A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.
A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.
Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.
To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.
What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?
Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?
How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
What Price Is Suitable?
What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.
If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.
GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.
The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice
Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?
When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.
A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.
If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.
Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?
With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.
How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.
GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.
Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.
Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?
Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.
If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.
You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.
Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.
How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?
With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.
It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.
Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.
Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.
The Choice: Budget Considerations
In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.
It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.
If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.
To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit [http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk]http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_Simpson http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Choose-Your-Motorcycle-GPS-System&id=160870
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Professional golfers don't pay caddies 10% just to carry their clubs; the real value is all about the hours that the caddie spends mapping yardages and distances on the golf course. Obviously knowing detailed yardage information to every green, hazard or sand trap on a golf course will improve your game.
Golfing GPS and laser rangefinders are designed to bring the knowledge of a caddie to any golfer. Everyone I know who has tried either type of these yardage devices has experienced at least a couple strokes improvement per round.
Accurate Knowledge of Yardage for Each Club
One of the lesser appreciated benefit of a yardage device is for the golfer to know exactly how far you hit each of your golf clubs. This allows you to have much greater confidence when hitting a tough golf shot, over water or in front of a bunker.
For me, without a golf GPS or laser rangefinder, when I'm shooting over water, not only do I have to guess the carry distance, but also what the best club is for me to carry that yardage.
With a golf GPS or laser rangefinder, I can map all my clubs on the driving range and for example know that I hit my 8 iron anywhere from 140 - 155 yards. This improves my accuracy and more importantly improves confidence when making tough shots.
Improved Knowledge of the Golf Course
The primary benefit of GPS and rangefinders is to get insider knowledge of the course. Without these devices distance judgment is mostly guessing, "feel" and based on experience. If you're playing a new course the lack of specific yardage distances can lead to missed shots and cost you valuable strokes.
Having at hand the exact yardage to the front, center and back of the green, not only helps you judge what club to hit and how hard to hit it, but also can help you make better decisions.
A lot of good players, not only decide where to aim their shot, but also the preferred spot to miss. A yardage tool can help make these choices and make you a smarter player who shoots lower scores.
In conclusion, grabbing a laser rangefinder or golf GPS device and take strokes off your score and help you have a lot more fun, by bringing the course management and insider knowledge of a caddie to every round you play.
Smart golfers looking for improved confidence can visit the [http://www.yardagerangefinder.com/laser/]laser rangefinder review site which has fact based consumer reports on all golfers laser rangefinder systems including [http://www.yardagerangefinder.com/laser/bushnell-pinseeker-1500-slope/]Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Slope Reviews.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Symons http://EzineArticles.com/?Golf-With-a-Laser-Rangefinder-Or-Golf-GPS-Unit&id=1574124
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The makers of the Sonocaddie V300 are quite new to this market place but do not let that put you off this feature packed, stylish and compact golf GPS. As many Sonocaddie V300 user reviews report great results with it helping to shave strokes off their games.
The only drawback is that the bundled software is for windows based computers only; there is no option for Mac users. If you do have access to a Windows based computer the Sonocaddie V300 is worth serious consideration, over its more popular rivals. With many people who have used one of its competitors and the Sonocaddie V300 preferring the Sonocaddie.
While researching for this Sonocaddie V300 review we found many excellent user reports about it. It is a well designed easy to use system with the bundled software being intuitive and easy to use.
They have quite a unique pricing schedule for their course data. With the unit you get data for 5 courses of your choice. This allows you to view basic data of the hole you are playing. For people who travel more for their Golfing pleasure you can take out an annual subscription which gives the user access to more course information. On top of the extra courses you get a fantastic feature its 3-D birds-eye view of the whole hole, giving the Golfer a good idea before teeing off. This can as you can imagine give the user a great advantage especially on courses that they have not previously visited.
With so much going on with the screen you might expect that the screen maybe a little cluttered and hard to read the important information that you need. This is definitely not the case with the Sonocaddie it's intuitive software with simple easy to use function keys make it a breeze. You can even adjust the backlighting so viewing it should not be a issue even in bright sunlight. All the above and it still gives a good battery life from full charge giving up to 15hours use.
