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GPS Review, GPS Comparison and GPS Gift Ideas
GPS Review / GPS Comparison

GPS Review / GPS Comparison

Compare GPS - Best Car GPS/Best Handheld GPS/Your Best GPS

Compare GPS - Best Car GPS/Best Handheld GPS/Your Best GPS

Whether you are looking to compare GPS units to find the best car GPS, best handheld GPS or your best GPS for any situation, we gladly do the research for you and write up the GPS comparison to help you choose wisely. If you are looking for handheld gps comparison or an auto gps comparison or if there are any GPS reviews which you are interested in, please feel free to request them so that we can help you find the best GPS for you. If you are interested in a GPS receiver review for auto, marine, hiking or fitness GPS, we are interested in doing the review for you. You will also find even more GPS comparisons and GPS reviews and gift ideas on our blog. 

GPS Review / Gift Ideas / GPS Comparison

GPS Review / Gift Ideas / GPS Comparison

  1. Christmastime is the perfect time to show your mom how much you love her and appreciate for everything she has done for you all these years. No one holds that special part of your heart than your mom, and giving just the right Christmas gift is something you have to put a lot of thought into to be sure you give her something special she’ll really like.

    These are some of the gift ideas that will make a gift for mom special:

    GPS Navigation – Make mom’s trips easier by giving her a portable GPS navigation system. Some automotive GPS systems offer visual and voice directions. Be sure to get a good brand of GPS navigation system. Consider one which has a bigger screen and clear voice. Some of the best brands are Garmin automotive GPS units, DeLorme and Magellan. You might check out our favorite GPS store for some great ideas.

    Spa Gift Certificate – Mom certainly deserves a relaxing break from her daily chores. Get her a Spa Day Gift Certificate, and treat her to a pleasant day relaxing in the Spa.

    Antique Collectibles – Your mom may enjoy collecting antiques. If she does, then consider giving her a rare antique which she will cherish and add to her collection. Anything which adds to her collection will be good, but why not try a get a rare collectible. eBay will be a good place to bargain hunt or check out your local antique store for personal service and possibly an inexpensive treasure.

    Jewelry – What mom wouldn’t like a diamond necklace? You might consider presenting her with a diamond pendant necklace. Some of the design options are hearts, circles, and modern twist shapes.

    Gardening Supplies – If your mom loves gardening and enjoys growing her own herbs or flowers at home, a good gardening kit will make her gardening experience a pleasant one, with all tools in one kit. Or perhaps one of those little seats on wheels that hold her gardening tools conveniently for her would be a great idea and save on her knees while she gardens. What garden loving mom wouldn’t appreciate that?

    Massage– After a long day, mom will love to have relaxing massage. Also, a massage cushion can be used on a chair or couch and has adjustable settings so mom can choose the level of massage she wants. There are several massage cushion options which you might consider.

  2. Don’t fall into the Christmas rush; shop early while the selection is still good. Well, that is my goal this year. I know it is still early, but I get so frustrated with myself when sometimes I over analyze each gift, then waiting for the very best sale, only to find that by the time that special sale came along there were only a limited number of whatever it was I wanted to buy. Actually, only a handful of the folks who were at the store waiting for the doors to be unlocked, often pushing and shoving to get to the prize first, were the only ones who actually got the “bargain”. In my book, that is no bargain. Then you find yourself in a shopping frenzy, grabbing other things that are included in the “special sale”, items that perhaps you weren’t even considering in the first place, costing much more in time, money and frustration than the actual gift was worth.

    Well, I have decided to shop at the stores I already trust who give reasonable prices and excellent service; although, I still look for their sales while I am there. At one GPS Store in particular I recently heard a customer say “Thanks John! You guys are great to work with…I’ll let my friends know.” Now, I already liked that particular GPS store, but it really felt good to hear someone else express the same sentiment. Many of my friends just need or would appreciate GPS accessories like a case, GPS mounts, handheld GPS accessories, maybe even a new charger cable. Well, I know where I will be shopping for those items this year, and I am planning to get ahead of the crowds this time.

  3. I have often wondered how the Garmin nuvi compares to the iPhone for automotive GPS navigation. I recently had the chance to find out. I found myself traveling with a friend about 6 hours away from home and back.  I had brought my nuvi along when I went to meet them, but I was told it was not needed as they had GPS in their car. Well, their car is much fancier than mine so I believed it came with a GPS navigation system factory installed. Just after leaving my nuvi behind I learned the truth. Oh my! How I missed my own GPS device once we hit the road. We came across a detour which the iPhone had no idea about and had to figure out the detour ourselves by enlarging the map and watching our car move as a blue dot around the screen working our way back onto the suggested route. Well, that was fun - not. Then again, I have become quite spoiled and like it that way.

    My nuvi comes with lifetime traffic and helps me bypass traffic jams and scoots me around detours without hesitation, talking me through every step of the way. Instead of reading directions printed on the screen and trying to follow them, my device makes me aware ahead of time which lane to be in and when and where to turn next, readjusting automatically if I don’t make the suggested turn for whatever reason. I do agree that ‘she’ sometimes seems to get frustrated with me if I decide to take a shortcut that takes me off the beaten path, but ‘she’ adjusts to my choices as well as my mistakes and takes it all in stride. I have plans for another trip soon with yet another friend who says she has a GPS device in her car. This time my nuvi will ride along in my purse just in case I again miss her help along the way.

  4. Wow, how funny is that? Last year when I was thinking of updating the personalization of my Garmin nuvi and stopped by the Garmin Garage feature, thinking I might change the icon on my automotive GPS systems,  to my surprise and delight they were offering a special Halloween Boo Bundle with “scary” characters and even a ghoulish voice to use on your Garmin automotive GPS units to amuse you and your passengers and break up your commute. Our grandsons got a real kick out of watching and listening to this update on our next outing.

    They even have a character who will gladly ride along with you and give you directions and funny/scary narrative, Dr. Nightmare. To quote the Garmin blog; “Love the voice. Ours has the habit of saying creepy things at the most opportune moments when looking for a house to buy. When we arrived, if the house was no good, he would say ‘Welcome to this dreadful destination.’ A friend was in the back of our car, and as she leaned over to look in the rearview mirror to check her hair, he said ‘Is that a goblin in the rearview mirror?’ She then replied ‘No its me.’ But the most uncanny of them all was just the other day, we were driving slowly through a small town when the vehicle in front of us stopped at the pedestrian crossing. As he did so a cat by the side of the road crossed in front of this vehicle. As we drove off Dr. Nightmare said “Did a cat just cross your path?”! Weird or what?!”  We can hardly wait to go pick our grandsons up and go for a nice country drive with Dr. Nightmare along to entertain us!

  5. Believe it or not, as the beginning of fall approaches and I am getting out the cool weather clothes, I am beginning to feel, well, fat. I have been doing some serious thinking about getting out there and doing more walking, actually LOTS more walking. I don’t know about you, but I can get bored just walking the same old route day after day even though it is very pretty and close to home. I get tired of the same old routine and find that I don't do as much walking as I meant to do. Well, there are lots of wilderness areas around here that I plan to access soon, before hunting season hits. I have been thinking GPS watches, and I guess it is time to dust off my Garmin Forerunner. Maybe I can avoid those dreaded holiday pounds this year if I get started now. Or maybe I can at least fight off that brain fog that has begun to set in with these cool mornings we are having lately. I’m tying on my sneaks and getting this body moving! Why don’t you join me?

  6. I couldn't have said it better myself - the Garmin blog states;

    Even though we're celebrating the end of summer today, Labor Day, if you're a hunter, you know the season is right around the corner. As the days get shorter, savvy hunters start hitting the woods and fields for some preseason scouting. This year they've got a new weapon in their arsenal.

    The Oregon 550t is Garmin's top-of-the-line outdoor handheld GPS receiver, and it comes jam-packed with features. Preloaded topo maps can give you the lay of the land, and loading eye-popping detailed BirdsEye Satellite Imagery can help hunters get a real-world perspective of their surroundings.

    Even cooler is the onboard 3.2 megapixel waterproof digital camera that marks the precise location that each photo was taken. So instead of having to manually label each waypoint to make sense of things, the picture you took does all the work for you.

    The Oregon 550t can help you become more successful and enjoy more time outdoors this fall.

  7. Well, as the end of summer is upon us we just experienced a rare occurrence in the northeast, category 1 hurricane Irene which, fortunately for us, was then reduced to a strong tropical storm. As the folks who live on the southern and southeastern fringes of the United States are well aware, there was some significant damage along the roads and bridges. To state there are or have been some detours is obvious. Some bridges were washed away, and there were quite a few trees blocking roadways not to mention the roads which were flooded or also just plain washed away. This was a great time to experience automotive GPS systems at their best! Detours can be so confusing, especially for all the folks who were in the area vacationing or enjoying their summer homes and aren't necessarily familiar with all the back roads or alternate routes in order to get to where they need to be.  At this time especially, I wish everyone safety and health throughout the recovery period. Happy traveling!

  8. Too funny. Recently our 16-year-old went camping with a friend of ours, trying to make the most of the end of summer. They always enjoy getting together to hike and fish, have plenty of cookouts and just hang out together. Anyway, after one long day of paddling the canoe, tramping around in the wooded trails and cooking hotdogs on sticks over the open fire they decided to relax out on the lake with fishing poles in hand. After a while of just floating around casting his line and reeling it in, our son started complaining that he caught a snag. They both worked a little to try to get it free and finally managed to begin reeling the snag back toward the boat. I am thinking if they had bothered to bring the GPS fishfinder along they would have known that “snag” was one of the largest large mouth bass our friend had ever seen! Now there’s a fish story to remember, certainly a memory to last a lifetime.

  9. Living out in the country as we do we have lots of open spaces and great views all around us.  With all those open spaces come the most magnificent hot air balloons soaring over and around our property.  It is so much fun to help get one ready to fly then watch it float away on the breeze. Beautiful! Another part of ballooning is the chase.  We love to hop in the car and try to figure out which back road will lead us to where we think that beauty is going to land so we can meet the friendly people and help to fold that balloon back into it's bag at the end of the ride. Also, you never know when the balloonist might open a bottle of champagne to share afterwards.

    With one of the largest balloon festivals in the country happening practically in my back yard I have often wondered how so many chase vans who are unfamiliar with the area are going to get to the right back road to catch up with their own balloon and have seen more than one balloon have to stay inflated enough to pop up in sight for that chase van to find them. Now I have been wondering how many of those same balloonists might be changing over to a handheld GPS device or even automotive GPS  so they can give their chase van the coordinates or road intersections they need in order to find them? That would be geocaching taken to a whole new level! I'm going to have to ask about that next time we go out chasing one of those beauties and find out how that might work for them. If anyone has tried this let me know! Sounds pretty intriguing to me.

  10. Wow, here’s a tough comparison we were recently asked to make. Which GPS fishfinder combo should I buy, the Humminbird 587ci combo or the Garmin GPSMAP 441S? Ooh, that one is tricky. Those are two very good options to fit his needs, but which is better for him? Okay – let’s try.

    First, they are a close match on screen size 4-inch diagonal for the GPSMAP 441S compared to 4.5 for the 587ci Combo. Both have built-in maps, Garmin GPSMAP has the worldwide marine basemap, and the Humminbird 587ci has a UniMap. Both have card slots for maps and saving waypoints – that’s handy. Also, both use either a Tilt & Swivel quick disconnect mounting system or can be flush mounted – flexibility. Each will hold 3,000 waypoints, and the 587ci holds 50 routes versus GPSMAP 441S with 100 routes. The GPSMAP 441S will accept a couple of external antenna choices, where the Humminbird 587ci has no port for external antenna so you want to be sure it is used in an open boat, not from a cabin unless it is near the windshield – good to know. As for cartography; the Humminbird fishfinder combo uses Navionics maps, and Garmin GPSMAP uses BlueChart g2 Vision cards.

    Of course, there are even more differences and similarities between them. Now do you see why it is tough to help someone choose which GPS fishfinder combination to choose? I definitely prefer to help folks find the information, but to make the final decision themselves as the differences between them can be a non-issue for one boater, but critical to another depending on their boat and situation.

