So Much For Free

Many people already have GPS devices that are attached to the dashboard of their vehicle. They are very useful devices that can make travelling from A to B so much easier than it was just ten or fifteen years ago. However because technology is developing rapidly all of the time you can now have GPS software  for free no matter where you are if you have a Pocket PC.

Some examples of the Windows Mobile GPS software that is free to download are 3D Tracking, AzimutGPS, BasicGPS and Watchee. You can use this free Windows Mobile GPS software to do things that previous generations could only ever dream of. You can record and look at all of your movements in detail on Google Earth, find your car again no matter where you parked it, locate historical points of interest and famous sights, get spoken directions and let your friends and relatives know exactly where you are via text messages to their cell phone. It all depends on which Windows Mobile GPS software you happen to choose.

Other Packages

Of course not all Windows Mobile GPS software packages are free of charge. To get the most advanced technology you will have to pay for it. For instance Windows Mobile GPS software packages such as CoPilot Live 7 North America and Garmin Mobile TX. Both of these packages cost around one hundred dollars to purchase but they are well worth every single cent. With technology like that one need never struggle to find a particular destination ever again and you can always find your way home again how no matter how far away from it you happen to be.

How To Choose

With so many available choices one might well have a problem deciding on what Windows Mobile GPS software package to choose. In order to decide you must ask yourself if you are prepared to pay for your software. You should also consider exactly what you want out of your GPS software. Don’t be tempted to download something you won’t actually use just because it sounds good. Instead try to be practical about your decision.

Pocket PC GPS software uses the Global Positioning System to help the user find his way when driving or walking in an unfamiliar place. It provides directions to places and maps of an area that can be downloaded before a trip. This type of software application can also tell the user when he can expect to arrive at his destination and help him to avoid traffic jams by providing an alternative route. So how do you decide if you need Pocket PC GPS software or not?

Travelling On Business

If you have to travel on business quite a lot then you could benefit from purchasing Pocket PC GPS software. This is especially true if you happen to be one of those individuals who does not have a very good sense of direction. This kind of software can help you to ensure that you get to your business meetings on time and allow you to phone ahead in the event that you expect to be late. It is easier to remain professional if you always have a clear idea of exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Going On Vacations

Having Pocket PC GPS software can help you to ensure that your vacations always remain fun. There is nothing worse than getting lost on a road trip and arguing over the best way to get to your destination. Finding yourself stuck in a remote location in the backwoods isn’t exactly a picnic either. This kind of software is especially useful if you are renting a car. Furthermore you can use Pocket PC GPS software in international locations provided you download the relevant maps before your trip.

Picking A Product

Windows Mobile GPS software is just one of the types available when it comes to this kind of technology. It is ultimately up to the consumer to decide what kind of Pocket PC GPS software he wishes to purchase. Obviously you should look for a product that you can easily afford. However you will also need a software application that is easy to use and navigate. After all a complex piece of equipment is not easy to use whilst you are driving. Many consumers prefer those directions that give audio directions so that they do not have to take their attention off the road while they drive.

One of the more controversial innovations is GPS tracking software. It relies on a Global Positioning System which comprises of numerous satellites in orbit. This system can track the location of a person or vehicle and it is very precise. Despite the controversy associated with GPS tracking software it actually has many useful applications.

For Vehicles

If you have GPS tracking software in your vehicle it can come in very handy if ever your car is stolen. In such a situation you increase your chances of catching the thief and retrieving your vehicle. If all vehicles had GPS tracking software then it would act as a strong deterrent to would-be car thieves.

GPS tracking software is also useful for people who run a small business that relies on a fleet of cars. For instance if you own and operate a taxi service and each car you own is fitted with this kind of software then you will know where your vehicles are at all times. GPS tracking software would also make the job of the booking clerk easier. When a customer phoned up in order to book a taxi it would be easy for the clerk to quickly and efficiently send the nearest available vehicle to pick them up and this would improve overall service. Good service means more customers and greater profit.

For People

GPS tracking software makes the job of parenting easier too. With this kind of software you can check up to make sure your adolescent son or daughter is where they said they would be. You can also put a tracker in your son or daughter’s school bag or coat so that you will be able to find them in the event that they go missing. Think how many little lives could have been saved had this technology existed years ago.

GPS tracking software is also useful for anybody who has elderly parents who are suffering from senile dementia. Old folks with Alzheimer’s or other degenerative diseases can go wandering off if the mood takes them and they may forget how to get back home again. With GPS tracking software the possibility of such an event is less worrying.

Bear in mind that if you want to use GPS tracking software to monitor the position of another individual then you need to make sure they know about it. If you use this kind of software to track the movement of a spouse or lover without their permission then you are breaking privacy laws. This software is designed to provide peace of mind and should not be used to spy on others.

GPS navigation software can be prohibitively expense. Garmin for instance, charges up to $300.00 per set of software. This means that you have to pay quite a bit of money to get the best GPS navigation software. For those who unable or unwilling afford this, there are tons of Internet sites where you can download free GPS navigation software.

OpenStreetMap

If you are looking for free navigation software for your GPS, OpenStreetMap is a great place to start. OpenStreetMap was created by a group of volunteers manually creating and editing maps using their own GPS receivers. People who download this navigation software to their GPS, PC or Mac find they not only received tons of detailed, street level maps, but they can also upload their own tracks and waypoints, meaning that they can be a part of the collaborative effort that is OpenStreetMap,

OpenStreetMap is an especially good fit for adventurous souls who want to do their own mapping. OpenStreetMap navigation software can be downloaded for free at http://www.openstreetmap.org/.

Google Earth

Google Earth is the most well known GPS navigation software. Google Earth features extremely detailed aerial imagery combined with user tracks and waypoints that can be downloaded into many GPS phones and GPS receivers. A host of satellite applications are available that complements the imagery; for instance, Google Earth Tweeker allows users to combine Google Earth imagery with geocaching software.

Another pretty exciting application of Google Earth’s suite of GPS navigation software is Google Map GPS Cell Phone tracker. It allows you to track a GPS-enabled phone real-time using Google maps and imagery. This is pretty scary stuff—cheaters beware.

Google Maps with GPS Tracker basically does the same phone, only for a GPS receiver, not a smart phone. This GPS navigation software allows you to see your real-time location and tracks on vivid Google Earth imagery.

MapMonkey

Another choice for navigation or tracking software for your GPS is MapMonkey. MapMonkey is another example of free GPS navigation software that is primarily used for vehicle navigation. MapMonkey includes lots of great features that help make driving easier, such as the ability to view your speed at all times on your GPS receiver. Visit MapMonkey’s homepage at http://www.mapmonkey.net/ for more information or to download it for free.

Try these free GPS navigation software options before buying expensive applications.

Some versions of Microsoft Streets and Trips are even sold with their own GPS receiver, which includes maps, route planning, and other GPS capabilities. Most other GPS receivers come without mapping software or software that is inadequate, so it might be advantageous to consider buying Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software.

Address Find Feature

Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software gives users the ability to search for points by address. This saves a lot of time for people who do not want to fool with maps or faulty directions. Whether Microsoft Streets and Trips is being used on a personal computer or a GPS, all users have to do is type in an address and the mapping software in their GPS automatically calculates driving directions to the address.

If you are using the GPS mapping software to find a business, chances are you do not even need to know the address to get the directions. Just type in the name of the business, and the software will do the rest.

Waypoints

Waypoints are grid coordinates that people save on their GPS receivers. These can be made a variety or ways and used for many purposes. Hikers who find a particularly beautiful landmark, for instance, can plug the waypoint into their GPS so they can return later. Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software can be used to import waypoints from GPS receivers to save on your PC or Mac and even share with other users on the Internet.

Voice Prompt Feature

The most desirable characteristic in GPS mapping software is voice-prompt navigation. Pressing buttons or staring at a tiny screen is not ideal while driving and can lead to accidents. Microsoft Streets and Trips uses voice prompts to both give routes and answer questions, but of course you have to speak in a loud, clear voice.

Using Microsoft Streets and Trips in Other Countries

In order to use Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software outside of North America, users must download or purchase compatible maps outside the U.S. Microsoft AutoRoute is the European version of the software, and contains GPS mapping support for the entire European continent.

