Auto Navigation Articles
Auto Navigation Systems that use Laptops or PDAs
You may or may not be aware of the many options on today's
market when it comes to auto navigation systems. Take my word
for it there are now more options than ever before with new
options appearing daily. Among the many options that are
available for those of you who are interested in obtaining
equipment that will assist you in finding your way on long and
short trips there are options that can be used along with your
laptop or PDA devices. If you currently own and use on a
regular basis a laptop or PDA the software or other devices and
receivers that are required in order to utilize your laptop as
a GPS device aren't nearly as expensive as purchasing a stand
alone auto navigation system.
In fact, as far as money savers go, this is a great way to
save money on your purchase and receive the same great benefits
that some of the top of the line auto navigation systems has to
offer. You will find these types of devices that are geared
towards as many different budgets as the actual stand alone
systems. Some of the more popular of these tools include the
following:
1) US Global Sat BU-353 USB port GPS Receiver. This nifty
device costs less than $100 and allows you to turn your laptop
or pc into a GPS. This is a great feature for finding
directions and attaches to your laptop through the USB
port.
2) DeLorme Earthmate LT-20 GPS. This is also a little less
than $100 and gives your laptop fully functional navigation
features. This not only works with laptops but also with Palm
OS. You will experience rapid satellite acquisition and you
have the Street Atlas software to guide you towards your
destination. The software is included with the Earthmate. This
software will even recalculate your directions should you miss
a turn along the way. For the price, I highly recommend this if
you have a PDA or laptop already.
3) DeLorme Earthmate Blue Logger Bluetooth Wireless GPS.
This is another nifty tool by DeLorme. This device will allow
you to receive a real time image of your location but requires
an unobstructed view of the sky in order to accurately record
its current position. This device also works with Street Atlas
software in order to assist you in charting your course and
giving proper driving directions.
4) Tom Tom Navigator 6 Bluetooth. If you are looking for
feature rich navigation then this is certainly the tool for
you. This is useful with laptops and Palm systems. Not only
will you find mapping technology that is quite superior but you
will also find useful things such as parking garages, fueling
stations, and restaurants along the way.
You will notice a great variety of prices and features with
these devices. The important thing to remember is that you want
the same or better features for less with this type of
equipment since you are providing either the laptop or the PDA.
If you already have the laptop or PDA you should be able to
save a tremendous amount of money over the costs of purchasing
a stand-alone auto navigation system. If you aren't getting an
incredible bargain you might want to debate whether or not the
system you opt for really is the best system for you.
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is the fact
that your laptop or PDA can become an important tool in keeping
you on the right track when traveling. You may be one of the
lucky few who has never gotten lost while traveling (or one of
those who refuses to believe they are lost) however, if you
aren't then perhaps it is time to seriously invest in either
software, equipment, or devices that can help you find your way
whenever you are lost. Laptop and PDA equipment offer great
alternatives for those who need navigational assistance but
need to remain within a strict budget.
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