  11. A common question that you hear is “is there a site that one can go to for a profile to fit a GPS to the person and needs?” Generally you can go to any of the major manufacturers' web sites and find comparison charts on their models. Most manufacturers have comparison functionality on their web sites that could help determine what to look for. It looks pretty basic, and you may have already determined what you are looking for. Now you just need to find the right unit. First you must decide what type of unit are you looking for – automotive GPS systems, motorcycle GPS, marine GPS chartplotter or fishfinder, handheld GPS units? I especially like Garmin's site for doing comparisons of GPS device features. There you can pick your interests (basic handhelds, mapping handhelds or on the side there is a link to geocaching). You can learn a lot from their site, and they have a wonderful comparison feature. This would be a terrific place to start. If you like geocaching there are also sites such as geocaching.com which teach you a lot and are a lot of fun. I generally like helping you find answers to your questions, but at the same time a feature which makes great sense to one person will sound like a waste of time and money to someone else, so you really need to do the final homework yourself to be sure you really find the GPS unit which suits your needs and that you will love for some time to come. I hope this helps to simplify things a little for you.

  12. Hey, Happy 4th of July everyone! I was just sitting here reminiscing about some of my friends I haven’t seen in quite a while and some of the July 4th celebrations I have been to in my lifetime.  Maybe I’m getting old, but I like getting in touch with old friends whether they live near or far away.

    Anyway, one great friend of mine used to crack me up.  She was a terrific bargain hunter, and normally by the 4th of July she would announce that she had finished her Christmas shopping! Sounded like an amazing idea, and I often laughed at her for that, especially since her teenage daughter had caught on and would claim not to have a thing to wear suddenly before school and talk my friend into giving her daughter any clothing Christmas presents early which would send my friend back off shopping to replenish the shortage.  Pretty smart girl, her daughter!

    Well, with that thought in mind my thoughts moved on their own to the idea of checking out the great GPS accessories and GPS devices on sale and the realization that I, too, could save a lot of money on this year’s gifts by following my friend’s example and beginning planning now while watching the great GPS prices throughout the next few months.  Wouldn’t that be great to finish my own shopping before the rush and madness in the stores that starts on Black Friday? That will be my motto for this year – get moving and watching the great sales early to avoid the stress.  Wouldn’t I love it if I can be just like my old friend during the holidays who would sit back and wrap and decorate and party and enjoy the lights and the fun side of the holidays while the rest of the world would hustle trying to catch up!  I can pick up a GPS receiver for one friend, perhaps a GPS mount for another, perhaps golf GPS for yet another at great prices on each.  If I watch the possibilities will be nearly endless. This is the year I personally plan to shop smarter, not harder.

  13. Are you a nature fan? Do you love the great outdoors? Then you might be a big fan of hunting. Hunting is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do outdoors. Sadly, there are some restrictions when you want to hunt. For example, you need to have a hunting license. This isn’t really a problem. Just a bit of studying and practicing and you’ll be good to go. Besides the license, you are also not allowed to hunt every deer or everywhere you might want to, but there are still plenty of deer. Another issue when you want to hunt is the fact that you only are allowed to hunt during the season. This means most of the year you are not allowed to hunt.

    Perhaps you would be interested in geocaching for the rest of the year. A handheld GPS will be all that is needed along with coordinates of a geocache hidden in the area where you want to explore. You don’t need any license, and aren’t restricted in time frame. Besides which, handheld GPS units can also help you while hunting to be sure you don’t get turned around in the woods and to help you find your way back to the best hunting spots you found last week or even last year if you just save those coordinates on your GPS unit. Whether you are searching for deer or hidden “treasures”, now you can find yourself “hunting” any time you want!

  14. School’s out, the kids are home, and it's nice outside. I wonder if I can use my GPS unit to get away from the kids and find myself? Well, maybe I should use it to find adventure with the kids, in so doing perhaps to help us find each other? We can grab the handheld GPS device and take off on foot exploring the trails nearby. I like to pack a picnic and head out after work and do just that. Or we could do a day trip and take off exploring in the car using the automotive GPS unit to do that. Actually, now that I think of it I probably really don’t need to leave those kids behind to find myself after all. There are some great spots here in the Adirondacks for hiking and boating or just sightseeing, even to sit beside the lake and read while the kids splash around in the water. See ya later – its a pretty day – time for me to go pack that picnic lunch and get outdoors wandering with the kids…

  15. Ahhh, the good old days. Reminiscing with an old friend recently about the good times we had when we were young, traveling around the US by car and all the adventures we had back then. Good times, exciting times, living in poverty or nearly so some of the time, but still enjoying life to the max. One of the memories was the challenge of folding the maps. You practically needed a college course to manage to fold a map and actually get it back anywhere near as compact and tidy as it was when you bought it. Then there were the times when you felt like you would be carsick if you were the copilot and trying to read the map, help with the road signs and not block the view of the driver while you were trying to hold the map so that you could actually read it, sometimes even having to pull over and lay that map out on the trunk of the car so that you could pour over it together, trying to figure out the best way to take to get where we were going. Of course, some folks never did master how to read a map. One of those friends and I actually traveled from Virginia to New York one time during which I fell asleep. Rather than wake me or stop for directions, and knowing he did not know how to read the map, he drove for over an hour in the wrong direction while I was asleep! Well, wasn’t that exciting!

    Wow, how things have changed. Now there are even automotive GPS units that will talk you through your trip and even plan out the best way to go, even down to helping you avoid the bad traffic, road work or accidents along the way and recalculating for you if you take a wrong turn. Now that is really slick. With lots of features to choose from, budget to fancy options, and much smaller than most of those old maps we used to use, why would I even consider pulling out one of those old maps any more. Perhaps you lose some of the sense of adventure and self reliance we learned so early? Or, maybe not so much…

  16. We live out in the country.  I love the quiet, our view and the space between our home and our neighbors.  Now, don’t get me wrong – I really appreciate our neighbors ‘cause we have the best neighbors anyone could ask for, but I’ve lived where you can hear your neighbors just as well as your own family even when they are in their own homes.  Can’t say I enjoyed that. I prefer life out in the country.  Well, that being said, it is sometimes difficult for people to follow the directions we give to them so that they can easily find our house. 

    A friend of mine just called, and we decided it would be fun to get together at my house.  I was mentally preparing myself for the usual “are you familiar with…” conversation and extensive directions when my friend spoke up and asked “what’s your address? I have one of those thingies in my car!”  I love it! Gotta admit that I really love my own “thingie” in my car! Automotive GPS units are such a convenience.  Of course, my Garmin nuvi has me spoiled.  Sounds like my friend feels the same way about her automotive GPS “thingie” and has learned to rely on it the same as I have mine.  I love to explore new places, but I sure love being able to find my way home again no matter where I wander and now that it is summertime I plan to do plenty of that!  Have a happy 4th of July, and enjoy your own wandering this summer...

  17. Hey, I was just at a party and met some folks who had come quite a distance to attend. It is summer, and with summertime comes lots of road work and detours, and with that comes much confusion on unfamiliar roads. I overheard two of the guests who were comparing notes on their automotive GPS systems and their experiences on the way there. As one of them had just gotten her first automotive GPS unit, and this was her first experience with it, it was fun to hear her new friend explaining the ins and outs of using their GPS units. The newbie missed a turn, and her unit told her so and suggested that she turn around and make a "legal U-turn" (which in some states is NOT legal on the highway) while the second person explained that her GPS navigation system recalculated for her when she was sent on a detour because of road construction. Explanations continued as to the fact that the GPS unit would calculate the fastest route or the most economical. It was just fun to hear people comparing notes and educating each other on the use of their automotive GPS systems. It is also really nice to see strangers find common ground and help each other out along the way. As ever, happy traveling!

  18. I love yardsaling, don't you? When you are driving down the highway and see something great that you feel you just Need to get back to later, but you are on your way to an appointment or maybe traffic is just crazy, and you just can’t stop right this minute, what do you do?  Well, if the automotive GPS you are traveling with is a Garmin nuvi it is no problem at all.  All you need to do is just reach out to that handy touch screen and ask to “view map”, then click on “vehicle” and “save location”, name it (anything at all if you are in traffic, just to be able to find it again), and you are done!  How simple is that?  Gotta love those GPS touch screen features on the go! Next time you see, oh a terrific garage sale or an interesting restaurant or maybe a side trip you want to take on your way home from vacation all you need to do is just save that location on your Garmin nuvi GPS.  Nice feature.  Simplify your life and save that location.

  19. Whether fishing is your profession, you pursue fishing as pure fun and relaxation or even if you compete in fishing tournaments with your local fishing club, you'll want to make this activity more productive as well as safe with a GPS fishfinder combo. The use of this system makes fishing easier in many ways and at the same time makes it safer so you can enjoy a bigger haul and a hassle free fishing trip. If safety is a concern for you, then your answer lies in marine GPS technology.

    These devices steer you safely back to your starting point in case you hit upon rain, fog or darkness. As soon as you start, you can mark your location by longitude and latitude, and your system keeps a record of your travel route. This allows you to return safely to your home point, in case of any confusion due to bad weather or visibility.

    Also, if you are part of a fishing event where you work in a group you can send the coordinates of your location to your friends if you like. You can also use this system to increase your catch. In all probability, you will end up with a bigger haul than the next guy. Your GPS fishfinder will help you locate the fish easily. Once you catch fish at some particular spot you can mark the spot in the GPS device and collect locations of such points in the device. Use these coordinates for your next trip. You could also mark a circle using the point in the middle as center for deciding your fishing zone for future trips as there is maximum probability of catching fish in this zone.

    So what are you waiting for? Invest a nominal amount on a GPS fishfinder combination and get a lot in return.

  20. What do I think of refurbished GPS?  I was asked this recently by someone who was uncertain.  Does this mean they are used or faulty?  No, my friend, it does not.  Whenever a package is opened or returned to the manufacturer for any reason, say the customer ordered the wrong thing, there was a loose wire from the factory or possibly even a slight imperfection in the case or even a store returns their stock if they stop selling the line for any reason, the manufacturer goes over it with a fine-toothed comb and fixes anything which may not be working correctly.  I know it is weird, but the item can no longer be sold as “new”.

    As one gentleman put it “the fish don’t care if I find them with last season’s GPS” - OK, he was talking maps, but I feel the same thing applies here.  With the same warranty and a much lower price, it makes perfect sense to me that if I can find the unit I am looking for at a greatly discounted price, why not buy it?  I can get the GPS receiver I want, and I can use the extra money for something else – the GPS mounts so I can move it from car to car (or cabin to flybridge) perhaps, or I can check out the cases or GPS antennas I wanted but could possibly not otherwise have purchased? Anyway, don’t be afraid of a refurbished or factory remanufactured GPS unit.  Don't think of them as just cheap GPS devices.  They are a great value and worth a second look.

  21. Oh my, we get lots of calls requesting me to make a choice for folks so that they don't have to decide which GPS unit to buy.  Looks good on paper, but how can I know which features might be really useful or totally useless to each individual person.  I could just decide which GPS unit I might prefer, but how would that information help a total stranger whose needs and budget may be totally different from mine?  I feel like I really disappoint people when I try to point this out, but we are all individuals, which is why there are so many different versions of, for instance, handheld or automotive GPS units out there.

    Most of the top manufacturers, especially Garmin, have really great interactive websites  that allow you to choose to compare several units to each other so that at a glance you can sort them out by which features you really want, which ones would only be nice perks and which ones are definitely yes or no features for you.  Do you want it to be small and thin with a great battery life so you can carry it with you to find your way back to your car? Do you want lifetime traffic?  Bluetooth?  You get the idea.  Anyway, once you have it narrowed down to possibly one or two favorites, it becomes simple to go back to Google or your favorite GPS store and see which one they have to offer, which types of accessories you will need and for what price they are offered.  I just think it totally simplifies your shopping experience.  I like simple.  After all, I would rather be spending time exploring with my GPS unit than sitting in front of a computer trying to figure out all the pros and cons or entrusting my decision to someone who doesn't even know me.  Well, good luck in your search for the best GPS units for your needs and budget, and I hope this helps.

  22. After talking to a friend recently I got to thinking of an unusual and very rare situation that had never occurred to me before. Because we have raised guide pups in the past through Guiding Eyes for the Blind, six to be exact, I have a special place in my heart for those wonderful noble creatures and the people they love and take care of. Now here is the situation. Imagine someone who suddenly finds themselves in a new environment with their guide dog, traveling on vacation, relocated to a new job or whatever, and no other friend is with them to read a map or street signs. How would they find their way around this unfamiliar city with the most independence and in the shortest amount of time?

