10 Top Portable GPS Devices For 2010 Christmas Gifts

There are Portable GPS units for a variety of uses. The most popular of of course is for use in cars, but you can also use Portable GPS devices for use on the golf course, when mountain climbing, boating, running, swimming, biking, motorcycle riding & hiking. Do your homework and/or research, but here are 10 top products that you can buy your special someone for Christmas in 2010.

Car GPS

1.) Garmin Nuvi 855 - As far as Car GPS, the Garmin Nuvi 855 is a top of the line Portable GPS device. Small, user-friendly, & reliable without breaking the bank. You can pick these up for less than $125. This unit has a slick, ultra-thin design that could easily fit in your pants pocket. It also includes speech recognition, which allows you to speak menu options and keep your eyes on the road.

2.) TomTom XXL 540M - The XXL 540M comes preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico and lifetime map updates and is also preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories--gas stations, restaurants, hotels and ATMs. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can directly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device.

Motorcycle GPS

1.) Garmin Zumo 660 - This motorcycle-friendly navigator was built to lead you on all of your two-wheeled adventures. Whether you're on a weekday ride just across town or a weeklong trip to an annual rally with friends, the zmo 660 is ready to show you the way. The Zumo 660 GPS motorcycle navigator features 3-D buildings, lane assist with junction view and a 4.3-inch sunlight-readable, glove-friendly touchscreen display. Both a motorcycle mount with hardware and an automotive mount are included, so your Zumo is ready to navigate right out of the box.

2.) TomTom Rider 2 - highly-developed for bikers by bikers, The Rider is one of the very best navigation devices for Motorcycle use. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just mount the unit on your bike, and you're ready to hit the open road. Turn-by-turn spoken directions guide you safely door-to-door to any address in the United States or Canada.

Handheld GPS

1.) Garmin Oregon 550T - The navigator with the photographic memory--Oregon 550t combines rugged outdoor touchscreen navigation with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera. Add preloaded U.S. topo maps, along with high-sensitivity GPS, barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass and microSD card slot. The result? A multipurpose device that will make your biggest adventures even more memorable.

2.) Delorme Earthmate PN-60 - Includes:

- Intuitive icon-based user interface for easy on-device navigation

- Elevation profile cutaway views that pinpoint the user's position

- GPX file exchange (waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches) to SD card for ease and flexibility in archiving collected GPS data

- Latest DeLorme power management system with ambient light sensor for optimal battery life

- 3.5 GB of user-available Flash memory

Running GPS

1.) Garmin Forerunner 305 - Garmin's release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything, the Garmin 305 extends the limits of what is possible when wearing a watch-like device.

2.) Garmin Forerunner 310XT - The 310XT is water-proof, so swimming with is totally possible. The rugged Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete's indispensable training tool--a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate (optional), and goes from wrist to bike in seconds.

Golf GPS

1.) Sky Caddie SV 3.5 - The SkyCaddie SG3.5 gives you an eagle's eye view of the hole to propose critical distances you need to play confidently and shoot lower scores. All the information you need is presented clearly on a glorious color display, powered by three triple-A batteries, and users who join the member community can access up to 30,000 course maps.

2.) Callaway uPro Go - The Callaway uPro Go is a cutting edge, full color GPS device, preloaded with over 18,000 courses across the U.S. and Canada. Providing lifelike detail with proprietary imagery processes and the ability to make up to the minute measurements based on your actual location, the uPro Go delivers the technology to change your game.

By: Steven Hollingsworth - GPS Fanatic

For more information on other Portable GPS products, visit: http://gps-portable.net

The Great GPS Devices Cage Match: Cell Phones Vs Portable GPS Units Vs Car DVDs

Have you ever been in a scenario where you were going somewhere and found yourself lost in a place you had never been before? That could be really daunting, and quite a hopeless situation, particularly for people who have no sense in direction whatsoever.

It's a good thing that cell phones are quite familiar fixtures in many people's gadget collection that you can simply call someone and ask for directions. Though what if you don't know where you are at right then?

Wouldn't it be a great thing if you find another handy use for your DVD player and cell phone - like supporting you get to where you're going using GPS capabilities? A great number of the cell phones and car DVD players now have GPS functionality.

These gadgets can pinpoint your exact location and help you get to where you want to go as accurately and safely as is humanly able. But which device would be right for you? Let's figure it out.

What's Available

The following are some of the most common and readily available GPS, or Global Positioning System, devices that you can access.

* Car DVD Players with GPS Capabilities

The majority of mid - high priced car DVD players available today offer some form of GPS navigation. Aside from using satellite technology to pinpoint your location, these devices has its core purpose built-in around playing those rare CD's and DVD's that took an eternity to collect.

The device is fed directly to your car van or truck battery eliminating the need to recharge it before you utilize it and is hooked up directly to your car's speakers for superior audio quality. What's more is that if the car DVD comes installed with a device called picture in picture imaging you will be able to run the GPS navigation system while you are doing other tasks like dialing a number on the handsfree phone or backing out of your driveway.

* Handheld GPS Navigators

These portable tools can be snapped on or off from a mounting unit on your dashboard and would require no intricate installation. And to make the larger models of portable GPS unit competitive in the car DVD market makers have installed Bluetooth receivers and FM transmitters so that drivers can use their handheld GPS devices as handsfree calling kits just like they do with car DVD players. However the biggest feature is its price which is between 30% and 50% cheaper than car DVD systems.

* GPS-Capable Cell Phones

Mobile phones didn't really appear in the GPS equation until 2005 when the FCC said that all mobile phones (smart or otherwise) needed some form of GPS tracking device. This functionality is good for two additional purposes aside from having conversations and sending SMS on your mobile phone. First is that the mobile phone can be used to get driving directions to get you to where you want to go, and the second one is to guide the ambulance, fire service, police and other emergency response units to get to your exact location should you be caught up in a vehicular accident.

Which GPS Device Will Suit You Best?

New and upcoming GPS devices are stuffed with a wide variety of features that go beyond the main function of the device of giving positional information that it would seem very hard to choose which device would be right for you. The comparison that follows can provide some insight to help you in this instance.

* Car DVD Players Vs Portable GPS Navigators Vs Cell Phones

People who choose car DVD players with GPS capabilities usually do so for three of the following reasons: its GPS functionality; connectivity to cell phones allowing hands-free use; and its core function of playing CDs, DVDs and other multimedia files. The LCD screen varies in sizes but many units come with a 7-inch, 800x400 pixel resolution that provide ample viewing quality for normal use.

The portable GPS unit with a seven inch screen and a car DVD player with a seven inch screen may not seem that different at all.

GPS navigators can't play CDs or DVDs directly, but they do reproduce converted music and other multimedia loaded into its memory. The sound output may not be as great as DVD players as GPS navigational aids make use of its FM transmitter or Bluetooth connection to hook up to the car's sound system. the portable GPS is just that, portable while the car DVD is anything but. And of course - the big price difference.

While comparing a car DVD to a smartphone is doesn't need to be done there is a lot of merit in comparing handheld GPS navigation units to cell phones.

Portable GPS units tend to have larger screens than GPS ready cell phones which means that they are better for using in the car and watching movies. GPS capable cell phones fit more comfortably into purses and pockets

And again portable GPS units frequently work out to be much cheaper than smart phones.

Selecting the right form of GPS all boils down to your preference as to which functionality would be in your priority list. A car DVD player is a better choice for anybody who likes their movies to look crisp and their audio to sound fantastically clear. If its portability and price you want, then go for portable GPS navigators or even cell phones. The choice is yours.

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The Use of GPS Devices For Convenience and Safety

Today's high tech advancements allow individuals, businesses and the military a number of amazing options. One of the most utilized options is global positioning systems that are commonly referred to as GPS devices. These can be used to discern the location of a given person, place or thing. It can also assist travelers in the task of getting from point A to point B.

Businesses (that employ mobile employees) can monitor their movements, speeds and present location through the use of such contemporary applications. This technology can be found in cell phones, dashboard units and units that are more inconspicuous and placed out of sight.

Mobile units that are intended for uses such as hiking or climbing are referred to as dedicated devices. These GPS devices are designed to be rugged and withstand various bouts of falls, bumps and drops. They can also be waterproof. The screen is normally small and without color. In addition to these rugged versions, there are also devices that were intended to be used in vehicles. They commonly offer the user a larger screen and usually in color. While they may not be indestructible, they do provide other advantages to the users. These can be dashboard mounted or integrated in the electrical system of the vehicle itself.

Another type of technology that incorporates the use of GPS devices are cell phones. Today it is required by the FCC that all cell phones come with the ability to activate a GPS signal for those wishing to do so. This gives cell phone users a mobile phone tracking device that can be used for a number of reasons. As today's phones continue to get smarter, one is able to ascertain a location and then download maps to gain access to an individual or vehicle. To maintain competition at its highest level, many companies are now offering software for in car laptops to assist with navigation. This offers the user a larger screen and easier use through the keyboard.

Regardless of your reason for needing GPS Devices, there is an option that is sure to meet your needs. If you are the outdoors activist and enjoy exploring the great finds in the wild, owning a GPS is one of the smartest choices you can make. Not only will they assist you in your travels, they can also assist those that maybe looking for you or help you in an emergency situation.

Parents often find that a locating device for their children, younger and teenage, is not only a convenient option but also may save their child's life if one is ever in an urgent situation.

Jerrico Usher owns and operates http://www.gpsdevicereview.com

GPS Devices

Mountek MT5000 CD Slot Mount - Universal Hands Free Car Mount for Cell Phones, Satellite Radios & GPS Devices

Shopping for a reliable, high-quality mount for your mobile device? The revolutionary MOUNTEK MT5000 solution will hold virtually any small portable gadget, such as cellular phones, GPS receivers, satellite radio players and more! PATENT PENDING DESIGN. It uses NO SUCTION CUPS, NO CLIPS, NO SCREWS, and it requires NO TOOLS. Best part, it won't obstruct your view of the road. This one installs directly into your CD player slot or in between the grooves of your dash. FAQs: My charge port is located on the side of my phone. Will this allow for me to charge it at the same time? Absolutely. Simply detach the support bar located at the bottom of the cradle, and you can easily mount your phone with the charge port exposed. Will the blade fit into a cassette tape slot? Unfortunately not, but we do have an adapter in development. Will the blade activate the CD's auto loader? Although all CD players are made differently, the plastic blade is not long enough to activate the auto loading function. It is now against the law to hold your phone while driving. With the MT5000, you can use your device hands free and promote a safer highway.

Price: $24.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

HandStands Sticky Pad Dash Mount for GPS Devices - Black

The Sticky Pad GPS Dash Mount uses patented sticky technology to securely hold any GPS device to virtually any dashboard. Rest your cell phone, ipod, or glasses alongside your GPS without ever worrying about them flying off and obstructing your view of the road. Designed to prevent slipping and promote safe driving the Dash Mount remains anchored with the GPS intact while turning tight corners and even coming to a sudden stop. This sleek model features a 3.25 inch diameter rigid mounting surface that has proved to work in vehicles worldwide, and is now legal in all 50 states. Suction around the edges of the sticky pad allow it to conform to virtually any flat surface on your dashboard and supports any version of the GPS system. Lightweight and durability combine to create the perfect traveling companion with its easy stow ability. Whether it's placed under the seat or stored in a carry-on bag there is absolutely no hassle

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon