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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Portable Friction Mount for Dashboard

When you own a navigation system, you should also consider purchasing a portable friction mount. Try to invest on an affordable, efficient, and dependable mount. In some places, the use of windshield mount is prohibited and so the best choice would be a dashboard mount. It is not only efficient but is also very functional. With the non-skid feature, you can be sure that it will not slip off even when you're driving on a bumpy road. It is important that you get durable and quality mounts that will keep your GPS secured.

There are mounts that are exclusively designed for Garmin Nuvi, StreetPilot, or Nextar. When you own a 285w, 225w, 72, and other wt models, you should get a suitable mount. You have to establish a budget that will work for you. The designs of the mount also vary. For the windshield mount, there are simple ones like the gooseneck design. Again, you have to check if this type of mount is not illegal in your state. If it is, you should stick with the dashboard style. With these options, you will be able to enjoy your drive. Don't keep your navigation system inside your pocket or bag; display it on the dash using a reliable mount.

The GPS will serve as your mapsource instead of using the conventional maps. Having an automobile will allow you to travel with ease. If you're in a hurry, you can adjust the device at eye level so that you can check your location. Most devices come with emergency locators and traffic updates that will guide you on the right routes to take. Finding the best deals is quite easy with the aid of the internet. As you shop for the GPS, you should already get a mount for your car.

Mounting the navigation system is the best solution, so that you don't have to hold it while driving. Safety is the primary objective when you're out on the road. You will never get lost regardless of the place where you're driving. Most devices are loaded with millions of maps and details about a certain location. Hurry and find a portable friction mount today. You can check the local stores in your area. You can find the friction mount on the car accessories section. If the choices are limited, then you can proceed with online shopping. Be sure to do your homework and read product reviews to make an informed decision.

For more information about Portable Friction Mount, please visit http://www.PortableFrictionMount.net

Find Your Way Fast With a Portable GPS in Your Car

Portable vehicle GPS is very efficient when you are driving to your hometown, visiting a neighboring place or on a road trip. GPS devices can guide you in searching places to dine in, track cheap gas stations, and elude traffic. These GPS devices utilize a host of satellites to ascertain places and can be your guide to reach your destination. Currently, portable vehicle GPS system is used to ascertain location, route and velocity of vehicles and provide appropriate direction to motorists. This vehicle GPS can be installed in the dashboard of your vehicle or kept as a portable device and possess varied features like text-to speech, traffic updates, display selections and also mapping systems.

This portable vehicle GPS is basically less expensive than built in ones. The portable GPS does not entail professional installation and is simply taken to the other vehicle. This device can simply be mounted on cars' dashboard and power-driven through a 12v cigarette lighter in your vehicle. You need not fret over getting lost if you have a portable GPS system with you. GPS is certainly a must have accessory for your vehicle especially if you are always on a trip. Portable GPS have developed throughout these years, now you may simply hold it in your hands as you travel from one place to another. GPS is surely a very significant device to guarantee your own personal safety so that you can travel to other places even without bringing with you a traditional map and never worrying about getting lost on your way.

At first GPS system is only utilized by official personnel in the US but these days the public are enjoying the advantages of owning a portable mapping system that they can bring with them wherever they are out on a trip. This device is often utilized for business particularly by land surveyors. The surveyors utilized these units to sketch roads, map areas, and search for markers, mark boundaries and borders and of course getting to the proper destination. These units are very convenient because of its capacity to keep data and you may also hooked these units to your laptop to store additional information that will be of big help to you later on.

These units are also utilized during emergencies by police forces and fire fighters and volunteers. Emergency workers covering a wide area can benefit from these GPS units to aid them in searching for convenient routes to arrive quickly at the emergency or fire scene. With the advancement in portable GPS devices, numerous modern units now provide the latest traffic updates which make these workers avoid routes that will basically slow their rescue operations. The utilization of these portable units is basically endless. Just make certain that what you are purchasing is in accordance to your requisites and usage purposes.

Portable GPS systems are highly accessible in the market and if you surf online you will be surprised by the limitless options that you may have. There are cheaper GPS units while some are quite expensive. Be sure to opt for GPS units that will best cater to your needs. Portable vehicle GPS system has truly made the lives of every individual easier and convenient. Manufacturers have continuously searched for ways to make these units more useful to meet the demands of modern society so we may expect state-of-the-art GPS units sold in local stores near your area.

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Gilsson UBM Portable Car Non-Skid Friction Beanbag Dashboard Mount for Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and more

Gilsson Universal Portable Friction Beanbag Mount Base, works with existing suction cup mounts for iPod iPhone Smartphone GPS PDA XM devices - Very Stable and Non-Slippery. CA and MN laws prohibit the use of windshield mount.

Price: $26.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

The widescreen nüvi 1350T adds free traffic alerts to the nüvi 1350. In addition, this ultra-thin GPS has preloaded maps for North America or Europe, announces streets by name, guides you to the proper lane for navigation, offers pedestrian navigation options and calculates a more fuel-efficient route with ecoRoute.