    Well, I had to stop and think of the different versions of automotive GPS units, several of which are small enough to be handy to carry in your pocket, and some of which are voice activated and give directions by speaking also. Magic! Their loyal guidedog will keep them straight on the sidewalk, guiding them around any obstacles and watching for traffic at crossroads like always, and the automotive GPS navigation will give them the directions they need which they will ask their dog to execute for them. I imagine they would do well to just contact their favorite GPS store for some help in choosing an appropriate GPS device. Now that will really give them independence and freedom. Any other thoughts on that?

  23. The following travel safety tips will save you a lot of trouble when you travel.

    You need to consider security measures to protect you, your stuff and your travel plans and to provide a safe trip for you and your fellow travelers. The following travel safety tips can save you a lot of trouble.

    1. Make sure your passport and a visa are up-to-date before you try to travel abroad.

    2. Do not forget to carry information for emergency calls. This can be very useful in times of crisis.

    3. If you travel abroad, learn about the culture in which you plan to visit. This saves a lot of confusion and can ensure a safe holiday. Learn some key phrases of the local language, such as “Help” in case you are separated from your tour guide or friends. If you are traveling alone, you may want to hire a guide who speaks at least two languages, yours and the native language.

    4. Walking in a group is safer than going alone, especially in sparsely populated areas. Also a group will add to your enjoyment. Thieves and robbers usually target those who travel alone.

    5. Always use covered luggage tags and try to prevent your address on luggage tags from opening. You can use both the address of your destination and of course your home in case of lost luggage.

    6. Keep your ears open to your inner voice and trust your intuition. Women, single parents and parents of small children are easy prey for crime against tourists. Be vigilant at all times when on your own.

    7. Bring along your own automotive GPS device. Several of the automotive GPS units can also be carried easily in your pocket. Not only if you drive yourself, even if you are using taxis in an unfamiliar location your own GPS navigation will help assure that the taxi driver doesn’t try to take advantage of you and take creative “shortcuts” in order to charge you extra. Bringing your automotive GPS systems will also help you navigate on foot while in a new city while you get your bearings and make sure you are able to get back to your hotel at the end of the day.

    Again, it is fun to travel to new places, but be sure to use common sense and be safe while doing so.

  24. It is vacation time, camping time, again. Well, we wanted to find someplace new this year. We went looking for ideas of new campsites, wanted water for play and trails to wander. This is a new place, an out of the way sort of location I have never been before. Well, we packed our bags, packed the car, all piled in and started our trip by plugging in the exact address of the campground into our automotive GPS. A pretty drive and a lunch stop later we ended up in the most beautiful out of the way campground I have seen in ages. Wow, the view from our campsite is spectacular - right on the lake with mountains in the background. How much better can you get! Set up the tent, admittedly always taking longer than planned, and cooked our dinner over the outdoor fireplace. I moved the GPS unit over onto my GPS bike mount and took off on some back roads for an evening ride to discover some of our new area; that was fun. Ahhh, now it is time to rest by the fire. There will be time enough for wandering the trails with our trusty handheld GPS unit tomorrow.

  25. One of the best tools for pleasant holiday travel, including navigating to your vacation spot and offering some entertaining points of interest along the way, is the addition of helpful GPS navigation systems. Whether you might be touring cross-country or taking a quick weekend journey, having an automotive GPS system will make your journey simpler, quicker and rather more fun.

    Lately, GPS systems have begun to mature from barebones models to more sophisticated GPS receivers that additionally allow you to play music and even make calls from your car. Some GPS systems and satellite radios are becoming the newest add-ons for brand spanking new automobiles and some car rentals, and there are a number of fascinating and ever more affordable choices to upgrade your existing vehicle. Today’s GPS units work nicely with small or internal GPS antennas providing visible and voice prompts for upcoming turns, and adjusting while you take a detour (including those now familiar words 'recalculating, recalculating...'). These systems can usually store the major highway maps for complete regions plus detailed maps for a particular area in addition to points of interest, addresses and even phone numbers for your convenience.

    There’s so much to see and do. Be sure you don’t miss a thing while driving or hiking, for instance touring around national parks and other scenic vistas. Now you could have the power and security to make any trip an easy and memorable one whether or not you are working, sightseeing or a little of both. You will not get lost or miss out on the special points of interest with the aid of a GPS receiver, whether you explore in your own automobile, a rental car or RV. With multilingual flip-by-flip visible steering, voice prompt navigation and simple to learn graphics, traveling from place to place has never been easier or more visitor friendly. Additionally, automotive GPS systems offer you instructions for the most popular driving routes, but allow you to get off the beaten path and to take the roads much less traveled. You’ll get to see and experience more than you ever could have on your own.

    When vacationing in unfamiliar cities or countries GPS also comes in handy and helps you enjoy exploring without worry. Now you’ll be able to navigate to new locations with GPS mapping specific to the areas you’re traveling in. GPS navigation systems are nearly indispensable additions to your travel gear. Just grab a GPS unit, relax and enjoy your journey!

  26. Oh the thrill of Americade!  I love to see the assortment of bikes, big and small, some with luggage carriers, side cars or even customized trailers, as they drive down the road.  Some travel in groups, some individually out to explore the beautiful countryside and open roads with this wonderful weather we have been having.  I envy those with motorcycle GPS the most as they can take off with confidence and explore the area, looking for historic sites or just simply enjoying the beauty of nature here beside beautiful Lake George and throughout the Adirondacks.  Well, today we had quite a sudden storm with the sky opening up and dropping quite a deluge on all.  I am certain that any cyclists caught on the road were especially glad their motorcycle GPS unit was waterproof at that time, or it would have been ruined for sure.  Of course, I expect most have motorcycle GPS mounts so they were able to grab their GPS units and run for shelter until the storm passed.  Now the rain has passed, the sun is peeking through, and I envy those cyclists again as they are back out on the open road enjoying the camaraderie of their friends and the beauty of nature all around them.  Such a wonderful family type adventure must certainly be remembered for years to come and anticipated with relish from spring to spring.

  27. GPS fishfinder comboTurn by turn directions for marine GPS? That’s a new one on me! I was talking to someone who asked us for exactly that just recently. That sounds pretty slick, but can’t say I have ever seen that before.  After all, on a river or a lake the maps are going to show you where there are obstacles and where it is safe, deep enough for the boat to navigate safely.  Nobody sticks to just one particular route unless they are navigating white water or other treacherous situations, working around shoals or sandbars or whatever.

    Anyway, GPS chartplotters or GPS fishfinder combos are meant to show you the lay of the land, the obstacles and the channels which, if you actually use their aid, will help you to navigate safely and to find where those big fish actually live, but won’t give you a strict street map setup.  After all, in my book that is much of the magic of spending time on the water, the ability to wander freely and enjoy the ride.  Again, turn by turn directions?  Not really, but marine GPS will still certainly help you to find your way and bring you home again.

  28. Can money buy you happiness? Someone posed the age-old question.  Well, let’s consider.  First, money purchased my hiking shoes, not a lot mind you, but money all the same.  And it took money to purchase my inexpensive handheld GPS unit for geocaching.  I rode my bike down a really pretty country road to where I wanted to search for that geocache which is only a couple miles from my house.  My bike originally cost me money, but I have had it for quite a while and gotten quite a bit of use out of it, so cost per use would be pretty low by now.  Of course, I could have walked the entire way – that would have been free.  It did take some money for that GPS bike mount for my handheld GPS device, but not bad compared to the hands free convenience as I feel the right GPS mounts can make all the difference in using your handheld GPS systems.  Hmm, also the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair were free.  The sound of the birds in the trees and the rustle of the leaves was not only refreshing, but free.  Well, I am thinking money purchased some conveniences and my GPS navigation device, but certainly the happiness of the day was certainly FREE, as was my soaring spirit that day.  Now get out there and enjoy your life!

  29. My friend and I went to a seminar away from home recently, held in a conference room at a hotel in an unfamiliar town. Well, wouldn't you know that when we went out for lunch we took a wrong turn and got lost getting back. Who hasn't ever done that? Anyway, we realized that the solution to our dilemma was to use her automotive GPS unit. Not having the exact address of the hotel with us, we just put in the town and the name of the hotel chain into the GPS device. This worked great! Step by step we got closer to our goal only to find that we were at another branch of that hotel chain, albeit still within the same city. I guess the moral of the story is to be as specific as possible, looking perhaps for the exit off the highway which was nearly across the street from the hotel rather than the name of the chain. Who knew that such a small city would have two? Well, lesson learned, we followed our GPS unit's instructions back to the correct hotel just in time for our seminar to begin again. We live and learn; still, the GPS actually took us exactly where we asked it to, twice. I hope others will learn from my mistakes. Enjoy your travel with automotive GPS!

  30. We got a call recently from someone wondering whether he would be able to use the existing transducer that came with his boat with new GPS fishfinder combination.  That opened a conversation about compatibility.  Not all brands of ducers will be compatible with all brands of GPS fishfinder combination.  You really want to do your homework on that one to be sure that you have the correct match.  Normally the manufacturer tech support will be able to help with this, or contact a local boat service company for assistence.

    Also, his old fishfinder was set into his boat, permanently affixed; and he wanted to be able to drop his new model into the same slot.  We did the homework and found the GPS fishfinders that would meet all his criteria.  That was an interesting exploration, but we found some great options that would fit perfectly.  During that search it brought out the fact that, although some GPS fishfinders will work permanently affixed to the boat, some will actually get much better reception and give you better screen visibility if they are on a swivel mount which gives clearance all around.  These are all important things to consider when shopping for a replacement GPS fishfinder combo for your boat to give you the best fishing possible.  Happy fishing, and I hope you catch the Big One!

  31. I'm watching the snow falling and thinking of Americade. You probably never heard of it, but it is the annual motorcycle rally which normally arrives in Lake George's beautiful little resort town each year just after Memorial Day. What a sight to see cycle after cycle driving by. What a nice group of folks, mostly family types of all ages, on quite a variety of cycles. Some have three wheels, most have two. Some have side cars or little luggage trailers of amazing shapes and sizes.

    While walking down the sidewalk admiring all these amazing cycles last summer I began to notice how many had motorcycle mounts for their GPS devices. Most of the GPS units had been removed and carried off in pockets or purses to keep them safe of course, but there was quite an assortment of different motorcycle GPS mounts to be seen. It is easy to understand how folks who like the wind blowing on their faces would like the freedom of discovering new and varied roads and getting off the beaten track, but still wanting to be able to get back to their hotel or their homes reliably. Yup, it is time for the rest of the cyclists to look at the advantages of GPS units with bike mounts to feel even more carefree as they ride off into the unknown. Now's a great time to think about the nice weather and being safe while exploring and enjoying the wind in your face on the open road.

  32. My friend and I went to a seminar away from home recently, held in a conference room at a hotel in an unfamiliar town. Well, wouldn't you know that when we went out for lunch we took a wrong turn and got lost getting back. Who hasn't ever done that? Anyway, we realized that the solution to our dilemma was to use her automotive GPS unit. Not having the exact address of the hotel with us, we just put in the town and the name of the hotel chain into the GPS device. This worked great! Step by step we got closer to our goal only to find that we were at another branch of that hotel chain, albeit still within the same city. I guess the moral of the story is to be as specific as possible, looking perhaps for the exit off the highway which was nearly across the street from the hotel rather than the name of the chain. Who knew that such a small city would have two hotels of the same chain? Well, lesson learned, we followed our GPS unit's instructions back to the correct hotel just in time for our seminar to begin again.

    We live and learn; still, the GPS actually took us exactly where we asked it to, twice. I hope others will learn from our mistakes. Enjoy your travel with automotive GPS!

  33. Have you ever been driving down the highway and see something great that you just Need to get back to later, but you are on your way to an appointment or maybe traffic is just crazy, and you just can’t stop right this minute, what do you do?  Well, if the automotive GPS you are traveling with is a Garmin nuvi it is no problem at all.  All you need to do is just reach out to that handy touch screen and ask to “view map”, then click on “vehicle” and “save location”, name it (anything at all if you are in traffic, just to be able to find it again), and you are done!  How simple is that?  Gotta love those GPS touch screen features on the go! Next time you see, oh a terrific garage sale or an interesting restaurant or maybe a side trip you want to take on your way home from vacation all you need to do is just save that location on your Garmin nuvi GPS.  Nice feature.  Simplify your life, and save that location.

  34. Oh my, we get lots of calls requesting me to make a choice for folks so that they don't have to decide which GPS unit to buy.  Looks good on paper, but how can I know which features might be really useful or totally useless to each individual person.  I could just decide which GPS unit I might prefer, but how would that information help a total stranger whose needs and budget may be totally different from mine?  I feel like I really disappoint people when I try to point this out, but we are all individuals, which is why there are so many different versions of, for instance, handheld or automotive GPS units out there. 

    Most of the manufacturers, especially Garmin, have really great interactive websites already where you can choose to compare several GPS units to each other so that at a glance you can sort them out by which features you really want, which ones would only be nice perks and which ones are definitely yes or no features for you.  Do you want it to be small and thin with a great battery life so you can carry it with you to find your way back to your car? Do you want lifetime traffic?  Bluetooth?  You get the idea.  Anyway, once you have it narrowed down to possibly one or two favorites, it becomes simple to go back to Google or your favorite GPS store and see which one they have to offer, which types of accessories you will need and for what price they are offered.  I just think it totally simplifies your shopping experience.  I like simple.  After all, I would rather be spending time exploring with my GPS unit than sitting in front of a computer trying to figure out all the pros and cons or entrusting my decision to someone who doesn't even know me.  Well, good luck in your search for the best GPS units for your needs and budget, and I hope this helps.

  35. What do I think of refurbished GPS?  I was asked this recently by someone who was uncertain.  Does this mean they are used or faulty?  No, my friend, it does not.  Whenever a package is opened and returned to the manufacturer for any reason, say the customer ordered the wrong thing, there was a loose wire from the factory or possibly even a slight imperfection in the case like a scratch, the manufacturer goes over it with a fine-toothed comb and fixes anything which may not be working correctly, but it can no longer be sold as “new”. 

    As one gentleman put it “the fish don’t care if I find them with last season’s GPS” - OK, he was talking maps, but I feel the same thing applies here.  With the same warranty and a much lower price, it makes perfect sense to me that if I can find the unit I am looking for at a greatly discounted price, why not buy it?  I can get the GPS receiver I want, and I can use the extra money for something else – the GPS mounts so I can move it from car to car (or cabin to flybridge) perhaps, or I can check out the cases or GPS antennas I wanted but could possibly not otherwise have been able to purchase now? Anyway, don’t be afraid of a refurbished or factory remanufactured GPS unit.  Don't think of them as just cheap GPS devices.  They are a great value and worth a second look.

  36. Can money buy you happiness? Someone posed the age-old question.  Well, let’s consider.  First, money purchased my hiking shoes, not a lot mind you, but money all the same.  And it took money to purchase my inexpensive handheld GPS unit for geocaching.  I rode my bike down a really pretty country road to where I wanted to look for that geocache which is only a couple miles from my house.  My bike originally cost me money, but I have had it for quite a while and gotten quite a bit of use out of it, so cost per use would be pretty low by now.  Of course, I could have walked the entire way – that would have been free.  It did take some money for that GPS bike mount for my handheld GPS device, but not bad compared to the hands free convenience, as I feel the right GPS mounts can make all the difference in using your handheld GPS systems.  Hmm, also the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair were free.  The sound of the birds in the trees and the rustle of the leaves was not only refreshing, but free.  Well, I am thinking money purchased some conveniences and my GPS navigation device, but certainly the happiness of the day was certainly FREE, as was my soaring spirit that day.  Now get out there and enjoy your life!

  37. We got a call recently from someone wondering whether he would be able to use the existing transducer that came with his boat with new GPS fishfinder combination.  That opened a conversation about compatibility.  Not all brands of ducers will be compatible with all brands of GPS fishfinder combination.  You really want to do your homework on that one to be sure that you have the correct match.  Also, his old fishfinder was set into his boat, permanently affixed; and he wanted to be able to drop his new model into the same slot.  We did the homework and found the GPS fishfinders that would meet all his criteria.  That was an interesting exploration, but we found some great options that would fit perfectly.  During that search it brought out the fact that, although some GPS fishfinders will work permanently affixed to the boat, some will actually get much better reception and give you better screen visibility if they are on a swivel mount which gives clearance all around.  These are all important things to consider when shopping for a replacement GPS fishfinder combo for your boat to give you the best fishing possible.  Happy fishing, and I hope you catch the Big One!

  38. bicycle gps mounts

    In the last few years I noticed that I’d been putting on a few extra pounds, so I decided to do something about it. I’ve never lived a sedentary lifestyle or anything like that, but if I don’t have a tangible fitness goal in mind it’s tough to stay motivated. That’s when a friend told me about a personal bicycling milestone known as the century. Just as you might assume from the name, it consists of a 100-mile-long cycling course.

    This isn’t the sort of event you can jump into without doing some diligent training. I found some bicycle GPS mounts online and set up a tracking receiver for my Schwinn road bike. It allows me to plot out my practice routes well in advance so that I can time myself along the way and get an idea for how I’ll do once the real century rolls around. In just a few months I’ve cycled my way into shape.

  39. Whether you are preparing for that Century race, or even if you are just trying to get more fit and motivate yourself to go a little bit farther or a little bit faster every day, you will really like the addition of a speed cadence sensor with your GPS device. For ultimate fitness progress you can monitor your pedaling cadence as you ride with a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor. It will help you track your speed, distance and pace so that you can monitor your workout performance. It measures and reports your pedaling strokes per minute, providing feedback for optimal efficiency. The Garmin speed/cadence sensor (GSC 10) is compatible with the Edge 305 and Forerunner 305. The best part is that you can use the speed cadence sensor, even on your stationary bike, so you can continue to work out even on the bad weather days we seem to be getting more of this time of year.

  40. Need some quick and easy gift ideas that they will love all year long? How about GPS Hiking, fitness and training watches? Choose something simple for the beginners in your family, or go for a package with heart rate monitor and add a bicycle cadence monitor for the adventurer or fitness enthusiast in the family. There is something for everyone, whether they just want to wander and not get lost, trying to lose a few extra pounds, or even if they are really trying to get in shape for the upcoming marathon next spring. What a versatile gift, one that they will enjoy over and over again. Consider several choices of GPS watches such as the Garmin Edge, Garmin Forerunner or the Timex Ironman GPS Global Trainer Bodylink System for starters. Simplicity in shopping and gift giving, now that’s the way to go!

  41. Hey! It’s finally here! We have had several people looking specifically for a GPS device that would work specifically for truckers, the nuvi 465T - the first nuvi designed specifically for over-the-road truckers. The nuvi 465T is the first navigation device to provide the NTTS Breakdown Directory which is the most comprehensive guide to semi-truck repair facilities nationwide - including those offering 24-hour road service, created with over-the-road drivers in mind. Also, lane assist comes standard with this GPS receiver for truckers, which is especially helpful when navigating complex highway interchanges. It also provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials). Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions and nuvi 465T guides you according to your requirements, even including multiple-point routing so that you can take a more efficient route between multiple stops along your trip.

    This lets you know what lies in your path. It displays warning information of upcoming road conditions to make drivers aware of possible hazards along the route such as sharp curves and steep grades. You'll also get lateral wind warnings and notification when the road narrows. Also, with nuvi 465T's integrated FM traffic receiver you can receive free alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Simply touch nuvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

    You also get nuvi’s hands-free calling as the 465T integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. When paired with your compatible Bluetooth phone you are able to talk hands-free through the 465T while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nuvi's touchscreen keypad to make a call, and answer calls by tapping the screen and speaking into its built-in microphone. It is the safe way to travel down the highway.

  42. Oh Christmas Sales, Oh Christmas Sales! How lovely saving money… Oh, sorry… Black Friday shopping – what a frenzy! Oh, the stories I heard - bet you heard ‘em, too.  A few friends made it up and out at O’Dark-thirty, joined in the pushin’ and shovin’, hustlin’ and bustlin’, hurryin’ to get a number to stand in line hopin' to get what they wanted, limited numbers, sizes ran out, rushed and ran and got tired out. Another friend talked about how many folks are catching the flu while out shopping lately. A familiar story, don’t you think? We’ve heard plenty about that. And the gas prices, Oh My! Well, here at home, not down in the city, we just hung our wreaths. Oooh, don’t they look pretty. Now I’m back at my desk, coffee by my side, checking my options, beaming with pride.

    Anyway, with Cyber Monday tomorrow I want to decide which handheld GPS systems I like best. There are some great ones to choose from. Let me see, I like geocaching, check. I want it to be handy for hiking, check. Oh, and let’s not forget bike riding, great! It needs to be small enough to grab to take on vacation, yup. Sure have some great handheld GPS units to consider! Delorme Earthmate GPS - there are several, Busnell ONIX GPS, Garmin Colorado and Vista, Dakota and Forerunner. It’s time to grab a snack and settle down to look with this many options!

  43. Makin’ a list, checkin’ it twice… Well, here I am in my nice comfy chair, snack at my side, looking at those automotive GPS systems that are on Black Friday sale. Hmmm. Gotta figure out which one of those Garmin nuvi automotive GPS units I like best. There are so many things to like about each one! First, size – the nuvi 550 is the smallest and will fit in my pocket easily once I hit the sidewalks, the nuvi 1260T and nuvi 1450 are still pretty small but are much thinner, with the 1450 having the largest screen of all which will be easier to see while driving in hectic traffic. The nuvi 550 and 1260T both will have good pictures, but the 1450 has the most pixels, again easier to see in heavy traffic. Okay, color touchscreens on all three, that’s great.

    While all are lightweight, the 1260T is nearly half the weight of the other two at about 4 ounces – I’m likin’ that in my pocket again if I head out on foot or bike ‘cause it won’t be bulky. Okay, good… All three have rechargeable batteries; with battery life between 3 and 8 hours on each, the 550 beats the other two out again, but I will just keep them charging while I am in the car. No problems there. All three come with preloaded maps and have the ability to load more – nice. All three use voice prompts and speak streets by name, I like that a lot, but none of these have voice activated navigation; well, I don’t really need that one, and it keeps the price reasonable.

    All three will do detour calculations to get me back on track, but only the 550 and the 1450 will figure out the most direct route for me; although, all three models will help me avoid highways or toll roads – savin’ me money; and the 1260T and 1450 both include ecoroute to save gas. I like that. Oh, the 1260T is the one with Bluetooth, a handy feature to have; and that one comes with Lifetime Traffic included, oooh, nice. They all have world clock and a picture viewer, anti-theft (Great Idea) and are easily personalized with Garmin Garage. Ahhh, the nuvi 550, is waterproof and great for motorcycles, boats and geocaching! Well, I think I know which one I want for Christmas, oooops! I'm not shopping for me, I am supposed to be shopping for everyone else!

  44. Crazy, crazy stores Black Friday - I’m sure not joining in on that crush! Who wants to get up at O’dark-thirty and push and shove and stand in line with a bunch of other folks who are pushin’ and shovin’ and standin’ in line trying to get the best bargains. Not Me! I plan to do my shopping online, whenever it is convenient for me, with no other shoppers rushing me or confusing me or stressing me out. This is going to be eeeeasy shopping this year. With the house nice and quiet, got my little refreshments, my nice comfy chair, my computer and me. I’m liking this. I am checking out some pre-Black Friday bargains already online, looking at some automotive GPS systems and found some Garmin nuvi automotive GPS units already on sale! Who knows, I might finish my shopping Before Black Friday even rolls around. Yup, I’m talking eeeeasy this year, and I like eeeeasy!

  45. Imagine that, we bought a new computer and needed repair right away. What a nightmare, right? The bright spot was the technician who came to rebuild our nearly brand new computer. She was wonderful. Anyway, of course we talked about GPS. No big surprise there. She has a handheld GPS unit for hiking, but she says in her opinion when it comes to automotive GPS there is nothing like using laptop GPS to get from one appointment to the next. After all, she has the laptop anyway; and it has a really large screen which really improves visibility as she travels from home to home, city highways or country roads, normally going places she is totally unfamiliar with. She says her portable GPS device is fine when riding her bike or hiking, but when it comes to highway speeds and traffic, she wants the best visibility at a glance that is possible. She feels she gets that with the large screen of her own computer and her laptop GPS receiver.

  46. If you are looking for a portable golf GPS unit, Bushnell has several to choose from. Bushnell golf GPS units have a lot to offer. Consider the Bushnell Yardage Pro GPS in black or orange or the XG or XGC versions. The easiest to use golf GPS device with distance in both yards and meters at a glance on it’s easy to read screen. It has compact, lightweight one-handed ergonomic design and stores 10 to 100 courses, depending on the model, including Score Card with course information. It is made for the outdoors and is weather resistant. Amazing score keeping and statistic capabilities make the Yardage Pro XGC a golfer's ultimate GPS tool. Smart.

    You might also consider the Bushnell neo, one of the simplest and easiest to use golf GPS units available. It is also the smallest and most compact. At a glance the neo Golf GPS gives you the distance to the front, middle & back of the green, and it stores up to 10 courses worth of information. You can even custom map any course in the world with this compact unit with no download needed. Smaller scores are just one glance away. The Neo also waterproof just in case you get caught in the rain. Isn’t it time you thought about GPS to improve your game?

  47. Are you feeling like you are in a fitness slump? If you are interested in knowing whether you are training too hard or not hard enough the Forerunner 305, Garmin's GPS-enabled personal trainer and cycle computer with heart rate, is a great idea. The Forerunner high-sensitivity GPS receiver is extremely reliable and is the perfect companion on any bike. It is able to be attached to either the stem or handlebars with the handy bike mount for easy viewing. The Forerunner 305 comes packaged with a heart rate monitor and wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensor to provide valuable feedback. From competitive road racing to mountain biking to those of us who are just trying to get fit, the cyclist-friendly Forerunner will help as you aspire to your personal best. With the easy-to-use Forerunner 305 which shows altitude and a map view on your bike, you'll always know where you're going and how far you've gone.

    The Forerunner 305 has the ability to measure pedaling cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, plus much more. The heart rate monitor is a soft, comfortable chest strap that uses wireless technology to reliably measure and send heart rate data to the Forerunner. The cadence feature includes a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor so you can monitor your pedaling as you ride. This data is then automatically sent wirelessly to the waterproof Forerunner GPS unit and stored for analysis when you have finished your workout.

  48. I was talking to one of my friends today, and she suddenly started chuckling. She and her husband had been visiting friends this week. One of her friends started talking about how their neighbor was doing something with her navigation thingy looking for stuff and couldn’t understand what she was doing or why they thought it was so much fun. My friend surprised even her husband by explaining to them that they are using their handheld GPS units looking for a geocache. Geocaching is very a popular activity in which you get the coordinates of the location where someone else hid a special waterproof container containing a log and maybe some little trinkets or geocache coins or such, then you go out and find it with the aid of your portable GPS device. It is something that is fun for the whole family to do together. She was pretty smug that, after having talked about geocaching with me from time to time, she was the only one in their group who understood what was going on. Cute. She has since started talking to them about trying it with her soon with her handheld GPS system. Maybe I can tag along, too!

  49. Whenever I bring up the topic of the use of marine GPS units with my fishing buddy Grover he dismisses the topic out of hand. According to him, fishermen should be able to anticipate hotbeds for angling without any outside assistance. Of course there were plenty of points I could have made to poke holes in his position. For instance, is it “cheating” to check the weather report before heading out to the lake?

    Besides that, I always remind Grover that Garmin chartplotters are good for much more than finding fish. In fact, I rely on them as navigational tools on dark nights when clouds obscure the stars overhead. When you’re out in the middle of a lake in pitch darkness, there’s no way to guarantee you’ll miss rock outcroppings and other debris that’s just waiting to run your boat aground. Grover couldn’t help but admit that I was right.

  50. I was talking to one of my friends the other day.  He is one of those snowbirds who is getting ready to head on back to Florida before the snow flies. As we were listening to the weatherman, it sounded like my friend had better be quick to leave the North Country this year if he is going to beat the snow. Anyway, he is planning on doing some serious golfing once he gets down to the Longboat Key area. Of course, that got us to talking about golf GPS and the variety of golf GPS systems available today. It is amazing.

    He was especially interested in the new Garmin Approach G5. He was quite impressed with that little touchscreen Garmin golf GPS. You are able to measure distances for your next shot by just touching any point on the sunlight-readable display, and the Garmin Approach G5 shows the precise distance to that exact point. Approach's highly sensitive GPS receiver pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move the Approach will automatically update your position, so you'll always know your yardage. Slick. No wonder he can't wait to head south for the winter.  Maybe some days I am a little jealous of the snowbirds after all.

  51. Well, how funny is that? Last year when I was thinking of updating the personalization of my Garmin nuvi and stopped by the Garmin Garage feature, thinking I might change the icon on my automotive GPS systems, to my surprise and delight, they were offering a special Halloween Boo Bundle with “scary” characters and even a ghoulish voice to use on Garmin automotive GPS units to delight your passengers and break up your commute. Our grandsons got a real kick out of watching and listening to this update on our next outing.

    Well, this year they have a new character who will gladly ride along with you and give you directions and funny/scary narrative, Dr. Nightmare. To quote the Garmin blog; "Love the voice. Ours has the habit of saying creepy things at the most opportune moments when looking for a house to buy. When we arrived, if the house was no good, he would say 'Welcome to this dreadful destination.' A friend was in the back of our car, and as she leaned over to look in the rearview mirror to check her hair, he said 'Is that a goblin in the rearview mirror?' She then replied 'No its me.' But the most uncanny of them all was just the other day, when we were driving slowly through a small town when the vehicle in front of us stopped at the pedestrian crossing. As he did so a cat by the side of the road crossed in front of this vehicle. As we drove off Dr. Nightmare said "Did a cat just cross your path?"! Weird or what?!"  We can hardly wait to go pick the boys up and go for a nice country drive with our new friend, Dr. Nightmare.

  52. Have you broken your GPS antennas on your navigation systems, or is your GPS antenna just not strong enough? Having trouble keeping track of your GPS receiver? Need a second mount so that you can move your automotive GPS units from one vehicle to another, or need to replace the holder that you used to use? Need to recharge your batteries, but still love your GPS device? It is time to consider replacing those lost or broken parts and save the hassles of replacing your trusted GPS receiver that has become like an old friend, one of your all-time favorite traveling companions.

    There are lots of options. Perhaps you need a case, a holster or lanyard to protect your handheld GPS units, but help you remain primarily hands free on your adventure. Or you might just want to spruce it up and individualize it. With the right GPS accessories you can fix it up, protect it or update it without a great deal of trouble, and probably save yourself some serious cash while you are at it by breathing some new life into an old friend.

  53. Well, it’s that time of year again, and up here in the North Country the snowbirds are thinking about taking flight back to warmer climes. It is time to be looking at automotive GPS units to help you get around all the obstacles that might be in your way, help you find the nearest gas station or restaurant and help you plan your route to save you gas along the way. There are so many options, let’s consider some of them.

    For example, the DeLorme Earthmate BT-20 w/Street Atlas USA 2010 Plus is a smart, flexible GPS, mapping and routing solution offering both Bluetooth and USB connectivity which plugs into your USB laptop PC or UMPC, or works wirelessly with your Bluetooth-enabled laptop, UMPC, PDA, or touchscreen phone. This DeLorme Earthmate GPS allows you to create driving routes automatically, with user controls for road preferences. It will help you locate 4 million places of interest such as restaurants, lodgings, attractions, truck stops, and businesses of all kinds.

    Also, the nüvi 255W is a widescreen navigator with voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that speak street names. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America. With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. Garmin’s nüvi 255W includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and sports a sleek, slim design that fits comfortably in your pocket or purse.

    So, go south if you will, but do it safely and efficiently with your choice of automotive GPS systems. There are many affordable automotive GPS units to choose from.

  54. When you are taking your family out on the water for an afternoon cruise, head offshore with confidence. You always want to keep safety foremost. It is easy to keep yourself and your family and friends safe while enjoying your time on the water. EPIRBs are Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and, it is really smart to have an EPRIB on board at all times to be sure to get found fast in an emergency situation.

    The ACR GlobalFix PRO quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search and Rescue satellites, which reduces emergency search time and increases your chances of survival. It has reliable signaling technology that has saved more than 25,000 lives since 1982. You sure don’t want to end up like Gilligan, the skipper and his friends, or worse. So, be safe and have fun.

  55. Hey boating enthusiasts, now that you are familiar with marine GPS navigation, both GPS chartplotters and fishfinders, the best of both worlds is a GPS fishfinder combination. With a GPS fishfinder combo you are able to not only chart your course to your favorite fishing grounds, but to clearly take your deep sea and fresh water fish finder GPS fishing to new levels. Plus, these waterproof units include a high-sensitivity internal or external GPS receiver, so you will always know your position at sea, then they will help you find those monster fish once you get there. There sure is nothing like a nice relaxing day on the water, a friend by your side and fishing pole in your hand.

  56. For all you beginning boaters out there, it is time to think about marine GPS navigation and take a serious look at waterproof GPS units. You really might want to consider purchasing a GPS chartplotter for your vessel. Garmin chartplotters like the Garmin GPSMAP series include marine cartography - preloaded with marine mapping software - and have GPS and WAAS capabilities so that you can not only see the rocks and shoals to avoid, but you can plot your best course to your destination. Also, with the use of the GPS/WAAS capabilities you can know with accuracy if you are beginning to venture off course. You can also save each course you plot to make finding your way back to that great getaway or fishing ground a cinch next time you want to return. Marine chart plotters are built rugged to be reliable, and are completely sealed within a waterproof casing, especially built to stand up to use in harsh saltwater environments.

  57. When going on a trip you always want to have a plan on how to get from point A to point B without getting lost. That's why having a good Automotive GPS navigation system in place can save you a lot of time and heart ache traveling. In reviewing the Delorme Street Atlas USA 2010 this system can help you get from one point to another. The nice thing about this system is that you use this system with your laptop or a phone. Many systems require you to have a subscription when using  Automotive GPS Systems, but with the Delorme none is needed. You get the locations for the U.S and Canada and some of the big heavy traveled roads in Mexico.

    If you know your location before you leave you can use the pre-plan trip optional which is nice for the fact you can see how long it will take you to get to your desired location. The GPS system also shows where you can stop for gas, find local attractions and restaurants so you can eat. The one really cool thing about this system is that you can use the 3-D option so the views are more detailed.

  58. According to the New York Capital Region Geocachers there are definite guidelines for where and how you are allowed to place a cache.  To be sure we all are compliant and don’t cause any animosity toward geocachers in general, I thought it would be good to summarize some of the guidelines.  You may remember that Geocaching is currently banned in all National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. This includes the Appalachian Trail which is a National Park; therefore caches may not be placed inside or in close proximity to it.  There are several other areas in New York State which are specifically listed as off limits to geocaching. They are listed in detail at geocachingny.org, and you may want to take a good look at this list before accidentally placing a geocache where it is forbidden.  As for New York State in general, we have been asked to NOT place caches on mountain tops or right at the overlooks. Please be sure to keep caches down within the tree line.

    Most land managers they talked with about geocaching insisted that all containers be labeled as a GEOCACHE on the OUTSIDE. Since that is already in the cache listing guidelines the importance of this should be stressed again.  Well, now that you know some of the guidelines to follow, it is time to grab your Garmin Colorado or other handheld gps units and get out and have some fun finding all those geocaches that have already been hidden.  Maybe you will even be adventurous enough to hide some of your own!

  59. “I was preparing for our annual family road trip this last August, when my wife suggested that we try something new. She had my interest piqued when she recommended that we try using a GPS navigation system this year, instead of the ‘ol road maps that we’ve collected over the years. Besides it really was time to clean all those messed up maps out of the glove box (never could refold those buggers).

    So I started doing a little research on different brands and features that are available in automotive GPS systems. I ended up settling on the Garmin nuvi 255w. I chose this particular model because of its affordability and because of some the great features. Not only is it portable but it has some of the beat features that the nuvi line offers, like touch screen and the “Where Am I?” emergency locator.

    Let me just say that it sure made getting directions a lot easier than trying to read and refold those old road maps.”

  60. With most new GPS devices it has become less important to have an external antenna jack since the most newer chips are sensitive enough to acquire an adequate signal inside a vehicle or boat. However, it is not always possible to obtain good satellite coverage through a front windshield as sometimes the GPS receiver cannot or will not be placed near a window. This is when an external GPS antenna can help. Even backpackers will benefit from the ability to safely store the receiver inside a pack with an antenna attached to your backpack shoulder straps. It can also help outdoor use in places in like heavy tree cover, mountains or in canyons where signals are weak. Also, tall buildings in cities can create “urban canyons”, or in any place that the receiver doesn't have a good view of the sky you will want to minimize temporary loss of signal when you are in motion to maintain the best possible accuracy by having a lock on the greatest number of satellites.

  61. Memory is used to load detailed topographic maps, street-level maps, or additional waypoints into your GPS receiver. Detailed maps can use a great deal of memory on your device, so you need to consider how much internal storage capacity your device has. Higher end GPS devices also usually accept a memory card for additional storage. You can also share data easily between different GPS units of your own, or with a friend if you are using a memory card. There are several sizes of memory cards to choose from to expand the memory of your GPS navigation system. Most are between 1 and 4 GB of memory; although, you can purchase larger or smaller memory cards than this if you are interested, depending on how you plan use your GPS units.

  62. It is preferable to have a device that can be supported with external power, like a travel charger or a cigarette lighter power cable to recharge or at least extend the life of the batteries in your GPS units. Due to the power requirements while in use, the device should support standard batteries (AA or AAA) that you can carry in your pocket or pack for easy replacement on the trail. Lithium batteries are often recommended for the newer GPS devices to ensure longer battery life, and power geocachers or avid GPS enthusiasts should consider rechargeable batteries. You sure don’t want to end up lost because your GPS unit’s battery died on you while you were out in the middle of nowhere, so planning ahead is always smart. Stay safe and have fun!

  63. When you compare benefits of various GPS devices, a feature commonly noted is the number of “channels” a GPS has. What are channels, and are they important to help determine which GPS system to purchase? First, it might be helpful to have a basic understanding of how GPS works. Sometimes taking it down to a very basic level is quite helpful. At the most basic level, your GPS needs one channel for every satellite it is communicating with. You need to realize that there are exceptions to this, but we are going for simplicity here. The more channels your GPS reciever has, the more satellites it can communicate with at one time. The GPS satellite system is designed to provide similar levels of service anywhere in the world, so at any given moment your GPS unit will only be able to “see” a few of the satellites at one time. At least half of the satellites will on the other side of the earth, while others could be out of view due to mountains, trees, buildings, and so on. Sometimes channels are reserved for more than just tracking a visible satellite, but also for searching for other satellites which are predicted to come into view. If you continue to watch the screen over time you will see that some satellites disappear from view while other satellites appear on the horizon. While your GPS might be tracking only 8 satellites, it might be using a couple of other channels to search for new satellites which it predicts will come into view.

    Some very basic GPS navigation systems have a single or dual channel scanning receiver that can read and 'lock' onto 8 to 12 satellites. If a device can give me a fairly accurate location with only 4 satellites, why would I want more than 5 parallel channels? Since 5 would only allow for a margin of 1 visible satellite, having more channels would permit your unit to maintain a position when you moved behind a building where you suddenly lost contact with several satellites. Ideally you would like to be able track all available satellites simultaneously to maintain a fix under the worse possible conditions. If you turn a corner and several satellites are now obscured from view there is a good likelihood that the extra channels will instantly bring several others into view, thus maintaining continuous accuracy. I hope this has been useful information to help make your decision as you purchase your new GPS navigation system.

  64. Of all the reasons to buy a motorcycle, for most people it’s the thrill of the open road that stands out most. Movies such as “Rebel without a Cause” and “Easy Rider” have served to reinforce the idea that motorcycles can free us from the constraints of everyday life – the routines, deadlines and mind-numbing predictability. That explains why so many people take up biking later in life; they feel an urge to shake things up and see parts of America from a whole new perspective.

    Getting lost and exploring unfamiliar territory is part of the charm, of course, but it’s always best to have directions right at your fingertips. One might think that navigating a cross-country motorcycle trip would be a cake walk, but that’s only true if you stick to major highways. In case you decide to explore the back roads, a GPS reciever in a motorcycle GPS mount will give you a reliable means of returning to civilization.

  65. A basemap on your GPS navigation unit is highly recommended. It is a basic set of map data that comes included when your purchase your device. The increase in your unit’s usefulness is substantial, and the additional cost to you is marginal. A base map is built into your GPS device and cannot be removed. It is intended to be used for areas where you have not yet loaded detailed map data into your GPS unit’s memory. The specific information which is included in a basemap varies. Basemaps range from those including only major highways, towns and major landmarks, to large and detailed databases that are very useful and comprehensive right out of the box. The level of detail available in a typical base map shows highways, interstates and major roadways, but smaller local roads are not generally included in the typical base map.

    Driving directions can be incredibly useful, so you may want to consider this feature in a higher end device. You may want to add to or update the basemap with additional free or purchased maps to make your GPS device truly useful. Basemaps may be updated and enhanced via purchased CDs, downloads from Web sites, or via purchased software and memory cards for GPS or additional cartography that have map and other data already in place.

  66. Aren’t we all trying to get more fit and maybe lose some weight these days?  I sure know I am.  There is so much to think about, this can get really overwhelming.  Really, the simplest concept is just to burn more calories than we consume to lose weight.  How about if we just try to burn at least one more calorie today than we did yesterday? That is a pretty easy place to start.  There are so many different things to consider to help figure that out, I will try to do a series on just that.

    My sister-in-law loves her heart rate monitor which monitors things like your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter and more efficiently. And it helps you to see whether you are training too hard or not enough.  She says it really helps to motivate her and lets her see her progress so she doesn’t get discouraged.  That sure makes sense to me.  It helps to give that little push to help you get back into shape or lose those couple extra pounds, or just to burn off that turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie you just ate.

  67. When was the last time you or your buddy got turned around in the woods while waiting for that big buck to pass by?  Or out on a drive, and by the time you worked your way around that thick stand of trees or that rock ledge, where were you supposed to end up?  Your buddies are counting to be where they need you, but where is that anyway?  Now you are turned around and not sure where you ended up.  You sure don’t want one of the other hunters to mistake you for a deer because they weren’t expecting you to come out way over there… Or it started raining buckets while waiting on the line, or worse yet, wet soggy snow; and it sure is hard to see those landmarks you were watching for earlier on the way in here.  So many things can happen to get you off course, especially if you are in a new area with unfamiliar landscape.  Now what will you do?

    There are actually handheld GPS units that are built specifically for hunting.  These GPS units are waterproof for that nasty weather that is bound to hit right when you want it least, and you can mark your car, the tree stand, the hunting lodge and any game signs you may spot.  Some of them even include a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter! Think especially how easy it will be to get back out there tomorrow when you can just check your hand held GPS device to see where you marked special points and compare notes with your buddies back in the lodge.  Sweet.

  68. Whether you're going camping, backpacking, or hiking, there are a few essential pieces of equipment necessary to ensure safety and an enjoyable wilderness experience for all involved. The most important item to have is a first aid kit; it's essential just in case of injury, snakebites, or infection. It's also important to have a compass and map, or if you want to go modern, a handheld GPS unit. When venturing into the wilderness apparel like warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and hiking boots can help you to stay dry and warm if you happen to become cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger in the outdoors, even in warmer locations where you wouldn't think it.

    It's also important to notify a close family member or friend where you are going and when you intend to come back. If you are lost or injured in the wilderness and no one knows about it, you run the risk of not being found until its too late.

  69. Anglers tend to take one of two approaches to a fishing trip: either they’re in it for the relaxation and camaraderie or they’re deadly serious about reeling in a trophy fish. Family fishing trips seldom become competitive; it’s usually enough to catch a few bass or trout in an inland lake while spending the rest of the time shooting the breeze and enjoying a cold beverage or two.

    Fishing competitions are another matter entirely. Serious anglers often realy possess keen fishing instincts that have been honed through years of experience. Still, they accept help wherever they can get it. An Eagle fishfinder features a combination of sonar and GPS mapping technology, allowing anglers to pinpoint the likeliest location where a school of fish might be hanging out. When pride and prize money are on the line, a fishfinder is practically as essential as the boat itself.

  70. Gimbals are used in mounting systems, especially for marine vessels, which consist normally of two concentric rings mounted such that their axes are able to pivot at right angles from each other such that one swings freely within the other.  They work much like a gyroscope and are used as a mount for equipment such as a compass or other nautical equipment (even stoves, lamps, etc).  Gimbals operate in such a manner that objects are permitted to swing freely between them so that the object will remain suspended in a level manner regardless of any motion of their support. Gimbals are commonly used for sea-faring instruments so as to counteract the motion of the vessel.

    There are several parts to a gimbal mount.  Normally it is made of a set of rings, but sometimes is a ball and socket arrangement, attaching ultimately to a bracket which will support the equipment and another part which will attach to the vessel.  In this case, we would use them to attach our GPS fishfinders and/or chartplotters as important and useful marine accessories.

  71. So what exactly is a geocache?   Caches are typically waterproof containers which can vary in size and often contain a log book and several trinkets from geocachers who have previously found the cache. If you like you can help yourself to one of the trinkets but be sure and leave one of your own in return!  Geocaching is a fun game that is played worldwide, sort of hide and seek using a portable or handheld GPS device.  You will find coordinates posted on the internet of different caches in your area.  There are hundreds of caches in our area alone.  If you find a cache you write in the log inside it and post your finding on the web.  If you should move the cache (be sure it is one that can be moved before you do), you want to then post the new coordinates on the internet so the next geocacher can look to see where you moved it to.

    Be sure to be considerate of the environment while caching, and it is a nice idea to bring a bag to collect any trash you might see on your adventure.  The national parks do not allow caches to be placed within them, but New York State parks have a permit system for geocaching activities.  It is a great family activity so you can get your children outdoors hiking and learning and having fun together. Now get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

  72. It is easy to get back into the joy of discovering the outdoors on a bike, even if you are over 50.  Finding the right bike for your body, the way you want to be riding (trails or roadways) and in your price range is an important place to start.  A stop at your local bike shop where there are trained folks to help you get the right bike for your situation is a great idea and will save you lots of time and frustration.  Having the right gear and being prepared are also very important.

    We all know that when we ride a bike it is a good idea to wear a good bike helmet, no matter how old we are - safety first!  Getting hurt in an accident is never fun, but you sure don’t want to chance a traumatic brain injury.  If you are looking for adventure, or just trying to break up the boredom, one of the handheld GPS systems is a handy addition for your biking pleasure, and there are several GPS bicycle mounts to choose from for hands free convenience.  Now get out there and have some fun!

  73. Most marine GPS fish finders and chart plotters either include or need a transducer to work properly.  The question comes to mind “What is a transducer and what does it do?”  According to Wikipedia a transducer is a device, usually electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electromagnetic, photonic or photovoltaic that converts one type of energy or physical attribute to another for various purposes including measurement or information transfer (for example: pressure sensors).

    There are three kinds of transducers. A sensor is used to detect a parameter in one form and report it in another form of energy (usually an electrical or digital signal), such as a tachometer. An actuator is used for the transformation of energy or in other words, it converts electrical signal into generally nonelectrical energy. An example of an actuator is a loudspeaker which converts an electrical signal into a variable magnetic field and, subsequently, into acoustic waves. The third kind of transducer has both functions -- for example, typical ultrasonic transducers switch back and forth many times a second between acting as an actuator to produce ultrasonic waves, and acting as a sensor to detect ultrasonic waves.

    The bottom line here is that a transducer is what helps the fish finder or chart plotter “find” the fish or the contours of the bottom of the lake, river or other body of water.

  74. In helping our new friend search for the best GPS chartplotter navigation for his enclosed wooden boat, we have discovered that the manufacturer’s descriptions do not always educate you on whether your unit will work in an enclosed area or not.  We are finding that it is important to do more research and be sure that the unit can handle an external antenna before purchasing it.   There are often situations where you do not want to navigate your boat from the fly bridge and would appreciate the comfort of navigating from within an enclosed cabin, so be sure your unit has that capability before purchasing the wrong GPS navigation system/chartplotter for you.   It would be convenient if the manufacturers would include that in their descriptions, but that is not always the case.

    Several GPS chartplotters have the capability of being used with or without an external antenna and should be reviewed with this in mind.  Be sure to look for more than an internal antenna.  An internal antenna is convenient as it is more compact and does not need to be set up separately; and although it will work quite well on many boats, it will not serve in all situations.  Another thing to consider is purchasing a 2nd mounting station in order to easily switch back and forth between navigating either from the cabin or the fly bridge.  Happy boating!

  75. I would like to share the joy of Geocaching with you.  I have been enjoying this hobby for a few years now.  Each and every cache I have found has been unique in it's own way. Everything from a quick find in a parking lot to a long hike in the woods.  The adventure never gets old.  This hobby is for the young and old alike.  For those who haven't heard of Geocaching it basically is Modern day treasure hunting. One person or group hide a cache then others go find it using the Coordinates of the cache on a handheld GPS unit.  Additional information about this hobby can be found at Geocaching.com . Geocaching is a world wide hobby. Go to Geocaching.com type in your zip code and you may just be surprised at just how many you'll find. As with all outdoor activities please respect the areas you visit, and if you carry it in please carry it out. Happy caching.
    Roadragetrx (geocaching name)
    JR Akins

  76. I love walking when I am on vacation, exploring new places and seeing new sites.  I also love that I am incorporating a workout into my day without having to work out, but there is the fear of getting turned around in a new place and getting lost.  My husband teased me for being such a sissy, but I was looking for a hand held GPS device to take with me on vacation.  Well, I discovered the Garmin Forerunner.  I found that I can just strap on my Garmin Forerunner like a watch before I hit the road or the trail and have better than hand held GPS, I can have hands free GPS, and I can’t get lost as I check out new places so I don’t have to worry.

    Well, we hit the trail last time we went on vacation, and guess who almost got turned around on the trail, but I was able to get us back to our car in one piece.  I was also pleased with the fact that when I got back to my cabin I was able to check and see how many calories I burned while I was out enjoying myself.  That was a real bonus.  Wow, am I glad I found this.  It is just like a watch, inexpensive and lots of fun!  My husband isn’t laughing at me now.

  77. gps in carOur daughter-in-law had quite a drive ahead of her this weekend to visit her mom.  It would take at least two hours each way on strange roads.  Mom had moved to a new place, and she did not know how to get there yet.  The roads were strange and it started raining heavily while she was on the way.  Traffic was building, and things were getting pretty confusing.  It was a good thing she had her automotive GPS unit with her that announced the streets by name for her and told her which lane to be in for the upcoming turn.

    Also, while she was on the road, our son called to check to see where to find their son’s shoes.  With the Bluetooth technology on her automotive GPS, she was able to tap the screen to answer the phone and keep on driving.  What a mom.  She sure is a pro at multitasking!

  78. My wife and I recently moved from a townhouse in the city to a rustic cabin in the woods. A few of our friends were skeptical about this “downgrade” because our new home lacks the square-footage and desirable urban location of our old one. But they fail to consider the huge swath of property that came along with the new residence. I’m already doing some amateur surveying in preparation for some ambitious additions.

    The first few times I surveyed the land, I almost got lost. It’s tough to find distinctive landmarks in a densely wooded forest. Luckily, my wife got me a handheld GPS unit to take with me in case I lose my way. It also comes in handy for informal mapping. I can easily tell where the property begins and ends, which has expedited the surveying process tremendously.

  79. What makes Tiger Woods so much better than the average golfer? A few obvious answers come to mind right away: natural talent, years of intensive practicing, access to the best golf courses and equipment. But Tiger also makes his own job much easier by hiring a professional caddy. Most casual golfers lack the financial resources to indulge in such a luxury.

    Professional golfers rely on caddies to read the greens and offer strategic advice as they walk around the course. One of the caddy’s most valuable skills involves estimating the distance to the hole and recommending a club selection. This at least can be replicated by recreational players through the use of a Bushnell Yardage Pro. The Yardage Pro calculates yardage to a greater degree of accuracy than a human being could ever hope to achieve, and it can shave strokes off a player’s round.

  80. dog-gps-tracking

    Pet owners have been outfitting their dogs with identification for decades. Just think how many runaway dogs’ lives have been saved by collars featuring the owner’s name, address and other information. Some pets are even implanted with microchip ID, allowing veterinarians and vet technicians to scan a lost pet and bring up the owner’s details instantly.

    With GPS technology, people can track a hunting dog’s precise location in a dense forest. Dog GPS tracking systems are sophisticated enough to pinpoint a dog’s position every five seconds. Durable collar units transform any hunting dog into a game-tracking machine. Trailing along behind with a high-sensitivity receiver, the dog owner can stay informed as the hunt develops and be aware of their dog's location at all times.

  81. I spent years collecting dusty, outdated maps to aid my frequent cross-country business trips. For a while, these relics were a point of pride; I would only stop to ask for directions as a last resort. Those infrequent conversations with clueless clerks were as embarrassing as they were humbling. Nobody likes to admit they’re lost.

    From the moment I heard about the technology, I knew automotive GPS would prove invaluable. My glove box and consoles are free of rumpled maps, and my mind is at ease now that a mobile GPS unit does the navigating for me. The main perk is that I’ve cut out those tedious information sessions with gas station attendants entirely. It’s a breeze to maneuver around any city or country road, no matter how unfamiliar.

  82. Imagine that, we bought a new computer and needed repair right away. What a nightmare, right? The bright spot was the technician that came to rebuild our nearly brand new computer. She was great. Anyway, of course we talked about GPS. No surprise there. She has a handheld GPS unit for hiking, but she says in her opinion there is nothing like using laptop GPS to get from one appointment to the next. After all, she has the laptop anyway, and it has a really large screen which really improves visibility as she travels from home to home, city highways or country roads, normally going places she is totally unfamiliar with. She says her portable GPS device is fine when you are riding your bike or hiking, but when it comes to highway speeds and traffic, she wants the best visibility at a glance that is possible. She feels she gets that with the large screen of her own computer and her laptop GPS receiver.
  83. Want to run a marathon? How about just improve your jogging, or for those of us who prefer walking, just working in intervals of brisk walking with brief bursts of speed within our daily walk to build muscle and endurance or just to burn off last night’s pizza or get ready for today’s birthday cake? Whatever your goal, you can use your Garmin Forerunner as your pacing partner.

    Your Garmin Forerunner will continually help you push yourself to do your personal best. The Forerunner 205 includes a high sensitivity GPS receiver and new courses feature for optimal performance. Using the Forerunner 301 as a training partner will continuously monitor your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter and more efficiently. GPS watches or wrist mount GPS units are also handy to help you find your way around unfamiliar areas while you break the monotony of the same old walk or run every day and get out there and explore new vistas.

  84. I was talking to my friend recently, and she suddenly started chuckling. She and her husband had been visiting friends, and one of her friends started talking about how their neighbor was doing something with her navigation thingy looking for stuff and couldn’t understand what she was doing or why they thought it was so much fun. My friend surprised even her husband by explaining to them that they are using their handheld GPS units looking for a geocache. Geocaching is very a popular activity in which you get the coordinates of the location where someone else hid a special waterproof container containing a log and maybe some little trinkets or geocache coins or such, then you go out and find it with the aid of your portable GPS device. It is something that is fun for the whole family to do together. She was pretty smug that, after having talked about geocaching with me from time to time, she was the only one in their group who understood what was going on. Cute. She has since started talking to them about trying it with her soon with her handheld GPS system. Maybe I can tag along, too!
  85. Feeling like you are in a fitness slump? If you are interested in knowing whether you are training too hard or not hard enough the Edge 305, Garmin’s GPS-enabled personal trainer and cycle computer with heart rate is a great idea. The Edge high-sensitivity GPS receiver is extremely reliable and is the perfect companion on any bike. It is able to be attached to either the stem or handlebars with the handy bike mount for easy viewing. The Edge 305 comes packaged with a heart rate monitor and wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensor to provide valuable feedback. From competitive road racing to mountain biking, the cyclist-friendly Edge will help as you aspire to your personal best. With the easy-to-use Edge 305 which shows altitude and a map view on your bike, you’ll always know where you’re going and how far you’ve gone.

    The Edge 305 has the ability to measure pedaling cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, plus much more. The heart rate monitor is a soft, comfortable chest strap that uses wireless technology to reliably measure and send heart rate data to the Edge. The cadence feature includes a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor so you can monitor your pedaling as you ride. This data is then automatically sent wirelessly to the waterproof Edge GPS unit and stored for analysis when you have finished your workout.

  86. If you are looking for a portable golf GPS unit, Bushnell has several to choose from. Bushnell golf GPS units have a lot to offer. Consider the Bushnell Yardage Pro GPS in black or orange or the XG or XGC versions. The easiest to use golf GPS device with distance in both yards and meters at a glance on it’s easy to read screen. It has compact, lightweight one-handed ergonomic design and stores 10 to 100 courses, depending on the model, including Score Card with course information. It is made for the outdoors and is weather resistant. Amazing score keeping and statistic capabilities make the Yardage Pro XGC a golfer’s ultimate GPS tool. Smart.

    You might also consider the Bushnell neo, one of the simplest and easiest to use golf GPS units available. It is also the smallest and most compact. At a glance the neo Golf GPS gives you the distance to the front, middle & back of the green, and it stores up to 10 courses worth of information. You can even custom map any course in the world with this compact unit with no download needed. Smaller scores are just one glance away. The Neo also waterproof just in case you get caught in the rain. Isn’t it time you thought about GPS to improve your game?

  87. One day some folks stopped at my dad’s house looking for information about their ancestors who are reported to have been buried in this area around the turn of the century. They really got turned around trying to find them in unfamiliar woods. One glorious day recently, while enjoying the last of the bright autumn leaves, my daughter and I decided to wander some of the trails near us looking for those specific headstones. There are several really old cemeteries out in the woods and fields in this area off some of those trails, and we thought it would be fun to email them with the coordinates if we found the right spot so they could return with their own GPS receiver. We pulled on our hiking boots, grabbed our Garmin Colorado hand held GPS unit, and set off on foot to scour the area. A couple cemeteries and a picnic lunch later, and we did find their ancestors for them. That felt good to help out that nice family, but better still, the time spent wandering with my daughter was priceless. We need to plan another hike with our handheld GPS units real soon.
  88. We have had several people looking specifically for a GPS device that would work specifically for truckers, the nuvi 465T – the first nuvi designed specifically for over-the-road truckers. The nuvi 465T is the first navigation device to provide the NTTS Breakdown Directory which is the most comprehensive guide to semi-truck repair facilities nationwide – including those offering 24-hour road service, created with over-the-road drivers in mind. Also, lane assist comes standard with this GPS receiver for truckers, which is especially helpful when navigating complex highway interchanges. It also provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials). Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions and nuvi 465T guides you according to your requirements, even including multiple-point routing so that you can take a more efficient route between multiple stops along your trip.

    This  let you know what lies in your path. It displays warning information of upcoming road conditions to make drivers aware of possible hazards along the route such as sharp curves and steep grades. You’ll also get lateral wind warnings and notification when the road narrows. Also, with nuvi 465T’s integrated FM traffic receiver you can receive free alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Simply touch nuvi’s screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

    You also get nuvi’s hands-free calling as the 465T integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. When paired with your compatible Bluetooth phone you are able to talk hands-free through the 465T while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nuvi’s touchscreen keypad to make a call, and answer calls by tapping the screen and speaking into its built-in microphone. It is the safe way to travel down the highway.

  89. Whether you are preparing for that Century race, or even if you are just trying to motivate yourself to go a little bit farther or a little bit faster every day, you will really like the addition of a speed cadence sensor with your GPS device. For ultimate fitness progress you can monitor your pedaling cadence as you ride with a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor. It will help you track your speed, distance and pace so that you can monitor your workout performance. It measures and reports your pedaling strokes per minute, providing feedback for optimal efficiency. The Garmin speed/cadence sensor (GSC 10) is compatible with the Edge 305 and Forerunner 305. The best part is that you can use the speed cadence sensor even on your stationary bike so that you can continue to work out even on the bad weather days we seem to be getting more of this time of year.
  90. Need some quick and easy gift ideas that they will love all year long? How about GPS Hiking, fitness and training watches? Choose something simple for the beginners in your family, or go for a package with heart rate monitor and bicycle cadence monitor for the adventurer/fitness enthusiast in the family. There is something for everyone, whether they just want to wander and not get lost, trying to lose a few extra pounds, or even if they are really trying to get in shape for the upcoming marathon next spring. What a versatile gift, one that they will enjoy over and over again. Consider several choices of GPS watches such as the Garmin Edge, Garmin Forerunner or the Garmin Foretrex for starters. Simplicity in shopping and gift giving, now that’s the way to go!
  91. When looking for automotive GPS systems, it will all seem confusing at first due to the wide variety of pricing, features and brands. In fact there are probably hundreds of models available today. Also, the price can vary greatly from model to model, depending on the features. When searching for automotive GPS units, you first have to know what options are available. Do you want just a standard system that can help you travel from one place to another, or do you want something more sophisticated with additional capabilities? If you just need something basic, then you should look at a price range at the lower end of the scale.

    Some of the options available for automotive GPS include widescreen or standard size, preloaded maps, Touch screen to easily look up addresses and services, voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination, and some and will calculate a more fuel-efficient route for you. Another thing to consider is if it is small enough and light enough to carry it with you when you get to your destination and the ability to continue to use it while wandering on foot.

