Find it anywhere: mobile GPS: global positioning system devices get you where you want to go.HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HOPELESSLY LOST? In a strange city? And, late for a meeting? In some cases, mild panic might ensue en·sue intr.v. en·sued, en·su·ing, en·sues 1. To follow as a consequence or result. See Synonyms at follow. 2. To take place subsequently. . A few of us might stop at the local fueling station and ask for directions; others would just keep plodding along. With a global positioning system Global Positioning System: see navigation satellite. Global Positioning System (GPS) Precise satellite-based navigation and location system originally developed for U.S. military use. (GPS) device, however, getting lost is next to impossible. You can tap in your destination and--zip--the device tells you exactly how to get there. Handheld GPS Handheld GPS use GPS Signal from a minimum of 3 overhead satellites to obtain a fix which is usually accurate to within 30m. Actual accuracy can be achieved down to 5m but due to US Military intervention accuracy is restricted. Popular brands include Garmin, Magellan Navigation. devices are super dependable, extremely accurate, and highly portable. The network is a system of 24 satellites spread around the earth at an altitude of about 12,000 miles--always available, always online. There's a unique thrill in plotting your exact location anywhere on the planet. You can determine your latitude and longitude latitude and longitude Coordinate system by which the position or location of any place on the Earth's surface can be determined and described. Latitude is a measurement of location north or south of the Equator. and view a crisp, detailed map of your location. Or, you can submit a destination point and use a GPS device to plan your route. The device always knows where you are; you just need to tell it where you want to go. The service uses two radio frequencies, one for general use, known as the Course Acquisition Code, and one for more detailed use, known as the P-code. Think of GPS as the geographic equivalent of the global pager network: rather slow, but extremely reliable and widespread. You can't download three-dimensional graphics from the network, but the data is incredibly useful and timely. It's easy to confuse GPS with GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) The first high-speed digital data service provided by cellular carriers that used the GSM technology. GPRS added a packet-switched channel to GSM, which uses dedicated, circuit-switched channels for voice conversations. (for transferring data on cell phones and PDAs) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) A digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the predominant system in Europe, but also used worldwide. Developed in the 1980s, GSM was first deployed in seven European countries in 1992. (the voice network used for cell phones). None of the networks really cooperate with each other, though. Of course, that may change in the future. After the September 11th attacks On September 11, 2001, in the deadliest case of domestic Terrorism in the history of the United States, a group of 19 terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners for use as missiles against targets in New York City and Washington, D.C. , all cell phone manufacturers were required to add GPS capability to their GSM and GPRS products. Now, emergency personnel can pinpoint the location for any cell phone when users dial 911. In coming years, we might see GPS expand beyond its basic function and integrate with voice and data networks so you can share location information with friends and meet them at a common location. For now, GPS devices only use the network for navigation. Features Some devices, such as the Garmin iQue Garmin iQue line of products combines PDA devices with integrated GPS receivers. Description The Garmin iQue 3600 was among the first devices to integrate GPS technology into PDA devices. , are sell-contained handhelds designed specifically for GPS. In other cases, GPS is combined with a regular cell or satellite phone so that you can map your location or talk on the phone, browse the Web, and check your e-mail. A few GPS companies, such as Navman and Pharos, make add-on GPS hardware for your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). . And some of these same companies, especially Navman, make stationary GPS devices you can permanently mount on the dashboard of your car. "GPS popularity is growing rapidly due to its use today in street mapping applications," says Andrew Golden Andrew Golden (born May 25, 1986) was, at age 11, a shooter in the March 24, 1998 Jonesboro, Arkansas school shooting. Ironically those who knew the two youths before do not remember them as being very close. , a spokesperson for Navman GPS. "People love having a unit tell them when to turn. Popular features of this type of GPS software package include detailed visual maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, millions of points of interest (such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, gas stations, etc.), expandable memory, and upgradeable software." So what should you look for in a GPS device? Because the satellite service is a constant--meaning, all devices use the network the same way--the most common differences between devices involve quality, PC connectivity, and extra features. Ruggedness Not every GPS is created equal. Some, like the Magellan Meridian Meridian (mərĭd`ēən), city (1990 pop. 41,036), seat of Lauderdale co., E Miss., near the Ala. line; settled 1831, inc. 1860. , are made from thick rubber and impact-resistant plastic. You could drop some of these devices off a cliff and they would just bounce right back (OK, not literally). Other handhelds, such as the Navman GPS 3420, aren't meant for rugged outdoor use. This device slips around the case of an ordinary PDA. Even the Navman is made of durable plastic, though. Accuracy GPS devices sporting positional antennas let you pinpoint your location within a few meters. Not everyone needs that kind of capability, however. Cell phone models that use GPS are typically only accurate within a few miles, but that might be more than enough if you're stranded on a lonely highway. Navigation software Software varies wildly among GPS devices. The Ostia Ostia (ŏs`tēə), ancient city of Italy, at the mouth of the Tiber. It was founded (4th cent. B.C.) as a protection for Rome, then developed (from the 1st cent. B.C.) as a Roman port, rivaling Puteoli. 2003 software included with the Pharos Pocket GPS, for example, lets you plan a route and activate voice prompts A recorded message that is played by auto attendants, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, message-on-hold systems and other voice processing tools. The "prompt" is a request to input some data; a recording that does not ask for feedback is more properly called a voice "message." that tell you where to turn, and when. Other software, such as that included with the Navman GPS 3420, offers more robust mapping features that let you plot points of interest. Processor In the early days of GPS, the devices only offered simple text-based messages. Now, some handhelds include powerful map databases and display images on crisp, high-resolution screens. So, a faster processor--such as the Intel XScale that powers the Navman iCN 630--can be important. Cables Choose a device that lets you easily connect to your laptop via USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. . Power cables for home use and for plugging into the outlet in your car are also useful extras. PC interface Speaking of USB, look for features that let you download new maps from the Internet and, with your GPS handheld connected to your PC, add them to the device. Car mounting brackets Mounting your GPS device to your dashboard makes more sense than trying to juggle the device while driving. More expensive models are designed to be permanently embedded Inserted into. See embedded system. in the dashboard. But newer models, such as the Navman series, can be mounted to a vent and removed easily when you sell your car, or just want to switch it to another vehicle. Voice recorder/MP3 player Some GPS devices include handy voice recorders A digital, handheld device that is used to record short reminders. Very lightweight and typically using AAA batteries, such devices use flash memory to hold up to 100 messages and more. Messages can be retrieved sequentially or by direct access by message number. See microcassette. that let you annotate annotate - annotation your adventures. If you're using a GPS device that attaches to a PDA, you can use the MP3 player A digital music player that supports the MP3 format, which was the audio format that started a revolution in online music downloads and distribution. All portable music players, the iPod being the most popular, support MP3 along with one or more other audio formats. for extra entertainment while you go hiking or star gazing. Memory and expansion Many of the slip-on GPS devices also come with extra memory. The Navman, for example, includes a SecureDigita] (SD) expansion port you can use to store extra maps, application data, or MP3 files. In some cases, a GPS device can also function as a phone. For example, the Globalstar GPS-160C lets you track a route and call into the office at the same time. Common uses for GPS devices GPS handhelds serve many purposes: They can help you when you get lost; display vibrant images to help you trace a route through mountains or the local city shopping area; and provide a means to get emergency assistance. But some devices are geared for specific industries and uses, including: Business One of the most obvious uses for a PDA is to schedule meetings, but a GPS device actually helps you find the meeting--even in busy downtown traffic. Because the device always knows where you are, you never have to know the cross streets--just the final address. Field workers GPS devices help field workers determine the location of service calls and track their mileage. Some mapping software will even take a list of destinations and plot the most efficient route. For example, in the medical field, nurses use them to find the residence of in-home patients. Delivery drivers could just enter a destination and let the voice commands steer them to their customer. Entertainment That's right. A GPS device can serve as entertainment while you're traveling. You can look up the local hotel, find your way to the stadium, and map out the best restaurants. Golfers use them to check the distance to a tee! Marine At sea, a GPS device is invaluable for calculating plotting charts. Some GPS devices even double as fish finders Fish finder may refer to:
Outdoors A GPS devices can also double as a glorified glo·ri·fy tr.v. glo·ri·fied, glo·ri·fy·ing, glo·ri·fies 1. To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt. 2. compass, so you can always calculate true north. Garmin devices are a good option for outdoor use because they are especially durable. Products The product descriptions in this article give you an overview of the best GPS devices on the market. The Nexian device is handy for integration with an existing low-cost PDA, but the Magellan Meridian is my top choice for basic GPS functionality. The device you choose depends greatly on your GPS needs, but all the devices listed provide basic location-based services See mobile positioning. and mapping software. Find your way Many GPS devices are designed to serve one purpose: help you find the correct path to any given location. Some are integrated with more useful mapping software, and a few take advantage of the power and extensibility of current PDAs. Should you consider one? In most cases, there is little reason to not have a GPS device handy, especially in the car. After you've heard voice prompts for every turn in the busy streets of a downtown area, there will be no "turning back." For anyone who loves to explore or hates city driving, just about any GPS device will help you get there faster. MOBILE BUSINESS BENEFITS If you think GPS is just for the military--or big-screen spies--think again. Many businesses can benefit from the mapping, routing, navigation, and tracking capabilities GPS devices offer. RELATED ARTICLE: The best GPS devices on the market. Globalstar Qualcomm GSP-1600 http://www.globalstar.com It makes perfect sense that this high-powered satellite phone has GPS capability. If you're lost on a hike, or in the car, you can use the phone even when you are out of your cell phone coverage area, then use the GPS capability reach your desired destination. The GSP-1600 uses only a basic version of GPS, but what sets it apart is that the phone works anywhere in the world. The service plan runs about US$1 per minute--a normal rate for wide-coverage satellite phone service. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Garmin iQue US$589 http://www.garmin.com The iQue is a Palm OS 5-powered handheld for power users who want to track meeting schedules and find their way to remote offices all on one device. Voice commands direct your turns, and a robust database of streets and points of interest gives you visual cues along the way. You can also make quick annotations using the voice recorder. The MP3 player is also handy for listening to music anywhere, anytime. The iQue includes a SecureDigital expansion slot A receptacle inside a computer or other electronic system that accepts a printed circuit board. The number of slots determines future expansion. See PC data buses. (hardware) expansion slot - A connector in a computer into which an expansion card can be plugged. . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Magellan Meridian GPS US$129 http://www.magellangps.com The Meridian device from Magellan is the perfect traveling companion. With assistance from the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is an elevated-accuracy navigation system developed for civil aviation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). , this rugged PDA-sized handheld is accurate to within three meters. Although it lacks typical PDA features such as a scheduler, the Meridian does include some handy GPS features such as sun and moon position, optimal fishing conditions calculator, and a digital compass. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Navman GPS 3420 US$299 http://www.navmanusa.com Slip this handy GPS device over your Compaq iPAQ and you'll be ready for whatever the day brings. The sleeve has built-in CF memory that can be used for any purpose on the iPAQ. Navtech software gives you a visual representation of your current location--in all 50 states. SmartST Pro software shows you the street-level view. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nexian HandyGPS Pro US$149 http://www.nexian.com For Handspring hand·spring n. A gymnastic feat in which the body is flipped completely forward or backward from an upright position, landing first on the hands and then on the feet. Visor An electronic PDA originally from Handspring, Mountain View, CA (www.handspring.com) that was introduced in 1999 by the people who invented and marketed the PalmPilot. Based on the Palm OS, it was the first handheld to use the USB interface. users, the Nexian HandyGPS provides a simple and low-priced GPS extension. The same functions are available for planning your route and determining your current position as the higher-end devices, but you don't get the voice prompts for upcoming turns. You can map out directions, search for street names, and customize maps to make them even more accurate. The device is accurate to within 25 meters. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pharos Pocket GPS US$299 http://www.pharosgps.com Similar in concept to the Navman GPS product, the Pharos Pocket GPS plugs into Pocket PC devices It may never be fully completed or, depending on its its nature, it may be that it can never be completed. However, new and revised entries in the list are always welcome. This is a list of Pocket PC and Windows CE devices, and companies that make, or have made, them. such as the HP Jornada. The Pharos includes Ostia 2003 navigation software, which you can use to follow a specified route. Voice prompts tell you where to turn. The device is light and compact and includes a power adapter An external power supply for laptop computers and just about every portable or semi-portable electronic device on the market. Also called an "AC adapter," it contains a rectifier to convert AC current to DC and a transformer to convert voltage from 120 down to 9, 12, 15 or whatever is for your car. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] John Brandon is a freelance writer from Buffalo, Minnesota Buffalo is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 10,097 at the 2000 census, and the city has experienced rapid growth since that time. It is the county seat of Wright County 6. . Before starting his writing career, he worked as an IT manager with a large consumer electronics retailer. His areas of expertise include handheld computers A computing device that can be easily held in one hand while the other hand is used to operate it. The Palm devices are a popular example. See Palm, smartphone and palmtop. , notebooks, smartphones, wireless technology, displays, and any other computer-oriented devices. He is currently writing a book about user-focused project management, to be published in June 2003. jbrandonbb@hotmail.com. |
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