Posts Tagged ‘satellite radio’
The Benefits Of Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Inc., based out of New York City, was named the #1 “Fastest Growing Company in 2007″ by Deloitte Technology Fast 500 ranking. Many people are wondering what this satellite radio craze is all about and why anyone would pay for something they already get for free.
First of all, satellite radio provide you with a high-quality digital signal that can transcend geographic borders by beaming down from three geosynchronous communications satellites orbiting around the Earth. Many channels feature CD-quality sound, static-free.
Secondly, satellite radio has over 130 different channels for your every mood. Instead of choosing from the two local rock stations, you can now select from 23 rock stations. If you like talk radio, you can still get Howard Stern, BBC world news, traffic and weather, Fox or CNN, to name a few. There is literally something for everyone and the selections will stay with you, even if you’re traveling from New York to California!
The third benefit – that’s worth its weight in gold – is that there are NO commercials! It may be hard to believe that 100% commercial-free radio exists, but for just $13/month, you can evade the constant interruptions that plague your morning and late afternoon commutes. Satellite radio is the obvious choice for truckers, delivery drivers and long road trips.
Over 12 million people now subscribe to satellite radio. Even though you’ll need to pay $13/month for the service and purchase some basic equipment to get started (like a plug & play device for your car, an iPod-like portable device, or a home stereo receiver — if you don’t have satellite TV), the numerous benefits and pandering to your every need will generally make satellite radio worthwhile.
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.