PETS | PET CARE | DOGS | CATS | BIRDS

 SITE MAP | CONTACT US
PETS DOGS CATS
HOME  |  DOGS  |  CATS  |  HORSES  |  BIRDS  |  SMALL PETS  |  PETS RESOURCES  |  PETS BLOG  |  MOST BEAUTIFUL PETS
Search:
 

Home | Travel


GPS and PDA Bring TLC to Your Travels

By: Rainer Cassell

Have you ever tried to find your way across town (or across the country) using an old-fashioned road map? The only thing trickier than deciphering the directions, is figuring out how to re-fold the map! Today's travelers are finding it much easier to find their way with GPS receivers, PDA devices and Bluetooth technology.

The need for traditional maps and navigational devices has virtually disappeared since GPS devices hit the market. Now, travelers can simply refer to the GPS screen to access clear direction on where they need to go.

GPS receivers are small electronic devices that work by calculating your precise location on earth. This location is found by decoding signals received from satellites in outer space. Using additional electronics and software, it's then possible for the GPS to pinpoint an exact location on a map. This incredible technology is available at a relatively small price.

GPS receivers become even more useful and convenient when paired with other mobile devices. A PDA is a popular consumer product that is easily used along with a GPS. PDAs have hard drive space to allow for map storage and colored screens to display maps, making them ideal technological GPS partners. When one takes into account the small size and weight of a compact PDA as compared to options such as laptop computers, it's easy to see why PDAs are the choice of today's tech-savvy travelers.

Integration poses a problem with using a PDA with a GPS receiver. Most PDAs are connected to GPS receivers with either a CompactFlash (CF) card, or conventional USB wires. The size of the GPS, added to the size of the PDA, plus a CF can create a bulky and cumbersome system. Using wires, on the other hand, can be inconvenient and actually limit the usability of your navigation device. Many people are finding the best solution to the problem is through Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth to the Rescue

Bluetooth wireless technology has become the open standard for wireless communication. Using Bluetooth technology, two electronic devices are able to communicate with each other, sending a receiving signals and transferring data, from up to ten meters away. The beauty of this technology is that the information is transmitted completely wire-free.

Bluetooth GPS Receivers

A Bluetooth GPS receiver is a device that uses wireless Bluetooth technology or Bluetooth electronics to transmit GPS data to a second mobile device that is capable of handling the same technology. In other words, a Bluetooth GPS receiver can only send data to a PDA that is also enabled with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.

Of course, this combination of devices offers many advantages to modern travelers. As an alternative to cumbersome USB wires or bulky CompactFlash, Bluetooth technology provides several benefits:

Wireless Convenience

Without wires to tie them down, you are free to position your GPS receiver and PDA device where it's most convenient for you. Many travelers choose to place the GPS on the dashboard, allowing it to maintain a clear connection with satellites in the sky. The PDA is best mounted right in front of the driver, where he or she can clearly see the directions on the screen. With Bluetooth technology there are no wires to limit the convenience or obstruct your view of the screen.

CompactFlash Slot

If you are using Bluetooth GPS and PDA, you'll have no need to a CompactFlash. In this case, you can use the empty CompactFlash slot as a storage area for maps and other software required to optimize your GPS navigation.

Many travelers are able to get even greater benefits from their GPS receivers. Some units come with handy companion features like pre-stored maps, route re-calculation (perfect in the case of road detours) and POI (points of interest) databases that show you popular tourist attractions en route.

So, whether your travels are taking you to the next neighborhood or another country, don't leave home without your GPS and PDA bundled with Bluetooth technology.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Author Rainer Cassell is a regular columnist for various of today's best web zines, on new product and electronic products issues.
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Travel Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From - Home | Travel
Sign Up for a free account or learn more.
Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
FREE pet cartoon animations
Puppy names, dog names
Free pets
SITES OF INTEREST | LINK TO US | | PET CARE

Powered by Article Dashboard