Another great feature that seems a trend with the newer breed of Golf GPS systems is the ability to track scores, distance and everything to do with you round for later comparison.
We hope that you have found the information you need in this Sonocaddie V300 Review. Overall it seems to be a very attractive option although not as well known as some of the other brands I think the company have a bright future in the market place and the Sonocaddie V300 GPS's will become more common place over time.
Before making any buying decisions, consult a complete [http://www.yardagerangefinder.com/golf-gps/sonocaddie-v300/]Sonocaddie V300 review of this personal golf GPS. Pay special attention to the comments, ratings and feedback by previous Sonocaddie V300 GPS owners.
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Attention: NEW GADGET ALERT!!!! The new SkyCaddie SG5 Pro is now available from SkyGolf, so before I went out and threw down my hard earned cash, I borrowed one from a friend and this is my short Skycaddie SG5 review. The latest unit from Skygolf boasts a new a large color display and a long-lasting rechargeable battery (hopefully the battery better than previous versions). Along with the patented Intelligreen Technology that was also on the previous SG4, the following are features of the new SG5 Pro.
Brilliant, outdoor-readable color display with automatic backlight
IntelliGreen technology
Rugged, water-resistant case
Drop-in lithium-rechargeable battery
LED battery charging indicator
Easy to use, one-handed operation
User-selectable color themes
I currently have the SG4 and the main complaint I have is that the battery only lasts for 2 full rounds. It doesn't appear that they have upgraded the battery for the SG5, because that's about the most life I got from the battery in that unit as well. Occasionally, the SG4 & the SG5 will take a long time to connect to the satellites. Even when it's showing that there are 3 or 4 satellites in the area, it can take a hole or more for yardages to show up. Because of this, I suggest that you fire the Skycaddie up as soon as you reach the course, to give it enough time to connect, before you tee off.
Honestly, the rest of the features on the SG5 are pretty much the same as the SG4. You still get yardages to objects such as large trees, bunkers, water hazards, end of fairways etc. With the Intelligreen system, you can move the flag position over the entire green to get accurate yardages to just about any spot they can think to put the flagstick. One of my favorite features on the Skycaddies is the ability to measure shot yardages. By simply pressing the "mark" button at your current location, and then again when you reach your ball, you will get accurate distances for the shot you just hit. This is a great way to learn how far you actually hit each club, and to have fun long drive competitions with your friends.
I never knew how off I was on my distances until I got a SkyCaddie and started hunting down pins. Other than the color screen, I don't see any huge benefit of the new SG5 over the previous models. MSRP on the SG5 is $429 on the SkyCaddie website, but you can still get the SG4 in the low $300's. I highly recommend a skycaddie to golfers of all levels. It may be the best piece of golf equipment you'll buy this year. Visit [http://www.netgolfgames.com/Skycaddie_sg5_reviews/reviews_on_skycaddie_sg5.html]SkyCaddie SG5 Reviews for more information and pricing.
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The first thing you will notice with this new brand of high tech golf wizardry is that it seems more like a PDA than a simple golf GPS. That's because it is more, much more!The simple nuts and bolts of this device would be what you would expect from any gps unit. It does tell you far away you are from the green, or hazards, whichever you're used to hitting first. That much is expected, but the the OnPar takes even this simple feature one, nay, two steps further. With time the OnPar can learn and make club suggestions (just in case you always wanted your own caddie). Also, if you decide that you're not Tiger, and maybe you can't reach the 500 yard par 5 in two, there's an answer to this too. Simply touch the screen to the area you're trying to hit to and the GPS will tell you the distance to there with the gratuitous club suggestions.
The fact that you turn it on before leaving the house should tell you as much. Why would you do that you ask. So did I before my first test drive. The OnPar actually will tell you how far you are from all the courses in the area. This device is as easy to use as it is functional. A large touch screen is also something new to the golf accessory world. Full color graphics and simple to use features let you know that this is the device you needed to put you in command of any course (and whoever you're golfing with).
