Portable GPS Glossary - 15+ Functions You Need to Know

Posted by Zily Magic

Just imagine harnessing the power of more than 24 satellites circling the globe to provide you with accurate positioning and navigational information with your portable GPS navigational device.
A GPS or a Global Positioning System device in a portable package is a valuable tool packed with a wide variety of functions that could get you to your intended destination by road of feet using the best and safest routes available.
The technology behind GPS systems is more than ten years but it has never waned in popularity. In fact, more and more users are getting a taste of what this system can give them with more affordable portable GPS units. As more and more features are being developed and added to portable GPS units available in the market, you can get more functionality in your unit that goes beyond its core function as a navigational device - and they keep on adding more!
Portable GPS Functions You Need to Know
Whether you're a portable GPS device user or an entrepreneur planning to do business reselling these navigational devices, it would be to your added advantage if you familiarize yourself with the various functions and features available.
Knowing these functions can help you decide which GPS unit to buy for your own use, or boost your market viability by highlighting the best of what your portable GPS units can do.
Waypoint
Waypoints can be considered as landmarks set by the GPS navigation software. You can also mark certain spots along a route to help you remember a specific location such as a fork in the road, a building, a camp site, or any other location which you find useful for future visits to the place. You can name these waypoints according to your preference and add it to existing point already stored in your GPS unit.
Junction Imaging
Some commercial portable GPS software offering junction imaging functions wherein a picture or image is used to represent a turnoff and help you decide whether to take the turn or not.
Lane Assist
Similar to junction imaging, lane assists features offer image or graphical representation to assist drivers in deciding which lane to take.
Point of Interest
Commercial and proprietary GPS software can have digitally recorded items called Point of Interest that drivers or travelers may find interesting. These locations can also indicate areas that can be useful while traveling such as gas stations, toilets, hospitals, malls and tourist attractions.
Route
One of the most basic navigational functions of most if not all GPS software is the route, which tells you the fastest, shortest and safest route to get to your intended destination. These route points are either pre-programmed into the GPS software, or assigned by the user itself.
Intelligent Route Planning
More advanced commercial GPS software and devices offer intelligent route planning features that can help you plan the best route from your starting point and multiple intended destinations. This feature considers sites that you'll pass by, turnoffs, runarounds, and actual road conditions along your route.
Voice Guidance
Voice guidance is like your GPS unit literally talking to you and tell you where you are right at that very moment. The human-like voice can tell you important waypoints or points of interest according to your route plan to get you to your destination as fast and accurate as possible - without the need for you to glance at your GPS screen while driving.
3D Views
Advanced GPS software make use of at least four visible satellites to give you a three-dimensional view of your GPS position fix. Information that you'll receive not only includes your coordinates but your elevation as well.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Some GPS devices offer wireless connectivity using Bluetooth technology to enable you to make hands-free phone calls on enabled GPS units.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Portable GPS devices can help you connect and get online access through its wi-fi connectivity features.
eBook Reader
Your GPS reader can go beyond its core function as a navigational device by doubling as an eBook reader, allowing you to read books and documents stored in pdf format.
Media Player
Bored while driving or hiking? Your portable GPS device can help you pass the time through its media player function that allows you to play, view and listen to multimedia files stored in various formats such as MP4, WMA or AVI to name a few.
ActiveSynch
Windows-based GPS software can have mobile data synchronization between your portable GPS device and your pc, allowing you to keep your tasks, calendars, emails and other data in sync.
Trackback
Garmin GPS devices have a proprietary feature called Trackback that converts your track log into a route which you can use to go back to your starting position with accuracy.
GoTo Function
The GoTo function in portable GPS units tells your unit to show you how to get to another location aside from where you are right now. It can instruct the unit to show you directions on how to get somewhere which you have gone before by indicating a particular time or a particular landmark. This can be activated by pushing a single key or pointing at a touchscreen icon.
Rearview Camera Inputs
Some portable GPS units have video inputs where an external camera can be installed. With accompanying software that allows the GPS display to switch from its GPS user interface and instead display the camera's output feeds, you can use this as a rearview camera while driving. It's like having a third eye behind your back, giving you added safety on the road as you try to locate your intended destination.
There are a whole lot more of features offered with new and upcoming portable GPS navigation systems in the market. If you're planning to purchase a new one, or planning to get your entrepreneurial juices running in this industry, then it would be a wise move to learn all the ropes and be familiarized with these GPS functions and features.

