GPS Reviews


GPS devices have become very popular in the last few years. GPS (an acronym for Global Positioning System) uses a network of orbiting satellites that can combine information and then send a signal to a GPS receiver telling it where it is located on the planet. Advanced models have built in mapping information and can translate their position onto a map.  This blog will provide GPS Reviews of various devices.

Navigation while traveling in vehicles (including cars and airplanes) has become one of the main uses of GPS technology.  Often a screen is included that can show your current location on a map.  More expensive GPS systems have a built in voice modulator that will give you vocal instructions while you are driving, tell you how far you are from your destination and how long it will take to get there.

Some even have real-time local traffic data feeds so that the unit can determine a route around accidents or heavy traffic areas. The mapping systems often include the locations of various retail establishments as well as points of interest.

As the technology get smaller and less expensive, GPS tracking becomes available for more and more applications, such as keeping track of children and pets. Most cell phones now come with a built in GPS tracking device.

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GPS Available on the New iPad


You can almost be sure these days that anything that has a 3G antenna is capable of Assisted GPS “A-GPS”.  The neat thing is that A-GPS is even better than plain old regular GPS.

For instance, the new iPad base model is location aware, though not as much as the 3G model. In other words, it can figure out it’s own location based on Wi-Fi signals, and figure out the direction it is facing using a digital compass. The 3G model can also determine it’s location using cellular phone towers and both models carry the accelerometer.

GPS Reviews

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Multi-Sport All Weather GPS


Satsports Ltd. Debuts World’s 1st Truly Multi-Sport Interactive All Weather GPS
Satsports GPS is the first to combine true real time interactive navigation for skiing, snowboarding, golfing, running, cycling and automotive enthusiasts in a portable, all weather device

Satsports proprietary mobile applications turns Windows Mobile and Android enabled phones into multi-sports GPS systems

Satsports Ltd., global leaders in mobile navigation for outdoor athletes, proudly announces the North American debut of Satsports GPS, the world’s first truly multi-sport all weather GPS. By combining GPS navigation for skiing, snowboarding, golfing, running, cycling and automotive enthusiasts in one device, Satsports has created the most powerful, multi-faceted GPS system on the market. Satsports has also developed proprietary mobile applications that convert Windows Mobile and Android enabled cell phones into powerful, feature-rich GPS systems.

 

GPS Reviews

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GARMIN 010 10723 02 Carrying Case For Nuvi Series Travel Assistant


GARMIN 010 10723 02 Carrying Case For Nuvi Series Travel Assistant

For nuvi 200- 250 – 260 – 270 – 350 – 360 – 370 Personal Travel Assistants

 

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Carry Case – Great Quality This case fits my Nuvi wonderfully. Nice thick leather with expanding side panels. Recommend it highly.

1 Star They send the WRONG Carrying Case! This is a terrible shopping experience!

I purchased a GPS and carrying case from Amazon, in the United States, and went to pick it up the day I was leaving for Panama.

They sent the WRONG carrying case! The GPS unit sticks out over an inch, and exposes the screen to scratches and other damage. It is absolutely worthless to me.

So now I have a case that is worthless, and worse yet, I have to start searching for a new one here in Panama–because I sure as heck won’t trust Amazon to ship me the right one!

What a screwed up order!

My time is too valuable to spend it on shipping this case back, and reordering the right case for my unit. And then shipping THAT case to me here in Panama. A HUGE waste of valuable time!

I sure wish they would have gotten it right the first time!

Buyer beware. Buy your carrying case AFTER you get your GPS!

ps: They wouldn’t let me select ZERO stars in this review, so I had to give it one star. It doesn’t deserve even that!

1 Star outrageous S&H charges – double the stated price I ordered this case for a new unit I purchased also from Amazon. When I got notice of the purchase I was notified that the handling charges were almost double the stated price on the ad. I have sent three email to the company asking to cancel the order and have not heard back from them.

