Handheld GPS Navigation Systems

The option for handheld GPS Navigation is to use a dedicated handheld device or incorporate Bluetooth GPS receiver to give GSP Navigation capability into your existing PDA.

Manufactured Handheld GPS Devices

Most handheld devices are fairly robust – with the tramper and cyclist in mind.  A typical handheld GPS navigation device, such as the Garmin Nüvi 350 - a pocket-size navigation device features:

• voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions
• detailed street maps
• extensive POI database
• built-in MP3 and JPEG player
• plays audiobooks
• currency and measurement converter
• calculator
• download European maps and a language guide.

PDA Integrated GPS Receiver

Uses an add-on adapter such as the Belkin Bluetooth GPS compact receiver, which utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect your PDA and GPS receiver without the need for wires. A typical conversion pack comes with:

• built-in antennas
• mapping software
• productivity and connectivity tools
• vehicle-mounting cradle
• 12-volt adapters
• 12-channel GPS receiver
  

Personal GPS Fitness Support Systems

Several handheld or personal units have fitness support features such as heart rate monitors, cadence, timing functions etc

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor Garmin Forerunner 205 Wrist-Mounted GPS Personal Training Device Garmin Forerunner 101 Wrist-Mounted GPS Personal Training Device

• Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
• Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Handheld GPS Navigator
• Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld Marine GPS Navigator
• Magellan eXplorist 200 16MB Handheld GPS Navigator
• Garmin Rino 530 GPS-Integrated FRS / GMRS 2-Way Radio

Bluetooth GPS Receiver

Transforming a PDA into a Global Positioning System (GPS) device has been possible for several years. However, up until recently, these GPS modules were not integrated into the form factor. Instead, they required the use of a CompactFlash slot, a cabling configuration, or a sledlike apparatus to connect to the handheld device. This resulted in bulky, unattractive GPS units.

Bluetooth wireless technology changed this to allow use of a fully functional handheld navigation system without these additional factors. A free expansion slot provides for memory intensive maps to be stored on an SD card, instead of using up onboard capacity.

Receivers come with software that typically includes maps of the region, a points-of-interest (POI) database, and route recalculation.

Features to compare between models are:

1. rated battery life
2. included accessories
3. satellite reception technology - Some models have more advanced technology for better satellite reception, such as the Belkin GPS receiver.
4. CompactFlash GPS add-ons

Recommended makes and models of GPS receivers include

• TeleType
• DeLorme

The three major PDA manufacturers: Dell, HP, and PalmOne each offer Bluetooth GPS receivers for their PDA’s.

An existing PDA that isn't Bluetooth ready, can become so using an adapter, such as Belkin's Bluetooth PDA and PC adapter combo card.

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