Friday, April 11, 2008

Choose The Best GPS With GPS Reviews

Bank holidays, Easter, and Christmas always involve lots of driving. I don't know why we put ourselves through it? You spend hours in the car, stuck in traffic, turning to the map to avoid the traffic and then getting into an argument with your partner over reading the map when you've taken a wrong turn.

But if you are planning on spending this much time in your automobile then there are a number of gadgets that can not only help you while away the time as you work your way through another traffic jam, but also get you from a to b. Here are some of our favourites.

Power Extras USB Car Charger And Adapter

With more gadgets in the car, powering them is starting to become an issue. The Power Extras USB Car Charger And Adapter is exactly what it sounds like it is. A dongle that plugs into your cigarette lighter splitting your lighter into two sockets so you can power a mobile phone and your satnav device, for example. However rather than be happy with just that, the unit also squeezes two USB sockets on the side so you can charge anything that can be charged via USB, like your phone, a digital camera or anything else. If you find yourself constantly looking to swap out your satnav charger the moment it has got enough juice to run of its own accord, this is the gadget to save you the bother.

Navman S90

The Navman S90 takes on TomTom and Garmin in the high-end satnav market and is the flagship of the S-series from the company. The unique selling point of the S90i is that is comes with a camera allowing to you snap the places you want to navigate back to later. It's clear that this is Navman making sure they stay with the lead pack rather than steaming out in front, but the unit is simple to read, crisp, and has a clear interface.

Garmin nuvi 710

Garmin's latest satnav range offers a bigger screen, more functionality and a host of new features. The nuvi 710 is the bottom of the four new 700 series models and therefore doesn't come with the same functionality as the other models in the range, however studying the spec sheet there isn't much missing. The Garmin nuvi 710 is a good satnav solution that offers plenty to its users. The move to a more converging device will appeal to a lot of drivers and the inclusion of Bluetooth and an FM transmitter will mean two less gadgets cluttering up your dashboard. Overall this is a good unit with clear mapping and a user interface, however for the price you will be able to get all the above cheaper from other makers.

TomTom 520

TomTom has updated its range to follow in the thin widescreen footsteps of the TomTom One and the TomTom 520 features a 4.3-inch screen. For the extra 100 pounds on top of the TomTom One you get a stack of useful features that you are likely to use on a daily basis. The larger screen, the FM transmitter, the speech recognition address input and the more. It might be pushing up the price of satnavs again and compared to the entry-level stuff available a bigger jump. But if you are looking for a unit that does more than just give you the A to B, then this is worth a closer look.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Choose-The-Best-GPS-With-GPS-Reviews/154360

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Vehicle Tracking System Myths Debunked

Vehicle tracking through the use of GPS tracking systems is a relatively new technology being utilised in all manner of industries. Some have had major concerns with the implementation of systems as yet another encroachment of the 'Big Brother' culture. These common misconceptions while reasonable can be debunked with knowledge of the industry and better understanding of the way in which vehicle tracking systems work.

The first misconception often made by businesses when considering a tracking system is that they trust their staff and so do not need to employ the technology. It must be understood however that these GPS tracking systems are not put in place to keep tags on employees but instead to make businesses more efficient and cost effective. They can do this by maximising fuel usage and providing safety and security for drivers whilst also creating faster response times for call outs.

Another myth that needs to be debunked is that employees will strike or walkout if a vehicle tracking system is implemented. This is a common misconception and while employees may be originally suspicious of these technologies, once they have used the system they will grow accustomed to it. Research has shown that vehicle tracking systems actually make driver's jobs easier by eliminating endless paperwork and decreasing the time spent on the road.

Another myth that many businesses believe is that the installation of a vehicle tracking system will be difficult to install and use. New technologies tend to create apprehensiveness with customers but this need not be the case. The installation of a GPS box in every vehicle and software back at the headquarters can be installed quickly and easily and with a little training almost anyone can learn to use the software efficiently and effectively.

Some have surmised that GPS vehicle tracking is an unnecessary technology; many believe that the job can be carried out just as effectively with the use of mobile phones. The benefit of having real time vehicle location is invaluable and when combined with mileage assessments and other applications can actively reduce running costs. It is worth remembering that a mobile phone can be easily turned off or left in the vehicle, they are in no way an all encompassing solution.

Some think that the current vehicle tracking systems on the market today are all the same. This is a misnomer as basic packages will simply track vehicles and not work towards increasing efficiency. With so many added applications that can work towards changing the way business is done, the benefits can be huge if you are willing to utilise a system that will do more than simply track your fleet.

With a lack of understanding of vehicle tracking technology some still think that the system is a product. This however is not the case; most systems are in fact services carried out by an external operator. The service contract will usually last a number of years so it is advisable to get a good idea of what the service includes before signing any agreements.

Some may think these systems are an unnecessary and expensive outlay. While a vehicle tracking system is a considerable investment, it is just that; an investment. The rewards that will be reaped as your business becomes more efficient and cost effective will recoup the initial outlay in matter of months.

GPS tracking systems are a new technology and hence many feel they have yet to prove their worth. While this may be the case for logistics businesses, GPS systems and satellite navigation systems have been used for decades and have proven their worth countless times. It is only now that the commercial uses for the technology are finally being realised.

Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to revealing the truth about vehicle tracking systems. In the logistics industry it rapidly becoming the case that businesses shouldn't consider whether they can afford a tracking system but instead whether their business can afford not to have one.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Vehicle-Tracking-System-Myths-Debunked/153734