| I think by now just about everyone knows about | | | | option. These devices like their aftermarket |
| GPS devices. Lots of people are using the | | | | counterparts are normally mounted to the |
| technology today that once relegated to pocket | | | | dashboard in easy view for the driver. Some of |
| protector geeks with black frame glasses. I know | | | | the more desirable features to have are the |
| those of us who fish offshore would never leave | | | | detailed built in maps, voice guided directions and |
| home without it now, I don't know how we ever | | | | the points of interest database which will call |
| did without it. If you are still lacking a little in the | | | | attention to things like restaurants and service |
| knowledge of GPS and how the system works | | | | stations. |
| here are a few hints to get you started. | | | | The handheld portable units are a great choice if |
| If you haven't ever used a GPS, a simple | | | | you want flexibility and the option of using the unit |
| explanation is that it is like a live animation map | | | | outside of the car. For people who like hiking or |
| that moves as you move. If you are looking for | | | | hunting these are great. You should look for one |
| a specific location the GPS can take you there, if | | | | that is waterproof with a color screen and a |
| you don't know where you are the GPS can tell | | | | batter that will last for a long duration. Also look |
| you. It is a super cool tool to have. | | | | for programmable mapping features. You will want |
| The GPS tracking technology has come a long | | | | to be able to upload maps of rural areas you may |
| way with GPS devices available today that | | | | be going to, or if using it near shore, you will want |
| actually speak to you. These gadgets will now tell | | | | marine maps. |
| you when to turn, how far ahead your destination | | | | As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore |
| is, and even how far to the nearest gas station. | | | | fisherman and wouldn't even consider fishing |
| So how do you decide which specific device you | | | | offshore now without a GPS. If you are fishing in |
| need out of all the GPS systems on the market? | | | | tournaments you can't even begin to compete |
| First, you can break all of the devices into four | | | | without one. These systems are very durable and |
| main categories which are: automobile navigation, | | | | since they are designed for marine conditions, |
| marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer | | | | they are waterproof. They will offer such |
| PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm | | | | features as chart plotting in full color, sonar, |
| now. | | | | programmable maps, and even fishing hot spots. |
| The automotive systems are primarily used by | | | | The newer hybrid system now available offers a |
| people who travel for a living or use their vehicles | | | | blend of the GPS technology with a PDA. These |
| in outside sales. There are many manufacturers | | | | are relatively new and only a handful of |
| now offering the option of having the units built | | | | companies are offering them. The one that I am |
| into the vehicle and it has become a very popular | | | | most familiar with is the Palm Treo. |