Key Reasons Why Garmin Nuvi 350 Is The Smart Choice

Posted by Zily Magic

With the plethora of GPS gadgets out there, it's not an easy task to sort through all their frills and features. It's a breath of fresh air that Garmin Nuvi 350 gives us just what we need. It captures the quintessential GPS navigator: simple and straightforward.
There are many devices in the market that are simply not cut out for everyday use, and a number of them do not demonstrate functionality. The technologically savvy may find closely examining these devices entertaining, but may never take a liking to how their key functions seem to be hidden. To the non technical folk like me they remain a mystery forever!
Those who belong to my thinking group do not need the pesky problem of having to look for the right submenus. A level of dissatisfaction builds up every second we try to make out the right button on a seemingly unending list. Some devices demand a learning curve that stretches over long periods of time, even after we contact customer service.That is not the case with the Nuvi 350. You click on a simple menu that says "Where to?" You key in the address. And you click on the "Go" button.
Location and position sound synonymous with GPS. Two other words that are most commonly associated with navigation devices are (1) routes and (2) maps. Finding the locations of points of interest on Nuvi 350 is done in a straightforward manner. How they are grouped in sharply outlined categories clearly shows that the people at Garmin understand the larger consumer. If you need pizza, you click on "food", and you get a list of pizza joints and restaurants with the closest at the top. You get the routes to the location and see it on the map. You also get to save it to your favourites.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a judgment on the look and feel of a GPS device. Initial reactions to new products can be attributed to how attractive their presentations are. It is not a myth that there is a relationship between product design and consumer behaviour.
A quick glance at a product may reveal that it's just downright hideous. People who are tech-savvy in particular have instant opinions on hand-held devices. Quite often it all boils down to the ease of use and simple functionality. Garmin design meets all this criteria and is the smart choice to make.

Top GPS Devices - The TomTom XXL 540 TM 5 Inch Widescreen GPS (Lifetime Traffic and Maps Edition)

Posted by Zily Magic

The TomTom XXL 540 TM 5 Inch Widescreen GPS is a navigation device that helps you find any location in the United States, Canada or Mexico and comes pre-loaded with over 7 million points of interest from the three countries.
One of the top selling features is the screen itself, which at 5" is large enough to see easily and changes color and brightness to ensure maximum visibility whether you're travelling during the day or night.
The navigation system helps you choose the best route through its IQ Routes technology. It gives you verbal turn by turn directions, and pronounces even some hard to say roadways correctly.
The device not only chooses the shortest route to your destination, it selects the fastest route based on actual travelling speeds along your route.
This not only saves you time, it saves you money on gas as well.
Another feature that not only saves you time, but also increases your safety on the road is the Lane Guidance application. When you're driving on a major highway, the system presents an animated picture on your screen, showing you which lane you need to be in to safely exit the highway.
That way you can make the necessary lane changes ahead of time, reducing the possibility of missing your exit and allowing you to drive more safely.
The XXL 540 TM also comes with lifetime traffic updates, and makes your travel easier by suggesting alternate routes in case of traffic jams, construction or other potential delays.
The Lifetime Map Updates feature ensures that you'll have the most recent and update maps available to guide you.
The navigation system has a "Help Me" menu which gives you access to local emergency providers if you are in an accident or experience other difficulties.
The system comes with a car adapter and USB cable which allows you to connect to your computer for downloads of the latest maps and updates.
Based on customer reports on the TomTom XXL 540 TM the majority of users are pleased with the product and happy with the information it provides.

