Saturday, November 11, 2006

Using Spy Tools to Detect Infidelity
by: Shawn Davis

Spy tools have many uses, many of them exciting, and quite a few of them mundane. But one of the widest uses of spy tools is to detect infidelity in a partner. The reason these are so widespread in investigations into infidelity is because such tools are meant to be used covertly to discover things that people want to keep hidden. And infidelity is one of those things that is meant to be hidden. The great thing about the availability of technology today is that there is no reason to hire a private investigator anymore because you can complete the surveillance yourself with your own spy tools.

One of the more effective spy tools is a GPS tracker. A tracking device will help you keep tabs on where your partner goes. A tracker can be put in a car, so that you can know where it is driven, or even slipped into a purse. Many cell phones now come with GPS tracking devices, so you can use that to track a loved one under suspicion. Most trackers also allow you see not only where the person is at the time, but also where the person has been.

Of course, tracking spy tools do not always provide enough hard evidence. What is needed in such cases is a phone tap or a bug. The less expensive listening devices can allow you to easily hook into a line, or even listen from a distance away. Those that hook into a line can allow you to listen to both ends of the conversation. If you are looking for something a little higher-end, spy phones that work like cell phones can help you hear everything that is going on in the vicinity of phone, even if it is not in use by your subject.

Finally, for hard proof that you have a cheating partner, it is possible to use a kit that allows you to detect bodily fluids on underwear. These spy tools can help you compare the results to your own fluids, and determine whether or not the two match.

You can either substantiate your trust in your partner, or catch him or her red-handed, when you make good use of spy tools.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Tools.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Using Spy Gadgets to Keep Tabs on Your Teens
by: Shawn Davis

Spy gadgets are useful for more than just performing surveillance on people you do not know, or for protecting yourself from surveillance. Spy gadgets are increasingly helpful in keeping track of where your teenagers are and what they are doing. With all of the risks in the world today, it is no surprise that one might be concerned for the wellbeing of one’s children. With the right spy gadget, or combination of spy gadgets, it is possible to be sure of where your child is, and with whom he or she is keeping company.

One of the most basic spy gadgets that can help you understand where your teen is going is a GPS tracker. The most common tracker is a vehicle tracker. This way you can figure out where the car is at all times, and even keep tabs on where is has been. The problem is that such a device can be fooled. You teen need only to drive the car to the approved destination before removing to a friend’s car and taking off to someplace else. This is where a cell phone GPS tracker comes in handy.

Cell phone spy gadgets are increasingly popular because they look like and act just like regular cell phones. It is possible to get a cell phone with a tracking device that allows you to continue to track your teen even after the car is left behind. Just buy your child a hip new cell phone and she or he will be glad to have it. Then it can tell you where you’re teen is, and where you’re teen has been.

Knowing where you’re teen is important, but what is she or he doing? After all, maybe he or she is at Sally’s where they should be having a study group. But what is going on? Are they really studying, or are they doing something else. Spy gadgets like the spy phone go beyond simply tracking movement. They can be secretly activated to let you hear what is going on inside the room. You can listen to conversations and determine whether or not the kids are studying.

Knowing your kids are safe can easily be accomplished with the help a couple of well-chosen spy gadgets.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Gadgets.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Cell Phone Listening Devices Keep Tabs on Teens
by: Kingston Amadan

Nearly every high school student, and even many junior high students, has a cell phones. This makes it very easy for you to keep tabs on your teenagers with cell phone listening devices. Because they are interested in have phones that allow them to call their friends, you will be the hero when you give them a cell phone. And because you want to keep tabs and make sure that they are not engaging in destructive behavior, you can make use of these cell phone listening devices to keep track of where they are and what they are doing.

The great thing about today’s cell phone listening devices is that they do more than just let you listen to conversations over the cell phone. They also let you hear what is going on in the room, and they come equipped with GPS trackers. These are great because you know where your teenager is, as well as what she or he is doing.

Car tracking devices merely let you know where your car is. There is no way of knowing whether or not your teen is in the car. When you make use of cell phone listening devices with GPS tracking capability, you can know where your teen is. The phone is something he or she will keep on the person. The car can be parked where it should be, and then someone else can give a ride to someplace forbidden. A cell phone bug is a more complete device.

In addition to showing location, cell phone listening devices also let you listen in. The most advanced device works just like a regular cell phone. Your teen will get incoming calls, have a phone book, make calls, and even sometimes have a camera on the phone. The only difference is that you have the power to listen in. You dial a secret secondary number that gives you access to the phone. You can hear the conversation over the phone (and record it) or you can activate the microphone on the phone that picks up the sounds in the room.

You can always know exactly what is going on with your teens you make use of cell phone listening devices.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Cell Phone Listening Devices.

About The Author

Kingston Amadan

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Traveling with Vehicle Tracking
by: Shawn Davis

Vehicle tracking is not just for anti-theft purposes anymore. It used to be that vehicle tracking was mainly put into cars by the wealthy who could afford to buy such high-tech devices. However, with the increasing affordability of technology, it is possible for more people to make use of tracking devices like Lo/Jack and the Spy Matrix GPS in order to prevent long-term loss of property. Now, however, vehicle tracking is a popular thing to use when doing regular travel. With it you need never stop and ask for directions.

Vehicle tracking for use with tourist functions is fast becoming popular because it is a great way to learn an area, and a great way to quickly find destinations. Most tracking devices make use of GPS and interact with satellites in order to give you your current locations. Many of these devices can also help you find other locations in relation to where you happen to be at the moment. All you need to do is type (or sometimes even speak) an address into the car’s on board computer and a map appears to show you where to go.

The amazing thing is that vehicle tracking does not simply show you where to go. GPS systems on cars can be hooked into computers that turn the data into voice signals. It is possible for such programs to interact and for you to actually hear directions such as “turn left on First Street” or “proceed straight through the light at Main Street.” That way you do not have to be worried about looking at a computer generated map. It is still available, if you like to see where you should be going, but the audible directions can help you focus better on driving.

Vehicle tracking can help you track where you are. It can also help you figure out where you have been, so that you can find your way back. And with vehicle tracking standard on many rental cars, you can take advantage of it even when you are away from your own vehicle. When you go on a trip with a properly outfitted car, you will never need to ask for directions again, thanks to vehicle tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Vehicle Tracking.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Location Sensitivity - Cell Phone GPS
by: Robert Lett

This is basically a system to locate the handheld when making a call to 911. In the mid to late 1990's, many people got cell phones just for the emergency use of being able to call for help almost anywhere. The problem came up when statistics showed that almost 92% of all serious 911 calls, (where the person was just barely able to make the call), they either didn't know where they were or was unable to tell the 911 operator where they were, or they might not have been able to talk at all. This caused a big concern, 911 operators couldn't do anything but listen to the person on their cell phone as they pass away. The Location Sensitivity system still doesn't work if you are in an area that only has an analog signal. (Which is the older cellular system of the mid 1990's and earlier). Most metropolitan areas and all interstate freeways are covered by the newer digital service. It's just when you get out in the middle of no-where, you might end up with an analog signal. Most!

phones will display the letter "A" in the top right or left corner when using this system. Check your phone documentation, some phones don't even have this capability. Which means if you get into one of these areas, you can't make any type of call what-so-ever.

Soon, the Location Sensitivity feature will probably be offered by the cellular companies as part of their pricing plan. Some carriers like Nextel are already taking advantage of this new technology by giving customers a GPS location service along with their calling plan. If you don't have this option with your carrier, and you have a Smartphone you can always purchase one of the SD slot GPS units that works with mapping software. The program I've really enjoyed is Mapopolis, which works great with most of the popular GPS hardware available. And most even have a voice activation that will tell you where to turn, which is directed through the speaker phone portion of the Smartphones. The ability to have GPS information and mapping on your handheld will be a great plus while traveling.

Back to the Location Sensitivity. I'm just wondering how much the cellular companies are going to charge for such a GPS type service!? I'm sure they're all working hard right now on the new pricing plans that we'll have to pay if you don't have the GPS hardware to install on your Smartphone.

Find anything in your portfolio in seconds, anywhere - anytime, send an email with "ebook" in the subject to receive a free version of the ebook at: ebook@robertlett.com

When these services become available, they will only be location based. Another words, most GPS's these days will actually give you your current altitude and most have a pretty fast refresh rate. The refresh rate is the time between position updates. An example; If you have a GPS in your hand that refreshed three times per second, this would be a very acturate reading. Even if you are driving at 70 miles per hour, the moving map on the GPS will be able to keep up with your actual location. That's an issue the engineers are dealing with on the Location Sensitivity system. It wasn't designed to have any type of refresh rate at all. Once a position has been found, it never was designed to refresh that position. (I guess if you are hurt, and you called 911, you aren't supposed to be moving. Hmmm, So if you fell off a bridge, and landed in the back of a truck driving down the interestate, I'm not sure if they would be able to locate you. They would know where you were when you!

first dialed 911, but as your location changes, they might not be able to find you). Supposedly, the 911 operator can pull a refresh, this would at least tell them the direction the vehicle is moving. But to locate you while you're moving, might be more difficult than anyone had expected.

Another problem with many of the handheld units, the actual speed of the processors within them. Most cell phones operate on around 1 to 2 MHz processor speed. Most Smartphones operate anywhere between 30 to 500 MHz. (Most new home computers are operating between 2 to 4 GHz processor speed, just to give you an idea). This is where the engineers are running into the biggest problem with creating a GPS refresh rate. The processors in all handhelds will just have to be faster than they are today. And like all of our other technolgies, I'm sure this won't be a problem very much longer for the designers.

Hmmm, soon we'll have Pentium 9 cellular and Smartphones running at 8 GHz processor speed! You know it's going to come to this, and it's not that far away.

To see how to use your handheld like a professional, send an email with "ebook" in the subject to receive a free version of the ebook at: ebook@robertlett.com

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About The Author

Robert Lett has operated his 25 year old company Infinite Data for the past 4 years with nothing more than a handheld Smartphone. As a public records research specialist, I need to have all my important files with me when ever I speak with a client. I now carry all those files with me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hanging on my belt. I haven't sat at my desk in front of my computer for over 3 years. Be productive 24/7, anywhere - anytime.

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Tournament Standard GPS and Sonar - the Bottom Line Tournament 6800 Fishfinder
by: NS Kennedy

The Bottom Line Tournament 6800 is an awesome machine. It enables you to do what one person could not do with so much precision. Anyone who is looking for a great technological system to add to their fishing gear should consider the Tournament 6800. If you are serious about your sport fishing you need to read our review.

First of all, the 6800 can remotely control up to six Cannon Mag 20 DT downriggers. It mounts to your boat for hands off use. This means, it will control your fishing rod's position. It will follow the bottom contour and keep your weight at what you want it. It can cycle, raise and lower your Mag 20 DT downriggers easily. It can also do All Up and raise all size downriggers at the same time.

So, it's like having six of you standing there, controlling your lines. Can you be in that many places at once? Just imagine how efficient this will make you fishing.

But, it does more. It can be linked to your autopilot system and will then steer your boat to GPS waypoints or on your GPS routes. It also is a fully featured, no hassle GPS mapping system. Using a built in GPS receiver with 1000 waypoints, 1000 event markers and 100 routes with 20 waypoints per route.

Okay, this all breaks down to the unit controlling so much that your job on board your boat will be to sit back and relax. Yes, we think you will love this unit!

The display is clear, sharp, and provides the images you need to see in clarity. It is one of the best on the market, in fact. You can see all there is to see so that you can then adjust what you need to. You'll be able to locate fish under and on both sides of your boat, allowing you to have more ability to catch your fish. And, you can do all of this and much more with the Bottom Line Tournament 6800. In fact, it does more than just about any other unit out there to improve your fishing experience.

It is simply a must have for any tournament sportsman who wants to increase his chances of the big prize.

About The Author

NS Kennedy

Visit Fish Finder Review for information and reviews of GPS and Sonar fish finders and marine navigation systems. http://www.fish-finder-review.com

Copyright Fish-Finder-Review.com. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Mobile Phone Satellite Navigation
by: Francis Ononye

Dedicated portable GPS navigation systems in cars are now very popular, What could be better than being able to get to wherever you want to without having to stop and ask for directions.

Nevertheless, a lot of people overlook a convenient an easy way of navigation which is using your mobile phones for GPS Navigation. You might think because of the small screens on mobile phonbes, it wouldn't be practical, but from experience that is farther from the truth. There are quite a few advantages choosing a a mobile phone over a dedicated portable GPS system for navigation. The main being convenience, Since mobile phones are usually compact and small, it makes it much easier then having a bulky dedicated system.

Another overlooked advantage is security, Since dedicated portable navigation sytems come with a distinct windscreen car mount. There have been cases where cars have been broken into because thieves saw the windscreen mount on the windscreen and the owner park the vehicle, coming out with nothing and then assumed the unit will be in the car.

With the mobile phones, all you need is a compatible phone loaded with the navigation software and a bluetooth receiver. One thing i do sometimes is to also use a bluetooth headset and have the voice prompts from the phone through the headset. You just have to make sure you get the right phone by checking which mobile phones are supported by your choice of navigation software. When you receive an incoming call the software pauses and allows the call to come through and resumes when the conversation is ended.So if you have a correct phone, it might make more sense opting for a navigation software and bluetoth GPS receiver.

About The Author

Francis Ononye is a GPS enthusiast and webmaster at http://www.bluetoothgpstips.com

Using GPS Tracking to Protect Your Vehicles
by: Kingston Amadan

It is no secret that police cars are equipped with GPS tracking theft recovery devices. These items are meant to allow a stolen police car to be found rather easily by simply using GPS tracking technology to locate the car. Then further police are dispatched to the location to apprehend the criminal and recover the car. The good news is that it is possible to use the same technology to protect your car.

GPS tracking is not a very new technology. It has been around since the 1980s, when it first began being developed for the military. It was originally meant to help keep track of troops and movements, as well as create a sophisticated mapping system to help commanders find their way over rough and unknown terrain. Today that same technology is so advanced that it is possible to track in real time and create histories of where the device has been. And GPS technology is available to anyone, and at a fairly reasonable price.

When you use GPS tracking in your car, you receive more than just driving directions in an unfamiliar city. You can also know where your car is. While it is nice to have this information to keep tabs on partying teenagers, it can also help you in the event that your car is stolen. When you have a tracking system, and your car is stolen, you are more likely to get it back relatively unharmed. This is because you can find it immediately, rather than having it discovered in pieces weeks later as part of an illegal car parts ring.

Your GPS tracking system can help you get your car back and have the satisfaction of knowing that the person who stole it is off the streets and headed to jail. You can let the police see where your car is (and where it is headed) and this is an immense help to them. One of the best ways to protect your property is to know where it is. And you can always know where your car is when you have it equipped with GPS tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Tracking.

About The Author

Kingston Amadan

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/

What is Location Tracking?
by: Joe Gooden

What is Location Tracking?

Location tracking is becoming easier to do. Before, investigators had to talk to people to find out where someone was. This took many hours with little chance for success. Today location tracking is much easier with the innovation of GPS products. This new technology has made it much easier to locate the missing.

GPS works by satellite to track the position and determines where the GPS receiver is. The hope is that the person that it lost has a GPS receiver on them so their location can be tracked. This may sound like a rare thing that only happens in the movies, when they are able to track someone’s location.

On the contrary, GPS receivers are becoming more and more popular. The tools in movies are a little more realistic these days than they used to be. Location tracking is more popular with the general public for directions. What they do not realize is that the location tracking that they use to keep from getting lost can also be used to find them.

While some may be alarmed at the loss of privacy, it is also a safety feature. When someone is kidnapped or just disappears, their cars, cell phones and other products with GPS receivers can help find them with location tracking. Many different kinds of location tracking products are available at spyassociates.com. Along with location tracking products, this website has many other surveillance products that are also available to meet the needs of your surveillance needs.

© 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com.

About The Author

Joe Gooden

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Travel History with a GPS Tracker
by: Shawn Davis

Keeping track of where you or your vehicle goes is a simple matter with a GPS tracker. Actually, keeping track of where anyone is can be easily accomplished with the right GPS tracker. This is because trackers are now made to fit about anywhere, and so light that they can be worn on the body. In fact, it is possible for you to keep tabs on someone without him or her even knowing about it.

One of the best things about a GPS tracker is that many of them now do not merely show where someone (or something) is right now, but also where it has been. Your teenager may be where she or he is supposed to be now, but what about 15 minutes ago? Was there an unapproved detour? You can keep track of the last few places that your tracking device was without too much trouble at all, even if the tracker is inside a cell phone.

The reason that you can keep a GPS tracker history is because these devices are in many ways just like small computers. Additionally, they send information to computers so that the information can be viewed by someone in a different location. So, with the GPS tracker set to record movement, it is easy to get an idea of a person or object’s complete travel path. This can be very useful.

Another bonus of having a GPS tracker that keeps a history is that you can actually take notes on some tracking devices. They allow you to stop at a location and then punch in information on where you happen to be. That way you can review what you have written and remember certain details about a location, good or bad. This is traveling in style, not only showing you where you are, but also allowing you to look back and figure out what you liked and what to avoid in the future.

A GPS tracker can help you know where you are, can help you plot where you are going, and it can also help you keep track of where you have been. And while it is not always necessary to keep track of where you have been, it is nice that you can keep track of where your teen or your car (or both) have been with a GPS tracker.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Tracker

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

GPS Tracking System as an Anti-Theft Device
by: Shawn Davis

What happens when your car is stolen? Likely it is gone for good. Even if it is eventually located, it is usually no longer in driving condition. But what if there was no need for a lengthy and uncertain search for your stolen car? With a GPS tracking system, you can exactly where your car is at all times. These systems are known as “Global Positioning Systems” and they can provide a visual representation of where your vehicle is at any given time. The important thing to do with the GPS tracking system is make sure you have it properly installed in your car. And once that is taken care of, you can find your car no matter where it goes.

A GPS tracking system in a car consists of very few components, and it is very easy to install. A GPS receiver is needed, as this is what connects the vehicle to the satellite (and then the satellite relays the information to your location). Additionally, it is necessary to have to antennae: a GPS antenna that attaches to the underside of the car’s bumper cover, and a cellular antenna fastened to the car’s frame. You can directly power these items by hooking into the car’s power, or you can make use of a replaceable battery pack.