5 Stars Perfect for the Garmin Nuvi~~~~~~~ This case was actually provided with my Nuvi GPS. It is very nice and perfectly protects the unit. The little side pocket holds the quick start guide so you will not be up a creek without a paddle if you forget how to do something. However that is not likely to happen as the on screen instructions are so very simple.

I highly recommend this case.

1 Star This is the wrong item While this item is well made, it was not made for a 4″ scren. It should not be recommended for the wide screen units. The Garmin 650W sticks out and fits too tightly.

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Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009

Make trip planning easy with Microsoft Streets & Trips. Get accurate driving directions to just about anywhere in the United States and Canada. With updated maps and extensive trip planning features, Streets & Trips will help you plan your trip your way.

Live Search – add additional business locations to your map when you’re online, then take them with you when you go. Use Keyword search to enter ?coffee, ?motel, or ?restaurant and voil

Garmin n vi 350 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin n vi 350 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator

What if one device could help you navigate anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, while offering travel tips, storing your favorite tunes and photos, providing translation assistance, and more? That device is here, and it’s not much bigger than a deck of cards. The Garmin n

Garmin StreetPilot c580 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct

Garmin StreetPilot c580 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct

The StreetPilot c580 GPS navigator with dynamic content from MSN Direct is simple to use. Connect your MSN Direct receiver to your StreetPilot c580 and receive real-time traffic, gas prices, movie listings and weather conditions and forecasts. Other features include a bright color display, easy touch screen interface, turn-by-turn voice guidance with text-to-speech, MP3 player and more. Included is Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling when paired with compatible phones. The StreetPilot c580 comes preloaded with highly detailed City Navigator NT road maps for the entire United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This map database features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. Built-in patch antenna, MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection Configurable vehicle icons – Allows users to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon Garmin Lock anti-theft feature – When enabled, users must input a PIN number to use the device Backup feature allows users to associate a security location, which will unlock the unit when within 50 meters of that location Features MP3 player – Loading MP3s is Drag & Drop easy with no special software required Import custom points of interest (POIs) such as restaurants and safety cameras from industry-standard CSV files Proximity alert feature warns of upcoming custom POIs such as safety cameras and school zones Built-in lithium ion battery, up to 8 hours of battery life Suction cup mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release Unit dimensions – Width 4.4 x Height 3.2 x Depth 2.2 inch Unit Weight – 9 ounces

 

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Garmin Review This is everyth9ng I expected it to be! Even though it is a discontinued model, Garmin updated the map database and the O/S. It was a great deal, and that, combined with a great company made it a great Amazon.com purchase.

4 Stars Accurate and reliable I’ve owned a c530 and was exceptionally please with the way it performed
so I upgraded to the c580. This unit is just as accurate but it does have
2 quirks that bother me. It takes a little more time to pick up the
satellites than the 530 model, and the text to speech voice seems fuzzy.

4 Stars Great unit for price Using these units for our fleet of trucks. Works well and easy to set up.

5 Stars You got it Garmin StreetPilot c580 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct

I’ve bought many gps’s and this is the best so far not too many needless bells and whistles Just it gets signal almost indoors and speaks well bluetooth is great It is the best in it’s price range. Just buy it!

5 Stars Best bang for the buck; Feature loaded, low price I ordered this before driving halfway across the country. This is a fantastic deal, I had my reservations buying it because it is a slightly older model & I prefer the look & size of the NUVI product line. Putting that aside, this model has all of the features I wanted (and a couple more) for an absolute bargain price. I love the gas price feature of MSN Direct, I was able to avoid the just-off-of-the-freeway high priced gas stations and find the best deals on fuel.

The POI is very good, and the text to speech works better than many other GPS units I have used. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase & would recommend it to anyone looking for real value.

The c580 did send me on a couple of wild-goose chases, I am not sure if the unit was at fault or the map program. One example was that it kept telling us to exit and enter the same freeway for several miles. Another example is that it took us on some tangents through residential streets when there was a straight road that it should have directed us to.

I have noticed that the MSN Direct when used where I live, the movie times it shows are for theaters 40+ miles away. Since I live in a metropolitan area of Los Angeles, this service seems lacking.

