If you plan on using your GPS in an automobile, there are several choices: a basic or mapping handheld receiver; a dedicated automotive receiver; a GPS with a PDA; or a Laptop GPS.

Although handheld units can be used in a car there are several disadvantages-the screen can be hard to see due to its small size and some units will need to be placed forward on the dashboard where they can get a better signal. With a basic (non-mapping) unit you can tell where you are as long as you have a paper map with you to interpret that data.

A mapping unit is the more useful choice considering with driving usually involves roads. A dedicated automotive receiver is larger than a handheld in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by the car's electrical system and because of this; they can only be used in a vehicle. Automotive units usually have voice instructions to allow you to navigate without taking your eyes off the road. Prices start at about $500 US.

A GPS with a PDA needs clear access to the sky for satellite reception. Some receivers have the antenna built in or have the capability for an external antenna. An antenna on the seat of your car may or may not work. The console is the next best place - reception may be questionable. An air vent mount is better and a windshield mount or the antenna placed all the way forward on the dashboard is better yet. The most reliable place is for an external antenna to be attached to the roof of your car.

A laptop GPS requires a CF with an external antenna, a Bluetooth GPS receiver, a mouse-type GPS receiver, or be connected via a cable to a handheld GPS unit so the receiver can be placed in a position for good reception. Of course a laptop is large, but the main advantage is a very large screen for maps. If you have a need for a laptop in your car, this may be the best choice and a mouse-type receiver is inexpensive.

If you plan on using your GPS for hiking or backpacking there are three choices, a basic handheld receiver, a mapping handheld receiver and GPS with a PDA. It is also recommended that in addition to your GPS, you should take a paper map, and magnetic compass, and extra batteries. Weight and size need to be considered when deciding which GPS to choose. A basic receiver does not have mapping abilities, however it will display your location in a format that you choose, and most likely latitude/longitude. Providing your paper maps have your chosen position format marked on them, your GPS will allow you to find your location on the map. If your maps don't have the position format grids marked already, this is something you'll want to do yourself. These are going to be the least expensive choices for GPS, often less than $100 US and are as accurate as more expensive units; they just don't have as many features. The main feature they lack is mapping capability.

For hunting or fishing many handheld models include best hunting and fishing times for a given location and date. Mapping handheld receivers are often larger, heavier, and/or have shorter battery lives than basic units. Shorter battery life means carrying more extra batteries adding bulk and weight. With a mapping handheld unit you will have the benefit of having the maps displayed on your GPS. These also include other benefits such as a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, games, and a calendar and you can plan your route ahead of time on your PC and upload it to your GPS. These units display pre-loaded maps and map detail is reflected by the size and resolution of the screen. This means that mapping units are generally larger than basic units. The downside of a GPS with a PDA is that it will drain your battery quicker and it also of the top of your PDA. Mapping units are more expensive than basic units; prices start at about $150 US unless you get one with Bluetooth capabilities which are more expensive. For fishing a chart plotter/GPS or a GPS sounder are also available. The chart plotter/GPS and GPS sounders usually have a lot of features and start at about $400 US.

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• Vehicle dash mount for use on any stable surface
• Securely holds your GPS in vehicle
• Does not slide or detach while vehicle is in motion
• Adjustable to position GPS in a variety of angles
• Garmin ball mount easily attaches to your existing cradle

Amazon.com Product Description
Keep your nüvi in place with this portable friction mount. It'll keep everything in plain sight when you need it and out of the way when you don't. Place the mount on any stable surface, and adjust the position of your GPS to your liking. The friction mount weighs enough to keep your device put on the dash, even when sudden maneuvers are necessary. It's ideal for states in which the use of windshield suction mounts is illegal. In addition to its convenie... More >>

Garmin Portable Friction Mount

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In recent years, GPS devices have begun to mature from barebones units to more feature-packed devices that also let you play music and even make calls from your car. Both GPS- systems and satellite radios are becoming hot add-ons for new cars and rentals, and there are a variety of interesting and ever more affordable options to upgrade your existing vehicle. Today's systems work well with small and built-in GPS antennas providing visual and voice prompts for upcoming turns, and dynamically adjusting when you take a detour. These systems can normally store at least major highway maps for the entire regions plus detailed maps for a specific region, as well as associated points of interest, addresses and even phone numbers for businesses, gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

There's so much to see and do when you are on vacation that you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing while driving or hiking. It’s especially true when you’re taking a tour around national parks and other scenic vistas – that’s the reason enough to be looking out the windshield and not at the map. Now you have the power and security to make any trip an effortless and memorable one whether you're working, sightseeing or a little of both. You will never get lost again or miss out on the points of interest thanks to GPS. Whether in your own car, a rental car or RV Rental, integrating the in-car entertainment like an MP3 player and tour guide content will allow you to travel at your own pace; visiting the places you want to see. With multilingual turn-by-turn visual guidance, voice prompt navigation and easy to read graphics, traveling from place to place has never been easier and so visitor-friendly. It also gives you suggested directions, so you don't get lost, for the most popular driving routes as well and invite you to get off the beaten path to take the roads less traveled. You will get to see more, hear more, laugh more and experience more than you ever could have on your own.

When vacationing in unfamiliar cities or countries GPS also comes handy and helps you enjoy your stay and remain focused on the business at hand. Now you can navigate to different places with your GPS specific for the regions you are traveling in. GPS can also help you avoid being scammed by local taxi drivers. With a GPS you know if a "short cut" is really what it is or if the taxi driver is just trying to rip you off by taking you on a longer route. Your visit will be more fun with a GPS since it allows you to enjoy your experience without worrying so much about how to get around.

GPS-based navigation systems are real indispensable additions to your travel gear. Just grab a GPS and enjoy your trip!

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Apart from the convenience, GPS cell phone offers great accuracy and seldom looses the GPS signals. The way the system works is simple - the cell phone tower enhances the satellite signal and this helps in prompting the route. The advantage of the wireless assisted GPS is that it can comfortably work inside buildings or even under thick, heavy forest. However, the disadvantage of this plan is that the GPS functions only in the places that have cellular telephone service. A result, using a separate GPS receiver connected to your cell phone should enable the signals, regardless of the cellular service availability and as long as the receiver as well as the satellites view each other.

GPS receivers are available bundled with software on a separate card such that it can be inserted into a phone slot. The software is featured with maps that can be displayed on the cell phone screen and you can keep on receiving cell phone calls. This can as well be connected to the internet using the cell phone when GPS is working provided you have appropriate subscriptions to do so. The methods of separate GPS receiver is restricted to monthly plan fees, but balancing the GPS receiver as well as the software cost ranging from $100 is a must. The cost of this may increase depending on the additional on other features you plan to add. Despite being a non-technical person or a person who never goes through any manual, if they stay in areas having a good cell phone service, then their good choice for GPS plans might be Nextel, Sprint or Verizon.

The task of the GPS cell phones is that it can be used in any place of your choice as it does not restrict the usage limitation to car alone. However, the market has now come with best cell phones and majority of them feature GPS as regular, and probably ultimately all phones will come featuring GPS compulsorily. The term GPS is thought to be a product that gives directions turn by turn while driving a car, whereas the voice directions is the best benefit available in any traditional GPS systems and lacks in cell phones. GPS is of immense use in emergencies in locating a gas station or a nearby town, and can also specify the location requesting aid. The best about GPS is to input the destination place and it gives the exact directions as the output and following it is enough to reach the correct place.

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But GPS not only gets you from point A to point B with minimum hassle, it also makes your holiday come alive; with ways to plan your itinerary, track down the best restaurants, and make your holiday more enjoyable.

Here's a few handy GPS travel tips to help you get the most out of the holiday and avoid the travel woes.

GPS TIPS

1. If you intend to rely on your GPS unit, take time to learn it before needing it. Get the manual out, work with setting waypoints and determining position. This will save you time on the road and prevent you from loading incorrect information or deleting valuable information by mistake.

2. Ensure that you install the maps prior to travel. This will enable you to browse and test the maps prior to embarking on your trip. Make sure you are familiar with the route calculation settings of your device.

3. Power is an issue. All GPS models will need to be recharged. Make sure you have enough batteries for the trip or pack a universal adapter in your luggage. Battery life of GPS devices vary, so it is important to have a cigarette lighter charger as you do not want to run out of juice when you are on the road.

4. Avoid leaving GPS device mounted on the windshield in a hot car for long periods of time. It is also a good way to prevent the device from being stolen, since even leaving the window screen mount in view is an advertisement that a GPS device may be in the car.

5. Most car navigation systems include an extensive POI database including restaurants along the interstate. Choose the cuisine you want and your GPS will display a list of results by proximity. Filter out only those along your route and your forward seeking food radar will update faster.

6. Some GPS devices also contain useful travel advice which can be very helpful if you are unfamiliar with road rules in other countries. For example, some device menus contain guides for multiple countries and cover local road rules, public holidays, accommodation advice and more.

7. When navigating to a place, it may be easier to search for a place by name rather than address. For example if you wish to visit the British Museum in London you can find it listed under museums as a point of interest and be able to navigate there without knowing the exact address.

8. And most importantly, make sure you dust off your GPS-knowledge and get the upper hand on your pending trip before you embark. Just be smart and make good use of your GPS.

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