Satellite navigation used to be present only on high-priced cars. Today, anyone can buy one. But there are so many choises – mobile phone-based, portable, in-car… which to select? We show you exactly what you need to know before buying a GPS unit.
You should considere the Map Coverage. Units sold in the US usually comes pre loaded with maps covering all North America and sometimes Canada. If you need maps from other countries, look at the gps brand web site for downloads availability for the county you want. Also, choose a unit with 3D map view (also called bird’s eye view). You should have a most pleasant navigation comparing to 2D maps.
Screen on GPS devices generally ranges from 3.5 inches to 7 inched diagonally and usually have a touchscreen capability. I would pick up one with at least 4.3 inches.
Some models have turn by turn navigation. Very usufull specially if you are using the unit on a car. You can hear the unit telling you “Turn Left in 200 meters at Broadway Avenue, or take a Right in 180 meters at Rodeo Drive street etc…
At http://www.satnav-expert.co.uk you can campare and buy a very large range of models, with excellent prices.
Some devices has the ability to receive real-time traffic alerts without a monthly or charge fee. That’s a very nice feature, if you don’t want to get traffic just around the corner.
Another important features to look for: Prefer a device with 24 channels (satellite signals) instead of 12 (usually cheaper models have 12 channels). You will have a more accurate position; Media Card Reader, so you can isert maps into SD memory cards, together with MP3 music and video files (if the unit have the ability to read this types of files); POI’s (points of interest) – it’s a database with hotels, restaurants, gas statitions, banks, etc…spots that you want to consult during you travels; Bluetooth; FM Transmitter; Music and Video Player and the Power Suplly.
Sat Nav is one of the technologies that are becoming very popular, and prices are cheaper than ever.
The last tip: If I were you, definitely I go for a buy!
By Mavilonus (Via World of GPS)
mercedes benz GPS navigation system for trucks
Mercedes-Benz just last week announced a new GPS avigation system for some of their trucks; namely Atego, Axor and Actros model series.
This will make European drivers very happy as Mercedes-Benz will be providing TeleAtlas maps (onDVD) for 26 European countries; and 15 languages to choose from for voice directions.
As with any other truck GPS navigation system this one also takes into account the dimensions and weight of the commercial vehicle you’re driving and provides driving route accordingly…
Thinkware iNAVI K3 GPS Navigation System
Folks living in Korea who want an entry level GPS navigation system might want to check out what Thinkware has to offer - the iNAVI K3. This is a low-end device, so don't expect to retrieve all the bells and whistles that come with other more devices higher up in the pecking order. The iNAVI K3 will offer relevant information in 3D via its 7' WVGA LCD display. Other features include a SiRF V6 chipset, a 900MHz processor, an SDHC memory card slot, 256MB RAM and 512MB ROM, DMB support, audio and video playback as well as a car diary function. No idea on pricing though.
GlobalSat GS-3212 GPS navigation system; cheap and good maps
GlobalSat GS-3212 GPS navigation system is basic device with a 3.5 inch TFT LCD touch screen, and an SD card reader. It can do 3D rendering of certain buildings by default, and has about 1 million points of interests.
What’s special about this you may ask? Well if you’re looking for a non-mainstream GPS navigation system, say other than Garmin and TomTom; GlobalSat maybe your answer. In addition to feeling good about helping an underdog manufacturer you’ll also be pleased about the price tag which is only $140; and the maps which include USA, Canada, and Mexico. Seriously, who else offers all these three countries together?
(Via NaviGadget.)
get ready for 3G connected Garmin systems
Sprint these days is looking into expanding their wholesale subscribers base by providing 3G data service to consumer electronics manufacturers such as Garmin.
Sprint already has the know how and the infrastructure since they’ve been handling Amazon’s Kindle data services for a while now.
What does this mean for you? Well if all goes well you’d have real internet access on your GPS navigation system as opposed to a wimpy MSN updates which come over FM… wsj
(Via NaviGadget.)
Sprint looking to wholesale bandwidth to connected gadget makers
So, what's a flagging cellular operator to do once it has succumbed to the grim realization that no one wants to sign up for your service and you've already collected the dough from selling off nearly all of your towers? Go wholesale, of course! Unbeknownst to most, all of the Kindle downloads on Amazon's white-hot e-reader go through Sprint's network, and given just how successful that little venture has been, the carrier is hoping to expand its revenues from wholesaling bandwidth (which currently sits at just 3 percent of its total) by inking similar deals with connected gadget makers. From internet-connected vehicles to GPS systems to cameras, the options are darn near limitless, and with so much free capacity on Sprint's network, it might as well find companies to use it. 'Course, it's not like Sprint's the only one out there trying to carve these kinds of deals into stone, but it's definitely the one that needs to do it most immediately.
(Via Engadget CELLS.)
Nokia 7205 does GPS navigation
Nokia 7205 (code named Intrigue) was just announced by Verizon Wireless today. The clam shell device has a 2.2″ QVGA 240x320 internal display, a 1.9″ PMOLED external screen; which stays hidden until lit. Like we mentioned in the title Nokia 7205 does GPS navigation; thanks to the CDMA, 1X/EV–DO Rev. A chip inside which also integrates an A-GPS receiver. You don’t get to use your own GPS navigation system of course. You’ll have to use Verizon’s service called VZ Navigator which costs $10/month for unlimited usage.
Other features and specs of 7205 include a microSD card slot, blutooth, touch sensitive buttons, 2MP camera, and a media player.
Nokia 7205 is already available for only $129 after jumping through hoops and a 2 year contract. If you don’t want a contract; nor interested in chasing mail-in-rebate forms you can expect to pay $300 for the phone.
(Via NaviGadget.)
