : barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, celestial information, area calculator, IPX7 waterproof exterior and a revolutionary 3-axis compass. You can also get the optional detailed city street maps with over 6 million points of interest for the Astro.

GPS has come along way and now everyone is able to use it for almost every application. Take a look at the Astro Mini Site here for more info.

Peter Sagartz

New and Improved Garmin nüvi 670 and 370 due for February 2007

With the huge popularity of the nuvi 350, 360, and 660, Garmin is now introducing a 370, and 670. For those who travel to Europe from the US or Canada you do not have to load any new maps or contents, the 670 comes fully loaded with all of the goodies that you need making it the ultimate in Travel assistants. This pocket sized Personal Travel Assistant™ comes with built-in street maps for both continents, making traveling abroad so easy. Similar to the 660, nüvi 670 includes a colorful widescreen, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and FM transmitter, then takes it to the next level with even more maps.

Navigate with Ease

nüvi 670 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps for both North America and Europe, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 670 accepts custom POIs, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. It also supports configurable vehicle icons — fun, customized car-shaped icons in a variety of colors that show your position on the map.

See More

nüvi 670 features a super-bright 4.3" widescreen display for improved map viewing, POI lookup and MP3/audio book playback. This landscape display has white backlight and a touch screen for easy use.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. nüvi 670 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth® phone. Then talk hands-free through the 670 while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nüvi's touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap nüvi's screen and speak directly into its built-in microphone. You can also easily look up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone’s call history log. With 1-touch dialing for points of interest (POIs), you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.

Avoid Traffic Tie-Ups

Steer clear of traffic with nüvi 670's integrated FM TMC traffic receiver. Receive alerts about traffic tie-ups and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Then simply touch nuvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

Go Beyond Navigation

Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 670 includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including an MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters and more. With nüvi 670's wireless FM transmitter, you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. Optional software on plug-and-play SD cards for language translation, detailed travel guide and savings programs allow you to customize your nüvi for your travel needs.

iGolf - GPS for Golfers

Imagine a GPS that tells you how far you are away from the hole, how far you hit your ball, and maps out the entire golf course. Well now it's here!!!

The iGolf GPS Caddie provides instant access to 11 points per hole. Subscribe to iGolf.com and download the Front, Center and Back of the green, or easily map ANY golf course in the world using the included Map Course feature. The GPS Caddie is an affordable GPS solution for golfers of all ages and abilities.

Features
Automatically tells distance to the front, center & back of green

Allows user to add up to 8 custom points per hole

Shot distance feature shows how far you hit each club

Golf course files can be downloaded from iGolf.com

Easily map any course or add points yourself

Works on any course in the world

Weather resistant, durable construction

Compatibility
The GPS Caddie is ready to use out of the box without the requirement of any additional software or hardware if you want to map your own golf course. However a computer and internet access are required if you would like to download pre-mapped golf courses from iGolf.com. In order to download pre-mapped golf courses you will need a Windows compatible 98, 2000, XP computer with a USB port. You will also need a subscription to iGolf.com.

Specifications

• Accuracy: Within 1-3 yards
  
• Battery Type: 2 AA alkaline or rechargeable
  
• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
  
• Dimensions: 4.62" X 2.18" X 1.31"
  
• Weight: 6.3 oz (with 2 batteries)
  
• GPS Chip: SiRFstarIIe/LP
  
• Display: High-contrast LCD Screen (120 X 160 pixel)

Download and Subscribe at iGolf

Included Accessories/Parts:

• Manual
• PC/USB Cable
• Software
• Belt Clip
• Lanyard/Carabiner
• User Manual

Click here to purchase your new iGolf GPS

Make Traveling A Lot Less Stressful With The Right Type Of Car GPS

Make Traveling A Lot Less Stressful With The Right Type Of Car GPS
by: John Rivers

Navigating using maps can be very frustrating especially if you are doing so while driving your car. This becomes even stressful when you are driving all alone in a strange territory. Sometimes, however, having someone with you won’t help either, because more often than not, your companion would end up confusing you more than helping you navigate the road.

But traveling need not always be this difficult. It doesn’t even have to be stressful. If you think it is the map that is causing you your problems, then better get away with it and throw it outside your vehicle’s window. Instead, go get a new car GPS receiver and use it instead of the map.

Car GPS Devices

Simply said, a car GPS device is a GPS receiver especially designed for cars and their navigation systems. Like all other types of GPS receivers, car GPS devices can also receive signals from GPS satellites and can use the information carried by these signals to determine its current location. But because they are meant to be used on moving vehicles, they must be stuffed with features specific to vehicle navigations systems.

