A Magellan Portable GPS System - Why I'm Buying Another One

My Magellan portable GPS has become totally invaluable since I bought one six months ago. So why am I buying another one? Well, I have always been a bit suspicious of high-tech solutions to problems that didn't really seem to be problems at all. Ever since I started driving, some thirty years ago, I've used maps to navigate my way around the country. national route maps for major, cross country trips, and local street maps for once you get into the towns and suburbs.

But it was only when I went on a trip with a buddy who used his Magellan portable gps system all the way that I began to realize what I'd been missing. I thought back to all the instances where the gps was superior. This is my list:

You don't have to take your eyes off the road when you get all your instructions delivered in a mellifluous female voice.
You don't have to stop to consult a map when you're lost or think you've missed a turning.
If you do miss a turn, the gps simply recalculates and gives you new directions without getting angry
Your gps is always up to date. If the road network changes (make sure that the portable gps system that you buy comes with lifetime updates)
The gps takes you to the door of wherever you're going every time.

So why am I buying another one?

Well I love the one I've got but, now that I'm getting on in years, I want a bigger screen that I can see easily without squinting. Magellan have just brought out the Roadmate 5045-LM which has a five-inch screen. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm giving the other one to my daughter. It just feels safer to know that she can find her way around without trouble.

Check out this particularly good deal on the Magellan Portable GPS System and you'll never get lost again

Garmin 276C GPS Receiver Review

The Garmin 276C GPS receiver is suitable for both land and sea. With 12 parallel channel GPS receiver provider you can mount on either your boat or car dashboard and take it on adventure. It's beautiful 3.8-inch, 480 x 320 pixel, 256-color back lit display is ideal when your in blinding sunlight on the open waters.

It's got superior reception compared to other gps technologies which you can safely rely on.

Other features that make the Garmin GPSMAP 276C GPS Receiver superior to other GPS models include:

- It's one of more cheaper models available that includes a lot of functionality and better reception and readability.

- The display on the Garmin 276c is larger and easier to read in both dark or bright lighting conditions.

- It comes with a lithium ion battery which lasts for hours. A sure blessing when you are out in the open seas or hiking in remote locations.

- The touch screen and real buttons of the 276c are much preferred for spelling out city names points of interest.

- The 276c has more options data display on screen.You can choose a variety of options for display on screen.

In many ways the Garmin 276c GPS is perfect for use in a variety of conditions. You could use it in the car, boat, or when you are walking/hiking. Basically You can use it just about anywhere. Most other GPS systems are designed for automobiles and they are not particularly handy if you want to go, say, hiking.

It has a distinct advantage when used during marine navigation. The Blue Chart marine maps combined with the flexibility of the unit makes navigation on water almost easy.. The large screen is distinct advantage as you can check your position at a glance.

The one disadvantage is that the Garmin GPS 276c comes with small memory card which rules out storing too many maps. So, every time you are planning a long trip covering several states you have to keep loading it with the relevant maps and data.

Gowri is an avid blogger and writer, webmaster and techno-geek. She loves technology and finds gps fascinating.

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GPS - Tips to Enhance Your GPS's USE

Who needs a map now that the cost for a GPS, global positioning satellite, has come down to the point where you can pick one up for under $150? In fact I was at the Target the other day and saw a Tom Tom© for $119. That's a good price for a known name brand.

If you are going to invest in a GPS because either you and the family go on a lot of road trips or maybe your job requires a lot of driving, then follow some of these tips below to make for easier, better and safe use.

GPS Theft

The last thing you want is to go out to your car or truck and find that your GPS is missing. If you leave your GPS out in the open where everyone can see it, I don't care what part of the world you are in, someone is going to take it. So do yourself a favor and deter the theft of your GPS system by detaching and removing it from your vehicle when you are not driving. Also your GPS probably came with or you bought separately a suction cup holder which holds the GPS in place while it is in use. Take that in with you as well. That screams to an expecting thief that you own a GPS and they might break into your vehicle looking for it even though it may not be in there.

Software Update

Your GPS uses software in order to calculate all of those routes and directions. The first time you use it, it also needs to locate the satellite system and update your device. The best time to do this is on a clear sunny day. Done right and it should take about 20 minutes so it is recommended that you update your GPS information right before you are about to leave on that long road trip.

