Garmin Nuvi 255W GPS Navigator

Garmin has introduced a new model in its entry level line, the nuvi 255w. This model has new and improved features and shows you why Garmin is one the best in producing gps navigation units. Here is a list of the new and improved features on the Garmin nuvi 255w.

Complete North America Maps and Text to Speech

My favorite upgrade is the complete maps for North America which come complete with text to speech. The text to speech technology gives you turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets. I have found that this is very helpful in keeping my eyes on the road and avoiding getting in accidents.

4.3 Inch Wide Screen and New Interface

The Garmin 255w also features a wide 4.3 inch screen that displays 70% more of what's around you as you are driving. The new interface shows you distance to and direction of your next turn, name of the road you need to turn onto, the time you will arrive at your destination and your current speed and speed limits in the area you are driving.

Satellite Prediction Hot Fix

In the past you may have had to wait for the GPS unit to lock in on three satellites to work effectively. Well, this model has the new hotfix which predicts where the satellites should be so it can lock in quicker and reduce the amount of time you have to wait for your directions.

Navigate By Photo

By combining Garmin connect photos with Google Panoramio photo sharing, you can download them to your nuvi to use pictures as a guide during your trip.

3D Terrian Maps

These maps show you when to expect hills, mountains and other natural features. These maps are also viewable when using the 2D view.

Send Addresses Directly From Google Maps or Mapquest

If you decide to get a small plugin, which you can get from the Garmin website, you can transfer addresses from google maps or Mapquest from your computer to your Garmin GPS unit.

Traffic Updates and other News

If you decide to get an optional receiver, you can receive traffic updates, weather updates, news, movie listings and much more.

As you can see this Garmin nuvi 255w is a great unit that will satisfy the needs of most people who need a GPS unit. The price is still very affordable as it is still an entry level unit but has top of the line features.

For more information on this garmin gps navigation unit, visit this site: Garmin Nuvi 255W For more information on other garmin gps navigation units, visit this site: Garmin Nuvi GPS Products

What Is Cellular Gps System?

GPS system is a technology that can give your exact position anywhere on the earth. To avail of this technology, you need a special GPS receiver that can receive signals from satellites. GPS system is a not a new technology and has been around for sometime. It was initially used by the military but has now been equipped in the cell phone of millions of users for convenient usage.

The GPS or the Global Positioning system global navigation satellite system (GNSS) developed by the United States Department of Defense and managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. Initially, cell phone companies did not want to put GPS receivers into cell phones. But several years ago, the Federal Communications Commission required them to come up with a way to locate their customers for rescue workers and 911 calls.


Specially designed cellular GPS phones can help you to locate your exact position, wherever you are! This type of cell phone technology can certainly make you feel better when traveling because if you got lost, broke down or run into trouble you can be tracked by this technology and receive help. GPS receivers come in a variety of formats, from devices integrated into cars, phones, and watches, to dedicated devices. They can cost a few thousand rupees to lakhs, depending on the use.

GPS has become quite popular in India among fleet management companies. GPS allows real-time vehicle tracking which enable transportation industry and delivery services. It can be efficiently used in almost any business that depends on precise location information. GPS has applications in the following areas: Surveying, field data collection, yellow pages, tourism, infrastructure and communication.

Hence, you can see that cellular GPS system is quite useful for you and it would be good if you purchase cell phones equipped with this technology! The GPS technology is simply amazing!