The TomTom XXL 540 TM 5-Inch Widescreen GPS Navigation Device - How It Can Help You Drive Better

Posted by Zily Magic

The TomTom XXL 540 TM 5-Inch Widescreen GPS helps you get where you're going with detailed, accurate driving instructions that save you time, gas money and stress.
It automatically chooses the fastest possible route based on the time of day and in conjunction with FM radio allows you access to detailed traffic reports that affect your route.
The device mounts on your dashboard and comes preloaded with over 7 million points of interest, such as tourist attractions, hotels, ATMs and more. The 5" full color wide screen allows you to view the maps and directions easily without having to squint or strain your eyes.
The auto day/night mode also helps the visual display by adjusting the brightness and color so that it's easy to see whether you're driving during the day or night.
The XXL 540 gives you fast satellite acquisition so the information you need is at your fingertips as soon as you need it.
Pre-loaded Maps and Instructions
It comes preloaded with maps of the United States, Canada and Mexico and gives you verbal turn by turn directions to any destination you choose within the three countries.
The TomTom Map Share technology allows you to modify street names, points of interest, and turn restrictions, which helps keep your local maps up to date.
It also comes complete with a Help Menu, which allows you to easily contact local police, fire or ambulance services in an emergency.
One of the most helpful features of the TomTom XXL 540 TM 5-Inch Widescreen GPS is that it offers advanced lane guidance, using still pictures that show you in advance which lane you need to use for multi-lane exits.
This allows you to make safer lane changes, giving you plenty of time to get into the proper exit lane.
Some customers have expressed difficulty with the device's windshield mount and the extra-wide screen does reduce the battery life somewhat, but most customers polled have found the XXL 540 to be an easy to use and reliable navigation device.

TomTom XXL 540s GPS Review

Posted by Zily Magic

TomTom has been here since the first GPS devices began to come out onto the market. In today's world, the car GPS market is very competitive and TomTom has been leading the way with innovation and how their products function as GPS devices. One of the reasons the TomTom XXL 540s have gotten so much attention is because of their size.
Additional Features
The TomTom XXL 540s are apart of the XXL family that have 5-inch displays. TomTom still keeps the same curved design without much weight in spite the size of this model. It actually only weighs about 7 ounces so it is not hard to carry at all.
With a larger display screen the 3D and 2D maps look more clear and accurate. You can even find some detailed surrounds by zooming in on the map itself. It can be very easy to spot certain sings with the device mounted. The TomTom XXL 540s also have text-to-speech technologies that help you to stay focused on driving while the directions are relayed.
This device also has an "Advanced Lane Guidance" system where it will make sure you are in the correct lane to reach your destination and will tell you if you are in the wrong lane. As you come upon the highway in your travels this GPS device will use a 3d map to indicate what lanes you need to take. This feature combines with the "IQ Routes" technology will further enhance the route calculations that you will be using. They will even calculate this by using historical speed measurement statistics.
The TomTom XXL 540s is in many ways a pretty new device and as of August 1010 there will be update maps that will include the US, Canada, and even Mexico. It also has over 7 million points of interest marked on these maps. You can also add custom spots to the map as well.
TomTom XXL 540s GPS  Feedback
Many customers that have bought TomTom products in the past have done so because the interfaces are simple and familiar to use. The 540s model keeps these simple ideas and has a large screen for easy viewing. The great thing about all the features this device has like the maps and the updates, are all very customizable. It is a well working device with a quick startup time that not many budget devices have.
Important Tips
You will most likely use the "Navigate to..." feature the most when planning a route somewhere. All you need to do is follow the icons that appear on the screen and after you are used to the device it will be much easier to recall other destinations you have been to and how to plan getting there again. You can even make a setting called "Home" that you can activate when you wish to find your way home when you are lost.
Purchasing Guidance
Even though the price tag on this item is as low as $300, it still has the amazing quality that all TomTom devices will give. In addition, it also comes with the Easyport mount and TomTom Home desktop software. Therefore, you are almost getting an entire package for a beginning level GPS user.

Features of the TomTom XL 340S GPS Navigator

Posted by Zily Magic

The TomTom XL 340S GPS Navigator is a 2009 offering from TomTom, reputed manufacturers of GPS devices. Depending on where it is purchased, the XL 340-S is a middle-of-the-price range device that contains significant upgrades from its previous incarnations, the TomTom 330. Among these are a wider screen, a crystal-clear display and a sound system capable of making itself heard over the noise generated during driving. In addition, TomTom has shipped this unit with the capacity to help you choose your route better, by providing information on shorter routes to your destination, as well as a feature that gives you more realistic pictures of the road ahead. In short, the XL 340-S is a fantastic little device that more than satisfies most consumers' navigational needs.
Being larger than its previous versions means that this device has a clearer screen, and that it contains more hardware. TomTom have focused on creating a clearer picture of the road with this device, so it has a 4.3-inch widescreen that renders route direction in detailed 3D. In addition, the wider screen means that the touch screen function is less likely to result in accidentally pressing the wrong button. The screen is designed to be easily read while sitting in the driver's seat. Combined with the software the Tomtom XL 340S runs, including two amazingly useful features concerned with clear rendition of the road ahead, the whole package is an easy to understand and intelligent road companion.
GPS is a tried-and-tested technology, and the ubiquity of GPS devices means that it becomes difficult to choose between them. TomTom, however, have long been responsive to customers' needs, and have designed the Tomtom XL 340S with something new in mind. This is the Advanced Lane Guidance system, which provides advice when nearing particularly complicated routes or turns. In addition, a feature that tells the driver which lane is best for them makes for a safer driving experience. This is combined with particularly detailed route-maps for the United States, Mexico and Canada, rendered in 3D. The sum of these technologies is a device that can deliver the passengers, via step-by-step vocal and visual instructions, right to the address they are aiming for.
The Tomtom XL 340S comes with 2 GB of customizable memory onboard, but does not possess a USB port for adding more space. Those 2 GB contain the entire map library of the device, which is extensive, and covers all of the USA, Canada and Mexico. The device also records past journeys and samples them at random, adding its own information about known congestion points and bottlenecks, to create the IQ Routes system mentioned above. It announces these changes and warnings in a pleasant, non-obtrusive voice, which can be customized from its library of celebrity voices. The celebrity voices cannot, however, do text-to-speech conversion for information that has been fed into the device manually. The map library can be enlarged and augmented, within the 2 GB limit, by connecting the device to one's PC and downloading new information.

TomTom XL 340S: Is It the Best Option for You?

Posted by Zily Magic

You already know that in order to find the best item in any niche, you have to do a research. The research is going to show the differences between devices and so, you will be able to choose the one that matches your requirements. In order to find the answers to your queries related to TomTom XL 340S, you just have to read the information which is gathered by these paragraphs. To begin with, this device offers a great and unique advantage which comes through the "advance lane guidance" function. This function actually offers a very clear diagram of the road, so you know in advance the commands that you have to give to your vehicle. Even more, the diagram is provided with some flashing arrows so that you will definitely see the correct route and know for sure where you have to go and avoid any sudden turns.
TomTom XL 340S also offers the "IQ routes" feature that ensures the shorter available route which reaches the destination you have chosen. Even more, when you drive your car through heavy traffic conditions, this GPS system is going to guide you towards the roads that present a lighter traffic. We all have to admit that this great characteristic can save us from a lot of hassle. All of these characteristics are a part of the software which is installed inside of the GPS system. The software also provides properties which demonstrate a very easy connectivity to computers. The GPS is going to automatically install its software onto the computer and allow you to perform any updates such as voices changing, routes and maps planning.
Additionally, the TomTom XL 340S comes along with simple tutorials which explain everything you need to know about this device. As well, you can create any map corrections by adding or on the contrary removing street names, points of interests, addresses and others. Even though the device is great due to so many functions it offers, it presents a very important drawback: Bluetooth non-availability. Unfortunately, without this function, this GPS system is unable to support certain data formats such as real time traffic updates are. However, the hope is not totally gone, as there are receivers which can be purchased separately and connected to the device. Even though the system does not ensure real-time updates, it is reliable and for sure, you are not going to get lost.
Besides the above-mentioned functions, the device presents many other characteristics. The TomTom XL 340S is small, compact and light, ensuring a high reliability of the functions it offers. This GPS system presents many more advantages than disadvantages; because of these elements, the producer has recorded great sales. It represents one of the most reliable and successful GPS products which perfectly responds to any traffic' necessities. However, if you are interested in sophisticated technologies, maybe you should reconsider your decision about purchasing this device. It offers simple things in the simplest mode possible; for this reason, many people just love it.