Posts Tagged ‘gps systems’

Mercedes get rid of in-dash portable gps systems by partnering with Harmin

Monday, February 16th, 2009

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Car makers are finally getting the picture, although in dash navigation systems are cool… ortable ones are better.  Being able to un-attach your navigation system and bring it with you while riding in another car or traveling is just convenient not to mention affordable for both consumers and car makers.

Enter the new age of portable GPS were drivers don’t leave there house without Google Map applications on their phone, GPS companies are creating touch screen and talking portable GPS systems, and where avoiding traffic and saving gas while listening to mp3s is considered a necessity of life, not a want.

Mercedes Benz is the newest  car people to partner with navigation companies to create out of dash systems that are comprehensive and portable.  Following the success of the Carminat TomTom GPS, Harman International will do the same thing for 8 new Mercedes starting the middle of next year.

Next? BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover will be jumping on the portable GPS bandwagon doing whatever is necessary to save everyone money during this economic crisis.
Source and Image via Motor Authority

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GPS Review: Garmin StreetPilot GPS Portable System

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

49793Regardless of what anyone says, the Garmin StreetPilot GPS Portable System is one of the best GPS systems around because its reliable, its affordable, consumers love it, and it works.

The Garmin StreetPilot GPS Portable System features a touch screen navigation and automatic route calculation with turn by turn voice prompted directions.  However the best feature of this navigational unit is the out of the box convenience.  Once you pull the Garmin StreetPilot GPS Portable System out of the box you get MapSource City Select street data which includes over 5 million points of interest like hotels, gas stations, attractions and more.  You also get a 128 MB SD card so you can transfer the information from MapSource City Select to a CD-ROM for data transfer from a PC via a USB connection.

Another sleek feature includes the low number of buttons on the device which give it a contemporary and minimal look.  It only has a knob plus an on/off switch.  You can customize the appearance of the portable GPS by using face plates.

Additional GPS Specifications include WAAS-enabled, 12 satellites to compute and update your position, 2 minute auto locate, 1 second update rate, 95% GPS accuracy within 15 meters, and a built in antenna.  Additional navigation specifications include automatic turn-by-turn instructions, routing around bad road conditions (traffic, construction, etc.), choice of scenic route available, off route recalculation for mistakes,

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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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