Archive for the ‘GPS’ Category
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and a lot of people are still searching for that perfect gift for dad. While dads have different hobbies, most tend to like gadgets and gizmos that have practical (and sometimes impractical) uses. Consider these fun gifts for Father’s Day:
~USB Drink Warmer/Cooler – these fun USB devices can warm dad’s coffee or cool his beer at the computer, and are a whole lot of fun.
~Leatherman – the classic gift for dad on Father’s Day, a Leatherman multi-tool never goes out of style for the dad who likes to be a wiz around the house.
~Cobra Handheld GPS - for dads who enjoy the outdoors, there’s nothing more useful than having a GPS device for camping, fishing, and hunting.
Take exercises to the next level. Fitness GPS units are now available to help monitor workout performances. For instance, you can measure your speed, distance, pace and calories burned. Athletes, recreational walkers and runners will find this useful as the gadget can store lap histories and other data by date, week, month, or over a specific time interval.
Even business travelers who train on the road can use the fitness GPS as a navigator. A user can mark his hotel as a specific location so he can get back easily later. Bikers, on the other hand, can opt for a specialty cycling GPS that lets them know where they are going and how far they have gone. Some GPS also have heart rate monitors and wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensors.
There’s nothing worse than being lost, especially whenever you’re hiking in the woods. This scenario happened to me when I was on my honeymoon and it was terrible. My husband and I had planned a month-long hike along the Appalachian Trail after our June wedding and we had our trek mapped out.
Little did we know that it was so easy to get lost within that great expanse of trails. Sooner than we knew it we were lost and it was raining. It took us 12 hours just to hike back to the main trail. Next time we plan a hiking trip we will be sure to bring one of those digital compass systems we see on television all the time.
We use GPS devices to locate and find people; why not use a GPS device for your dog? There are GPS tracking systems in place for fishermen, athletes, automobiles, and motorcycles. Some are even made especially for children. Many dog tracking systems can help you establish a GPS fence. The system links to a GPS-enabled collar for your dog to track his location, velocity, and direction, and ultimately has the capability to track up to three GPS-collared dogs at once.
After you walk your designated fence boundary, an alarm will sound if your dog leaves that area wearing the equipped collar. The boundary is electronic and can be reset by you to adapt to travel, visits, or any other situation.
Imagine the security in knowing where your dog is at all times, especially those escape artists who like to chase squirrels and can disappear in the blink of an eye. Itâs perfect for the old dog that may aimlessly wander off your property from time to time or just that canine social butterfly that likes to check out the smell of your neighbor’s barbecue.
It often feels like technology is always moving and always advancing. Just as soon as we become accustomed to one form of music player, DVD burner, or computer software, we are inundated with the latest and greatest model. But if you pay attention to these changes and trends, you’ll notice that many of these items simply take several existing technologies and combine them in new and innovative ways. The resulting product is then considered “new.”
Even our watches are starting to reflect this combination of technological advances. While watches used to just offer us the time, now there are products available such as GPS watches. These certainly aren’t your grandfather’s watches. Rather than just offering you the time and calling it a day, these watches incorporate more advanced features associated with GPS devices. Because these are such advanced devices, they make fantastic ways to spoil yourself, or they can also serve as a thoughtful gift.
I recently moved here to Seattle, and it’s been kind of difficult finding my way around the city. Near the end of the week, I found myself having nothing to do on Friday and Saturday night because I don’t know many people yet. My friend from back east recommended I buy a Garmin handheld GPS. I asked him “Buy a GPS? How is that going to help me find something to do on the weekend?” It turns out that newer GPS units provide more than just directions and simple navigation, they can also find local restaurants, nightclubs, and even theatres.
So I caved and bought a Garmin GPS and have since grown quite attached to it. The first Friday I found a great bar downtown, met a few people, and then we went out to see a movie. I even used my GPS to find out the show times! If you’re new to a city, a GPS unit is essential. You’re sure to meet new people quick provided you know where to look, and a GPS is just the tool to help you find the happening places around town.
Nothing is more enjoyable than hiking, backpacking, and camping in the great outdoors. But with the beauty of Mother Nature also comes a few potential dangers. It’s important to be prepared to deal with adverse weather conditions, wild animals, and injury far from civilization. To deal with adverse weather, it’s important to dress warm, and also have extra dry clothes and rain gear. Most wild animals are not dangerous and will avoid humans, but one potential danger can be bears, and thus when traveling in several wooded locations bear pepper spray is essential. To address injury, it’s important to carry a first aid kit, and also to have a compass or handheld GPS to get back fast if necessary and avoid becoming lost.
By taking these precautions you’re sure to have a wonderful and safe time in the outdoors. Remember, though there are potential dangers, by being prepared you’re sure to feel safer and have a lot more fun.
With a large backyard or living near the wilderness, sometimes it can be a real chore to move the dog back in the house. Finding the dog can be even more trouble, and no one wants to be out on the back porch calling his or her name at midnight. Whether calling the dog in from the backyard, or just letting them off the leash at the park, GPS dog collars make finding Fido a cinch. These collars are comfortable and not at all invasive for the dog, but can help owners find their canine at all times. Dog tracking collars are also an excellent solution for dogs who like to run off. When you live in an urban area or an area of the wilderness populated by predatory animals, a dog tracking collar can keep your canine safe and out of trouble.
You can purchase dog tracking collars at some specialty pet stores, but the best place to buy is online to find the best selection and the best prices. While dog tracking collars have become popular in recent years, they’re still a more specialized product that isn’t available in many department stores.
I still haven’t gotten around to outfitting my car with a GPS mapping system. As an experienced, confident driver – with a stubborn streak to boot – I just can’t admit that I don’t always know exactly where I am on the road. The same cannot be said when I get behind the wheel of my motorboat, however. To me, a portable marine GPS is as essential as a life preserver or the boat’s propeller.
Rock outcroppings and other various forms of debris can pose a serious hazard to boaters, especially once it grows dark. The GPS sonar senses any geological threats that might lurk just below the water’s surface. So far I’ve yet to run my boat aground, which is a positive sign. And the navigational functions also come in handy at night when the stars are obscured by clouds and no lighthouse is near.
Your motorcycle GPS unit can save you when you’re running out of gas, help you find attractions on your trip, rescue you when you are lost, and a variety of other features that can make your motorcycle travels much less stressful. Some GPS systems for motorcycles have PDA, wireless Internet, and hands-free capability. However, there are many questions to ask before you choose a GPS device for your motorcycle.
What type of GPS would fit the make and model of your motorcycle? Do the reception coverage area and battery life of the device suit your particular needs? Do you want 2-way radio communication? How easily can you update the GPS you want? Last but not least, what is your budget?