Directions

Yes GPS's are cool and neat, especially when the voice is telling you to go left and go right, however it is still a computer system with some software and not a live person. So in order to get the greatest benefits from using a GPS enter in as much information as possible for your starting point and your destination. The more information you feed it, the better directions your GPS will give you.

Maps

Most brands of GPS systems offer a once a year (maybe more often) option to update the mapping software. Before you get all excited, these updates aren't free and depending on the brand of GPS you own, they can run anywhere from $25 to $100 or more. The roads in this country are always changing and if you go on a lot of road trips don't be cheap. Spend the money and get the map update for your GPS.

As you can see this tips will go a long way in helping you to get the most out of your GPS system. Use common sense with your GPS and understand that it is still a computer system and you will be sure to have much success with it.

About the Author
Bruce Tucker is a contributing writer to Mike's How-To Blog, a blog that covers a wide variety of topics and how to do them. You can also follow him on Twitter.

GPS Buyer's Guide - What to Look For Before Buying a GPS

When looking for a good GPS, it is easy to get overwhelmed when comparing the many features that are available. First, decide what you will be using the GPS for. If it will just be for use in your car then you would not need some of the features that would appeal to hikers, boaters, or pilots. Some of the extra features will require that you pay an extra monthly fee, while the basic GPS satellite system is free to use. All you need is a GPS receiver unit and some batteries and you are good to go.

Screen

One of the most important features on a GPS is the screen. Look for a screen that is easy to read and features high contrast color LCDs. A transflective screen is easier to view in the bright sun. If the model you choose does not feature a transflective screen, you could consider adding a screen hood to the unit.

Dashboard Mount

If you will be using the GPS unit in your car or boat, you will want to look for a package that includes an easy to install dashboard mount.

Touch-screen Navigation

Touch screen navigation is a great feature that makes navigation as simple as tapping the screen instead of pressing buttons.

Voice Prompts

The quality of the audio is important. Look for clear audio quality with sufficient volume control. You must be able to hear the directions even if you are driving at higher speeds, people are talking, or you are listening to the radio. Some units have very powerful speakers built in while others feature a FM transmitter that broadcasts the directions through your car radio.

Routes

A very handy feature is the ability to load and recall previously used routes. This feature will also store all of the waypoints along the way as well as reverse directions.

Trip Computer

A trip computer will display useful data such as trip distance, odometer reading, average speed, current speed, trip distance, and trip timer.

Alarms

Units are available that will alert you if you are off course, upcoming approach and arrival, and upcoming waypoints. In the event you are using the GPS unit in your boat, you will be warned of shallow water and obstructions.

Basemap Units

Look for receivers that include current, built-in mapping software. Good software should include major highways, cities, rivers, lake, and airports. An important feature is the ability to easily download updated and more detailed mapping data as it becomes available. You will likely have to purchase the additional software, but the ability to access the location of gas stations, banks, restaurants and off road trails is valuable. You want a system that allows you to upgrade the maps so you can always access new roads or developments.

Start-Up Time

Shop for a unit that features a fast start-up time. A satellite that connects to 32 satellites will start up quicker than one that connects to 12.

Technology

Any system you consider should include the Sirf III chip. This is the latest technology and will locate satellites quickly. Models that do not include this should be avoided.

Portability

The ability to remove the GPS unit from your car is important if you plan to do any hiking, backpacking, or hunting.

Extra Features

While extra features will not affect the ability to access directions and locations, they can be a lot of fun. There are some systems that allow you to play XM radio, DVD's, MP3s and videos.

Danny Short has a passion for electronics and outdoor activities. He enjoys driving, boating, biking, and travelling to different places. He recently opened a website [http://www.outfitgadget.com] that sells the latest GPS and other outdoor gadgets. Outdoor enthusiasts can also blog about their outdoor adventures and experiences.

Planning Your Trip - Caravan, Motorcycle, Holiday of Any Sort

A tour or any trip does not just happen; you need to spend some time planning your trip. When is the best time to travel; what will the weather be like; are you going during school holidays time; how are you going to find your way; do you need any permits etc? By planning your trip before you leave you will be able to answer these questions to make sure your holiday is as stress free as possible. Do not necessarily get bogged down in all the finite details though; some decisions, such as where to go next and how long to stay in one place, are sometimes best left for the road. After all you may find a wonderful location that suits you and decide to stay there longer than planned.

