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GPS systems range in price from around $150 for base units to $1,000 for Garmin’s top of the line Street Pilot 7000. You can get a lot of bells and whistles for $200 to $300.

Magellan’s Maestro line currently runs anywhere from about $150 for the Maestro 3100, which has a 3.5 inch screen, maps of the lower 48 states, and about 750,000 POIs. The top of the line Maestro, the 4250, currently runs slightly more than $250. With the 4250, you get a 4.3-inch screen, maps of the U. S. and Canada, 6 million POIs, real-time traffic capability and Bluetooth.

Garmin’s GPS receivers are comparatively priced. Their introductory model, the Nuvi 200 does about the same thing as the Maestro 3100, and runs about the same amount of money. Their top of the line Nuvi 770 currently costs slightly less than $600, but it has every feature imaginable-4.3-inch screen, more maps, huge POI database, says street names, real-time traffic and weather, Bluetooth, and much, much more.

The other main manufacturer, Tom Tom, has fewer models to choose from, but they make a great product and their prices are in line with Magellan’s and Garmin’s. Their base model, the Tom Tom One, runs slightly more than $150. Their top of the line model, the GO 920 has a 4.3-inch screen and all of the other features.

To learn more, your next step needs to be finding an informative website where you can actually browse, look at pictures, and compare models. Happy GPS! Bye!

By using satellite technology to pinpoint a person’s location, a GPS navigation system can direct emergency services to a stricken climber or outdoor enthusiast’s location. Perhaps the perfect example of a GPS system being used as a safety measure is the SPOT Satellite Messenger. Ideal for both vehicle and handheld use, the SPOT Satellite Messenger is the ultimate in safety.

The SPOT Satellite Messenger system carries much more weight than standard GPS systems when it comes to safety benefits and features. More a personal locator beacon than a traditional GPS system, the SPOT Satellite Messenger benefits from:

Tracking – The SPOT Satellite Messenger also sends a message every 10 minutes for 24 hours, or until you switch the unit off. This ensures your friends and family can easily track your progress (also using the triple redundancy feature).

OK button – sends a pre-written message to both email and/or cell phone accounts to let friends or family know that you are safe and well. Using a triple redundancy feature, it sends a message 3 times within a 20-minute cycle to ensure your message is sent.

Alert 911 - sends signals every 5 minutes until the SPOT Satellite Messenger is powered down. This invaluable feature tracks your position the whole time it is on.

Need Help button – similar to the OK button with the difference being it sends a distress message to your chosen recipients, advising that you need non-emergency assistance (again using the triple redundancy feature).

All the above features run in conjunction with Google Maps, so loved ones can see exactly where you are. The service covers almost all of North America, Europe and Australia. It also covers parts of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and even allows for thousands of miles of offshore coverage. The SPOT Satellite Messenger is the next stage in GPS systems and their safety benefits.

Safety First! And Happy GPS!

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Tag: GPS, Gadgets, Google Maps, SPOT Satellite Messenger

Following are the best steps which must be considered to get the best price on your Bluetooth GPS Receiver for your car:

1.) Always Compare the prices with the local electronics store and keep the records of all prices available at each of these stores that work with your GPS system.

2.) Evaluate all the prices in an organized way and select the best alternative which best suits your requirements.

3.) Always check your GPS receiver after your purchase immediately and make sure that all the features work in a proper manner.

4.) Make sure that you check the GPS owner’s manual to see which Bluetooth receivers are compatible with your system. You should not have a problem in finding a compatible receiver.

5.) Wireless connectivity range, battery power life and other factors vary among models and so decide what specifications will work best with your intended use.

6.) You do need a long range GPS system for simply using the product in your car. The less expensive blue GPS models usually last around 7 hours before they must be recharged, while more expensive models can last up to 17 hours between charges.

7.) Log on to the internet and check out the prices for comparison purposes as sometimes buying online is cheaper.

8.) You require two things one is Internet access an the other ofcourse computer.

9.) Bluetooth GPS must be purchased in a good condition. Some people upgrade frequently and sell their slightly used Bluetooth Receiver for a great price.

10.) Make your purchase and do save the records of your transaction.

Tag: GPS, Gadgets, How To, GPS Receiver

GPS accessories available to help improve your Magellan such as:

MapSend’s Topo 3D USA CD-Rom – This disk can be purchased specifically to improve the usability of Magellan handheld devices. It allows you to view topographic information, gives you detailed streets, trails and thousands of points of interest, creates vertical profile plots of routes and tracks that allow you to see the terrain if you venture outdoors with your device, and gives you access to a true 3-D database that you can use in conjunction with your PC or laptop to query information. Also, if you go further than just a few miles from your car, this CD will help you gather maps of hiking, backwood, and 4-wheel trails, as well as mountain peaks, caves and dams – pretty cool!

MapSend BlueNav CD - If you prefer getting out on the ocean blue instead of the dusty trail, and already have a Magellan Marine device to help you navigate on the waters then you might want to consider an upgrade with this CD. It is said to provide some of the most advance marine cartography charts available on the market, and gives you access to highly detailed coverage areas, as well as great marine navigation information, and updates on marine tides, currents, port services and a lot more. This is an ideal solution for mariners who want access to a large number of charts at one time, as well as the option to create and over-write new charts for each new trip that they take.

Tag: GPS, Gadgets, Magellan

If you already own one of these devices, here are a few GPS accessories to make it that much more enjoyable:

RDS/TMC Traffic Receiver - Similar to those receivers offered by Garmin, the TomTom version gives you access to ongoing traffic issues in the United States and Canada automatically. Also, they give you access to alternative routes in the event that a delay has stalled your original route. And they keep you updated on weather alerts and basic road conditions in real time. When you initially purchase the device, you get a free 12-month subscription. Afterward, you have to pay $60 per year to continue the service.

Wireless Receiver - This receiver is used to enhance your device’s connectivity to satellite feeds so that you can get the best reception even in the most remote areas on the country. If you are walking along in urban areas that have tall building blocking reception, this receiver will eliminate any possibility of you getting lost. It was created to work with multiple Palm devices, Smart cell phones, and Pocket PCs; however, it can also be used in you car, or on a bike.

Tag: TomTom, GPS, Gadgets

Below are a few GPS accessories available to enhance your Garmin device:

128 MB Data Card – This data card is a great way to make your personal computer and device work collectively to get you the maps you need. By using this card, you can download street-level map information, and get additional points of interest (POI), business addresses and phone numbers, additional topographic information, and a lot more. It stands at a price tag of $90, but is worth it for the additional information you can use to update your Garmin devices.

MapSource City Navigator North America – This DVD gives customers access to full coverage for the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada allowing them to get through the streets with absolute confidence. It also gives customers access to point of interest directories, which then connect them to business listings such as food and drink, lodging, entertainment, attractions, shopping, post offices, emergency services, movie theaters, campgrounds and a lot more. And if a route that you would normally take to a location is under construction, or you experience some other type of issue, the DVD information will prepare you by giving an alternative route to travel.

GTM 12 FM TMC Traffic Receiver – By purchasing this receiver, you are able to add traffic services to your Garmin device. The receiver connects to digital information on construction, traffic and weather-related road conditions that could adversely affect your travel. The receiver helps communicate this information to your device so that it knows to offer you an alternative route to take on the road. It is very user-friendly due to its compact design and easy-to-install antenna. Also, it is compatible with most Garmin products, making it a great purchase for most all device owners. If you live in the United States, you have the added bonus of a 15-month free subscription to Clear Channel TMC that can be later renewed at a cost of $60 for one year.

Tag: GPS, Garmin, Gadgets

There are some key things to do to keep safe in remote areas such as :

• remember that the GPS unit needs to “see” the sky to get an accurate fix: it may not work well in canyons or under heavy tree cover.

• carry spare batteries for your GPS: most portable GPS units should have about a 24 hour battery life but carry a spare set of batteries and battery charger;

• test that you are where you thing you are by using the GPS in town or near the area you are heading to. Use a waypoint such as major road interection or other local landmark to make sure your unit agrees with the co-ordinates you are using;

• bring your manual with you in case you need to figure out something!

• always carry backup maps and a mechanical compass;

• be aware of the general direction that you are traveling in: hint sun sets in the west;

• make sure you have the GPS unit set to the correct coordinate system: your maps or guidebook with way points will tell you which one to use;

• if you are walking – make sure you record where you left your vehicle: write this down in case something unexpected happens to the unit: at least you will be able to find your way back using a map or someone else’s portable GPS;

• if you are using the unit to record your route while you walk and intend to retrace your track: again practice in a town or other safe environment to ensure that you know how to use the unit!

Tag: GPS, Gadgets