Sunday, June 01, 2008

Why I Like tomtom gps



A GPS (global positioning system) receiver can't function if it can't see the satellite, so position it as carefully as possible to get a clear view to the sky. Move away from trees, buildings, hydro wires, and other people and let the device orient itself before trying to take an important reading. In fact, whenever you change direction as you move, reposition the GPS receiver to give it the best chance of connecting to the satellite signal. GPS devices need a bit of help if they're to give you the quality of information you require.
Get great new GPS systems today!

As with all consumer electronics, a GPS should have an intuitive interface and a straightforward menu system. Frequently used functions such as finding nearby gas, food, and lodging should be only a screen tap or two away from the main screen, or better still, the device should have a selection of dedicated buttons. It should be just as easy to revert back to the map view from other screens. Just about all GPS devices have 2D map views for both north up and track up. Most also have a 3D view that gives you a bird's-eye perspective.
Get a great new cheap GPS

Get a software program that allows you to print customized maps, showing your waypoints, previous trails you have taken, etc. CD-based map sets like National Geographic TOPO! are great for this.
Get a great new Garmin quest GPS unit

Global Positioning Systems offer everything from hole overviews to Internet access "Shortgrass Technologies' Internet-based sports information system and financial ticker enables golfers to check college football scores on a Saturday afternoon or the price of stocks any weekday. Global positioning systems can track golf cars no matter where they are on the course, thus discovering bottlenecks and slower play. Golfers can order beverages and food en route to the turn, so golf clubs can offer more than a quick hot dog - a higher priced chicken sandwich, for instance...."


I always thought that GPS would go mainstream in automobiles first, and in a way I suppose it has, but maybe golfers will lead the real charge. I could have used a portable, library-centered GPS system myself to navigate the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library when I was there last fall!



Lots of interesting articles from today's PC World. First up, Microsoft Takes on MapQuest: "MSN launches MapPoint online mapping service, offering maps, directions, and more."


Apparently this is going to be yet another component of MS' push for .Net services with hooks into other MSN services. MapPoint is XML-based, which makes it interesting in other ways, and there it launches with a phone-based direction service. The articles notes that this is another step towards location-based services. "For example, you might someday be able to click on a Windows Messenger buddy's name and retrieve a map showing the location of his or her home."


Good or bad? You make the call. I like parts of this, but I'm incredibly wary of .Net.




Labels: