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. Since GPS devices hit the market a few years ago, traditional navigation devices and roadmaps have been left in the dust. Travelers these days can glance at a GPS screen right in the car, and get clear directions on where to go and how to get there. A GPS receiver is a small electronic device that can actually calculate your precise location on earth. The GPS is able to decode signals sent from satellites in outer space, and use those signals to tell you where you are at any given time. When combined with specialized software and electronics, the GPS is able to pinpoint an exact location on a map, and give you instructions on how to get there. This fascinating technology becomes even more incredible when you discover that it can be had for 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. There is sometimes a problem with the integration of GPS receivers with PDAs. Connection between the two units is usually made using either conventional USB wires, or a CompactFlash (CF) CARD. The size of the GPS and PDA units together, and added to the added bulk of the CF card, can create a cumbersome traveler's tool. On the other hand, using USB wires is inconvenient and limits the overall usability of the navigation device. Many people, therefore, are turning to Bluetooth technology as the perfect traveler's companion. Bluetooth Solution 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 Bluetooth GPS receivers are electronic devices that use wireless technology or Bluetooth electronics to transmit GPS data. This data is transmitted to a second mobile device that is capable of handling the same technology. In other words, a Bluetooth GPS receiver can send data to a PDA, provided that PDA is also equipped with built-in Bluetooth capabilities. In addition to the ease and convenience of avoiding bulky CompactFlash cards and messy wires, there are other benefits to using Bluetooth technology with your GPS/PDA combination: Flexible Freedom 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 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. There are other benefits to using GPS equipment. Many Bluetooth GPS receivers offer companion features, such as a "Points of Interest" (POI) database, route re-calculation function and pre-stored maps. 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.
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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.
Author Rainer Cassell is a regular columnist for several popular web sites, on new product and electronic products issues. Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service
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