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.

Garmin StreetPilot c340 GPS

Garmin StreetPilot c340 GPS

The StreetPilot c340 provides in-car navigation that is simple for anyone to use directly out of the box. After selecting a destination from the user-friendly touch screen interface, Garmins text-to-speech feature tells users the name of the street, when to turn, and in what direction. If you miss your turn, the c340 automatically calculates a new route to the destination.

Monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your c340, it notifies you of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered, and then offers an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route.

The StreetPilot c340 comes preprogrammed with highly detailed City Navigator NT street data of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The database features nearly six million points of interestincluding hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions.

As an added benefit, you can now 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 StreetPilot c340 joins Garmins growing line of automotive GPS navigators. It has a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, TFT display with touchscreen; dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts; and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

The StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek stylingthe units 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 C340 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
  
• Supports FM TMC traffic alerting
  
• Voice announces streets by name
  
• 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

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Magellan Explorist XL

Magellan Explorist XL handheld gps

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 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.

Specifications
Product Number	980812-01
Base Map	Robust built-in base map of North America
Coverage	North America
Number of Screens	4
Screens-Types	Compass, Map, Large Data, Position
Position Update Rate (per second)	1
Time to First Fix: Cold	<2>
Time to First Fix: Warm	<1>
Time to First Fix: Hot	<20>
Unit Width (inches/cm)	2.9 in/7.37 cm
Unit Height (inches/cm)	6.4 in/16.26 cm
Unit Depth (inches/cm)	1.33 in/3.38 cm
Weight (oz/gm)	12.25 oz/347.28 g
Display Resolution	220 x 176
Display Resolution Color	High Color
Antenna	Patch
Backlit Display	Yes
Backlit Keypad	No
Construction	Rubber Armored Impact Resistant Plastic
Horizontal Accuracy (meters)	<7
Vertical Accuracy (meters RMS)	15
Velocity (knots RMS)	0.1
Plotter Range Minimum (mi/km)	.01mi / .035km
Plotter Range Maximum (mi/km)	1,700mi/2,700km
Battery Type	4 AA
Battery Quantity	4 standard AA batteries
Battery Life (hours)	19
Receiver (parallel channels WAAS/EGNOS enabled)	14 dedicated GPS satellites with 2 dedicated to WAAS
Receiver WAAS/EGNOS Enabled	Yes
Uploadable Memory Form Factor	SD Cards
Uploadable Memory Limit (megabytes)	Unlimited via Secure Digital cards
User Data Backup	16 MB
Waterproof (IEC-529 IPX7 Standard)	Yes
Emissions Certification - Immunity (EN 55022 Class B)	Yes
Emissions Certification - Susceptibility (EN 50082-1)	Yes
Operating Temp Min (F/C)	14F/-10C
Operating Temp Max (F/C)	140F/60C
Operating Altitude Max (ft/m)	60,000ft/18,600m
Waypoints	Unlimited on SD card
Routes	Unlimited on SD card
Trackpoints	Unlimited on SD card
Grids	Lat/Lon, UTM, OSGB,MGRS, Finnish, German, Swedish, French, Irish, Swiss, USNG, User Grid
Datums	90 Max
Data Input	via USB
Data Input (RTC M104 Standard)	Yes
Data Output (NMEA 0183 V1.5 Standard)	Yes
Data Output (NMEA 0183 V2.1 Standard)	Yes
DGPS Ready	Yes
Languages	English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian
Display	16 Color Transflective
Package Contents
Items	Manual
Quick Start Guide
PC Interface Cable