Posts Tagged ‘gps systems’
What You can Expect From The GPSMAP 60CSx
The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is a great mid-range, hand-held site navigation device. It’s a little heavier than the cheapest or most expensive Garmins, but it still floats, if need be. It comes with a 128 microSD card and is geocaching/game friendly. Compared to your bare bones GPS, you’ll get a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, turn-by-turn directions, tide tables, a high-sensitivity receiver, which will give you reception even in those remote areas, and custom points of interest.
The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx retails around $535.70, but can be found for as low as $191.50 at www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com or $339 at www.zappos.com. Compared to the $249 Garmin GPSMAP 60, this upgraded version comes with three important new features. First, the new SiRFSTARIII chip set has received wide acclaim for its ability to beam signals under canopies, around buildings, down into canyons and in typically hard-to-reach places. Secondly, this new Garmin model has traded in the dated internal memory system for a microSD card slot that can be upgraded instead, giving you unlimited storage capacity and the ability to use any new map software that comes out. Thirdly, the 60CSx comes with an electronic compass and barometric altimeter that the GPSMap 60CS doesn’t even have.
There are many pros to the GPSMAP 60 CSx, when compared with its predecessors. From the moment you turn it on, you’ll notice that a perfect reading is available in less than a minute; within three minutes, all bars will be reporting from 10 satellites with an accuracy of 10 feet, which is impressive as far as GPS devices go. Even in hard-to-reach areas like basements, the accuracy is reported with 3-6 satellites and within 46 feet. The older model Garmin GPSMAP 60cs would normally get zero to one satellite readings at the same location. In cities and urban canyons, old GPSMap 60s had jumpy readings and sometimes even lost the signals entirely. However, the new and improved GPSMAP 60CSx boasts 7-8 stable satellites in the same spot with an accuracy of 20 feet. Perhaps this is why so many geocachers like using this GPS site navigation to find their hidden treasures.
There aren’t many glitches or problems associated with the GPSMAP 60CSx, but as with any technical gadget, you may occasionally run into something. A few times, your GPS navigation system won’t reach a fix within a few seconds, so you’ll need to turn it off and back on again to reset. Additionally, even though you save the same amount of points in your track log, the newer model will use more memory for some reason. There was an early altimeter bug that has since been fixed with firmware version 2.7. Sometimes the “find by name” in the points of interest doesn’t work either. Even so, Garmin has been working on improvements and the 60CSx is still one of the most highly rated GPS devices you can buy.
Functional Advice For Buying Handheld GPS Units
Many people would like to purchase a handheld GPS unit but are overwhelmed by all the choices. There are so many different models on the market that it can seem difficult to get the best one. Luckily once you are familiar with the features you want narrowing down your choices can be very simple. There have been many innovations to the handheld GPS unit since it was first introduced. While this is the case there is still not much difference in the various menus and screens that can be found on the various discount handheld GPS systems.
Tips For Choosing The Right System
When selecting which model will best meet your needs it will have more to do with the extra features that are offered. It is a good idea to research all the various features out there and decide which ones is the best match for your lifestyle. Handheld GPS units are usually geared to a certain type of user. For instance GPS units developed for outdoor enthusiasts are often waterproof and have features like electronic compasses and strong packaging.
Look for a model of handheld GPS unit that can be undated. Maps and routes are constantly being changed and you want to always have the latest information available. Units that features removable memory are updated easily. You will also need to figures out if you want black and white or color display for your handheld GPS unit. Expect to pay more for a color model. Color models will often give you clearer graphics and an enhanced interface. Prior to making a choice you should really look carefully at display models for both types. This will let you know if the clarity offered by a black and while model will work for you.
Choosing A GPS
GPS devices are sure to be one of the top gifts for the holiday season, whether it’s for dad to use on his boat, the wife for her car or your brother for his hiking expeditions. A GPS is so much more than “just a map.” While the features vary greatly, on some GPS systems you can look up restaurants or gas stations, play “Amazing Race” type games, reroute your commute around traffic jams and listen to satellite radio.
“Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience, performance, value, and service,” proclaims the company website. In fact, Garmin, which has been around since 1989, is the most well-known North American brand name in Global Positioning Systems today. Based out of Kansas, no part of the manufacturing process gets outsourced, as the company designs, manufactures, markets and sells all of their products themselves. They offer GPS navigation systems for all different lifestyles, such as fitness-based systems, automotive GPS systems, systems for hikers or campers, aviation technology, marine technology and site navigation for geocachers.
In addition to Garmin, Magellan is another leader in GPS systems, with their Magellan Maestro 4250 being the most popular GPS model, which ranges from $90-$279 online. Dutch Manufacturer TomTom was founded in 1991 and employs over 3,500 people worldwide. Their most popular navigator is the TomTom ONE XL 330-S (starting at $249), which has a wide 4.3″ screen, customization options, search by zip code functionality, text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, emergency locator service and the ability to search for points of interest near your current location. Lastly, the Navignon 2100 Max Portable Navigator (starting at $248.35) can help you find hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance, while also offering text-to-speech, lane assist and reality view maps.
When buying an auto GPS device, you’ll want to look for the number of points of interest. “Points of Interest” include businesses, hospitals, gas stations, stores, restaurants, amusement parks, hotels and other destinations. Most good devices offer something like 6 million, while low end models may have as little as 1.3 million, which can be very frustrating to use. All new Garmin units come pre-loaded with City Navigator’s 6 million POIs, while Magellan GPS devices can range from 750,000 to 6 million.
Taking A Look At The Garmin Gpsmap Features
A Garmin GPSMAP can be used by motorists, bicyclists, hikers and mariners. The crossover GPS devices are usually smaller, which allow for hand-held capacity, especially when compared to the bulkier nuvi automobile models. The navigator maps can range greatly too, as some are in color and some are black-and-white. As well, some are equipped with customizable points of interest, some aren’t; some have 16 hour batteries, some with 28 hour; some with automatic routing and games, some without.
Garmin knew that active individuals needed a reliable crossover device to help them navigate their way. In this world of James Bond caliber adventure, we find ourselves traveling by various modes in our pursuits. At the very beginning of the Garmin line of GPS maps, there are aviation navigator maps for pilots to travel by land, air and sea, such as the GPSMAP 96 or 196, for example. From those basic grey-scale models, Garmin has advanced to full-color portable devices like the GPSMAP 495 and 496, adding airport maps, pre-loaded maps, 3,000 favorite locations, traffic information services, voice prompts, satellite radio and weather.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76 series ranges from $200 to $428.56, depending on the model. The marine-friendly GPS navigation systems are great for serious outdoor adventurers who want a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, location tracking and turn-by-turn directions. The grey-scale Garmin GPSMAP comes with the 76 and 76-S models, while the 76Cx and 76CSx models display in 256 colors with transflective screens. The higher end GPSMAP 76cx and 76CSx models also beat the cheaper 76 models in that they have high-quality receivers for when you’re in deep canyons, dense forests or far-off mountain ranges. Additionally, the more expensive models accept pre-loaded data cards if you want to add more maps without linking up to the computer. If you want geocaching and games, then you’ll need the 76Cx or 76CSx, but if you want the compass and altimeter, you’ll need the 76 or 76Cx.
If you’re not much of an outdoors person, but you fancy yourself more of a road warrior, then Garmin GPS devices has something for everyone in their car navigator models. The 200 series Garmin GPSMAP (which includes the 200, 250, 260 and 270) has a 3.5″ screen and internal antenna. Next there is the 200W series (200W, 250W and 260W), which is the same as the 200 series but with a larger 4.3″ screen. The Garmin 2×5 Series (205, 205W, 255 and 255W) adds live traffic reports via MSN Direct and also includes that nice, larger 4.3″ screen. The 500 Series include crossover models good for hiking, cycling and boating, as well as driving. The 700 series adds anti-theft, multiple-destination routing and entertainment functions. The 800 series adds voice recognition, lane assist and 3-D buildings. The 300 Series and 600 Series, though you can still find them online, have been discontinued; while each step was celebrated at the time with a new series, the newer models include all those features and more, so Garmin is simplifying their line.
What Are The Latest Games GPS Offers?
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. Here we’ll discuss a few of the exciting GPS games out now for the restless adventurer in you!
One of the newest games GPS has come out with is called “Geotagging,” which is offered by the Surreal Scania website as a new approach to art. Located in southern Sweden, artists have created videos of the local landscape, then geotagged their contemplative videos to play on GPS navigation systems when users pass these points. The artistic representations beg the question, “What is real and what is imaginary?” The filmmakers show how imagination and location interplay with one another. A similar project was filmed in Singapore and can be found at www.gpsfilm.com. 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.
Some geocache games GPS has are more detailed than others. For instance, Magellan GPS navigation systems recently hosted a “Cache Her If You Can” GPS adventure game that sent gumshoe detectives to 30 different American cities to solve a mystery and compete for grand prizes. This second annual game (found at www.magellangps.com) was meant to promote the new Magellan eXplorist 100, 200 and 300 and prizes ranged from trips, outdoor gear, ATVs, and other vehicle navigation packages. “We were delighted by the excitement that thousands of people expressed during our 2003 treasure hunt, so we decided to do it again but with a detective-story twist,” said Karen Carbonnet, VP of Corporate Communications for Thales, who hosted the game. “Our geocaching adventure offers something for everyone, and is the perfect activity to encourage kids, parents and friends to grab their Magellan GPS receivers, get out of the house and enjoy some family fun and adventure while taking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors.”
Product Review Of The Garmin nuvi 255W
With the number of GPS systems on the market growing all of the time, it can be difficult to find the information you need to choose the best GPS for your particular needs. Every model has pros and cons that need to be evaluated before you make a final decision. Obviously, price is a major concern. GPS system prices can be less than $100 for the most basic units and climb to over $1,000 depending on the specific features and capabilities you want. When you look into the choices that are available, one of the options you’ll want to examine is the Garmin Nuvi 255w.
Garmin products are considered to be the Cadillacs of the GPS world, and the Nuvi 255 is no exception. Like all 200 series models, the slim 2×5 unit fits easily into a pocket or purse for pedestrian use, but also mounts on the windshield for use while driving. Directions are given text-to-speech using clear, concise instructions. Instead of hearing “Turn left in 2/10’s of a mile” as in some more basic models, the 255W includes the street name in the verbal directions, “Turn left on Main Street”. in 30 yards”.With you GPS device speaking the directions, you won’t have to take your eyes off of the road
at the 3.3” screen very often.
The Garmin Nuvi 255 is preloaded with maps of all of North America. In addition, the unit has a JPEG picture viewer, a rechargeable lithium battery, a currency and measurement converter, and a world clock.The anti-glare display provides easy viewing, especially when combined with the touch screen technology. The fact that the screen is larger than those of many GPS units means that you get a view of more of the area using a Garmin 255.
Of course, like with all GPS technology, there are some downside issues to contend with when using the Nuvi 255. You need to be aware up front that the price of the unit itself is not the only cost you will be facing. Although software updates are part of the package, you’ll only get map updates by paying extra fees. These can be purchased as lifetime updates or singly. Also, if the battery ever needs to be replaced, you won’t be able to do it yourself which will be an added expense. Although the battery is designed to last for a number of years, if it should happen to crash on you, you may or may not be able to find a technician who’ll be able to change it for you, especially at a cost that’s economically-feasible.
Other Garmin Nuvi 255w reviews have commented that the user’s manual is too basic to be of any assistance, but some say that the operation is so simple that anyone should be able to figure it out. There is a website available, ostensibly to help you should you have problems, but it, too, has been panned as being lacking in helpful information and user-unfriendly. If you’re trying to plot the route of a long trip, it’s also likely that you’re going to end up frustrated because there isn’t enough memory to do long, elaborate planning like this.
The overridding consensus is that the Garmin 255W is an easy to use device which balances the need for features but still being affordable. This model does not come with Bluetooth capabilities to allow for hands free calling. However, if you’re looking for the basics and a unit that’s going to be reliable and efficient, the 255w will probably be a good fit.