When to Travel

Your first decision will be when to travel. This will be different for all people. Maybe you only have a week's leave or maybe you are taking 12 months to travel. The weather, the timing of school and public holidays and any local events in the area you intend to visit will all influence your decision. Some travellers also think about how they can visit family and friends or fit special occasions into their schedule.

Weather

Australia has extremes in climate and weather. At the same time: in one area of Australia there may be monsoonal rains and cyclones; while a different part of Australia will have balmy perfect weather and another part may even experience snow.

Such extremes are not uncommon, but you can start planning your trip according to reasonably predictable weather patterns, making some allowances for occasional variations and anomalies.

The southern States of Australia have four clearly identifiable seasons. Summers are warm to hot, winters cool to cold. Spring and autumn have pleasant days with cold nights. Most rain falls in the winter months but other seasons can have the occasional shower or even heavy downfall. Snow falls on the Australian Alps and the Tasmanian Highlands in winter, early spring and sometimes in late autumn.

Northern Australia has a dry and a wet season. The dry season runs from April to November, give or take a few weeks. Little or no rain falls and countryside turns from lush green to a dusty brown. The wet season, with high temperatures and oppressive humidity, lasts from December to March. Tropical storms regularly dump large volumes of rain, and cyclones are not uncommon.

The centre of Australia is arid or semi-arid. Rain can fall throughout the year or not at all. From May to September daytime temperatures are mild but can drop dramatically at night. Summer temperatures can be extremely high.

The best time to travel through Australia's northern and central regions is between April and November. Year-round travel is possible in the south, with spring and autumn offering mild and pleasant conditions. Southerners begin drifting northward in Early May and return south around September. (Just think, travel North in any month without an R in the spelling of it - May to August).

Detailed weather information can be found by contacting services offered by the Bureau of Meteorology.

School and Public Holidays

If you do not have children, it may be best to avoid travelling during school holiday - particularly Christmas/New Year and Easter. Most accommodation is very heavily booked at these times plus being the peak periods, the prices are also at their highest.

Australia's mainland States schools each have a four-term year. While the holiday periods from State to State do not necessarily align exactly, they do tend to overlap. The holiday periods generally are:


Two weeks in April usually coinciding with Easter

Two weeks in late June or early July

Two weeks in late September or early October

Six weeks from mid December until the end of January including Christmas and New Year.

Tasmania has a three-term year with holidays in June, September and from December through to the middle of February.

Long weekends are also a popular time to get away. Different states have different public holidays, check when public holidays fall in the different States to avoid crowds in holiday regions, particularly areas close to the capital cities and beach locations.

Local Events

Quite a lot of regional towns now have local cultural and sporting events during the year. Some are minor affairs that may be fun to stumble across. Others are large, well organised, well advertised, crowded but can be very enjoyable. Phone visitor information centres for event guides, and check out the internet for local information.

By planning your trip around holidays and events you can either avoid them or ensure you are there when they are on.

Finding Your Way

Once you have a good idea of where you are going, by planning your trip you can like all these places together. You will need some practical tools to do this. This may be as simple as just getting some maps and guides. If you are travelling long distances or for a long period of time, you may look at installing a Global Positioning System, or GPS, good for travelling off main roads.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS, a navigation system developed by the American military, is now widely used by professionals and recreational travellers - you will find most taxi drivers have them installed in their cabs and use them all the time.

A GPS receiver determines the user's position, accurate to within 10 metres, by collecting distance and time measurements from satellites. GPS can also be used to determine speed of travel, altitude, and distance (in a straight line) to a proposed destination and estimated time of arrival. Most GPS receivers have the capacity to remember at least several routes, thus enabling return trips to be plotted. The preloaded data may include information or road networks and major geographical features. GPS receivers and antennae range in price from several hundred dollars to a couple of thousand.

A laptop computer, loaded with interactive mapping software downloaded from a CD_ROM and connected to a GPS receiver, offers a hi-tech visual navigational aid.

Hand-help GPS receivers usually operate on replaceable batteries; as the battery life is very short, however, it is necessary to carry a supply of replacement batteries. An alternative is to purchase a power pack, which will allow the receiver to be plugged into your vehicle's power supply.

Maps and Guides

If you are travelling in remote areas, particularly off the beaten track, you will need more detailed maps - a selection of these will be available at better map shops, visitor information centres or your local motoring organisation.

If you are just travelling on the main highways or major roads, you will get by with a good road atlas. If you are travelling with children, get them there own road map. Then when they say "where are we"; "how long til we get there"? they will be able to look it up for themselves. A good road map will have not only the major roads, but broad coverage region by region and details maps of cities and towns. Maps can last a long time, but it may be best to replace them ever five years or so.

Visitor information centres are a good source of local maps, generally reproduced in free brochures or leaflets. These maps tend to be quite detailed and useful in exploring the local area.

Specialised books and guides covering localities and holiday activities fill the shelves of bookshops including map shops, national park shops and specialist environmental stores. Good all-round publications include Explore Australia and, for the outback adventurer, Explore Australia by Four-wheel Drive.

Visitor Information Centres

Many Australian towns have a visitor information centre. They not only have maps and guides, but the staff offer information on local accommodation, caravan parks, businesses and tourist attractions. They will also often have a booking service for your accommodation or local tours/attractions available in the region

PERMITS, PARKS AND PRIVATE LAND

There are many areas of Australia where access is prohibited, restricted or subject to particular requirements.

Aboriginal Land

Aboriginal communities own large tracts of land in areas such as Central Australia, the Kimberley's and Cape York. Travellers wishing to visit areas of Aboriginal-owned land must first apply to the relevant authority for a permit. Always ring first, as some areas of Aboriginal land may be completely out of bounds for tourists and permits therefore are not an option. The permit-processing period can be quite long and by planning your trip you should apply well before you leave home.

Visitor information centres in the area that you are heading off to will offer advice on which lands are covered by what traffic - permits can be purchased or obtained on the spot, although this tends to be the exception rather than the rule.

Permits are not usually required for travel along the public roads in Australia that traverse Aboriginal land, though notable exceptions include the Great Central Road that links Yulara in the Northern Territory with Warburton in Western Australia. Respect should be of utmost importance when travelling through Aboriginal lands, whether a permit is required or not.

National Parks

Australia's 500 or so national parks protect the continent's unique flora, fauna, famous landscapes and natural icons.

Each State and Territory administers its own parks. The federal body, Parks Australia, oversees the management of a small number of parks, including Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and Booderee at Jervis Bay.

In some States, permits are required to visit national parks. These can be purchased in advance by contacting the central authority, or on the day within the park. If you intend to camp in National Parks, it is best to obtain a permit and book a site before hand. Most National Parks only have basic camping facilities and you should contact the relevant authority to make sure camping is permitted and, what facilities are available and book a site. In some parks, sites are heavily booked well in advance, particularly during peak periods.

To make sure you know what you are getting, phone ahead and ask the following questions:


Are the camping grounds likely to be open?

Are the sites suitable for vans?

What are the facilities like?

Are there fire restrictions?

Is there a ranger station in the area?

Is it necessary to pre-book a site?

NATIONAL PARK OFFICES

Most park organisations have a location in the relevant capital city where travellers can purchase passes and collect brochures, maps and other information. Many of the larger and more popular parks have information centres on site.

Private Land

There are tracts of private land, particularly in the remote northern half of Australia, where owners allow travellers to camp and sometimes fish. Most of these places are rural stations located off the beaten track and are generally known about by word-of-mouth. Always get permission to camp on private land. The nearest visitor information centre can, in some instances, provide you with details of the land-holder, or try local directories or businesses. Failing that, it may be a matter of stopping in at the homestead once you are on the road. If you do travel through Private Land make sure you leave it as you find it and if you have to open a gate to go through it, .

This is the eigth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.

Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours.

Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics.

His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, traveling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.

GPS Maps - How Do I Download GPS Maps For Free?

Did you know that you can download GPS maps without paying a single dime?

When you purchase a GPS unit as a navigation aid, your unit would come pre-loaded with a free GPS map. The thing about the pre-loaded map is that they're mostly incomplete in details which could be useful to you on your trip. That's why you'll prefer to find out extra maps and there are a lot of places you will be able to go to online which would offer you a free-of-cost GPS map simply by clicking on a simple download link.

When you perform a Google search for "free GPS map", you will be able to find a lot of places online that let you download a free-of-cost GPS map. Actually, not just one you can download a lot of GPS maps. You will be able to choose and pick out which maps you would like to download and then all you have got to do is upload them from your computer to your GPS receiver. Typically, the GPS unit will be accompanied by the electric cord required to do this and it's really rather simple.

When you're going to a particular address, you'll have to have an elaborated map of that location so that you are able to receive exact and dependable directions to navigate your trip with minimal problems. Finding a free-of-cost GPS map of this location could be done easily by simply performing a web search and then you download the map straightaway to your hard drive.

Pre-loaded maps which accompany your GPS unit - apart from usually deficient in details - typically don't include several points of interest that could make your journey simpler. If you're on a long journey and find that you have to stop somewhere for the night, having the points of interest which include hotels in the region could be a huge benefit and save you a lot of time driving around searching for a place to stay!

Although there are a lot of software programs which you will be able to purchase to load GPS maps into your unit, why do that when you will be able to obtain a free-of-cost GPS map straight from the net? You can choose and pick out which maps you require and it's all free of charge. What could be better than that?

Make sure you know what GPS systems are and how it can benefit you by visiting this popular website about GPS http://www.gpsmapsfree.info where you can also download free GPS maps.

Kamran is a Mechatronics Engineer who loves GPS systems. He is an enthusiastic follower of the launch of latest GPS systems. He runs an informative site that gives lots of information on GPS systems and reveals the best manufacturers of GPS. He is giving away a free downloadable e-book explaining what GPS is, how it operates as well as the best manufacturers of GPS. To make the best of this cool stuff and much more make sure you check out Kamran's web site at http://www.gpsmapsfree.info

Can We Rely on GPS Technology Alone?

Any consumer knows that new forms of technology only last so long before they evolve into something else or are replaced. Global positioning systems or GPS technology has recently become popular for many consumers and, like any other form of technology, has evolved to include features that replace some other things we once relied upon.

When GPS systems first became used by the public, their main function was to give directions, both before leaving for a trip and on the go. Being able to search for directions while out and about took away the need to plan your route beforehand, for many people. It is still smart to do so to an extent, should the GPS not have updated information or you may have a detour or need to find an alternate route, but many people no longer bother to do this anymore before leaving for a trip. Technology that was once thought of as very revolutionary, such as Mapquest.com or Google Maps is now used less and less often with the popularity of GPS devices and being able to change plans as you go. Those who have GPS devices rarely bother to look information up before they leave beyond getting an address to enter into the system. From there, other destinations can be looked up as planned.

Two old standbys that is certainly going out of style are maps and atlases. Gone are the days of people pulling out paper maps, except on long road trips. The advantage of paper maps is that they are large and easy to read and can show greater area distances more easily than can be seen on a GPS device. So, if you are driving across a state or country, it is still a good idea to have maps on hand. It can be difficult to see cities and streets on GPS maps, and they usually show things at a much more magnified view. However, many people no longer utilize maps and find them unnecessary compared to what GPS devices have to offer.

Of course, the practice of stopping by a convenience store and asking for directions is disappearing, too. However, this many not be the case. Many people find themselves getting lost in spite of, or even because of, their GPS devices. Because consumers have come to rely on their GPS systems, many travelers and commuters leave home without having any general knowledge of where they are going first. If you take several wrong turn and your GPS takes too long to catch up to where you are, you may end up even more lost than you would have had you taken the time to look at directions before leaving. Many who do use GPS devices still find themselves lost from time to time. Also consider the possibility that, just like with any other form of technology, something can go wrong at any time, or your device can lose power. You will be completely stranded if you have no idea where you are going.

Many travelers have also noticed the decrease in the number of updated road signs. This does not refer to street names or exit signs, but remember those signs that used to detail gas, lodging or food? Those signs are rarely updated anymore. These days, people find their information other ways. In the time it takes for an addition to be made to a sign, travelers have already gotten an update on their GPS systems.

Carlyn has been an online writer for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in travel, finance, and product reviews, you can also check out her latest website on Motorola H710 Bluetooth Headset which reviews and lists the best H710 Motorola Bluetooth Headset.