If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

By now you’ve probably heard the television and radio ads urging you to “Get a Garmin” this holiday season. But what are the real benefits of owning a consumer GPS device? Since we know you’re not the kind of person to simply buy what the TV tells you, we’ve provided the following objective list of reasons to own a GPS from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom or any number of consumer electronics companies.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Car GPS Device?

So let’s cut to the chase. Are GPS devices just cool gadgets to show off to your friends or do they have some practical purpose in your life? Here are some of the things you can do with a GPS device:

- Get directions. Obviously, the number one selling point of any GPS is that it helps you get from Point A to Point B without getting lost. New GPS technology allows you to pre-program your trip into the device and then receive directions via turn-by-turn navigation. On many Garmin GPS, the information is even delivered by a friendly computerized voice.

- Use it as a phone. The Magellan Maestro and other recent GPS devices now integrate Bluetooth technology into the device, so you can now use the GPS as a hands-free phone. With concerns about safety due to cell phone use in the car (and many states having passed hands-free cell phone laws) this feature is more relevant than ever.

- Drive more safely. As amazing as it sounds, many GPS now provide warnings about upcoming obstacles in the road as well as advice about which lane has the least amount of potential traffic. These features give you an advantage over the unexpected bumps in the road that could pose a real safety risk to you or your family.



- Get there quicker. In the “old days” you had to bite your tongue and wait it out when traffic got tough. Now, GPS devices help make the traffic snarl a thing of the past. Many systems are linked to your local highway traffic reports and can clue you in when you need to take an alternate route. In fact, GPS technology has become so advanced that it can even provide that alternate route on the fly!

- Find something to do. Magellan, Garmin and other companies are now preloading their auto GPS with links to thousands of restaurants, movie theatres and other entertainment options. You can search by what you want to do tonight, and the GPS will provide a wealth of options (and even tell you how to get there).

- Enjoy your trip. If you’re taking your family on a car trip, pack your toothbrush and your GPS! GPS can provide information about all the points-of-interest along the way. You’ll get everything from national monuments to scenic overlooks - and everything fun in between. The GPS device will tell you the most efficient way to get there, so you won’t end up wasting a lot of money on gas.

Mark Etinger
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/the-real-benefits-of-having-a-gps-in-your-car-696574.html

The 2006 Ford F-150 is a straight-shooting pickup that’s as versatile as it is attractive-and the reasons why the F-Series has been the best-selling pickup in America for an amazing 28 years.

Curb appeal has taken a step up thanks to available 20-inch wheels and a new Chrome Package with available five-inch chromed tubular running boards and 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels. Inside, Sirius Satellite Radio is available and includes a six-month trial subscription, and safety is also enhanced with available Traction Assist on 4×2 V-8 models. Plus, the F-150 is the only pickup in its class to earn a NHTSA 5-star driver and right-front-passenger frontal crash rating, as well as a “Best Pick” recommendation from the IIHS for its frontal offset crash performance.

The F-150 XLT Super Crew is available with a choice of 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter V-8 engines. We’ll put our money on the cowboy-tough 5.4-liter V-8. Start up this unit and you’ll find out real fast what makes it a favorite of folks with a variety of things to do. First, the thing hauls. It’s a SOHC V-8 with electronic fuel injection feeding power to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with available electronic shift-on-the-fly part-time four-wheel drive, and limited-slip rear differential.

One unexpectedly nice thing about the F-150 pickup is how well it rides. Granted, the terms “truck” and “comfort” are not exactly kissing cousins, but the fact is that the Super Crew’s advanced suspension with cast-aluminum control arms in front and outboard mounted rear shocks, both class-exclusives, deliver great ride and handling. No wonder the F-150 won just about every magazine award since it was introduced.

The F-150 interior is built to suit, with two rows of seating for six passengers (five passengers if you order front captain’s chairs). The Super Crew has Big Sky-like spaciousness, including 40.1 inches of front headroom, 41.3 inches of front legroom, and a whopping 65.8 inches of front shoulder room (with similar rear dimensions). This is one cab that will never be found lacking in comfort. Especially when you consider that the XLT trim level has such standard features as breathable premium cloth upholstery and fold-down center armrests. A six-way power driver’s seat is also available for added comfort.

Standard XLT convenience features include remote keyless entry system, power windows, mirrors and door locks, front and rear 12-volt power points, a compass and exterior temperature display, and even delayed accessory power. Some surprising options are also available, making the F-150 XLT Super Crew suitable for a far greater range of people-and yes, even city dwellers. These include power adjustable foot pedals (a plus for smaller drivers). There’s even a reverse sensing system, which is especially useful when backing up slowly if you choose to mount a camper shell on the truck. So is a very worthwhile deluxe mirror package that contains power heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, plus a neat electro chromic (auto-dimming) interior rearview mirror.

What is quite interesting is an easy install GPS navigation system for the Ford F150 by Magellan®, 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 includes 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 GPS 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.

Melih Oztalay
http://www.articlesbase.com/trucks-articles/your-ford-f150-with-a-magellan-gps-navigation-system-55492.html

GPS or Global Positioning Systems is a very common term. 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.

There are many applications of Global Positioning Systems beyond GPS vehicle tracking or map navigation that everyday people can benefit from. All it takes is a bit of creativity, and some trial and error. Here are a few of the many possibilities that can benefit you right now in your busy and hectic life.

1. Plan a road trip around interesting points of interests, landmarks, campsites, diners, etc, and hear fewer “Are we there yets?”- and of course get the most out of that expensive gas.

2. Get emergency road side assistance at a touch of a button from your vehicle, so you can get help exactly where and when you need it. If the manufacturer does not provide this with a dealer installed system, after market installations may require a monthly fee.

3. Keep a visual journal and bookmark collection of your favorite hot spots, sceneries, and points of interests, that may not be listed in any travel guide (You can create your own mini travel guides and memories).

4. Get to your interview, or any important time sensitive destination or engagement, faster by finding shortcuts and correct directions.

5. Find a good Italian restaurant near your movie theatre on the fly.

Car navigation systems run off a satellite signal and works like a charm just about anywhere on the planet. If you’re in search of a modern GPS system, then it’s imperative to look online. The Internet is loaded with car navigation systems to suit anyone’s needs.

There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a GPS 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.

We would certainly recommend the Magellan system for any Ford F-150 owner. With product lines in auto navigation and recreational handheld, Magellan’s current product line up includes Magellan RoadMate portable auto navigation solutions, eXplorist handhelds, and MapSend mapping and software products.

Brandmotion is a brand new way to bring high quality lifestyle customizing choices to consumer vehicle interiors. We develop, market and distribute integrated accessories to automobile owners. We’re automotive interior “real estate developers”. We develop integrated consumer content and connect it to Plug-and-Play real estate inside vehicles. We have solutions for many of today’s highest volume vehicles.

Melih Oztalay
http://www.articlesbase.com/trucks-articles/great-ways-to-use-your-magellan-gps-navigation-system-in-your-ford-f150-57411.html

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.

Melih Oztalay
http://www.articlesbase.com/trucks-articles/magellan-gps-navigation-system-and-the-ford-f150-57407.html

The Global Positioning System - or GPS - has taken the world by storm. What was once a proprietary item used only by the government, is now in demand by retail consumers worldwide. Those who have become used to GPS rely upon its accurate directional services; and the word continues to spread. A Magellan GPS is one of the more popular brands of GPS.

GPS utilizes the government’s network of 24 satellites that consistently circle the earth, providing timely and accurate logistical information. It was designed in the late 1970’s by the United States Department of Defense to be used as a reliable navigational tool for the military. But today, GPS has become mainstream, finding its way to consumers through a variety of convenient systems. GPS receivers are hand-held units that literally fit into the palm of your hand. This portable system has the ability to connect to the Global Positioning Satellites which, through a series of calculations based on longitude and latitude can instantly and accurately pinpoint the user’s location. The screen of the GPS receiver illustrates a map of the area, including roads, terrain, and landmarks, and places the user’s location relative to these points of reference. Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who take to the mountains every weekend have found the GPS receivers to be invaluable in providing accurate navigation and ensuring safety.

Magellan GPS, a brand of GPS receivers, is one of the more popular systems on the market today. While some users prefer to use the Magellan GPS as a hand-held device, others use it as a permanent navigational device that is mounted in their vehicles. In this role, the Magellan GPS uses a destination address supplied by the driver to efficiently navigate the driving route. Further, if your vehicle becomes the victim of theft, it can be effectively tracked by the signals sent by the Magellan GPS.

In other cases, parents use the Magellan GPS as a tracking device to monitor their teenage drivers. The system will ensure that fledgling drivers are not left disoriented in unfamiliar territory and can alert parents to any suspicious activity.

The Magellan GPS, because of its increasing popularity, can be purchased in most retail outlets. Prices vary depending on number of features offered in each system. There is also comprehensive information provided online detailing the different Magellan GPS systems, including features, price, and user experiences. Take the time to research any GPS before you purchase to ensure that it meets your needs with regard to the manner in which you will use the system, frequency of use, and budgetary guidelines.

Michelle Bery
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/purchasing-a-magellan-gps-124208.html