GPS Handheld Mapping Devices - What Is The Difference?

So many companies that offered GPS handheld mapping devices are operated today. Some of them are just among those many outstanding GPS handheld mapping providers such as Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, and much more.

For those who are interested to acquire some knowledge about some of those GPS handheld mapping devices that are widely used by many nowadays, try to look at some of the information below about a couple samples of GPS handheld mapping devices. Note that these are just among the many GPS handheld mapping devices that are out in the market today.

One of the outstanding GPS handheld mapping manufacturers and providers is the Magellan GPS Company. Magellan GPS devised one of their excellent GPS handheld mapping receivers and that is the Magellan SporTrak Map which is a Euro base map. This certain GPS handheld mapping device is a scraggy well-built, lightweight and compact GPS handheld mapping device that provides an exceptional benefit for the outdoor junkies. Aside from that interesting of feature, the Magellan SporTrak Map as a GPS handheld mapping device has an accuracy of about 3 meters and highlights a 2 MB European mapping database.

For much detail, the Magellan SporTrak Map as one of the outstanding GPS handheld mapping devices has a free memory that is 6 MB for favors for downloading street-level maps. Besides of being a GPS handheld mapping device, the Magellan SporTrak Map contains seven huge graphical navigation displays for the adventure junkie to fully and clearly view all the details stored in such GPS handheld mapping device. With this certain GPS handheld mapping receiver, I am sure that you will gain something that will add a new level of pleasure to your adventure.

Another noticeable GPS handheld mapping receiver is the Garmin GPSMAP 76 unit. The Garmin GPS Company has designed this GPS handheld mapping receiver to give those adventure enthusiasts concrete GPS positioning through the correction data gathered from the Wide Area Augmentation System. This smart GPS handheld mapping receiver highlights a built-in quad helix antenna for an exceptional coverage and this particular GPS handheld mapping device can offer accurate position to less than three meters when acquiring WAAS adjustments.

Besides, the Garmin GPSMAP 76 as one of the notable GPS handheld mapping devices has an internal memory that is capable of eight megabytes for obtaining optional MapSource which is detailed maps, including some marine cartographic sketches. Lastly, this GPS handheld mapping device is capable of storing exact details about the worldwide cities and the nautical navigation aids.

Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com

Dean Shainin is a well known writer of GPS System Reviews a site designed to provide current information, resources, tips, services and state of the art products related to GPS systems.
By: Dean Shainin

Magellan GPS Navigation System and the Ford F-150

Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail to understand why they're such a big deal, and those who have them can't live without them.

GPS technology actually consists of three separate components all working together. The three parts are the satellite constellation, the ground control network and the user equipment. By satellite constellation, we mean the satellites in low earth orbit which provide the signals and navigational data to the user's equipment. The ground control network continually monitors the health of the various satellites and the integrity of the signals received. The user equipment is designed to receive signals from the satellite constellation and computer.

Today's cars, SUV's and pick-up trucks come with a variety of extras, from passenger side air bags to the ubiquitous car alarms. Entertainment options range from high-end speakers and CD players to multiple DVD players. The GPS navigation system, however, forms the bridge between safety and entertainment features. While they're definitely entertaining, they can also become a must-have safety net in your travels.

GPS is used to calculate and display the position and speed of the user and determine where they are and how fast they are moving at any time. This makes GPS technology particularly valuable in automobiles, and rental car companies have been using GPS technology for many years now. Navigation in the commercial automobile fleet is newer, but it is steadily gaining popularity. GPS technology is particularly valuable in the event of an emergency like a car crash or breakdown, as it provides valuable assistance to emergency personnel responding to an accident and to tow trucks responding to a disabled vehicle. Refer to our navigation menu to find more information on truck GPS from our site.

The Global Positioning System is a navigation system originally developed by the US military which continues its' maintenance today. It is an integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the earth and through the navigational process of triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on earth where a receiver is located. During the 1980's the government opened up the use of the GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

Global Positioning Satellite navigation systems can replace all the maps in your glove compartment and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time. GPS navigation systems are equipped with mapping software and can give you driving directions, show you alternate routes if you're stuck in a traffic jam, and can help you negotiate a new city. While you're on the road, a navigation system can also guide you to the nearest gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest.

GPS technology actually breaks down into two distinct categories - a Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is used for general civilian uses, and a Precise Positioning Service (PPS) which is used primarily by the Department of Defense and U.S. allies. Of course this precise military positioning will eventually filter down to the general public, just as GPS technology did originally.

There are many accessories available for GPS navigation systems. You can, for example, buy software, holders to mount your system to your dashboard or windshield, memory cards, cigarette lighter adapters, antennas, and Bluetooth.

Pick-Up Truck GPS navigation is a special form of navigation, as it is not you who navigates, but computer-software that tells you how to travel to your destination. And frankly spoken, it does the job much better than you ever could. Systems with voice output are a great help as they do not create the slightest distraction for the driver. Everybody could use one and everybody can use one, because you really do not need any special skill to operate these car GPS systems.

Magellan® is the consumer brand of Thales Navigation, one of the world's leading innovators of navigation and positioning solutions with operations worldwide. Magellan was the brand that introduced the first consumer handheld GPS solution in 1989, and it has maintained its place as a leading global GPS brand for consumers.

With product lines in auto navigation and recreational handheld, Magellan's current product line up include Magellan RoadMate portable auto navigation solutions, eXplorist handhelds, and MapSend mapping and software products.

There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a navigation system including saving time, fuel economy, safety, and tracking. Enjoy these benefits for your Ford F150 with an easy to install Magellan in-dash system.

Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com

Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.brandmotion.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Tel: (248) 568-2241 Travel Brand Motion style. Brandmotion is a brand new way to bring high quality lifestyle customizing choices to consumer vehicle interiors.
Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail to understand why they're such a big deal, and those who have them can't live without them.

GPS technology actually consists of three separate components all working together. The three parts are the satellite constellation, the ground control network and the user equipment. By satellite constellation, we mean the satellites in low earth orbit which provide the signals and navigational data to the user's equipment. The ground control network continually monitors the health of the various satellites and the integrity of the signals received. The user equipment is designed to receive signals from the satellite constellation and computer.

Today's cars, SUV's and pick-up trucks come with a variety of extras, from passenger side air bags to the ubiquitous car alarms. Entertainment options range from high-end speakers and CD players to multiple DVD players. The GPS navigation system, however, forms the bridge between safety and entertainment features. While they're definitely entertaining, they can also become a must-have safety net in your travels.

GPS is used to calculate and display the position and speed of the user and determine where they are and how fast they are moving at any time. This makes GPS technology particularly valuable in automobiles, and rental car companies have been using GPS technology for many years now. Navigation in the commercial automobile fleet is newer, but it is steadily gaining popularity. GPS technology is particularly valuable in the event of an emergency like a car crash or breakdown, as it provides valuable assistance to emergency personnel responding to an accident and to tow trucks responding to a disabled vehicle. Refer to our navigation menu to find more information on truck GPS from our site.

The Global Positioning System is a navigation system originally developed by the US military which continues its' maintenance today. It is an integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the earth and through the navigational process of triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on earth where a receiver is located. During the 1980's the government opened up the use of the GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

Global Positioning Satellite navigation systems can replace all the maps in your glove compartment and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time. GPS navigation systems are equipped with mapping software and can give you driving directions, show you alternate routes if you're stuck in a traffic jam, and can help you negotiate a new city. While you're on the road, a navigation system can also guide you to the nearest gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest.

GPS technology actually breaks down into two distinct categories - a Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is used for general civilian uses, and a Precise Positioning Service (PPS) which is used primarily by the Department of Defense and U.S. allies. Of course this precise military positioning will eventually filter down to the general public, just as GPS technology did originally.

There are many accessories available for GPS navigation systems. You can, for example, buy software, holders to mount your system to your dashboard or windshield, memory cards, cigarette lighter adapters, antennas, and Bluetooth.

Pick-Up Truck GPS navigation is a special form of navigation, as it is not you who navigates, but computer-software that tells you how to travel to your destination. And frankly spoken, it does the job much better than you ever could. Systems with voice output are a great help as they do not create the slightest distraction for the driver. Everybody could use one and everybody can use one, because you really do not need any special skill to operate these car GPS systems.