I can't say enough good news about this device but I do have some cause for pause. My round with this GPS was flawless and I really loved using this piece of technology. However, this is a new piece of equipment and one can't help but wonder if there will be some issues. I have no history with the company nor a long time love affair with their GPS. What I do have is a nice honeymoon going and what seems to be a nice warranty. I do hope that all goes well and OnPar continues to grow and advance. For right now it seems OnPar is on track. http://golfaccessoriesreview.com/
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For drivers in North America who are tired of staring at maps and pulling into gas stations to get directions the new technology of GPS may be the answer. GPS or Global Positioning Systems are an inexpensive and reliable way of finding your exact position on the globe at any given time. For the driver this can mean never having to look a road map again. This is a brief introduction to the major brands of GPS units and some information about each.
Garmin offers two different types of GPS units and many models for each type. The larger of the two the Streetpilot is meant to be mounted in your car and provides street to street directions map and much more useful information during you trip. Some of the more recent models of the Streetpilot offer voicecapabilities and will vocally give a driver directions. The Quest offer many of the same features as the Streetpilot but it comes in a smaller handheld size and is battery powered. The Quest may be a better option if you often find your self leaving the car behind and need directions on foot.
Magellan is one of the oldest consumer level GPS manufacturers and they are still one of the finest. The Roadmates line of GPS units have been around for a while and the newest models are still in competition for the highest in quality. The newest models of Roadmates provide turn by turn directions to your destination with its internal speaker. This line of GPS units are powered by the cars cigarette lighter and mounts easily to most automobiles. The Roadmate 800 provides color 3-D maps on its 3” screen.
The newest brand of GPS unit comes from Tom-Tom. The Tom-Tom Go700 provides directions on it's 3.5” screen which gives its display in 3-D. The Go700 can give vocal directions in dozens of languages. The most interesting feature about this unit is it's Bluetooth capability allowing it to connect to cell phones to give weather, traffic and road conditions for your trip.
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Marine GPS systems have become most boaters' best friend. Depending on the reasons you need GPS Navigation, they can make it easy to find your way back to shore in unknown waters, navigate at night, and find large fish or avoid debris. History of Marine GPS: While it wasn't that long ago that boaters or mariners consulted star charts and latitude/longitude numbers to figure out their way back to land, Marine GPS navigation changed the need for the inaccurate tracking system that some could not figure out. GPS or global positioning systems came into vogue after the launch of satellites that could send a signal of latitude and longitude locations to figure exactly where anything was back on Earth.
This principal has been used in fishing sonars and marine GPS systems, that use anywhere from 12 to 24 satellites to figure out positioning. Why Using Marine GPS Navigation Systems? The answer is simple, it is more accurate, less hassle than previous methods to find out where you are on the open sea or any body of water for that matter. Also, the most important reason is for safety. Not only can it keep you from getting lost, but you can chart ways around tropical storms at sea, or alternate routes, for whatever reason.
The Future of Marine GPS: These GPS systems continue to get more sophisticated, and come in hand-held models, all the way up to marine GPS navigation lap top computers. Depending on the functions you want, you can find a marine GPS that can do whatever you want it to, when it comes to navigation, topography in foreign water bodies, or take it hiking and camping with you, if it is a hand-held portable marine GPS. Some of the larger cruisers and yachts use it to "auto-pilot" a ship, and navigate back to port in the dark of night. Advice On
Buying a Marine GPS: Be sure and research all of the models and functions for the type of 
Marine GPS navigation you are going to be doing. In other words, certain factors, like whether it will be for river fishing or ocean adventures can determine the model you need and the number of functions. If you are looking for a fish finder, you may not need an expensive Marine GPS system with all kinds of bells and whistles. Commercial fishermen, for example, would need them to not only get them back to shore, avoid the paths of storms, and find fish, but might need alarms for shallow reefs or other alarms where a normal recreational fisherman might not need these features.
Marine GPS navigation systems have gotten to be almost a requirement for all types of water navigation, and finding a marine GPS unit is easy at retailers, but especially online, where the choices are unlimited. As more manufacturers have gotten into the GPS systems, even cell phones are GPS capable now. It's all a matter of the number of functions you need for what you are going to be doing, when it comes to marine 
GPS navigation.
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