The touch screen on this unit works very well comapred to other units I have used, it is very easy to use and is very accurate.

Aside from some rare occasional glitches, I am still very happy with this unit and would buy it again & recommend it to anyone.

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TomTom ONE 3rd Edition 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator




TomTom’s 3rd edition update to the world’s bestselling (as of this writing, 8/30/08) portable navigation device features an updated chipset that provides better satellite lock and TomTom’s new MapShare technology that lets you add your own map corrections and points of interest, then upload your corrections to and download other corrections from millions of other TomTom users via the TomTom HOME website.


Tom Tom ONE's driving view
The TomTom ONE’s 3D driving view offers a clear picture of the road and maneuvers ahead. See the ONE in detail.
Icon-driven Menu System
The device’s icon-driven menu system makes using the ONE a snap.
Tom Tom ONE's emergency screen
Emergency menu gives you fast direct access to emergency numbers and direction to the nearest assistance.
Tom Tom voice selection screen
Voice instructions are available in over 30 languages. Tom Tom even has comedy and celebrity voices available.
TomTom Mapshare MapShare lets you add your own map corrections and POIs, then share them with the entire TomTom user community via the TomTom HOME website.

Even though the ONE, 3rd Edition is TomTom’s entry-level portable GPS vehicle navigation device, it remains a complete solution with an incredible range of features.

Tiny, but Tough
A sleek design and a sharp display combine to make the TomTom ONE a vital companion on the road. THe ONE, 3rd edition comes pre-loaded with complete maps for the United States and Canada.

Weighing less than 10 ounces and measuring 4.33 x 3.5 x 1.34 inches, the TomTom ONE can be easily installed in any vehicle. An included windshield suction mount holds it in place. Plus, with an operating temperature range of an icy -10 degrees to a sweltering 55 degrees Celsius (14 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit), the navigator is durable enough for New England winters or Arizona summers. The TomTom ONE is powered by an internal lithium ion battery that can be charged from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter with the included 12-24V adapter.

Easy To Use
The user-friendly design also puts it a step above other navigation systems. The crystal-clear multicolor display makes for exceptionally easy viewing of maps, routes, driving directions, and other traveling information, such as mileage and distance. Measuring 3.5 inches, the TFT display offers a resolution of 320 x 240 to provide brilliant two- and three-dimensional graphics. The device also features 32 MB RAM and 380 MHz CPU, making it responsive and zippy. Using the USB port and the provided cable, you can use your PC to add your own points of interest.

With its touch-sensitive screen, the TomTom ONE puts programming and operation literally at your fingertips to make sophisticated technology simple. The built-in database offers millions of points of interest for you to use as destinations or reference points as you plan your trip. ONE will also provide a selection of available routes, giving you the option of avoiding toll roads or choosing between the quickest or the most scenic routes. The database includes zip codes to simplify your route selection, and for extra convenience, the TomTom ONE lets you save the addresses of frequent destinations, making route planning easier and faster than ever. Other display features include a compass mode to assist you with directional orientation, and an anti-glare screen for optimal viewing even in direct sunlight.

You Can Hear Me Now
ONE provides clear and accurate turn-by-turn voice instructions, so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road while your vehicle is on the move. Voice instructions are available in over 30 languages. Tom Tom even has comedy and celebrity voices available, some for free, and others for purchase via download at TomTom’s website. One nifty feature is speed-sensitive volume. With this optional feature turned on, your vehicle’s engine becomes louder or quieter as your speed changes, the volume adjusts itself accordingly, guaranteeing clear and easy listening.

TomTom HOME
HOME is TomTom’s free software that enables TomTom users to future proof and personalize their devices. Via easy desktop access, any TomTom customer can update maps, download the latest application, celebrity voices and more. TomTom HOME allows TomTom customers to

• Update their TomTom device with TomTom’s latest software and services automatically and for free
• Easily buy and install the latest maps and European safety cameras
• Download celebrity and character voices
• Pre-plan trip itineraries
• Receive free traffic alerts on their computers

What’s in the Box
TomTom ONE device, suction mount, car charger, USB 2.0 data cable, and installation CD with connection software and manual.