Article By: Mary R Thomas

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Apple Sat Nav

Technology giants Apple have recently filed a patent for a sat nav system that will focus on driver safety. The company stated details of the device in an 11 page document. The satellite navigation device could come as standard in a vehicle or could even be used via a docking station. In the document Apple states that there have been many incidents on the roads where sat navs have proved to be a danger to drivers, for instance, when the driver is focusing on the device rather than the roads accidents can be more common. As a result of this, they have stated in the 11 page document that their sat nav device would focus on driver safety. In an attempt to help remedy this, Apple has come up with a touch screen sat nav which will include a loudspeaker and hands-free voice commands which will enable the driver to concentrate more on the roads rather than the sat nav. An interesting study that took place at the beginning of this year showed that regularly using sat navs could mean an increased risk of suffering from car sickness. In-car navigation systems of the future are said to promote green driving by telling the driver when to change gear to maximise fuel economy and chastising the motorist if they are driving erratically. In an effort to make cars safer the car company Mazda has developed an early warning system, which applies the brakes early if it decides a crash is unavoidable. The car also has the ability to assess road conditions itself as well. If you’re interested in buying a sat nav, the best thing to do is to shop online so that you can compare the features and the prices and make sure you get the model that is exactly what you’re looking for.

Apple’s satellite navigation system will focus on driver safety and will include features that make the device a safer one to use on the roads. A recent study showed that sat navs could mean an increased risk of suffering from car sickness. To find the best deals on sat navs it’s best to shop online


Gill Critchley is a UK based author with experience within the financial industry centering on the insurance sector.

GPS Tracking Technology Used To Keep Kids In School

Who would have thought school truancy would play a part in the high tech world of gadgets? The Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD), that's who. Faced with a dropout rate ranking them seventh among large school districts, according to America's Promise Alliance, and a truancy rate of 15%, the school was not only losing students but also the funds connected with school attendance. It was clear they needed something to stem the leakage. The solution fell into the lap of Bryan Adams High School which is currently using GPS tracking devices in a pilot program to retain their student population.

The GPS tracking devices worn by students are similar to those used by law enforcement keeping tabs on individuals under house arrest, rather than a simpler less obvious GPS tracking watch. Six students, out of the 300 sent to truancy court, from Bryan Adams were chosen to participate in the program. The price tag for the digital age truancy program? $26,000. The investment covers a case worker whose duties include tracking the students, assisting them in their daily activities, as well as providing assistance to families.

The program is proving more cost effective for the state compared to the alternative of detaining repeat truancy offenders in a juvenile detention facility. The program also benefits students by providing a measure of structure, which will translate to a greater ability to become a functioning member of society — like showing up for work on time. This structure is priceless for many of the students enrolled in the program because it is hard for them to create this structure otherwise.

Other than making students show up for class and train for adulthood, the GPS program for truant students hits more personal issues. Most truant students are dealing with more than just running late for class. Issues facing the majority of truant students run the gamut from drugs or alcohol, gang involvement, issues in their family life, or any mix of the above. In the past year, the GPS system helped find a student in the pilot program on the verge of a drug overdose. The program also led case workers to a student that had ditched school and was contemplating suicide. In both situations, a GPS tracking device helped case workers find and assist these students.

Sounds like a great system? Not everyone thinks so. One Texas law maker, as summarized in the New York Times, dislikes the idea since “ankle cuffs used in an earlier version were reminiscent of slave chains.” No one wants to make these students out to be slaves, just to help them. The comment could stem off of the fact that the majority of Bryan Adams High School is non-Caucasian. The high school's representation includes 53% Hispanic American, 32% African American, in addition 62% of the student population is grouped as economically disadvantaged.

In any case it seems Dallas ISD and Bryan Adams High school are trying to do a good thing. They're just using the greatest and latest technology to do so. Who doesn't want help students maintain attendance, graduate high school, and attain prime jobs? Of course, the utilization of GPS technology in improving the systems in place, such as student truancy, needs to be further tested in a variety of situations if we are to fully develop and utilize this powerful technology.


Joe teaches people about GPS tracking watches and about how to get kids to use their GPS kids devices.
http://www.gpsfortoday.com

GPS Enabled PDAs: Real Time Directions Linked to the Appoinments on Your Calendar!

When you're rushing from a late meeting to your child's t-ball game, you need to know exactly where you are going or you could miss her getting her first hit or catch. You may not have GPS in your car, but you do have a PDA - a personal digital (or data) assistant. Shouldn't your "assistant" be able to help you get there? Now it can!
There is a new kind of PDA with GPS embedded which can not only keep your schedule, but also help you navigate to the places on your schedule. Not only can it tell you where you are supposed to be and when, but how long it will take you to get there. In fact, with new technology, a GPS enabled PDA can even factor in the amount of real time traffic in giving you an estimate of your travel time or actually advising you about when to leave. They can also give you alternate routes where there is less traffic on the fly.

These PDAs with built-in GPS come preloaded with up-to-date maps of your country, and give both text- and voice turn-by-turn directions. This way you can both see and hear the directions for maximum safety while driving (In fact they can sometimes project the voice directions to your car stereo so you will hear them loud and clear). They also can navigate you to points of interest such as gas stations and stores along your way.

Some things to look for in a PDA with built-in GPS include the ability to automatically update your device through a computer so you get the latest changes in roads and routes, and good service coverage so you are never almost there when your map blacks out. You should also look for a system that allows you to do two things at once - like making a speakerphone call while you are driving without losing your route.

Another new GPS enabled PDA technology allows you to share information with others who have GPS devices. You can send a colleague or family member in another car the same directions, or traffic information, or information about where to find a gas station, while you are driving as easy as making a phone call.

Imagine what your new, more powerful handheld assistant can do for you right now: Tell you how to get where you are going, when to leave so you are on time, where you can stop along the way to bring something to the meeting, and whether there is traffic in your way!



About the Author
For more information about GPS Enabled PDAs, please see http://www.gpsenabledpdas.com, and for information about GPS Enabled cellular (mobile) phones , please see http://www.gpsenabledphone.com.

Magellan GPS

Magellan GPS is preferred by many as the GPS navigation system of choice due to its versatility, and adaptability. These GPS systems can be permanently mounted in your vehicle, or can be used as a handheld GPS device. They are capable of providing not only directions for driving, but also can provide real-time traffic updates and weather updates.

A Magellan GPS can be used in many ways. As you travel in unfamiliar cities or states you will save navigation time by using a Magellan Global Positioning System receiver to get you where you want to go. No more asking for directions that could be inaccurate. Just tell your system where you are, and where you want to go, and it will calculate the route for you. It can even help you by-pass toll highways if you want. It is your choice. These GPS units can also be used as a car-tracking device. If your vehicle is stolen, the police can track the signal from the GPS unit, so your vehicle can be located and recovered.

Magellan GPS units are available in numerous types and models. Each model has its specialty. However, most can be used for various applications. Some models have full color displays, which means color maps and superb graphics that are easy to view. A majority of the products are waterproof and all are very rugged. You an also get units that are touch screen enabled, and provide the ability to view in 2D or 3D. And of course the voice alerts provide you with simple instructions to follow as you drive so you can concentrate on your driving. Re-routing capabilities will help you get back on track if for some reason you have missed a turn, or an exit. You can even exclude roads that you would prefer to avoid, and spell-check streets that someone may have mis-spelled on you.

You will also be able to identify side streets, or shortcuts to highways that will decrease your time driving. Getting low on fuel? Whether it is fuel for your car, or fuel for your body, you will easily be able to locate gas stations and restaurants so you can re-fuel.

Magellan GPS systems also use Bluetooth technology that will allow you to use your cell phone hands-free, while navigating the streets of a new area. Address books are built in so you can store routes that you travel frequently but don’t want to have to remember. Plus, that frequent journey can be made easier if there is an accident or construction. Your GPS unit will find a fast way around the disruption. Long-lasting batteries will provide the information you need when you need it, and hundreds of maps are available for easy download. You may not even need to download any maps as most automotive GPS units come pre-loaded with Canadian and US maps ready to go.

If you, or a loved one travels often, you would be well served to get a GPS system from Magellan. Then you can be assured to get where you want to go as simply and directly as possible.


Wayne MacLean is an avid hiker, snowshoeing enthusiast, and loves the outdoors. He is a writer for both online and offline businesses. www.best-gps-info.com/magellan-gps.html

Have Fun, Be Safe with GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was created by the US Department of Defense to answer the second most important question an army has: "Where are we?" (The most important question being: "Where's the chow line?")

Today, GPS satellites constantly send signals ground-ward; these signals are picked up by GPS receivers, which calculate position. It didn't take long for police and fire departments, construction crews and other civilian operations to see the value of GPS.

For consumers, the industry needed to refine GPS tracking system into user-friendly, consumer electronics. For example, it does little good to know you're at 40 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds north 118 degrees 48 minutes 36 seconds west, unless you already know that's where Overstock.com is located and you're trying to parachute onto the office roof. So, manufacturers added street by street visual directions.

The Global Position System has three sectors:

Satellites
Twenty-four active plus five standby satellites orbit the Earth twice each day. At least four should be 'visible' to the ground at all times, allowing GPS tracking system users to precisely determine latitude, longitude and altitude.

Command and control system
Currently under the direction of the Air Force Space Command, certain areas are managed by other agencies, such as the Coast Guard Navigation Center (for maritime issues).

GPS receivers
GPS units are receive-only electronics; they do not transmit data or interact with other sectors of the system. This allows an unlimited number of simultaneous users. In other words, this may be the only operation of the US government that is available 24/7 and will never put you on hold!

Consider its use before buying a GPS unit:

Car GPS
Probably the most popular application, all car GPS units include street maps; high-end models offer turn-by-turn voice instructions. Frills include touch screen operation, cell phone connectivity, video games, radio, CD or DVD players and computer links to receive software updates.

Cell phone GPS
Mandated in the aftermath of September 11th, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) required cell service providers to make GPS tracking of cell phone calls possible. All phones made since 2005 are GPS-trackable. Cell phones including handheld GPS receivers are also available, but may not operate properly if you are outside your cell providers' service area.

Recreational GPS
Wrist, armband and handheld GPS units are especially good for hikers and bikers.

Marine GPS
Marine GPS is, of course, waterproof (most electronics don't react well to water!) and they float--not a feature you actually want to use, but most welcome should extreme circumstances arise. Ocean maps are notoriously dull to read, but shoreline maps and features like tide tables and fish-finders can be very useful. Marine GPS tracking is especially valuable when entering or exiting crowded harbors.

GPS accessories and add-ons enhance their use:

Maps
GPS units have factory installed street maps of the United States. World travelers can purchase additional GPS system maps of Canada and other areas.

Data storage
GPS users can store even more if the device supports removable memory cards like those commonly used for digital cameras.

Combo packs
For most people, GPS receivers work great on their own. For the serious user/traveler, portable GPS devices are available with personal digital assistants (PDAs) and two-way radios built in. As noted, car GPS units can also include entertainment or media extras.

GPS holders
These attach to the car dashboard or console so your handheld GPS doesn't have to be handheld while driving.

GPS antennas
These amplify GPS signals and are especially useful in urban areas where there is more chance of interference from terrestrial sources.

GPS chargers
Obviously, a handheld GPS must be recharged; at home and car adapters are available.

Some GPS terminology:

Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System
Commercial GPS receivers are almost always on target to within about 50 feet, but many users see accuracy to within 30 feet. NDGPS is a joint Transportation-Commerce-Homeland Security program using fixed, land-based reference stations. When near an NDGPS marker, GPS accuracy may increase to less than 10 feet.

Geocaching
Geocaching (pronounced /GE-oh-CASH-ing/) is a new and exciting game gaining popularity every year--a sport that exercises the mind and body. Simply put, it's GPS hide-n-seek; gamers place objects ranging in size from a 35-mm film can to a military ammo box in plain sight. The locations (latitude and longitude) are logged onto web sites. Players use their GPS units to locate the caches or 'waypoints'. It's a whole lot harder than it sounds. Waypoints can be disguised as plants or rocks and getting within 30 feet still leaves a lot of ground to cover. Some waypoints are pick-n-place, meaning they have prizes inside; when you find one, trade a trinket you bring for a trinket you find.

Benchmarks
One early means of determining locations was small metal markers placed by the Commerce Department's National Geodetic Survey (NGS). These are still in place and are found all over the US on street corners, mountain tops, in parks and other obvious and not so obvious places. All benchmark locations are logged and available from the NGS. They can be a quick test to see if your GPS unit is working properly or for geocaching.

Question--can the government really track me through my cell phone?

Not only the government, GPS tracking via cell phone is a commercial service available for parents (to keep tabs on their children), business owners (to track delivery vans and employees) and others (even pet owners can hook a GPS receiver to their pets, in case Rover lives up to his name). Safety, quality of service and fraud prevention have been recognized by courts as legitimate use of GPS tracking systems for surveillance by non-government entities.

GPS tracking abuse and misuse are inevitable, but that's true of every modern convenience--for the positives of GPS, there are also a few negatives. However, the day your son, daughter or $100,000 load of someone else's property goes missing, you definitely won't be screaming "Invasion of privacy!" at the FCC.

Caring for GPS units:

Dust, heat, humidity and impact damage are primary causes of failure. Don't drop your GPS unit, not even onto something soft like water--especially not onto something soft like water!

Wipe it down with a clean cloth before you put it away and, if your GPS receiver has openings like a data card slot or battery compartment, blow those clean with canned air--never your humid breath.

If you own a car GPS system, mount it out of direct sunlight. Even on cool days, the dashboard can get dangerously hot for electronics and excessive exposure to the sun's radiation can damage the memory--yes, sunburn can be terminal for a GPS terminal.

Like all modern consumer electronics, a GPS receiver has few moving parts to break, so it can provide years of valuable service (and a whole lot of fun!) if not abused. Enjoy!

For more information:

Locate a benchmark with the National Goedetic Survey (http://geodesy.noaa.gov).

Visit the Official Global GPS Cache Hunt website (http://www.geocaching.com).

Phoenix Roberts has been a journalist, freelance writer and desktop publisher for over 10 years. Presently, he is an SEO Content Writer for Internet discount retailer Overstock.com (http://www.overstock.com).
©2008 Overstock.com; all rights reserved.

GPS Device Buying Guide

Weekend warriors everywhere are stomping into local gear shops to cash in on the newest craze – GPS devices. After all, what’s better than merging your love of electronics with your love of the great outdoors? But do you need a pricey GPS that answers all your questions before you can formulate them, or is a workhorse GPS device that delivers standard info in a practical format better for you?
Our assessment checklist will help you sort your needs from your wants and find the right GPS device to suit your lifestyle.

Ease of use – GPS devices rarely require more than a quick study of the user’s manual. But talk to your friends and search out reviews online for which devices suit uber-techies and which ones work for trekkers with limited electronic know-how.

“Talk or read? – Some GPS devices come with voice software and touch-screens, but each feature usually indicates a price increase”
Talk or read? – Some GPS devices come with voice software and touch-screens, but each feature usually indicates a price increase.
Assess your needs – Car navigator devices differ from hand held units designed for outdoor adventures. If you plan to take yours on limited access highways, you’ll have little need for a unit that lists all the Taco Bells from Fort Worth to Albuquerque.
Verify compatibility – If your PC operates on outdated software, verify your new GPS software is compatible
Keep it simple – Many devices come with a lot of functions the average user doesn’t need. Make sure the unit you choose lives up to your expectations.
Plan your backup – Buy extra batteries and a charger. If you plan to hit the trails with your unit, make sure you bring both sets of batteries fully charged.
Forget the integrated compass – Some GPS devices come with electronic compasses but you should never rely on batteries to help you find north.
Map it out – Consider where you’ll adventure with your unit and if you’ll need additional mapping software. Some GPS devices come with removable memory cards so you can load more than one map for each trip.
Color your world – Color screens are pricier than black and white, but if you’re venturing through forests, cliffs and streams color can make navigation easier – and safer.


James W. Coates, an avid traveler and resident national park expert at Nomadik.com uses one GPS device for his commute and one for his forays into the wilderness. Check out his blog and share your own GPS device adventures.