Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category

3 GPS Features You Shouldn’t Live Without

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

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Sometimes we buy a GPS system or device and the next day something newer comes out and we could hit ourselves for the lack of research we did which resulted in us purchasing yesterday’s gadget.  However, its 2009 and there are some features that your GPS should have, features that make them worth your money.

Feature 1: Your GPS Should Talk Back and Listen.
Yesterday’s GPS systems talked to you by saying “Hello”, “Turn Left”, and “Destination is to the right”.  However, if you GPS system does not ask you where you want to go and then wait for your answer, then it’s not the best of the best.  Speech-recognition is an important factor to hands free driving and it has to be good.  Some GPS devices do incorporate speech recognition,  but it can be a frustrating experience.  However, today’s speech-recognition has evolved and there are some good options out there.

Feature 2: Your GPS Device Should Stop You From Getting A Ticket
I’ve gotten one recently, and I’m sure you know someone else that has too…the dreaded in the mail ticket because of a red light camera. Sometimes, you forget to yield before turning right on red, however the camera seems to never forget to take your picture.  Today, some GPS devices will give you a warning if you are near a red light camera and that will give you plenty of time to slow down and avoid a ticket.

Feature 3: Your GPS Should Help You Avoid Traffic In Real Time
This is an important feature and an expensive one if you don’t do your homework.  Some GPS devices have real time traffic features already incorporated into the device, however, with some it’s not workable until you buy a receiver which could cost over $200.  Also, most real time traffic features require a subscription fee which can be more affordable, typically $60 to $70 per year. Also, another word of caution, if you don’t want to pay the annual fee you could get real time traffic reporting with advertising flashing across the screen.  That’s a turn off for me; I mean, who would want to be stuck in traffic and forced to watch advertising?

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The REAL benefits of having a GPS in your car

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

nuvi260withbow-thumbBy now you’ve probably heard the television and radio ads urging you to “Get a Garmin” this holiday season. But what are the real benefits of owning a consumer GPS device? Since we know you’re not the kind of person to simply buy what the TV tells you, we’ve provided the following objective list of reasons to own a GPS from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom or any number of consumer electronics companies.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Car GPS Device?
So let’s cut to the chase.Are GPS devices just cool gadgets to show off to your friends or do they have some practical purpose in your life? Here are some of the things you can do with a GPS device:

· Get directions. Obviously, the number one selling point of any GPS device is that it helps you get from Point A to Point B without getting lost. New GPS technology allows you to pre-program your trip into the device and then receive directions via turn-by-turn navigation. On many Garmin GPS devices, the information is even delivered by a friendly computerized voice.

· Use it as a phone. The Magellan Maestro and other recent GPS devices now integrate Bluetooth technology into the device, so you can now use the GPS as a hands-free phone. With concerns about safety due to cell phone use in the car (and many states having passed hands-free cell phone laws) this feature is more relevant than ever.

· Drive more safely. As amazing as it sounds, many GPS devices now provide warnings about upcoming obstacles in the road as well as advice about which lane has the least amount of potential traffic. These features give you an advantage over the unexpected bumps in the road that could pose a real safety risk to you or your family.

· Get there quicker. In the “old days” you had to bite your tongue and wait it out when traffic got tough. Now, GPS devices help make the traffic snarl a thing of the past. Many systems are linked to your local highway traffic reports and can clue you in when you need to take an alternate route. In fact, GPS technology has become so advanced that it can even provide that alternate route on the fly!

· Find something to do. Magellan, Garmin and other companies are now preloading their auto GPS devices with links to thousands of restaurants, movie theatres and other entertainment options. You can search by what you want to do tonight, and the GPS will provide a wealth of options (and even tell you how to get there).

· Enjoy your trip. If you’re taking your family on a car trip, pack your toothbrush and your GPS! GPS devices can provide information about all the points-of-interest along the way. You’ll get everything from national monuments to scenic overlooks – and everything fun in between. The GPS device will tell you the most efficient way to get there, so you won’t end up wasting a lot of money on gas.

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9 Ways GPS Devices Makes Life Easier and Safer

Friday, December 19th, 2008

GPS devices seem to be all the rage right now.  The technology is coming equipped with more cell phones and cars every day.  But GPS is not a silly gadget being marketed just for the holiday season. On the contrary, there are a variety of ways that GPS technology can help keep you safe and make your life easier every day.

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How GPS Devices Make Your Life Easier and Safer  :

Good directions. Getting lost while trying to find your destination can be much more than an inconvenience.  Criminals often target those individuals who don’t seem to know where they are.  GPS devices help you plan your trip in advance, and stay on course every step of the way.

Pinpointing your location. If you have an accident or a flat tire, many GPS services will call a service station or even alert law enforcement regarding your whereabouts.  When you’re out there alone at night, it is a good feeling to have a connected GPS device in your car.


Keeping your kids safe. A teenager with a driver’s license can be a scary thing for a parent.  Portable GPS devices offer peace-of-mind AND the current whereabouts of your children.  You can even place the device in their car in order to confirm that they are going exactly where they say they are!


Warning you about potential traffic hazards. Real-time GPS devices can alert you to upcoming obstacles in the road or poor weather conditions that may require you to change your speed or driving style on the fly.


Helping you save money. With a GPS device, you won’t have to burn through endless gallons of expensive gas because it always shows you the fastest, most efficient route to get you where you need to be.


Integrates with your phone. More and more GPS systems are coming standard in cars and cell phones.  That means when you need to get to a destination, you can get directions and one-touch calling in an instant.

Find a restaurant or movie. Have you ever driven around when you’re hungry?  It is not a fun experience.  Many GPS devices come pre-programmed with listing of businesses in the area so you can pinpoint a cuisine and get their before the dinner crowd hits its stride.

Help for the golfer. There are now specially designed golf-GPS devices that help those on the links find the hole easily and measure distances so they always hit the perfect shot (sorry, it can’t do anything to help your slice).

Helping businesses stay productive. Businesses of all sizes can use GPS tracking to monitor the whereabouts of their people in the field, and help delivery personnel track the most effective ways to get from Point A to Point B (especially important given the high price of gas).

As GPS technology continues to grow less and less expensive, watch for more people to take advantage of the many applications of these helpful devices.

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