Magellan® is the consumer brand of Thales Navigation, one of the world's leading innovators of navigation and positioning solutions with operations worldwide. Magellan was the brand that introduced the first consumer handheld GPS solution in 1989, and it has maintained its place as a leading global GPS brand for consumers.

With product lines in auto navigation and recreational handheld, Magellan's current product line up include Magellan RoadMate portable auto navigation solutions, eXplorist handhelds, and MapSend mapping and software products.

There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a navigation system including saving time, fuel economy, safety, and tracking. Enjoy these benefits for your Ford F150 with an easy to install Magellan in-dash system.

Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com

Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.brandmotion.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Tel: (248) 568-2241 Travel Brand Motion style. Brandmotion is a brand new way to bring high quality lifestyle customizing choices to consumer vehicle interiors.

What to REALLY expect from a GPS Tracking System

GPS Tracking is taking the corporate world, and this is a wave that is growing more and more everyday. However, there is still a lot of lack of knowledge when companies decide to go into this technology. Most of the times, companies will look for a simple solution that shows their vehicles in a map, but after a few months they start to realize the real force of these technologies when applied to logistic processes, just to mention one.

This is Part 1 of a series of 10 articles in which I will present how a GPS Tracking system can REALLY make a difference in a company's performance. In this article I will start to define some of the terminology and concepts needed to have a fair understanding of GPS Tracking.

There are many applications for the GPS TRACKING technology that can be divided into two main groups: NAVIGATION and TRACKING.

Navigation is related to devices that are installed in the vehicles and that provide on-board navigation information. The user will usually enter a destination address and will start receiving audio and visual directions on how to arrive to that place. Samples of these devices are seen in almost every computer store, and the most recognized brands are Garmin, TomTom, and others.

Tracking is related to devices installed in the vehicles that send information about the vehicle to computer programs where the information is processed and presented to users in maps and reports. The information sent by these devices includes at least the position in terms of Latitude and Longitude, the speed, the direction (north, south, east, etc.), the date and the time. Other devices include more sophisticated information such as Ignition status, doors status, on-board engine diagnostic, etc. Samples of companies that provide this type of products are also multiple, and can be found by tons with any search in a search engine like Google.

The GPS Tracking Solutions are usually provided as web applications, more than applications that have to be downloaded and installed in users' computers. And as mentioned before, there is a wealth of options to pick from. Many companies will offer to their users Tracking solutions that can be accessed via web, and that allows to keep track of the vehicles of the companies in a map and in several reports.

Once a company or an individual decides to go into this technology, the first question that has to be solved is: What type of GPS System I need? Is it a Tracking System? Or a Navigation System? It is very common to start shopping around without a clear understanding of what is needed. The orientation of these articles will be GPS Tracking Solutions. GPS Navigation will be subject of a future article. And this first article severs as a starting point to understand and identify what the needs are on each particular case.

In the next article I will discuss some additional terms related to GPS Tracking and will start going into its applications in the day to day processes.

Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com

Mr. Olano, with over 10 year in GPS Tracking Industry, deep knowledge of wireless communications, tracking devices, map engines, and with over 2,000 companies that adopted GPS, earned him a position as expert of GPS Tracking Technologies. Visit him at www.trackingsolutionsonline.com and www.geosoftusa.com .
By: Juan Olano

Gps Vehicle Tracking - A Guide To The Tools Available

GPS – What does it stand for?

Global Positioning System – Now, it is mainly used for navigation, both terrestrial and marine. Initially it was used by the U.S. military for locating and identifying friends as well as foes. The system uses military and commercial satellites for tracking anything that moves and has an emitter with or on it. Error margins, for GPS, are nowadays within 100 meters, and this can be narrowed down by using differential base stations (DBS). However, they are hard to use since their range is quite limited.

A new substitute for the American satellites will be the Galileo Satellite System, developed and realized in Europe. The first satellite, called Glove, was launched in late 2005 from Baikonur, Russian Federation.

GPS – What can I do with it?

Here are just a few of this wonderful piece of equipment. For instance, if you get lost, your GPS unit can pinpoint you your current position, or, it can make a breeze from an awful task such as planning a trip. However, its main uses are in vehicle tracking. Most trucking companies have GPS units on all of their trucks. This way it is very easy to finding out where a trucker has been to, or where he currently is. Since the first GPS units were installed on trucks and cars, specialized companies and sites appeared.

Lets look at a two GPS units and their characteristics.

Garmin StreetPilot 2730

This is one of the latest products available on the market. Its producer presents it as being a “great utility, even when drivers know exactly where they are.” Some of its features include access to the XM NavTraffic (a data-traffic information service, based on low orbit satellites, covering all of the USA), allowing it to suggest faster routes, before traffic-jam. The navigation map on StreetPilot 2730, graphically represents any incident affecting the road, including man-made, like road-construction, or accidents. Weather forecasts are also shown on the GPS unit, for as many as 162 cities. The StreetPilot 2730, also reads MP3s, and the music can be sent to the car’s stereo through its stereo jack or through a FM transmitter. The unit is equipped with an antenna, Garmin GXM 30, which can be placed on the roof of the car, or on the dashboard. It is waterproof and has a magnetic end, for easier placement.

Initial GD-70X

This “little” gizmo has a 7” color LCD, the obvious GPS navigational system, as well as a DVD player, thus making it ideal for family vacations. It can pinpoint your location on the map, as well as playback your favorite movie or tracks. It has a set of maps which includes both Canada ant the US. Its map database includes over two million points of interest and it has a 250MB internal memory, large enough for downloading maps and POIs. An interesting feature are the voice directions, which will help you focus on the road, an still know where you are, and what kind of conditions you are facing out there. Also, it includes a day/night mode, making it easier to read according to the time of use. The incorporated CD/DVD player can keep the passengers entertained as well, and if you don’t have a car stereo (who doesn’t), you can always listen to its built-in stereo speakers.

These are just two of the many products on the market that can help you with GPS vehicle tracking.

Article Source: http://www.a-zz.com

Steve Armstrong produces www.gps-vehicle-tracking-pa.com which is full of information on GPS vehicle tracking

Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finde

* By ContentMart Editor
* Published 01/20/2005
* Sports Outdoor
* Rating: Unrated

ContentMart Editor


View all articles by ContentMart Editor
Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finde


Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a review

The lakes that I normally fish are deep and quite rocky, and I have been delighted with the performance of the Garmin 240 Fish Finder, which gives a clear picture of what lies below. The image of the bottom shows great detail, and if it is showing fish presence then you can guarantee they will be there. It does a good job of indicating non-fishlines as well. It is at its best when performing in deep water, but perhaps isn't as impressive in shallow water.

The Depth Control feature works well in continuing to monitor changes in water depth automatically while the Whiteline feature determins bottom hardness well. The screen is easy to read, even in the dark when the backlight comes into its own. You can see the controls easily.

The Garmin 240 Fish Finder is packed full of features for less money than my old Lowrance, while the features are easily compatible."

Features

The 240-by-240 pixel high-definition display gives you a clear picture of fish, thermoclines, structure and bottom surface. By using various shades of gray, the Fishfinder 240 paints a beautiful picture, leaving little to interpretation.

Operational features include a unique control bar that identifies the most commonly used fishing settings. So without hunting through complicated menus, you can quickly configure and save the settings you want. As lake conditions change, you can fine- tune your Fishfinder 240 on the fly.

Garmin's engineering edge includes See-ThruTM technology, a Garmin exclusive. This allows the Garmin 240 Fish Finder to hear both weak and strong signals simultaneously so you to identify fish returns under the toughest conditions: suspended in thermoclines or even hiding near structure.

Another exclusive feature is Depth Controlled Gain (DCGTM), which automatically adjusts fishfinder sensitivity according to depth, not echo intensity like other fishfinders. The result is a much more detailed and accurate picture of bottom structure.

And we've often heard stories about folks who have found a great fishing spot one day, only to be unable to find it again the next day. With the Garmin 240 Fish Finder that's never a problem again.

Easy Navigation in the Woods or on the Water with the Garmin

I am an expert navigator with a map & compass but neither is as effective or as easy as the eTrex.

I highly recommend the Gramin eTrex as a basic navigational aide. It's also a great starter for learning about GPS systems. It does everything it's meant to and does it very well.

Garmin's claims of one handed usage are for real, it is easy to navigate the interface with the solid buttons on the unit."

The Garmin eTrex GPS has one of the longest battery lives on the market, another major influence to purchase, and because it is only powered by two AA batteries, the maintenance costs are minimal. I highly recommend the Garmin eTrex GPS to users of any skill looking for a quick, reliable and inexpensive GPS fix.

Nothing fancy about this unit -- other than the remarkably easy to use interface. Its not possible to do better in this price range.

The Garmin eTrex GPS works well (superbly well) for the sea kayaker. It's waterproof. You can pre-plot a destination if you know the coordinates. You simply utilize the "go to" feature and the eTrex points the way.

Like most modern hand-held units, the eTrex generates its own map of your movements as a visual tracklog or 'breadcrumb trail'. For retracing your steps ('Trackback' mode) you will see all the detail you will ever need.

Finding and Catching Fish has never been easier with the Gar

The Garmin Fishfinder 250 is Garmin's latest addition to their family of marine chartplotters, handheld GPS, fish finders and GPS sounders and its already gaining a great reputation amongst the angling community.

We met up with Johnathan W Ross, a surgeon and keen fisherman to find out his views on the new Garmin 250.


FFR How long have you had the Garmin 250?
JWR I purchased the 250 fish finder as a replacement for my obselete Garmin 160 fish finder. I have had the 250 for six months and I'm more than pleased with it.

FFR How do you find the display compared to the Garmin 160?
JWR The display on the Garmin 250 is much more detailed than the 160. It has twice the definition of the older model which means that what you see on the screen is in great detail. Something called Depth Control Gain gives really detailed images.

FFR Do you fish different types of water?
JWR I fish in both fresh water and salt water, and the Garmin 250 works well in both situations.

FFR Did you notice better performance in shallower waters?
JWR I have the version with dual-frequency sonar which is made for deeper waters, to a depth of 1500'. There is a version of the Garmin 250 with single-frequency which will be better for shallow waters, and its cheaper too!

FFR Have you customized your 250 fish finder?
JWR I have connected a Garmin GPS receiver (which I bought separately) to the unit. I can now mark waypoints directly from the Fishfinder's keypad.

FFR So is the 250 a fish finder that is easy to use?
JWR Very easy. It works out of the box, so no complicated set-up. It's very slim so it doesn't get in the way when its mounted - I've got mine on the bow. Its mounted on a swivel so that it can be viewed from any angle. The buttons are easy to use, too, even with gloves on.

Navigating on the Mountain, in Water, or in Woods there is a

Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and put them into a six ounce package that is only four inches high and two inches wide. The result is a unit that will literally fit in the palm of your hand.

Besides its small size, mariners and outdoorsmen will likely notice the sleek design of the eTrex.

All buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won't obstruct your view of the display. In fact, the eTrex features only five operator buttons for the ultimate in user-friendly design.

Inside the eTrex, you will find the proven performance of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver that will run for 18 hours on just two AA batteries.

No need to worry about dense tree canopy with this unit, the eTrex will continue to maintain a tight satellite lock even while operating in forest-like conditions. The eTrex will store up to 500 user waypoints with graphic icons and boasts Garmin's exclusive TracBack� feature that will reverse your track log and help you navigate your way back home. In addition, the eTrex uses animated graphics that will help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily.

The Garmin eTrex family consists of six members - the eTrex, eTrex Camo, eTrex Summit, eTrex Legend, eTrex Venture and eTrex Vista.

The family retain the same basic features one of the best-selling handheld GPS systems on the market, and has adapted them to add some unique features to make each of them the perfect tool for their intended users.

GPS Devices – Fulfill your Navigation dreams

Years ago, driving across the country meant one eye on the road and the other fixed on a heap of tangled, shredded paper covering the dashboard – otherwise known as a map. But in today’s interconnected world, even when you’re lost, you’re not really lost.

GPS devices are no longer reserved for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, skiers or geocachers. Trip navigators, like the Garmin Street Pilot help road trippers navigate through just about any city, state and province. Take a wrong turn, no problem. The device automatically plots a new course based on your current location. Whether you want to spend a few hundred bucks or reign in your budget, a GPS device can be your best friend.

Pinpointing precise locations is as easy as turning on your device, but making your GPS work smarter takes some time, skill and a PC. It’s all about customization.

Connecting Your GPS Device to Your Computer
Anyone can buy a GPS, enter their starting point, begin wandering and find their way back again. No special skills required. You don’t need a PC to use your GPS device, but connecting the two allows you to customize your routes.

• Before you begin, connect your GPS device to your PC. Decide the area you want to explore and load the appropriate maps (additional software you’ll need to purchase beforehand).
• When you begin your adventure, your GPS device will show your exact location on the maps you’ve uploaded.
• Set your initial location as your home point.
• Begin wandering or follow the route you’ve mapped out. Enter waypoints along your route.
• When you return home, connect the GPS device to your PC again, upload waypoints to your PC to track your routes for future use.

There’s a GPS device for every trip you’ll take this year. Just make sure the one you buy is the one you really need. If you’re a wilderness adventurer, you’ll likely want a high-end and more expensive GPS device than if you’re an urban trekker who wants to track a route from Boise to Fort Lauderdale.

For the road tripper, consider a large enough screen that you can quickly glance at but won’t cause you to take your eyes off the road for long. If you’re a hiker, get one that fits into your hand (or on your wrist) comfortably. Protect it in a plastic cover in case you drop it in the swamp.

Navigating has never been easier, or for tech lovers, more fun.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

James W. Coates, an avid traveler and Outdoor Explorer, loves to roam national parks. Even more, he loves to swap stories with other people who share his love of the outdoors. Drop by his blog at Nomadik.com and exchange GPS tips with him.
By: James W Coates

garmin streetpilot c320 review

Back in September last year, Benny reviewed the Tom Tom Go, and decided that it was a must have product for anyone wanting to drive from A to B with minimum fuss and no need for maps. Amazingly, it’s taken this long before another product has appeared to really challenge the Tom Tom Go, and it’s no surprise that this challenge comes from Garmin.

Garmin knows a thing or two about GPS, and anyone that’s into outdoor pursuits probably has a Garmin device stashed in the rucksack whenever they leave the house. Personally I have a Garmin Gecko 301 that my wife kindly gave me for Christmas a few years back – it sits on my handlebars when I’m mountain biking and makes sure that I get back home, no matter how unfamiliar I am with the area.
But despite Garmin’s obvious heritage in GPS technology, it’s taken a surprising amount of time for it to really burst into the in-car navigation market. There have been other StreetPilot devices, but the c320 actually looks like a product that’s been designed for in-car navigation from start to finish.

The StreetPilot c320 bears an uncanny resemblance to the Tom Tom Go, although it is a bit more svelte. The SD card slot is located on the left hand side, rather than at the front on the Tom Tom, and on the right you’ll find the power button, mini USB connector and an analogue volume wheel. The latter is a great feature, making it very simple to adjust the volume as your environment changes, or as the music on your car stereo gets louder.

Garmin supplies a 256MB SD card with the StreetPilot, which contains detailed maps of the UK and Ireland pre-loaded. The supplied CD includes maps for most of Western Europe, so if you did want to go on a European touring holiday, you could just load up the relevant maps.

Before I go into how the StreetPilot is to use, let me say that once you have got your route planned and you set off in your car, this device works brilliantly. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and it has helped me find some obscure locations that I probably would have struggled with otherwise. If the StreetPilot c320 has convinced me of one thing, it’s that I want an in-car navigation system – just not this one.

In some ways I feel quite sorry for the StreetPilot, because Garmin has equipped it with some truly excellent features, but unfortunately along the way it seems to have missed some of the fundamentals.
When you turn on the StreetPilot, you’re greeted with a screen with two selections “Where to?” and "View map” – both pretty self explanatory. The Where to? section is probably where you’ll be going most of the time, as this is where you’ll be attempting to plan your route. The biggest problem with the route planning is that you can’t search by post code. Now, this could be a result of Garmin being an American company, where post or more accurately, zip codes don’t mean that much. However, in the UK, searching by post code could place you to within a few yards of your destination quickly and easily.

So the StreetPilot stumbles somewhat at the first hurdle, but unfortunately a lack of post code search isn’t the only problem. When you search by address, the first questions you’re asked is which country you wish to search in. Pressing E will instantly present you with England – so far so good. You’re then asked which city you’re looking in – you can either search all cities, or spell the one you’re after. Next you need to enter the house number, which is fine as long as the place you’re going has a number. Then you need to enter the street name, and this is where the problems begin.