Ultra-thin, affordable, feature-rich navigation with traffic alerts. Click to enlarge.

With nüvi 1350T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. Click to enlarge.

Easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Click to enlarge.

Preloaded with nearly 6 million points of interest. Click to enlarge.

Includes a wealth of travel tools and more. Click to enlarge.

Navigate City Transit
With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, nüvi 1350T is the perfect travel companion for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorer content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with prices as low as $9.99, you'll have money left over to spend in the big city.

Take It With You
Twenty-five percent slimmer than other nüvis, you can take the ultra-thin 1350T anywhere. It easily fits in your pocket or purse, and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.

See More
With nüvi 1350T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.

Get Turn-by-Turn Directions
nüvi 1350T's intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps, nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and the speed limit for most major roads. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. With the 1350T's enhanced user interface, you can slide your finger to conveniently scroll between screens. You can also upload custom points of interest (POIs). And with HotFix satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Receive Free Traffic Alerts
Steer clear of traffic with nüvi 1350T's integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime* traffic updates. Receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Next, simply touch nüvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 1350T saves you gas and money with ecoRoute--a green feature that calculates the most fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more. The 1350T includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. It's also compatible with MSN Direct (receiver purchase and subscription required). With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The 1350T features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom custom voices and vehicles. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards.

What's in the Box
nüvi 1350, pre-loaded City Navigator NT for North America, lifetime traffic, FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable, vehicle suction cup mount, and quick start manual.

Compare all Garmin nüvis
Click the button below to compare by series, user type, and features.

Visit Garmin.com at https://www8.garmin.com/support/download.jsp to get the latest firmware updates for your nüvi to keep it current and performing at its best.

*Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter. Traffic content not available for all areas. See www.navteq.com/rdstraffic for traffic coverage areas and www.garmin.com/traffic/fm/navteq.html for program License Agreement containing complete terms and conditions.

Price: $399.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Keep your nüvi in place with this portable friction mount. It'll keep everything in plain sight when you need it and out of the way when you don't.

Place the mount on any stable surface, and adjust the position of your GPS to your liking. The friction mount weighs enough to keep your device put on the dash, even when sudden maneuvers are necessary. It's ideal for states in which the use of windshield suction mounts is illegal.

In addition to its convenience, you can quickly place your GPS out of sight, and without leaving any residue on the windshield, both handy for any potential prying eyes.

Compatible Garmin Models

• aera 500, 510, 550, 560
• nüvi 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1350, 1350T, 1370T, 1390T, 1450, 1490T, 1690, 200, 200W, 205, 205W, 250, 250W, 255, 255W, 260, 260W, 265T, 265WT, 270, 275T, 285WT, 350, 360, 370, 465T, 500, 5000, 550, 600, 610, 650, 660, 670, 680, 750, 755T, 760, 765T, 770, 775T, 780, 785T, 850, 855, 880, 885T
• StreetPilot c510, c530, c550, c580, i2, i3, i5
• zumo 660

What's in the Box
Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Price: $39.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Garmin Beanbag for Portable Friction Mount for Garmin GPS Units (Beanbag Only - Mount not Included)

Everything has its place and so does your StreetPilot GPS unit. Attach your GPS unit to this non-skid friction mount and don't worry about it. It can't slide off when you are driving in traffic, so it sits securely on your dash, console, or any other surface. And you can remove it for use in another vehicle. This mount works with the iQue 3600, GPS ll/ GPS V, GEKO 101/201, EMAP Series, STREEPILOT, ETREX and RINO 110/120.

Price: $34.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Keep your nüvi in place with this portable friction mount. It'll keep everything in plain sight when you need it and out of the way when you don't.

Place the mount on any stable surface, and adjust the position of your GPS to your liking. The friction mount weighs enough to keep your device put on the dash, even when sudden maneuvers are necessary. It's ideal for states in which the use of windshield suction mounts is illegal.

In addition to its convenience, you can quickly place your GPS out of sight, and without leaving any residue on the windshield, both handy for any potential prying eyes.

Compatible Garmin Models

• aera 500, 510, 550, 560
• nüvi 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1350, 1350T, 1370T, 1390T, 1450, 1490T, 1690, 200, 200W, 205, 205W, 250, 250W, 255, 255W, 260, 260W, 265T, 265WT, 270, 275T, 285WT, 350, 360, 370, 465T, 500, 5000, 550, 600, 610, 650, 660, 670, 680, 750, 755T, 760, 765T, 770, 775T, 780, 785T, 850, 855, 880, 885T
• StreetPilot c510, c530, c550, c580, i2, i3, i5
• zumo 660

What's in the Box
Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Price: $39.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

GARMIN NUVI 205W PORTABLE GPS
Price: $249.99

Click here to buy from Amazon