For those who want to make the most of their GPS, it is necessary to load the correct GPS software into both the device and a home computer. Specialty GPS software is available to complement a host of pastimes.

GPS Software and Hiking

So you know your GPS can help you avoid getting lost, but did you know that you could also download software for your GPS that pre-loads topograpgical maps into your receiver? Specialty hiking GPS software contains detailed topographical maps complete with contour lines to show relief such as hills and valleys, as well as hiking trails, rivers, lakes, roads, and every other manmade or natural topographical feature. This GPS software can replace expensive hiking maps, which can cost up to $5.00 each and are hard to find. For lightweight backpackers covering a long distance, this type of GPS software is especially attractive, and can save pounds of backpack weight, as it eliminates the need for bulky sets of maps.

GPS software containing topographical maps is also useful when geocaching. Geocaching is a hobby where participants hide and search for caches all over the world. Using GPS coordinates, the game is like a huge version of hide and go seek. While traditionally geocachers would have to search for coordinates to these treasures online, there are several applications now, such as the Geocaching GPS software for the iPhone that allows users to download these coordinates directly to smart phones and other handheld computers.

GPS Software for Fishing and Boating

Garmin is one of several software providers that sell a suite of GPS software that includes maps of U.S. waterways, including rivers, lakes and coastal waters. This GPS software also shows fishermen where to find the best fishing hot spots. Garmin GPS software does not have to be loaded on a boat-mounted system, and can instead be carried in the same handheld device you use for huking or driving.

GPS Software for Driving

Many GPS software applications make driving a breeze. This GPS mapping software literally contains all of the large and small roads of a country, and also includes major landmarks, even waypoints for businesses, such as restaurants and stores. Using GPS software in your car guarantees you will never get lost.

All you have to do to use this software is enter an address where you want to go. The GPS software does the rest. Using the GPS receiving function, it automatically calculates your current position, and leads you to your destination. If you do happen to make a wrong turn, or if construction blocks your route, the GPS software automatically calculates a corrected route, allowing you to get where you are going safely.

Many companies provide free or cheap GPS navigation software. Free GPS software applications include OpenStreetMap, Freedrive, MapMonkey, and Google Earth. Pay software offers even more options than free GPS software and tends to be kept much more up-to-date. These applications include the Garmin suite, TomTom Navigator, Nav N Go and Microsoft Streets and Trips.

Keep it Simple with Keychain Bluetooth GPS Navigation Receivers

Keychain Bluetooth GPS units offer a lot of freedom, yet also have a lot of additional benefits found in other less portable GPS receivers.  Many keychain Bluetooth GPS receivers offer long battery lives and are also capable of simultaneously connecting to many satellite channels.  Many units also come with a USB charging connector, as well as a car charger.  Of course, first and foremost you will need to determine if the keychain receiver is compatible with your portable device.  If you have the right match, pairing the receiver with your device should be relatively easy.

You may also want to consider environmental limitations associated with your keychain Bluetooth GPS receiver such as storage temperature, working temperature, and air humidity.  Also remember that most keychain Bluetooth GPS receivers will come with built in patch antennas, which should be sufficient for most purposes, although some can support an external antenna as well.  Some keychain receivers actually have a fairly high sensitivity and are capable of tracking a large number of satellite channels.

Most keychain receivers will not come with GPS navigation software; however, software is becoming increasingly more available for many devices.  Software downloading is commonly available at a low cost.  So look for and download the software that is right for you.

If you are new to the GPS navigation world, a keychain receiver may be the best and most fun way to try out this technology.  These keychain receivers are remarkably small and very pocket-able, yet these compact units serve their purpose well and get you moving in the right direction.  These receivers are slim, thin, light, and have a stylish design.  The choices of keychain Bluetooth GPS units are virtually endless and growing.  You can afford to be choosy and you and easily find a unit that meets your price range.  Buy yourself some freedom and find your way with a keychain Bluetooth GPS receiver.  Start simple and grow your technology as your needs grow.  Bon voyage!

Know Where You Want to Go and Get there with Bluetooth GPS Navigation

When seeking to incorporate a Bluetooth GPS navigation system, you should at the very least look for a GPS receiver with a built in highly sensitive antenna.  Many Bluetooth GPS receivers are designed to work with many types of mobile devices, including several types of smartphones, but you must study their compatibility to determine which receivers will work best with your device.  Additionally, some receivers come as part of a kit that will allow you to charge you phone via a phone mount.

Next look for a Bluetooth GPS navigation system that can automatically calculate the fastest route to a destination and provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions along the way, as well as one that can automatically calculate the quickest way to get back on track should you stray off course.  You will need to do your homework to determine which navigation system will work best with your portable device in terms of compatibility, including navigation software.

Next you will want to consider battery life and degree of portability.  Many receivers have built in batteries that are rechargeable and have a life of up to 10 hours of operation.  Some Bluetooth GPS navigation kits even come with a vehicle power adapter that can charge both the GPS receiver and the portable device.  Bluetooth keychain GPS navigation systems are so compact; you can attach them to your keychain for convenience.  Now going anywhere you want is as simple as grabbing your keys and heading out the door.

The Convenience of Using Bluetooth to Wirelessly add GPS Technology

GPS data is received by a Bluetooth GPS receiver and then sent wirelessly to a Bluetooth enabled mobile device such as a smartphone, PDA, or laptop.  Of course your mobile device must also have GPS navigation software installed.  The Bluetooth GPS receiver antennas are built in; but many receivers also have an external antenna port.

Using Bluetooth to wirelessly add GPS technology is convenient because it does not require multiple gadgets, messy cords and antennas, which actually make your mobile device less portable.  Having no cables means you can keep the Bluetooth GPS receiver in your pocket or on your dashboard (as long as there is a direct sight line to the sky), freeing your hands to use your device or for driving.  With Bluetooth GPS navigation, you can enjoy a real-time navigation system that can be used for vehicle tracking, marine navigation, street-level navigation, or topography; and if you have mobile internet access, you can even combine GPS with online maps.

When researching Bluetooth GPS receivers, you will want to consider size, weight, durability, battery life, and antenna strength.  The built in antenna of some Bluetooth GPS receivers are low noise active antennas while others are patch antennas with a low noise amplifier (LNA).  These built in antennas can vary in signal strength, and for this reason, an external antenna may be beneficial depending on how you plan to use your Bluetooth GPS navigation system.  External GPS antennas can be used when stronger satellite signals are needed, and should be considered for situations such as hiking under heavy tree cover, to minimize temporary loss of signal when a vehicle is in motion or for use when the GPS receiver cannot be placed near a window in a vehicle.  External antennas for Bluetooth GPS systems should be considered for use any time the receiver does not have a good view of the sky; and they can also be used to maintain the best possible accuracy by accessing the greatest number of satellites.

Notable Benefits

There are several notable benefits that people that buy this Bluetooth GPS module get including converting this excellent mobile device into a veritable navigator. Features such as Nokia Maps and other compatible types of software provide notable benefits. In fact, if you simply tap an address to the excellent Nokia Maps you can then be guided through voice instructions that in turn will ensure that you reach your destination without much fuss or bother.

The Nokia LD -4W is easy to carry with you and you can simply clip it to your belt or use a suction cup to bear it with you. What’s more, this Bluetooth GPS module does not use much energy and typically a single charge will provide you with as many as eleven hours of operations.

Other facts regarding this Bluetooth GPS module include its weight (merely thirty-one grams) and small dimensions (82.9 x 37 x 7.8 mm) and it also comes with features such as standby time of as many as four days. Accuracy is also a plus with typical reading being in the region of five to ten meters accuracy. Its interface includes Bluetooth Specification 2.0 and NMEA 0183 v 3.01 as well as has serial port profile.

The Nokia LD-4W can operate at variable temperatures that typically fall in the range of between minus thirty degrees Celsius to as high as seventy degrees Celsius. When you buy this Bluetooth GPS module package you get the Nokia device plus a mobile charger as well as foldout User guide and a belt clip as well as suction cup as too a key ring.

With the rising popularity of Bluetooth GPS devices it is hardly surprising to learn that there are numerous stores that sell the Bluetooth GPS antenna. In fact, an online search for this particular item will throw up plenty of hits and with a little bit of luck you should be able to find an antenna that suits your needs and Bluetooth GPS device.