  92. I Just got back from a weekend in Long Lake NY. While there i attended 3 Geocaching events. The 2010 Mid-Winter Meet and Greet Friday evening, Mid-winter Geocaching Get-Together 2010 on Saturday, and the 2010 Mid-Winter Flash Mob Event on Sunday. Along with attending these events i hiked along several trails new to me and cached with many different people. It made for a very adventure filled weekend. With Geocaching there is an adventure always near you with new caches being published daily around the world!!! If you already own a handheld gps and like the outdoors throw on some Snow Shoes and give it a try you won't be sorry!!! For more information visit Geocaching.com

    Roadragetrx
  93. I Just got back from a weekend in Long Lake NY. While there i attended 3 Geocaching events. The 2010 Mid-Winter Meet and Greet Friday evening, Mid-winter Geocaching Get-Together 2010 on Saturday, and the 2010 Mid-Winter Flash Mob Event on Sunday. Along with attending these events i hiked along several trails new to me and cached with many different people. It made for a very adventure filled weekend. With Geocaching there is an adventure always near you with new caches being published daily around the world!!! If you already own a handheld gps and like the outdoors throw on some Snow Shoes and give it a try you won't be sorry!!! For more information visit Geocaching.com

     

  94. Looking for a serious, yet versatile handheld GPS? The DeLorme Earthmate PN-30 or PN-40 GPS systems have a lot to offer. The DeLorme Earthmate GPS are great handheld GPS systems, but with the right GPS mounts they become automotive GPS systems. Since they are waterproof they can be used for motorcycle, bike, ATV or boat; and getting caught in the rain on a hike or geocaching expedition is no cause for alarm. 

    Compact, these are easy to carry and include 500 MB of available Flash memory. With either you can download data directly to SD card while in the receiver and even display Navionics Charts. While only the PN-40 has a 3-axis electronic compass and sensitive barometric altimeter, both versions have many other great features. 

     Both the Earthmate PN-30 and PN-40 are pre-loaded with US secondary and connector roads, worldwide highway, major road base map and Topo USA with comprehensive street, road and topographic detail. DeLorme Earthmate GPS even include NOAA nautical charts and are WAAS-enabled, are rugged and waterproof for marine use. Both the Earthmate PN-30 and PN-40 support high capacity SDHC cards available at up to 32 GB and color daylight-reading screen for visibility in any light conditions. Add the fact that they hold up to 10 tracks, up to 1,000 user-defined waypoints and up to 50 routes they are terrific for paperless geocaching. They have almanac information on tides, sun and moon phases, and hunting/fishing conditions.  Since they run on 2 AA batteries you can carry backup batteries so you won’t get caught without your GPS.  

    What more versatile handheld GPS systems can you imagine?  Whether you are interested in automotive GPS, geocaching or using GPS on your bike, motorcycle, ATV or for marine use, the DeLorme Earthmate GPS handheld GPS systems are not to be overlooked.
  95. When looking for automotive GPS systems, it will all seem confusing at first due to the wide variety of pricing, features and brands. In fact there are probably hundreds of models available today. Also, the price can vary greatly from model to model, depending on the features. When searching for automotive GPS units, you first have to know what options are available. Do you want just a standard automotive GPS that can help you travel from one place to another, or do you want something more sophisticated with additional capabilities? If you just need something basic, then you should look at a price range at the lower end of the scale. Some of the options available for automotive GPS include widescreen or standard size, preloaded maps, Touch screen to easily look up addresses and services, voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination, and some and will calculate a more fuel-efficient route for you. Also, do you want Bluetooth capabilities?

    Another thing which you might want to consider is if it is small enough and light enough to carry it with you when you get to your destination and the ability to continue to use it while wandering on foot and how long the battery will hold up; is it long enough for an all-day outing or do you only want to be able to find your car again after a day of shopping at the mall? Be sure to check to see whether it is waterproof or not; if you are considering using it on your motorcycle, bike or boat as well as in your car, this is an important factor. Several automotive GPS units are excellent to be used for either land or marine use and can be handy for that weekend fisherman.

  96. Want to run a marathon? How about just improve your jogging, or for those of us who prefer walking, just working in intervals of brisk walking with brief bursts of speed within our daily walk to build muscle and endurance or just to burn off last night's pizza or get ready for today's birthday cake? Whatever your goal, you can use your Garmin Forerunner as your pacing partner.

    Your Garmin Forerunner will continually push you to do your personal best. The Forerunner 205 includes a high sensitivity GPS receiver and new courses feature for optimal performance. Or using the Forerunner 301 as a training partner will continuously monitor your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter and more efficiently. GPS watches or wrist mount GPS units are also handy to help you find your way around unfamiliar areas while you break the monotony of the same old walk or run every day and get out there and explore new vistas.

    Whether you are preparing for that Century race, or even if you are just trying to motivate yourself to go a little bit farther or a little bit faster every day, you will really like the addition of a speed cadence sensor with your GPS device. For ultimate fitness progress you can monitor your pedaling cadence as you ride with a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor. It will help you track your speed, distance and pace so that you can monitor your workout performance. It measures and reports your pedaling strokes per minute, providing feedback for optimal efficiency. The Garmin speed/cadence sensor (GSC 10) is compatible with the Edge 305 and Forerunner 305. The best part is that you can use the speed cadence sensor even on your stationary bike so that you can continue to work out even on the bad weather days we seem to be getting more of this time of year.

  97. I want to figure out which one of those Garmin nuvi automotive GPS units I like best. There are so many things to like about each one! First, size - the nuvi 550 is the smallest and will fit in my pocket easily once I hit the sidewalks; the nuvi 1260T and nuvi 1450 are still pretty small but are much thinner, with the 1450 having the largest screen of all which will be easier to see while driving in hectic traffic. The nuvi 550 and 1260T both will have good pictures, but the 1450 has the most pixels, again easier to see in heavy traffic. Okay, color touchscreens on all three, that's a great feature.

    While all are lightweight, the 1260T is nearly half the weight of the other two at about 4 ounces - I'm likin' that in my pocket again if I head out on foot or on my bike ‘cause it won't be bulky. Okay, good... All three have rechargeable batteries; with a battery life between 3 and 8 hours on each, the 550 beats the other two out again, but I will be able to just keep them charging while I am in the car. No problems there. All three come with preloaded maps and have the ability to load more - nice. All three use voice prompts and speak streets by name, I like that a lot, but none of these have voice activated navigation; well, I don't really need that one, and it keeps the price reasonable.

    All three of these automotive GPS units will do detour calculations to get me back on track, but only the 550 and the 1450 will figure out the most direct route for me; although, all three models will help me avoid highways or toll roads - savin' me money; and the 1260T and 1450 both include ecoroute to save gas. I like that. Oh, the 1260T is the one with Bluetooth, a handy feature to have; and that one comes with Lifetime Traffic included, oooh, nice. They all have world clock and a picture viewer, anti-theft (Great Idea) and are easily personalized with Garmin Garage. Ahhh, the nuvi 550, is waterproof and great for motorcycles, boats and geocaching! Well, I think I know which one I want, how about you?

  98. When shopping for automotive GPS systems, it can seem confusing at first due to the wide variety of pricing, features and brands. In fact there are probably hundreds of models available today. Also, the price can vary greatly from model to model, depending on the features. When searching for automotive GPS units, you first have to know what options are available. Do you want just a standard system that can help you travel from one place to another, or do you want something more sophisticated with additional capabilities? If you just need a basic automotive GPS unit, then you should look at a price range at the lower end of the scale.

    Some of the options available for automotive GPS systems include widescreen or standard size, preloaded maps, Touch screen to easily look up addresses and services, voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination, and some and will calculate a more fuel-efficient route for you. Another thing to consider is if it is small enough and light enough to carry it with you when you get to your destination and the ability to continue to use it while wandering on foot.

  99. Need some quick and easy gift ideas for any occasion that they will love all year long? How about GPS Hiking, fitness and training watches? Choose something simple for the beginners in your family, or go for a package with heart rate monitor and bicycle cadence monitor for the adventurer/fitness enthusiast in the family. There is something for everyone, whether they just want to wander and not get lost, are trying to lose a few extra pounds, or even if they are really trying to get in shape for the upcoming marathon next spring. What a versatile gift any of these would be, one that they will enjoy over and over again throughout the year. Consider several choices of GPS watches such as the Garmin Edge or Garmin Forerunner for starters. Some of the wrist mount GPS units even come with heart rate monitors or speed/cadence sensor. Simplicity in shopping and gift giving, now that's the way to go!
  100. Time for another product comparison; I am looking at two more Garmin automotive GPS units - the Garmin nuvi 255 versus the Garmin nuvi 775T. Both are excellent automotive GPS systems. The nuvi 255 is built more for the budget conscious traveler; whereas, the nuvi 775T has more options to offer and increased functional capacity. Here are the functions that are the same in both: They both have color displays to make it easy to read the screen. Both have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the battery lasting approximately 4 hours on the nuvi 255 and 3 hours on the nuvi 775T. Each has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver. Neither of them is waterproof, so I wouldn't recommend using them as a motorcycle GPS unit; however, waterproof is not really an issue in automotive GPS units. Both come with preloaded street maps and the ability to add more maps if you are interested, but the nuvi 775T includes transatlantic maps which can be nice when you travel to Europe. Both of these versions of the Garmin nuvi come with internal solid state built-in memory and are designed to hold 1,000 Waypoints/favorites/locations; the nuvi 755T also built to remember up to 10 routes. Each includes a basemap and accepts data cards which are not included, but it would be handy to have for additional memory. Neither of these Garmin nuvi versions includes voice-activated navigation, so you are not able to operate the device with spoken commands; sorry about that one as that is a nice feature, but is yet another perk to look for in other automotive GPS systems in future reviews.

    Both include choice of route setup for either faster time, shorter distance, or off road and route avoidance to help you avoid highways, tolls etc., also handy features to have in automotive GPS units. Both of these versions of Garmin nuvi also are FM traffic compatible (with receiver and lifetime traffic included with the nuvi 755T) and are MSN® Direct compatible and have a speed limit indicator which displays speed limit for most major roads in the U.S. and Europe. Both also have the functionality of the Where Am I? feature to help you find the closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection and ecoRouteTM which calculates a more fuel-efficient route and the ability to add custom POIs (points of interest), all great features to have in unfamiliar territory. Personalize either Garmin nuvi version by adding Garmin GarageTM vehicles and voices, a free service at Garmin where you can download car-shaped icons and custom voices to your device. Photo navigation in order to navigate to geotagged photos, World travel clock, currency & unit converter, calculator and picture viewer are also nice features available in both.

    Now for more differences between the two: The Garmin nuvi 755T has a few more features which the nuvi 255 does not. The nuvi 755T has higher display resolution and a 4.3-inch diagonal screen compared to the 3.5-inch screen of the nuvi 255. Nuvi 755T also includes 3-D building view which displays buildings in 3-D, the ability to auto sort multiple destinations which provides the most direct route, and Bluetooth® wireless technology so you can connect to your phone for hands-free calling. Garmin LocateTM marks your position when the GPS receiver is removed from the windshield mount - this can be really handy to help you remember where you parked your vehicle. The included MP3 player, Audio book player and FM transmitter with headphone jack/audio line-out will entertain you on your travels.

    Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that both of these Garmin nuvi automotive GPS systems come with Garmin LockTM anti-theft feature and touchscreen convenience. Well, I hope that helps to sort out the differences and advantages of each of these Garmin nuvi versions for you. Happy traveling!

  101. Today I did an automtove GPS product comparison for a customer, so I thought I would share it with all who may be interested.

    Let's look at the Magellan Maestro 4700 versus Magellan Roadmate 1470 automotive GPS. Both are pretty nice little Magellan automotive GPS units with quite a few similarities, but a few differences. First, both have AAA Tour Book/Assistance, Live Traffic Service, SayWhere Speaks Street Names, Points of Interest (although the 4700 accepts many more POIs than the 1470), both have 4.7-inch Touch Screen, rechargeable battery with approximately 3-hour life off the charger, and Pre-Loaded Maps of US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Both of these automotive GPS systems have Memory available for map storage, the Maestro 4700 being Secure Digital (SD) card compatible and the Roadmate 1470 is Micro SD card compatible. Now for the bigger differences; the Maestro 4700 has Bluetooth Handsfree Calling and Voice Command, but the Roadmate 1470 does not. Now, the Magellan Maestro 4700 has a little bit bigger price than the Magellan Roadmate 1470, so you need to decide if the extra bells and whistles are worth the difference in money to you on your GPS receiver. Lots of folks will feel that they are, then you just have to decide how they fit your budget. That would be a completely personal thing in my book. I hope this has been helpful to you and am looking forward to seeing you again soon!

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