In particular, car GPS devices must be able to give you the best possible route toward a particular destination. It must also be able to recalculate your route in case you miss a particular route instruction. It must also have a text and/or voice system for giving directions. Other basic features that all car GPS devices must have are:

• Map storage system

• Screen or display that can handle images of more than 320x240 pixels in size at a resolution and brightness suitable for driving.

• Address book for storing frequently visited addresses and points of interest

• Detachable or external antenna for better GPS visibility

Now, there are a lot of car GPS devices of different kinds and brands available for every type and brand of car there is today. Because of this, you may find it difficult to select the particular car GPS that would perfectly fit your needs, should you want to experience the functionality of one.

In general, however, you’ve got two options should you want to travel with a car GPS device. The first option is to purchase a vehicle with built-in or fixed car GPS system. The other option is to purchase a portable car GPS device suitable for your car.

Buying a Vehicle with a Fixed Car GPS Device

Built-in or fixed car GPS devices can usually be found only on brand new luxury vehicles. As such, you definitely wouldn’t see this option viable if you don’t have the cash to purchase a luxury vehicle. But for those who can easily afford one, this can be the best option because the GPS device is already integrated in the vehicle’s system. This removes all the hassle of installing the car GPS device on the vehicle and loading additional navigation software on the system.

Buying a Portable Car GPS Device

For those who simply can’t afford a new luxury vehicle but still wants to enjoy the functionality of a car GPS system, the viable option for him is to purchase a portable car GPS device. Now, for this type of car GPS device, you are again given two options: a portable car GPS preloaded with maps or a unit that would require you to transfer map data from your PC to the device.

Since the car GPS device needs to have a map in either option, choosing a car GPS unit preloaded with maps would seem to be a wiser choice. But while this type of car GPS device will save you from all the hassles of loading maps to the system, it also costs higher ($1,000-$1,500) than the other option.

The greatest advantage of portable car GPS units that requires map transfers, on the other hand, is their price, which would generally sell at the $500 to $800 range. Installing the system on your car, however, may be quite difficult and laborious.

About The Author

John Rivers is the owner of GPS Navigation Devices. On his website you can find information on everything related to GPS. http://www.gpsnavigationdevices.com.
Article provided by Articlecity.com

GPS Systems are affordable

GPS units for all types of uses are extremely affordable today. With the competition of the eCommerce market and the growing demand of GPS units, prices are greatly being driven down. Anyone can find a decent quality automotive GPS for up to 40% cheaper online versus in the stores.

A major breakthrough in automotive GPS units is handheld GPS. Handheld units such Magellan's Explorist XL is relatively inexpensive GPS unit that is great for use in automobiles.





The Explorist XL has the largest (3.5”) color display in a rugged GPS and a remarkable 30 MB available memory, SD card expandability, plus high-speed USB data port and MapSend® map compatibility make your eXplorist XL the ultimate multi-use GPS.

Add optional MapSend [View MapSend Compatibility chart to confirm what version of software works with your eXplorist XL.] topo maps for your outdoor adventure on the trail, street maps for turn-by-turn auto navigation on the road, and lake charts for your boating and fishing adventures on the water.

Easy-to-use one-button access to key features and simple menus make GPS navigation easier than ever with the Magellan Explorist XL.
• The Magellan Explorist XL haseXtra-Large color screen - The 3.5" display makes reading maps and GPS information easy with vibrant color graphics in all lighting conditions. With the largest screen-size available in rugged handheld GPS systems, your eXplorist XL is perfect for all types of GPS navigation on the trail, on the road or on the water.
• Easy-to-use - One-button access takes you directly to all the key features. Intuitive operation with keypad and joystick control adds even more fun to GPS navigation. You can easily navigate with your eXplorist XL, even as a first-time user.
• Built-in mapping - Robust built-in North American or European basemap makes it easy to navigate major roads, parks, waterways and find airports and other points of interest.
• Unlimited SD-card expandability - SD card compatibility provides unlimited memory expansion. Add optional Magellan MapSend software to get turn-by-turn street routing on detailed street maps, lake contours and fishing spots and topo contour maps to any number of SD memory cards (sold separately).
• Advanced File memory system - Advanced file system to easily save, organize and access optional MapSend maps, POIs or tracks on your eXplorist XL.
• USB data port - Download detailed MapSend maps and customized points of interest (POI) from your PC using the high-speed USB data cable.
• TrueFix® technology - accurate & reliable - TrueFix GPS technology takes advantage of 14 parallel channels, 2 dedicated WAAS and EGNOS Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems channels, for fast signal acquisition, minimal signal loss and reliable accuracy to within 3 meters.
• Area calculation - Want to find the distance between three or more points of interest that you plan to hike around or the area between them? Simply select the points of interest on the map and the eXplorist XL will determine the area between them and the perimeter around them.
• Vertical profile - Use this function to determine how steep the trail ahead will be. Then choose to take the challenge or find an easier path.
• Geocache Manager - Download geocache coordinates from Internet sites and use them on your outdoor adventures. This unique feature makes managing coordinates even easier with a PC-style file system. You don't have to be a geocacher to appreciate the Magellan Geocache Manager. Learn more about Geocaching.
• Languages - No matter your language, there's a good chance the eXplorist speaks it. Choose from English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Dutch or Norwegian.
• Track Logging - Store up to 5 track log files, each with 2000 track-points to the internal memory and store an unlimited amount of track log files to optional SD cards, to easily find your way to your favorite spot again and again.
• Four navigation screens - View speed, direction, distance to destination and all the GPS information you need on 4 easy-to-read color navigation screens.
• No service fees - Your Magellan Explorist XL is ready to go with no service fees and no activation fees, so go ahead, use it all the time.
• Satellite status - Monitor the GPS satellites tracking your position and get information about their status.
• Built to perform on the most challenging and rigorous adventure with the Magellan Explorist XL.
• Advanced power management - Four standard or rechargeable AA batteries provide up to 19 hours of continuous use. Use the power management tool to set automatic backlight and power shut off.
• Rugged construction - Rubber armored, impact resistant plastic lets you to confidently take your eXplorist XL on every adventure.
• Waterproof - Your Magellan Explorist XL is waterproof to IPX-7 standards, so you never have to worry about getting it wet.


There are many other great GPS unit available and many others on the way. We will update this blog frequently with more great news and reviews!

How to Choose a GPS

How to Choose a GPS
by: Billy Bert

You've heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. Or, you're tired of getting lost on your travels. Welcome to the 21st century. Global Postioning System (GPS) has been around long enough that prices are reasonable and the technology is user-friendly. With myriad brands and models, how to choose?

If you want a GPS for both hiking and driving use, then a handheld unit would be the way to go. Some handhelds even have accessories to allow them to be installed in an automobile. But don't rule out a PDA. More on that in a moment. For driving only, there are GPS receivers made just for vehicle use.

Handheld GPS receivers are either mapping or non--mapping. A basic, non--mapping unit can often cost less than $100 US and usually has/displays the following:

* Location
* Compass heading
* Elevation above sea level
* Accurate time
* Satellite location and signal strength
* The ability to calculate distance traveled
* The ability to record your path as a set of waypoints
* The ability to navigate routes
* The ability to retrace your steps

Handheld mapping receivers do all the above plus have the ability to display maps. The maps are either pre--loaded or uploaded from your PC. Prices are reasonable for mapping units, starting at around $150 US.

Paper maps are strongly recommended whether you're using a mapping receiver or not. Paper maps do not require batteries and probably won't go defective. Also, a paper map gives you a "big picture" view of your situation -- something lacking on the small screen of a GPS.

I mentioned earlier your considering a PDA with GPS capability. A PDA is bulkier and the battery life is usually shorter, but if you're using a PDA anyway, then there are several ways to turn a PDA into a GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS "sleeve." That is a device that the PDA nestles into. Another choice is one of Garmin's PDAs. Garmin is probably the most popular GPS maker and they have one PDA/GPS that is Palm--based and one that is Pocket PC--based.

Prices for automotive GPS start at around $250 US. These provide turn--by--turn guidance. Spend a little more than that and you get voice guidance. These are larger than handhelds in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by the car's electrical system and because of this, they can only be used in a vehicle.

Many automobile manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers as an option. Because they are built-in, the big advantages are security and aesthetics. They are quite a bit more expensive than add-on units and often have fewer options. I've also heard some stories of people having a hard time getting map updates.

A PDA/GPS is a good alternative for automotive use. Its screen is about the size of an automotive unit, so seeing the display is not a problem. They can also be powered by the car, eliminating battery worries. The Garmin PDAs mentioned above both come with the hardware and software for automotive use.

If you're hiking, a basic handheld unit (without maps) will be fine since you'll always have paper maps with you anyway (you will, won't you?). An advantage to a handheld mapping unit is that they usually have more advanced features than the basic units. For driving, you have the choice of a handheld, in--car dedicated, or PDA. The handheld does have limited usefulness in a car, as it does not provide turn--by--turn guidance.

Billy Bert writes for http://www.surevehicletracking.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

GPS News and Reviews

Welcome to eBuyersWorld.com's new GPS Blog. This blog will be updated frequently with a wide range of news, reviews, and resources for all types of GPS. We will post very helpful knowledge to help educate everyone on the lastest information about GPS.
This blog is updated and maintained by eBuyersWorld.com, you're number one source for everything GPS!