The only other things one needs for a GPS tracking system for the car is the proper software and some sort of device for receiving the information. This is most often a computer or laptop. It is even possible to receive the information on your car’s whereabouts on a pocket PC. A map appears, and your vehicle is represented on the map in a readable format. It is also possible to get an address of the car’s location. This makes tracking a stolen car rather easy, and makes it possible that the likelihood that you recover your car increases.

Many people are using a GPS tracking system to better protect their cars. Additionally, there are even companies that use this technology to offer services to their customers. OnStar is one of the main companies that make use of GPS tracking system technology on behalf of customers. But you can have that ability yourself if you choose the added vehicle protection of a GPS vehicle device.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Do You Know Where Your Teen Is? You Do With Spy Matrix GPS
by: Kingston Amadan

Spy Matrix GPS is the ultimate in car tracking technology. It is easy to use, easy to hide, and easy to follow. It is the perfect way for you to know where your car is now, and where you car was. Plus, this is a portable device, allowing you to transfer it to different cars at need. You can have peace of mind knowing where your car is it all times. And when you have teenagers, you can know where they have your car, thanks to the Spy Matrix GPS.

The Spy Matrix GPS car tracking system makes use of the global positioning technology that the U.S. military has used since the 1980s. It is the same technology used by bounty hunters, private investigators, police, and government intelligence agencies. It has moved into the next generation, a small device that is portable and can even fit in a backpack or a purse.

When you use Spy Matrix GPS to keep track of roaming teenagers, you can know that the car is where it should be. If your teen gets in a wreck or runs out of gas, he or she can call you, and if they do not know where they are, you, at least, have good directions. This remarkable GPS device can even keep track of approximate speeds, so you can be alerted to unsafe driving practices.

In addition to the great features listed above, the Spy Matrix GPS also features real time tracking. You can sit down and watch the car as it is moving down the road. Plus, you can also access a history of where the car has been. Your teen may be at the study group now, but did she or he go there via a circuitous route that brought him or her there by way of a rave or a club?

Your teen does not even have to know that you have the Spy Matrix GPS in the car. It is so small that it is easy to conceal. It can even be slipped into a backpack or purse. You can have peace of mind and your teenager can have a social life when you make use of the Spy Matrix GPS.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Matrix GPS.

About The Author

Kingston Amadan

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Keep Your Investment Safe With Vehicle Tracking
by: Joe Gooden

A vehicle is one of the larger investments that you will ever make. With all of the work that you do to get the vehicle, you may want to consider getting a vehicle tracking device. You want to be able to get the vehicle you want with out having to worry about it being stolen.

A vehicle purchase should not be made based on the reported statistics of whether it will get stolen from you. With all of the vehicles being stolen these days it is nice to know that GPS is one of the newest crazes on the market today and will keep your expensive asset secure. GPS is now available in almost everything from cell phones to cars.

The most common use of GPS is to get directions to an address or find your way back when you are lost. Vehicle tracking can also help track your vehicles exact location even if the occupant has no idea. You can use GPS tracking to track some ones location while they are unaware the vehicle is linked to a GPS System. The #1 Vehicle Tracker is the Spy Matrix GPS device. This can be used as a theft deterrent system to help companies or people recover their stolen vehicles.

GPS tracking is also a new tool used to track vehicles when someone is just driving their own car. Vehicle tracking devices are available in different price levels to get the job done. Several kinds of vehicle tracking products are available at www.spyassociates.com. This website also offers many different products that will meet all of your spy and surveillance needs such as cameras, listening devices. There is a wide variety of products to help get the job done right and prove the case.

© 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com.

About The Author

Joe Gooden

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

GPS Vehicle Tracking from the Comfort of Your Home
by: Shawn Davis

When most people think of GPS vehicle tracking, they think of police vehicles and theft prevention of official property. However, very few people realize that this modern technology is available to anyone. There are cars that come with global position systems (GPS), but many car owners simply use the systems for navigational purposes. It seldom occurs to them that GPS vehicle tracking is a reality that they can take advantage without leaving the comfort of home.

The great thing about GPS is that it can show you where you are on a map. It can also help you plan the best route to take. Some systems are even advanced enough to be able to let you know when a certain road is blocked by traffic, and help you to plot a route around the affected area. However, rarely does it occur to the car owner that in order to represent the vehicle, the vehicle itself needs to be outfitted with GPS vehicle tracking.

GPS vehicle tracking on your car is just as easy to access from home as it is to access in the car. The same process is at work either way. A computer displays the information; it’s just that the display in your car looks a little different from your home computer or laptop. So it only makes sense that you can accomplish the same thing from another computer. All you need is the right software and to know the unique identifiers that are attached to the GPS vehicle tracking device located in your car.

Once you have the right software and the information you need, it is a simple matter to sit down and visually track your car using your laptop or home PC. This can be helpful in the event of a theft, but it is also useful on a more day-to-day basis. You can know where whoever has the car is at any given time, and know where she or he is headed. Know about how much longer it will be before a spouse gets home, or track your teenagers evening engagements. Either way you get the job done with GPS vehicle tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Vehicle Tracking.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Business Solutions: GPS Car Tracking
by: Shawn Davis

At first blush, it may not make sense to consider GPS car tracking as a viable business solution. However, when one thinks of what can be accomplished using such a system, and how it is actually possible to cut expenses, it soon makes sense to incorporate GPS car tracking into the business plan, especially if you have company cars.

There are many companies whose employees take advantage of company cars on company time to go out and run personal errands. This costs money not only in time wasted, but also in the cost of gas. Additionally, extra trips put more miles and wear and tear on company fleet vehicles. Eventually, little trips to the dry cleaner and to get some coffee will add up, especially if you have more than one person who has access to company cars. This is where GPS car tracking comes in.

GPS car tracking can let you know exactly where your company cars are at all times. It can also help you follow their routes. If you want to let your employees know about the car tracking system, it can also help them plot the best and fastest route to their destinations. You will know, simply by looking at a computer screen in your office, where your company cars are going, and even where they have been. You will know whether or not a car has strayed from its approved path and is making unnecessary stops.

GPS car tracking can also help you know how long each stop is. Do your employees sit around and talk for a long period of time when meeting with others or making a delivery? Did that quick trip to the bagel shop turn into a conversation and a slow cup of coffee? You can see stop and start times easily with GPS car tracking, helping you catch those who waste time red-handed.

With GPS car tracking you can take control of some of your business’s unnecessary expenses. You can keep your costs due to wasted time and extra gas down. All you need is to outfit your company vehicles with GPS car tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Car Tracking.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Tips on Buying Your First GPS Unit
by: Adrienne MacDonald

An introduction to GPS technology, the various types of GPS systems on the market, and tips on choosing a unit that is right for you.

Anyone that enjoys the great outdoors has probably heard of GPS devices. They can come in handy when you are hiking, boating, biking, or doing just about anything else in the great outdoors. Twenty years ago, you had to rely on a compass the position of the sun and stars and your own common sense. Not anymore! Now you can have a handy little device that can pinpoint your exact location at any given time of day.

If you are in the market for a GPS device, it is important that you understand how it works. Since the GPS devices rely on air signals, you must have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky for them to work. When your device is turned on it is actually linking up with 27 orbital satellites in place around the planet. Four of the nearest satellites are located and the distance from them to you is calculated via the hand held device. The process is called trilateration. Based on that, the GPS device can determine where you are on the planet. Pretty neat huh?

When you look at the different types of GPS devices out there, you may wonder which one is right for you. Prices can range from $100- 5000 dollars, so it is important to do your homework. Find out what features each device has, and determine whether you need them or not. The following is a list of tips to get you started when you are shopping.

- Research the name brand. Though GPS technology is fairly new, the manufacturer should have a long track record of creating quality electronics.

- Don’t buy the cheapest or the most expensive GPS device out there. The cheapest may not meet your expectations and the most expensive one probably has too much extra stuff you will never use.

- Look for a large display, lighted if you are going to be traveling at night.

- If you plan on traveling by foot look for a model that is lightweight, and water resistant.

Once you decide on a model that you are interested in, head over to your local sports supply store. Get prices on the model above and below it for a good range. You can also try to look at auction sites like Ebay.com to find a good deal. If you are lucky enough to find one that is used, make sure to test it out first to make sure that it works properly.

Deciding to buy a GPS system is a personal one, so make sure that you understand the ins and outs of the technology. If you do a variety of different activities a good basic, waterproof model will do the trick. If you have friends or family members that own a GPS system, ask them if they are happy with their purchase. That way you can get an honest opinion on the different brands out there. An online opinion site like epinions.com is also a great place for honest answers.

About The Author

Adrienne MacDonald is a freelance author and contributing writer to http://www.gpsresource.info – site that provides free information on global positioning systems.

The Usefulness of a GPS Tracker
by: Shawn Davis

The GPS tracker is fast becoming a staple in society. This is because there are so many uses for these devices. While GPS technology (short for global positioning system) was originally developed for the military, it is now widely used in things like cars and golf carts — even cell phones. There are even types of GPS tracker that are small enough to be worn on a body or slipped discreetly into a small pocketbook. These handy devices allow people to keep track of others as well as valuables from anywhere where they have Internet access.

One of the most popular uses for the GPS tracker is in cars. This is because a tracker can help the driver pinpoint his or her exact location without any trouble. On top of that, it is also a great way to track the vehicle should it be stolen. Also, service such as OnStar can use a GPS tracker in your car to send emergency help in the event of a car wreck and the driver’s incapacity.

And, as one would expect from the name GPS tracker, a GPS tracking system can help you keep tabs on loved ones and even pets. Some trackers are small enough to be attached without too much trouble to a dog or cat. This way, if Fido the dog or Fifi the cat slips away, you can find the errant critter without too much trouble. The same is true with kids. Trackers fit easily in backpacks and are even built into some cell phones. This means that you can be aware of exactly where your teen is at all times.

There are also many recreational uses for the GPS tracker. Geo-caching has become a popular pastime among some. Trackers can help enthusiasts plot the position of the next treasure and then leave something of their own. Additionally, many high-end golf courses equip their carts with tracking that allows you to map the course, and even figure out how far their ball has yet to go.

Acquiring a GPS tracker is fairly easy, and its usefulness is worth whatever amount is paid for it. It is possible to get one for right around $300, but most of them fall between $400 and $1,000 in price for a good GPS tracker.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Tracker.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Keeping Tabs on Your Teen with GPS Tracking
by: Shawn Davis

GPS tracking is one of the greatest marvels of our modern technology. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System,” and this is exactly what GPS tracking allows one to do: find the position of just about anything on earth. GPS makes use of satellite tracking by following a specific device. As long as you have access to that device’s frequency, you can find it anywhere on earth. It works 24/7/365 in any type of weather.

The beauty of GPS tracking is that the tracking device can be very small. It can be worn on the body, but the most popular uses of GPS devices involve their presence in cars or cell phones. These are two objects that every teen just cannot seem to live without, so if you are looking to keep tabs on your teenager, it is possible to do just that with GPS tracking.

In a vehicle, the GPS tracking device can be a real help. Not only can you locate the car no matter where it is parked (and even if it is en route to someplace), but you can also determine how fast it is going, as there are trackers that give general speed and direction. It is the ultimate enforcer of responsible driving behaviors when away from home.

The cell phone as a GPS tracking device is also a technological marvel. Is your teen supposed to be studying at a certain address? You can turn on the tracker and see whether or not he or she is, in fact, where he or she should be. The cell phone serves dual purposes: you can contact your teenager, and if it is outfitted with GPS tracking, you know where she or he is. The cell phone may be the ultimate device in keeping track of your teen.

With GPS tracking, you can be assured that your teenager is safe and where he or she should be. You can be immediately alerted to what you think may be a compromising situation, and if you need to find him or her in an emergency you can drive directly to his or her location, without driving around half the night trying to figure out where she or he might be.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

What’s So Great About The Spy Matrix GPS?
by: Shawn Davis

There are a great many GPS trackers out there, so why is the Spy Matrix GPS so much better? The answer lies in the fact that its mapping abilities are superior, and because it is the most technologically advanced system of its kind: the smallest real-time tracking system. The Spy Matrix GPS is a system that is ready to change the face of covert car tracking.

The Spy Matrix GPS makes use of the same global positioning system that the U.S. military use, as well as the F.B.I. and many law enforcement agencies. On top of that it is identical to the system favored by bounty hunters and private investigators. This means that you have access to some of the best technology available through the best positioning system in the world.

Not only does the Spy Matrix GPS make use of the best positioning system, but its mapping system is Web-based. This means that you can access your device’s location from anywhere in the world, using nearly any computer. Plus, it is possible to put multiple devices on one account, keeping track of more than one subject with only one login. This is immensely convenient. With Spy Matrix GPS, it is possible to keep track of vehicles or of people. Because it is so small, it can fit into a backpack or purse without adding very much weight. Additionally, it can be used in fleets of company vehicles in order to keep track of where the company’s money is going, and to determine whether or not employees are abusing their privileges. You can easily track thefts as well, if your car is equipped with the Spy Matrix GPS. And because it is so small, it can be easily hidden so that thieves do not even know it is there.

The Spy Matrix GPS has set itself apart from other GPS trackers, and it can be bought for less than $500, although it can cost up to $900. The trick is to find a dealer that sells for less. But no matter where you buy it, the fact remains that one of the newest and most innovative surveillance products on the market is the Spy Matrix GPS.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Matrix GPS.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

GPS Car Tracking and Navigation
by: Shawn Davis

Global positioning system (GPS) technology first appeared in the 1980s. At that time, however, it was mostly used by the military. Next, it became widely available as GPS car tracking. Now, GPS devices can be very tiny, and they are used for a variety of purposes from going on treasure hunts to tracking teenagers. However, GPS car tracking remains one of the most popular and widespread uses of GPS technology.

One of the reasons GPS car tracking is so popular is for its navigation benefits. A car-tracking device is most often used, not to actually track the car by someone other than the person driving the car, but to help the driver navigate. An on board computer helps to contact a satellite that in turn finds the information on the vehicles location and then communicates that information to the car’s computer. After the information has been received, it is displayed on a navigation screen. Often it is displayed in map form for a more effective visual representation of where the car is.

GPS car tracking is very useful when navigating a new place. It is especially helpful on vacations. Even if someone has never before visited a locale, he or she can figure out where to go using the GPS navigation in the car. Such a tool is very efficient in mapping the best route to sightseeing attractions. It is also very useful in finding the way back to the hotel.

Tourists are not the only people that make use of GPS car tracking systems, however. Many commuters use such devices in the morning to find the best way to work. Some systems are equipped to find out traffic conditions and then map out alternative routes. This can save the commuter a lot of frustration and time sitting in traffic. These systems make for more tolerable morning and evening drives.

So, while it can be used to effectively apprehend auto thieves and recover stolen vehicles, it also has the ability to help its own navigate through the parts of life that involve driving from one place to the other with the help of GPS car tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Tracker.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

Using the Spy Matrix GPS to Track Your Vehicles
by: Shawn Davis

Any company with a fleet of vehicles knows how important to it is to track them. The Spy Matrix GPS can help any savvy and cautious business owner keep track of his or her vehicles. Additionally, because this tracking device is reasonably priced, it is possible to outfit your entire fleet with GPS devices that law enforcement and military personnel use for surveillance and to protect their vehicles.

Global positioning system (GPS) technology was first used by the military in the 1980s, but since then has evolved into high-tech use by a number of ordinary citizens. It has even become so inexpensive that nearly anyone can afford to buy a Spy Matrix GPS system. This protects cars from thefts (the device can help you catch up with thieves within 24 hours) and it can even protect businesses from employee abuses that can cost money. It can also provide emergency help.

Most GPS trackers like the Spy Matrix GPS also come with panic buttons. These can be pressed and they alert someone at headquarters of an emergency. This way, even if the person in trouble cannot make a call, he or she can be located using GPS, and possibly reached by emergency personnel before it is too late. This protects employees and it shows them that the company cares about employee well-being.

Another thing that can be of use to businesses is using the Spy Matrix GPS to track employee movements in company cars. Not only can you see where your company car is at the moment (and how fast it is going, and in what direction), you can also look up where the car has been. Did your employee take a side trip to run personal errands? The Spy Matrix GPS can tell the tale that employees may not want to tell you. This can save you money, what with rising gas prices and time lost. After all, you pay your employees to work for you, not to make a trip to the store.

Know exactly where your vehicles are, whether they are personal cars or belong to a company fleet, with help from the Spy Matrix GPS.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Matrix GPS.

About The Author

Shawn Davis

To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com . Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

12 Practical Uses of GPS for Everyday People
by: Simon Wyryzowski

GPS or Global Positioning Systems is a term that most commonly conjures up images of vehicle navigation systems, space-age satellite technology, and interactive maps for outdoors-types and sportsmen. But the reality is that there are far more applications of Global Positioning Systems beyond GPS vehicle tracking or map navigation that everyday people like us 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. Know where your children are using services from companies like uLocate Communications.

2. Keep track of elderly members of your family, so that they don’t wander off alone.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. Find lost pets easily using collars with built-in GPS, better than running around in your pajamas hollering like a maniac.

7. Feel safer with cellular phone 911 calls, so emergency personnel can pinpoint your location once you make an emergency call. Please double check your carrier service to see that it has GPS features and get a primer on how it works if possible.

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

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

10. Track your luggage, laptops, and anything of importance while traveling.

11. Track and find family, friends in a crowded concert, graduation, or any social gathering.

12. When going on a vacation, feel free to separate from group for a while to venture on your own based on your own interests and find them later on with your GPS enabled device- even in an unfamiliar place.

Our ability to use GPS so far is limited by the relatively poor connection to the satellite feeds when we are indoors in buildings, homes, or behind anything that could obstruct the GPS connection. However with the investment and development in a new satellite network called Galileo which should be completed in the near future, these problems should be eliminated drastically. Despite these problems, GPS still offers a world of benefits as mentioned earlier, and with any technology, it will only get better.

In addition to more practical usage applications, GPS will make a great educational and fun gift for your loved one’s and friends as well. Consider just two of the many creative and educational uses of GPS:

1. Stay physically active and fit by playing RayGun! A locational based cell phone game based on GPS technology.

2. Become more cultured, make global friends, and learn about the world playing GeoCache, a global GPS based treasure hunt.

With many affordable feature-rich models to satisfy anyone’s preferences and budgets, now is as good a time as any to learn more about GPS technologies, which are surely to become more assimilated into the mainstream within the decade. One day we will take these things for granted just like we do now for the internet and cell phones. The key is to dive in, without paralyzing yourself with the overwhelming array of choices in the GPS market, and enjoying some truly amazing technology.

About The Author

Simon Wyryzowski is a GPS enthusiast and regular contributor to GPSZoom.com. For even more practical, creative, and common uses including GPS tracking services for people, please visit http://www.gpszoom.com/.

Copyright 2005 GPSZoom. This article may be reprinted as long as it's contents are not modified and the author's credits and live link are left intact.

GPS Basics. Part 1
by: Zvi Braverman

This article is the first of series of three articles in which I’ll explain some basic principles and concepts of GPS. I in this article I’ll explain how exactly GPS works so it won’t be a mystery anymore. I’ll also mention some recent enhancements to the GPS system. In the second article I'll explain about some of the GPS core technologies, so when you hear the magic words “Sirf III” you’ll know what people are talking about. And finally, in the third paragraph I'll make a short review of the leading GPS manufacturers on the market today.

First of all GPS stands for Global Positioning System and usually refers to the GPS receiver. The receiver basically receives the signals incoming from constellation of 27 satellites which are orbiting the Earth (actually there are only 24 satellites that are operational and 3 additional for backup in case one of the 24 fails) and from those signals can calculate it’s absolute position on Earth. This satellite system was developed by the U.S. military and after a while U.S. government opened it up for public. Those satellites are circling the Earth making two complete rotations every day. Their orbits are planned the way that at any time and anywhere on Earth there are at least four satellites “visible” in the sky. A GPS receiver locates four or more satellites from the signals those satellites send constantly towards the Earth, calculates the distance to each of the satellites and from this information calculates its’ absolute location on Earth. This process of pinpointing the location of the GPS receiver is based on mathematical principle called trilateration.

Let me explain a little about this principle regarding the GPS. It is a little tricky so if you don’t want to bother yourself with details – just skip this chapter. Like I said, GPS receiver locates the satellites and calculates the distance to them. Lets say for example receiver knows that Satellite_1 is located 20 miles from it. In the whole space Satellite_1 can be anywhere on a huge Sphere with radius of 20 miles around the receiver. If receiver also knows that Satellite_2 is located 30 miles from it, it can overlap the sphere of satellite_1 with the sphere of satellite_2. The spheres intersect in a perfect circle (think in 3 dimensions). The distance to the third satellites gives us a third sphere which intersects with the circle in two points. One of those points is located in space and the other located on Earth. This second point is actually the location of the GPS receiver. Using the Earth as fourth sphere, receiver is able to choose that second point and this way it knows its’ exact location on earth.

Basically GPS receiver needs to locate only three satellites but it always tries to locate as many satellites as possible because it improves the accuracy of the result.

The signals that satellites are constantly transmitting are high-frequency, low power radio waves which contain information about the satellite and its’ location. GPS receiver can calculate the distance to the satellite by counting the time it takes to the signal to get from the satellite to the receiver.

The whole process described above works well but it has inaccuracies due to several reasons like signal interference,weather and more. Differential GPS (DGPS) helps correct those inaccuracies. This enhancement is base on stations located on Earth. The hardware at those stations knows exactly the location of the station and constantly sends information to GPS receivers (but only to those in which this technology is implemented) how to correct their results so the will be more accurate.

Once the GPS receiver made the calculation, it can tell the latitude, the longitude and the altitude of its’ current position. This doesn’t tell much to the average user. So in order to make the use of the GPS receiver more user-friendly many receivers send this data to a program which displays a map and can show the position on it.

Well that’s it for this article and check for updates, because like I said at the top of this article there are two more articles on the way!

About The Author

Zvi Braverman is a student of electronic Engineering at the Tel-Aviv university. He is co-founder of 4Winds company which imports GPS equipment and designs GPS and Hi-tech solutions for personal users and organizations. More information about GPS products can be found here: http://www.rikaline.co.il.

I’m Not Lost – My Cell Phone Knows Where I Am
by: Gary Ruplinger

Do you remember the days when a cell phone was just a cell phone? You pulled it out of your pocket to make a call and that was about it. Now your cell phone can take pictures, send text messages, play music, become your personal organizer, play games, and even function as your GPS.

I’m not talking about the GPS chip embedded into all current cell phones. That GPS is only present to help emergency crews locate you in the event of an emergency (the same way that your landline will give away your location). I’m talking about new Smart Phones that actually integrate with new GPS devices, allowing you to receive voice guided driving directions, trip planning, toll road avoidance, on the fly off-course rerouting, and now even real time-traffic information that will allow you to reroute to avoid heavy congestion. And for the cell phone purist, these new phones can even make and receive phone calls!

And just like other new GPS systems you’ll have access to a huge database with points of interest. Need to know the nearest gas station? No problem. You can also find the nearest restaurant, movie theatre, and even a parking garage – which is especially helpful if you’re in an unfamiliar city. And if you happen to be somewhere where you don’t have a detailed map – no problem – this isn’t just a GPS unit, it’s a Smart Phone so you can download the map you need. The new SmartPhone GPS devices can easily replace your in-car navigation system.

Probably the most widely used device for making your Smart Phone an advanced GPS is the TomTom Mobile 5 http://www.gpsmaestro.com/tomtom/tomtommobile5). It’s currently only available for a limited number of Smart Phones (check TomTom’s site for a list of supported phones). But for the phones it works with you’ll get an impressive list of features and you’ll even be able to change the voice of the navigator to something more entertaining (Darth Vader, anyone?). If you happen to live in the UK, you can also get access to real time safety camera information.

This is, of course, just the next step in the ever evolving cell phone. Soon new cell phones will have GPS navigation technology built in and probably more features you’ve never even thought to ask for.

About The Author

Gary Ruplinger is the webmaster and writer for GPS Maestro, site offering tips, tools, and reviews for GPS Devices. To learn more, please visit http://www.gpsmaestro.com.

What Are GPS Systems and What Are They Good For?
by: Shakib Nassiri

GPS systems all started out in the army in the year 1970. In the army, many soldiers needed navigation systems to know their directions around other countries. Without this device it would be really hard for them to find their way around. This device has saved much of the soldiers time in war and has also saved them many lives. GPS systems are very powerful devices and are a great navigation system to use to get around. So what exactly are GPS systems?

GPS which stands for global positioning system, according to dictionary.com is: A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

GPS systems have gone for beyond just serving the army. They now serve just about everyone. These navigation systems help drivers find there way through city streets and help hikers find their way through the rough terrains of the mountains. They also help pilots find their way around the skies as well as helping mariners find their way around the great sea. The GPS systems technology can help serve anyone in need of it.

GPS systems are especially a great thing to have for men, and I’m sure all women would agree. As everyone knows men don’t ask for directions. If a man is just to cool to ask for directions he could simply use his navigation system and would never get lost and of course would never have to ask for directions again. This saves the time of the wife who always would have to end up asking for directions. If you really think about it, using the GPS to get directions is a form of asking for directions, but shhhh don’t tell any man this.

When you decide to buy a GPS system for yourself, I would recommend any Garmin GPS. Garmin’s are the number one brand name for GPS’s and I’ve heard nothing but good things from people who have bought them. By all means do your research on all different types of GPS systems but at the end you’ll realize that no other navigation system can beat the Garmin brand.

About The Author

Shakib Nassiri, CEO of SplayTech – For the lowest priced GPS systems or any other consumer electronics product please visit http://www.splaytech.com

GPS Buying Tips For Technophobes
by: Gary Ruplinger

Black glasses with masking tape holding them together and a pocket protector are no longer a required part of the uniform for GPS owners. GPS has gone mainstream. But if you’re still not up to date on what it is and how it works, and if you’d like some advice on what to buy, this article will bring you up to speed.

A GPS device is like a map on steroids. First of all, it always gives you that little “You Are Here” dot – you no longer need to figure that out for yourself. And all you need to do is tell it where you want to go and it will plot the course for you. It doesn’t end there, however. New GPS units will provide you with voice guided directions for the entire trip, tell you where the nearest gas station is, and will even put you back on course if you take a wrong turn.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a system of 28 satellites orbiting earth. It was originally developed for military use, but its uses have spread far beyond just military applications. Your GPS unit can receive signals from these satellites, and by using these signals, calculates your position (within 3-10 meters), direction, altitude, and velocity. Once your GPS unit knows where you are, it can help you get to where you’re going as long as it has mapping software installed. All but the most basic GPS devices currently have mapping software.

Now that you know a little bit about what a GPS device is and how it works, it’s time to educate yourself on the features available and decide which unit will best suit your needs. There is certainly no shortage of GPS devices available, so doing a little research can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Step 1 - Which type of GPS do you need?

There are four main types of GPS units; the car navigation system, the portable outdoors unit, the marine system, and the PDA/GPS hybrid.

If you’re mainly planning on using your GPS to get you from point A to B in your car and don’t think you’d use it for much else, your best bet is the in-car navigation system. These systems can be built in to your car or you can purchase a device that mounts onto your dashboard. Desirable features for the in-car systems are: voice guided directions; detailed built in maps; touch screens; rerouting in case you get off course; and a database with points of interest to help you find the nearest gas station, restaurant, and many more places along your route.

If you’re going to want a GPS device that isn’t limited to the car, then you may want to consider a handheld GPS (http://www.gpsmaestro.com/handheld). These devices are ideal for anyone who loves to hike or bike. Features to look for in a handheld unit are: lightweight, rugged, waterproofing, long battery life, color screens, and mapping features. The handheld GPS units are geared towards people who spend a significant amount of time outside. For example, if you’re out hiking you can easily track where you’ve been; mark your own points of interest; and even find out how far you’ve gone and at what speed. Many new handheld devices offer some navigation features while driving. You can even purchase handheld units that offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your party, but will also display everyone’s location on your screen.

If being on the water and fishing is your thing then you should probably consider a marine GPS. These units are specifically designed to be on and around water. All of these units will feature waterproofing and should have screens that are easy to read even in bright sunlight. Some other good features to look for are: color chart plotters, onshore and offshore maps, fish hotspots, and sonar capability. You may also want to consider a unit that will function as your car navigator, eliminating the need for two devices.

The final category of GPS device is the PDA/GPS hybrid. This device offers a good combination of the car navigation systems and handheld devices. You’ll get the large screen that you’d find in the car system and the portability of a handheld unit. Also, you get a PDA to help you keep organized. One drawback is the limited selection of these units. Only a few companies have attempted to make an integrated unit, and all have some serious limitations.

If you are considering a PDA/GPS hybrid, I’d recommend you purchase the PDA separately from the GPS. Find a PDA that offers all the features you want in your PDA, then look for a GPS receiver that will attach to your PDA via Bluetooth. The features to watch for are the same as listed for the in car systems. All of the current PDA/GPS devices are better suited towards driving than hiking, although they do offer the portability for outdoor activities if needed. This category probably offers the most potential of the four, but it is also the newest, so watch for significant improvements in this category in the future.

Step 2 - Budget Considerations

If you’re on a budget, then it’s important to decide which features are most important to you. If you want a full featured car navigation system, it can easily run over $1000 (and over $2000 if you want one that’s built in). If, however, it would be more of a toy to play with, then a handheld device could be a better choice as they can be as low as $100 and are rarely more than $500. Marine GPS devices vary widely in prices, but a very good device can usually be purchased for no more than $1000. If the PDA/GPS devices interest you, they typically range from $400-$900.

Step 3 - Where to Buy

Finding the right store to purchase your GPS device can be difficult. Most stores only carry one or two kinds of GPS. For example, if you go to a sporting goods store you’re likely to find the handheld GPS units and marine GPS units but not the car navigation or the PDA/GPS hybrids. I actually prefer shopping online for GPS units as the prices will likely be lower, and you’ll be able to read user reviews of the items before you buy. Just make sure that if you have a problem with your GPS you are able to return it.

Owning a GPS can be extremely helpful, especially if you tend to get lost a lot or if your glove compartment is overflowing with outdated maps. They can also make planning a long trip to an unfamiliar area a breeze. Deciding which GPS to purchase can be difficult, but as long as you make a list of the features you absolutely must have then all you have to do is find the units that match your budget. Read reviews from other owners and you should have no trouble at all. Once you purchase your own GPS unit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.

About The Author

Gary Ruplinger is the webmaster and writer for GPS Maestro, site offering tips, tools, and reviews for GPS Devices. To learn more, please visit http://www.gpsmaestro.com.