Games You Can Play On Your GPS Navigation System

Posted by GPS Ratings | Posted in GPS Navigation Tips | Posted on 06-06-2009-05-2008

0

The games GPS has for users range from traditional arcade and card games to interactive outdoor adventures and treasure hunts. Some games on GPS devices even combine art, filmmaking and social networking too!

This exciting niche market is just starting to evolve, with much advancement yet to be expected with GPS navigation system. They call this “geocaching” or sometimes “geodashing,” which has become one of the uses for GPS navigation systems that is a lot of fun.

Garmin GPSmap
At www.gpsgames.org, you can find some of the funniest games GPS has to put forward. For instance, “Shutter Spot” is a game where players take pictures and other players are challenged to find that exact location where the photographer was standing to take the shot.

“GeoPoker” takes the usual assembling of a card hand and adds a twist: players must first find and move a container holding a GeoPoker log to earn their virtual playing cards! “GeoGolf” has you moving from waypoint to waypoint to get your score. While this concept is new to North America, it’s expected to take off soon, with the increasing popularity of site navigation.

If you have ever watched “The Amazing Race,” then you’ve got the concept of the increasingly popular Geocaching games GPS has to play. Teams or individuals will receive sets of coordinates and will race from waypoint to waypoint, performing different tasks at each location and competing for prizes.

In their ventures, seekers often find hidden containers with inexpensive toys, keepsakes or items and log books; they then replace the item with something new and record their name in the log. To find hosting in your area, check out www.geocaching.com to see if one of the 673,265 geocaches can be found near you.

GPS navigation
Whether you like the Garmin GPSmap has created to date or not, this is just one more neat function of GPS devices. The latest technological trends are in all-in-one multimedia devices that allow users to share information, create and upgrade. GPS is no exception!

With your Garmin, Magellan or TomTom, you can look up information at the touch of a button, play your satellite radio, talk on your cell phone with Bluetooth technology, gather directions where you’re going, plan your rest stops, get the weather, play a game and so much more!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

How To Get GPS Map Coordinates And Systems

Posted by GPS Ratings | Posted in GPS Navigation Tips | Posted on 15-03-2009-05-2008

0

Have you ever heard about GPS Map Coordinates or GPS Navigation systems? A smart traveler knows what to take with him on his journeys. He never forgets to bring a map. It doesn’t matter if he is hiking a mountain or visiting a distant city, the time comes when he has to whip out his trusted map. It surely helps a lot when it comes to telling where he is, or planning a route to get to a particular landmark.

There are many forms of maps today. Some of them include the common paper maps, maps from travel sites on the Internet. Have you ever considered to buy gps tracking device? Heard about the latest GPS map coordinates? There’s no denying GPS map coordinates are the best of all. Read on and find out what makes GPS map coordinates stand out. In this mini guide for gps tracking device we will take a closer look at this.

Receive Up-to-Date Data with GPS Map Coordinates

If you purchase gps tracking device you will get only the latest maps. This is because all the information GPS map coordinates extend to you are from satellites in outer space, so you know that the map and other information you have right in front of you are up to date.

Using the conventional maps printed on paper or those which you can download from the Internet and print or display on a mobile device may even get you sidetracked. Why? Because you don’t know the last time they were updated. You may already be trying to locate a street whose name had been changed some time ago, or a landmark that had been torn down years back.

Customize Your Maps with GPS Map Coordinates

If you have troubles finding your way on a conventional paper map, what you do is use a pen and mark your routes on the map. This way it will help you easily keep track of where you have been, where you currently are, and where you will end up.

Sadly, once you have traced your routes with a pen, they stay there permanently. Imagine if you have been using that map for years now every single time you travel — your map must already be scrawled with a web of lines!

Using a pencil is no better; when you erase the lines, the print will also be rubbed out, rendering the map useless. But when you use GPS map coordinates, you can customize the maps and save them for later use. You will always have a map that’s readable.

GPS Map Coordinates Let You Retrace Your Trip

Keeping track of your journey is trouble-free with GPS map coordinates. Depending on the GPS device you are using, you can press a few buttons and your GPS map coordinates will let you see where you already have been. Can you also do that with a common paper map? Of course, but you might end up with a headache afterwards!

There are many more reasons why utilizing GPS map coordinates is the best choice for you when it comes to navigating a trip. Now, you can make that trip without thinking about getting lost. You can get affordable GPS Navigation systems or tracking device online as well as in traditional electronic stores.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Review Of The Garmin Nuvi 760 System

Posted by GPS Ratings | Posted in Learn About And Find Popular GPS Navigation Products | Posted on 19-12-2008-05-2008

0

The Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System is among the top items that can be found for navigations. The maps that are part of your the Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System cover all of North America so you can travel to the United States, Canada, or Mexico using your GPS system to assist you.

Features

The display on the Garmin Nuvi 760 give you a large 3.8 by 2.25 screen that includes a backlight and a no-glare screen. The display boasts a good resolution of 480 by 272 pixels with s a 3-D image screen.

Your Garmin 760 also offers an FM radio transmitter so that you can keep up with the most recent real-time traffic reports that can help you avoid congested traffic areas in the urban world. Every piece of the data that you have to add into the unit is easily reached on the touch screen so the package is kept small with slim lines and a great ball socket construction.

You stick the Garmin Nuvi 760 to your car’s interior with a small suction cup which can be removed when you step out of your car . The small system is perfect when you do not want to leave the system behind ; the product will easily slip into a pocket or tote while you go to work or to the store .

Extra Features

The Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System offers you an option to keep track of frequently traveled routes . For instance, if you work from hotels fairly often, you can keep the hotel address in the unit and then you’ll only need to enter your destination address to get the quickest and most advantageous plan . Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System

You can get instant dinner directions if you choose to keep track of the names of your favorite restaurants and stores in the navigator to get to these places hassle-free in a strange city. This is a favorite feature when you wish to find a certain product that is not sold in some places . Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System

The Nuvi 760 is also the tool you want to have if you have a lot of setbacks remembering where you have left your car in a big city or parking garage. The unit will remember exactly where you parked by keeping track of the last point that the unit recalls. This is an excellent feature that is not included in the previous Garmin Nuvi systems .

Adding Features and Maps

If the Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System that you have right now must be updated , all you need to do is visit the official website to load new maps and extras onto the product . A few updates will cost , including travel instructions and maps. You Nuvi 760 package will come with a USB cable so that you can simply connect your unit to your personal computer for updates .

You will also have the option of selecting the [layout for | location of | look of[/spin] the touch screen letters on your Nuvi 760. Most consumers are accustomed to a QWERTY keyboard and find it simpler to utilize this style when entering information .

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Review

Posted by GPS Ratings | Posted in Find The Best Brand Name Personal And Car GPS Ratings | Posted on 30-11-2008-05-2008

3

Garmin does it again with their impressive Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor . I know it’s not your conventional GPS navigation system, but I couldn’t resist writing a review on the Garmin Forerunner 305, one of my favorite Garmin products!

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor is like having a personal trainer monitoring your work out sessions 24/7, 365 Days a Week!

With the Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer you receive a professional personal trainer along with the impressive features of modern technology. Now, your personal trainer is an affordable ONE-TIME cost!

The Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer combines GPS technology, Stored Workout Sessions, Organized Workout Information, and Workout Tracking Capabilities to ensure a productive, smooth, and happy workout!

Satellite Signals

Utilize basic navigation capabilities with the built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver that can track your location under trees, and buildings.


Wireless Heart Monitor

Monitor your heart rate using the wireless heart monitor!

Compare Workouts

Compete against previous workouts that are stored in the Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer With Heart Rate Monitor. Compare paces, heart rates, and use it to train for sports!

Get Data At Any Time

The Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer With Heart Rate Monitor has three main data screens that allow you to gather and view data at any time. Plus, each workout is stored in the device. You can analyze any workout and watch your workouts increase intensity!

Track Your Workouts

Plan, analyze, and store data from workouts using interactive graphs and charts created using Garmin’s Training Center software, included with the Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer!

Overlay runs on maps and view areas of elevation that affect your performances.


Key Product Features

* High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver with Basic Navigation Capabilities.
* Monitoring Capabilities of your Heart Rate, Speed, Distance, Pace and Calories Burned!
* Training Center™ Software to Create, Manage, and Analyze Workouts.
* One-Button Push Changes Heart Rate Profiles, a Stop Watch, and an Auto Learn Feature That Adapts To Your Fitness
* Waterproof Construction So You Can Bring Your Personal Trainer ANYWHERE!


What’s In The Box…

* Forerunner 305
* Heart rate monitor
* Garmin Training Center® software
* Docking cradle
* Expander strap
* AC charger
* USB cable
* Owner’s manual
* Quick start guide

Overall Pros

* Affordable price for its capabilities!
* Radically new design is better in every way
* Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
* So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

Overall Cons

* No Mac OS compatibility
* Okay, it’s bigger than a sport’s watch — but so much more powerful

Where You Can Find Great Prices On A Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer With Heart Rate Monitor


Read Other Customer Reviews

All I hoped for!
By: M. Leuzinger

With a few one-star reviews, I was a bit hesitant to order this. Now, after two weeks of use (10 runs of 2 to 2.5 miles each), I have no regrets with the purchase whatsoever.

I haven’t had any of the problems reported by any of the one-star reviewers. It syncs to the satellite in a reasonable* amount of time, seems to track my pace very well, tracks distance well, and the heart rate monitor seems WAY more accurate than the dedicated exercise machines at my local gym.

*by reasonable, it does take a minute or two to sync to the satellites each time. That’s the only thing I could possibly think of improving, but it’s not a big deal. Being the super-impatient person I am, I often turn on the watch, set it on my front porch, go back in and change into my running outfit, and by the time I come back out it’s ready to go.

I haven’t seen the pacing issues others have reported. I’m a beginning runner… but if I keep a solid pace… it reports about 10mins/mile… if I push a little harder… about 9mins/mile… if I let up… about 11mins/mile. It seems very consistent over my entire 2-2.5 mile run.

I have a 2.1 mile run where I’ve done the same exact route about 6 times… and when I compare the maps of each run… they overlap almost exactly.

I have thyroid and heart issues, and this watch gives me the confidence to know I’m not exceeding my max hr for too long (I can easily get into the 180’s) and gives me the feedback and stats to keep me motivated.

Last but not least, I’ve bought dozens and dozens of items from Amazon over the years, and this is the first review I’ve taken the time to write – hope that gives you an indication of how happy I am with this product. ;-)

Pretty Nice, some room for improvement
By: J Joyce

I have had my Forerunner 305 for almost 3 weeks now. Previous to this I used a Polar S150 (wired bike mount) for several years and a entry level Polar before that, so I am used to basic heart rate monitor but not advance data recording or GPS.

I have tested the Forerunner 305 running, biking and swimming and have been generally very impressed.

General: The concept of acquiring satellites before I get going took a little getting used to. After the first couple of times I generally get satellite acquisition within about 30 seconds as long as I am outside or in my enclosed front porch. I set the unit down so that it is completely stationary while acquiring satellites. I get spotty to no reception indoors. The heart rate monitor functions well in comparison to my Polars. I have only had erratic heart readings at the end of one bike ride (fixed by adjusting the strap), which is better performance than I generally would get with the Polars (Except for Swimming, see below). The grade measurements are so erratic as to be totally useless. I have had the grade measurement vary from 8% to 25% back down to 5% within one minute of sustained climbing on the bike. I believe this is due to a poor averaging algorithm (2 point average as opposed to smoother averages involving more points). This is something I intended to test once I figure out how to access the raw data. Data recording is interesting, but is highly dependent on the software used to analyze it. Training center software is decent but unsophisticated (lack of user configurable option is disappointing in a $300+ product). Motion Based has been fun to use, especially the map player. As noted in a previous post of mine errors in distance calculations arise due to Motion Based insistence on connecting erratic track points recorded when you are standing still.

Running: To this point I have done about half a dozen runs of 3-3.5 miles each on a couple of different courses. Mostly I run on trails with trees (no real leaves as of yet) with some street and open field running mixed in. Generally in the trees I average an accuracy of about 25 ft, which I consider to be pretty good. The tracks and distances are both reproducible to within this approximate 25 ft range. I have found the “instantaneous” pace to be somewhat erratic but generally within approximately 5% of the short term mean. The auto stop feature (I have it set to stop if pace falls below 30 min mile) working decently on the run but occasionally does not register that I am stopped. Overall I am very excited to easily track my running distance and have a pretty good idea of my pace.

Biking: Used for approximately 10 bike rides both on and off road. Despite some concerns that the antenna faces the wrong way when mounted on the handlebars (I mount mine by wrapping the monitor around a piece of foam) I generally get great GPS reception on the bike. Accuracy is generally about 15 ft on open road and 25-30 ft.on trails. The speed and distance seems to be very accurate and the precision (reproducibility) is within 1%. The auto stop feature works extremely well on the bike, starting and stopping the unit within 1 second. The one down side is that the buttons you are most likely to use for cycling are on the side of the unit (the up/down and occasionally the mode button).

Swimming: I have only tested in an indoor swimming pool, hoping to be able to record my heart rate. Unfortunately, unlike my Polar S150 the heart rate signal cannot be measured in the water. I did these tests with the receiver under my swim cap, which was pretty comfortable and I could access the buttons easily. There may be more utility for swimming in open water.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Best Deal On A Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Posted by GPS Ratings | Posted in Find The Best Brand Name Personal And Car GPS Ratings | Posted on 29-11-2008-05-2008

2

When it comes to GPS Navigation Systems, Garmin is one of the most reputable and distinguished brands to consider purchasing from. Garmin is able to combine technology, style, and portability into the design of their Nuvi GPS Navigation Systems.

One of Garmin’s most popular Nuvi GPS Systems is the Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator. We decided to write a non biased GPS review so that you can make sure you are making the right GPS purchase!

Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is an extremely compact and effective GPS Navigation solution for your car that combines several impressive features to turn your GPS into much more than a standard GPS navigation system.

Garmin GPS Navigation System

The Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is ready to be used right from the box with preloaded street maps, a database of hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and several other popular building categories. Simply enter a location and listen to turn-by-turn voice directions that allows you to NEVER take your eyes off of the road!

The Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS System also allows you to avoid traffic by adding traffic alerts that notifies you of traffic, car accidents, and road construction that may delay your car ride.

Portable Garmin Nuvi GPS Navigator

But, Garmin didn’t stop at 3-D maps and voice directions of street names, they also included an entertainment center! You can play MP3 files, audio books for those long car rides, a picture viewer, world travel clock, currency and measure converters, a calculator, and other neat tools you can have quick access to in your car!

However, my favorite aspect of the Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigatoris its sleek and extremely portable design. It is small enough to fit in my pocket and has a rechargeable battery so I can use it in the car or walking on foot!

To overview, the Garmin is an affordable Nuvi GPS Navigation System that features pre-installed maps, out of the box functionality, voice prompts, 3-D maps, and customizable features that allow endless GPS possibilities! Oh yeah, it’s also a PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM!

This technology is really impressive and I suggest you check out the Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

Where You Can Find An Affordable Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace