GPS and PDA Bring TLC to Your Travels

Traveling used to mean packing along detailed and illegible maps and compasses of questionable reliability. Given the number of times travelers had to stop and pull over to check a map, it's a wonder that we ever traveled at all! These days, modern travelers can easily find their way with a small hand held wonder called a GPS receiver.

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.

When paired with other mobile communication devices, such as PDAs, a GPS unit becomes even more useful. A PDA is a popular consumer communication product that combines a cellular phone with an organizer and Internet access. PDAs have hard drive space that makes them the perfect companions to GPS units. This hard drive space can be used for storing maps, and the colored screens are ideal for displaying maps. With their small size, it's easy to see why so many travelers choose to use PDAs over laptop computers and other bulkier options.

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.

Rescued by Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology is the new standard for wireless communications. With Bluetooth technology, two electronic devices are able to communicate by sending and retrieving signals and transferring data from as many as ten meters away. The information is transmitted without any wires at all.

GPS Receivers Using Bluetooth

A Bluetooth GPS receiver is an electronic device that uses wireless technology (namely, Bluetooth electronics) to transmit GPS data. The data is transmitted to a second wireless device, such as a PDA, that is capable of handling the technology. For example, a GPS receiver can wirelessly transmit data to a PDA handset, but only if they are both enabled with 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 Connection

It's not always best to have your PDA and your GPS receiver located in the same position. Without wires to bind the devices, you can position your PDA and GPS separately in the most strategic locations, to provide the best results. For example, if you are using your GPS while driving, you can position the Bluetooth GPS receiver in a spot where it has a clear view of the sky, while mounting the PDA to your dashboard where you have a clear view of the screen. There are no wires to get in the way of your vision, or hamper your driving in any way.

CompactFlash Slot Space

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.

Learn more about the benefits of using GPS and PDA on your next trip, and then shop around for the models that best suit your needs. You'll spend less time trying to find your way, and more time having fun with your family.

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

Writer Rainer Cassell is a regular columnist for some of today's most popular web zines, on tech gadgets and product to sell topics.
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