Supported Languages

The user interface/application comes in the following languages:
  • Catalan
  • Latvian
  • Czech
  • Lithuanian
  • Danish
  • Norwegian
  • Dutch
  • Polish
  • Estonian
  • Portuguese
  • Finnish
  • Slovakian
  • Flemish
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Swedish
  • German
  • Turkish
  • Hungarian
  • UK English
  • Italian
  • US English
  • Spoken navigation instructions come in the following languages:
  • Australian
  • Japanese
  • Brazilian Portuguese
  • Latin American Spanish
  • Bulgarian
  • Latvian
  • Catalan
  • Lithuanian
  • Chinese Mandarin
  • Malaysian
  • Chinese Cantonese
  • Norwegian
  • Croatian
  • Polish
  • Czech
  • Portuguese
  • Danish
  • Romanian
  • Dutch
  • Russian
  • Estonian
  • Serbian
  • Finnish
  • Slovenian
  • Flemish
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Swedish
  • German
  • Thai
  • Greek
  • Turkish
  • Hungarian
  • UK English
  • Italian
  • US English


  • About TomTom
    TomTom NV is the world’s largest navigation solution provider, developing products with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom’s products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; including the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER (for motorcycles). TomTom also provides navigation software products which integrate with third party devices; the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA’s and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom’s products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

    User Ratings and Reviews

    4 Stars I’d be lost without my TomTom!
    I’ve had my TomTom GPS for about a year now and I have no idea how I ever traveled without it. Before purchasing my TomTom, I used the GPS on my cell phone. Typically this would freeze up, be extremely delayed or quit working at a critical time during my journey. Now with my TomTom I am confident that I will be able to arrive to my destination without any frustration. The screen is very sensitive and unlike many touch screens it never malfunctions. The images on the screen are also big enough to read from a distance, day or night. The night colors are very nice when driving long distances in the evening and the various views make it adaptable to any driver. Also, the volume is effective in even louder environments. There are many aspects that I like about my TomTom, but my favorite is the fact that it is very simple to use even when I’m on the road. If I need to make a change at any point in time, I simply go through the steps of changing the route without having to stop my car. The TomTom doesn’t delay when making a route change and even automatically adapts the route if the driver has made a wrong time or if there is construction that will take longer to get through than driving a different route.

    I do like the product; however, I wish it could be better mounted in my car. The mount occasionally falls off while I’m driving. Also, the adapter for the car charger is not conveniently located. If the battery is low, I have to remove the device from the dock and then plug in the charger, this could also be my it doesn’t stick as well…constant removal. I would definitely recommend this product for frequent travelers.

    1 Star Stopped working completely 4th time I tried to use it
    Buy a Garmin! My sister buys Garmins & never has any problems with them. I’ve used this 4 times. The third time I tried to use it it took 10 minutes to turn on. The fourth time it took about 25 minutes to turn on. Now it does absolutely nothing at all. The green light comes on but there is no picture & no sound. It’s just a blank screen. I just wasted $144.

    5 Stars TomTom is worth it’s weight in diamonds !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Intuitive, Affordable, customizable, no monthly fee, never get lost, find cool stuff in your state, what are you waiting for ????

    I bought this exact TomTom at WalMart for $150, it was totally worth it!

    It’s intuitive, anyone can use it, children, elderly, YOU

    It’s customizable, there is free software available from TomTom’s website that you can download to totally customize your TomTom (for free) – I remove all the sounds and add many points of interest (POI) so I can find all the lighthouses and curious attractions in Maine, not to mention state and national parks.

    Whatever you’re in to you can download it to add to your GPS – lighthouses, historic buildings, state and national parks, amusement parks, restaurants , stores, churches, strip clubs, anything really.

    And there is a ton of user created POI, also you can create your own POI.

    Rock on! I will never go on a trip without my beloved TomTom, since I got it I have discovere3d so many wonderful places to visit in my state! And I will never get lost :)

    TomTom is the best consumer invention since the toaster!

    5 Stars Actually, this review is of the ONE 2nd Edition
    For some reason, TomTom does not list the 2nd Edition on the list of products for reviews. That is a shame, because the 2nd Ed. is one of the best GPS devices ever available. I dare to say that it is even better than the 3rd edition, as it has a slot for a SD card, what opens a new world for updates, and upgrades. The 2nd. Ed. is easy to use, robust, and takes you from point A to point B without breaking the bank. Differently than most people believe, it can be used with MapShare (you need to update it through TomTom Home), and supports most of the recent map versions. If you are bold enough to try something more advanced, you can even enable TTS (Text to Speech), so that it would not just tell you “turn right in 100 feet”, but it would also tell you the name of the street, like the most expensive models. The only con is the poor battery life. However, if you are not planning to use it for walking, that should not be a problem. In a nutshell, it is a great product, does what it was meant to do, and does not cost much.

    2 Stars Some good, some bad, go with Garmin to be safe
    When I bought this unit, it was around a hundred bucks. For the price, I figured why not give it a shot? I think I wasted about hundred bucks. For the most part, for a hundred dollar GPS unit, it does the job. It’s a little slow booting up and acquiring a GPS signal, but that’s to be expected at this price. It came with maps of US and Canada, which is a nice feature at a hundred dollars…as a lot of other GPS units in this range don’t include Canada. However, the Tom Tom software is a little bit buggy, and it took a few times to install correctly and then update the unit to the newest maps. Also, if you’re driving around suburbia or in the country side, it works great. However, if you need to use it in a city, make sure you’re prepared with a map as well. My unit completely loses signal when surrounded by skyscrapers; therefore making this GPS unit completely worthless when trying to find your way around a major city…pretty much the only time that I would really need a GPS unit. I’ve since replaced it with a Garmin 350, which costs only $20 more than this unit currently is selling for. So far, I’ve had absolutely no problems with the 350 in the same cities that I’ve had problems with the Tom Tom One in. And additionally, the 350 reads you the street names coming up, which is a huge help when trying to pay attention the the GPS directions and driving at the same time.

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    Garmin n vi 650 4 3 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

    Garmin n vi 650 4 3 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator




    With a gorgeous widescreen display, the Garmin n

    GARMIN 010 10747 03 12 Volt Adapter Cable

    GARMIN 010 10747 03 12 Volt Adapter Cable




    Every Garmin product is designed to meet the most demanding standard: customers’ satisfaction. That’s why Garmin equipment is manufactured to give you reliable service for years to come, with intuitive features you can grow into over time – all at a price you can afford.Charge your GPS as you drive with this 12-volt adapter cable.

    User Ratings and Reviews

    5 Stars Garmin C550 12 volt power cord
    The item purchased works perfect. The GPS will now work all the time with now power shut down. One thing to caution about is the insertion of the unit into the power socket, be careful that you are inserting it in the correct manner. Match the 3 grooves on the plug with the 3 grooves on the socket and depress the side poins before inserting. It will not fall out.

    5 Stars Garmin 12 volt Vehicle Adapter
    The Garmin adapter works better and is easier to use than the FM 12 volt adapter that comes with a new Garmin unit. It is smaller and fits car cigarette lighters better. The original FM 12 volt that came with the unit fell apart after the third use and had to be taped together – until if finally fell apart totally.

    This is a much better adapter.

    3 Stars Garmin Streetpilot power cable
    The cable is much higher quality than some found elsewhere, but it’s still a little short for my purposes.

    5 Stars Excellent replacement cord
    Excellent replacement for the original cord that broke for my Garmin. Good price at amazon.

    5 Stars Extra Power cables for our GARMIN 700
    Purchased extra GARMIN power cables to have one in each vehicle without having to track them down when moving the GPS. Cables exactly the same as the one that came with the GPS.

    Buy/More Info