The Portable Magellan eXplorist 600

Combining great features such as the electronic compass, altimeter and a battery life of 17 hours with its light weight and sizeable body, the Magellan eXplorist 600 is a very handful device for those who are always on the road and yet would not want to miss the fun of hiking.

Firstly, the portability and its compact exterior are shaped to fit ergonomically in your hand, so it is comfortable to hold.  The buttons are conveniently placed and easy to operate with the thumb of one hand.  In spite of its small size, its screen is ample and in color.  And it weighs only 5.4 oz (164.4 g), with the batteries, and it is water resistant, so you can use it in the rain.

In terms of functionality, it gives you a sense to stay hiking always.

The eXplorist 600 also has an electronic compass, an altimeter, and a thermometer.  The electronic compass is especially useful for hiking because you can know the direction you are facing even when standing still.  Calibrating the compass was a cinch.  The receiver tells you everything you need to do during calibration and then beeps when it is done.  Unfortunately, you cannot save battery power by disabling the GPS receiver while leaving the compass on.  The compass can only be used while the GPS receiver is active.  But saving power may not be an issue.  The eXplorist 600 comes with a rechargeable battery that provides 17 hours of continuous use.  It is not likely that you will use the receiver continuously on a hike, so the battery is likely to last for as many days as you can hike.

The MapSend program that transfers the topo maps to the receiver lets you print out a paper copy.  The topographical map database includes a lot of points-of-interest including the locations of campgrounds and trails.

Compare Magellan GPS prices at Twenga

The Portable Garmin Forerunner 305

With many embedded interesting features, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is not only a GPS Personal Trainer, but also a user friendly instrument for both runners and cyclist little wonder having it was described as having "Ahnold" as your fitness coach.

With an embedded Garmin's Training Software, it has the ability to do many interesting things which range from the ability to compete against one by simply loading performance data into it, to the ability to track heart rate, pace, time and distance. The Garmin 305 sports a wireless heart-rate monitor as well as an optional Foot Pod that attaches to your shoe and measures pace and distance if the GPS signal is not available. The Foot Pod is especially useful when you use an indoor treadmill on those rainy days. You can give it a target heart-rate range and it will keep you on track.

The device does not need any lesson for it setup, it is very quick to set up and it is always almost ready to use all you need do is to just open it up, charge it and turn it on and there you are ready to take a trip. The display too is quite nice with large numbers and fonts affording its easi readability without straining the eyes.

Garmin's new "high-sensitivity" GPS receiver in the 305 is a big improvement over the Forerunner 201. It acquires satellites faster and seems to maintain lock better than the 201 when running through woods and around buildings.

Although, it looks somewhat big at first sight, it is fairly light and would not pose any problem at all for its usage.

This tool described as Virtual partner can after all be addictive, once you get use to it, you wouldn't want to let go. The key Specifications are given below:

Size: 2.1" x 2.7" x .7"
Weight: 2.72 ounces
Display: 1.3" x .8". 160 x 100 pixels
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion. 10 hours typical.
Environmental: Waterproof to IPX7 standard.
Lap history: 1,000 laps.
Routes: 50

Street price: $215-250.

 

The Stylish Navigon 7100

The Navigon 7100 is a very impressive GPS receiver with its sleek-euro style design, it is a better way of getting around the traffic in style and it is hoped that this GPS device will stand a test of time.

It is a very helpful instrument when it comes to getting around through thick traffic especially when rushing to work and it also helps to safe considerably time during this period. The auto-route mode automatically routes around all traffic alerts. The prompt mode describes the type of congestion (e.g., accident, lane restrictions, construction, road closed, slowing) and asks if you want to avoid the traffic or ignore the alert.

The Navigon has a Lane Assistant which shows a picture of an upcoming freeway interchange and shows you the lane you need to be in to get to your destination. The Navigon has all the other features you expect in a car receiver like current speed, time of arrival, remaining distance to your destination, audio and visual turn prompts, and compass direction.

With its auto-zoom, you can determine how much of the map is shown on the screen, driving faster makes the map zoom out, so you can see where you are going. Going slower makes the map zoom in, so you can see local street names and turns.

The key specifications are listed below:

Size: 5.1 x 3.5 x .9 inches, 6.9 oz
Display: 4.3-inch diagonal; 480 x 272 pixels; WQVGA LCD with resistive Touch Panel
Battery: 1200 mAH Rechargeable Li-Ion. (up to 5 hrs. use)
Data storage: 256 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM, SD card slot
Operating System: Microsoft Windows CE Net 5.0
Environmental: Not waterproof
IO: USB 1.1, Integrated Bluetooth. Integrated TMC
MSRP: $649

GO 910, A PND from TomTom

Unlike many newer PNDs, the GO910 is built to stay in your car or switch between cars. After a revision, they've pretty much nailed the windshield mount hardware. "Screw" on the suction cup and it's stuck for good. The 4" touchscreen is bright and very readable in all conditions.

Installed on an internal 20GB hard disk. After the maps, other features and system overhead, you have about 12GB left for loading music, digital photos, customization, etc. Tons of points of interest (POIs) are pre-loaded and you can also download your own using the TomTom Home software.

Navigating with the GO910 is pleasant. TomTom makes good use of the display real estate by only displaying useful information like current street, distance to turn, direction to turn and time remaining. The screen doesn't seem cluttered and the 4-inch screen size really helps. Furthermore, it's customizable to have it display just what you want.

The text-to-speech really helps too (albeit in 8 of the 36 languages)…the voice will say the street name instead of just "turn right in 300 feet". It amazes me that some units still don't have this.

And the GO910 is packed with interesting features.

It was one of the first PNDs to offer a Bluetooth, hands-free feature for your mobile phone. SMS text messages on your mobile phone utilize the GO910's text-to-speech functionality so your text messages are spoken over the high-fidelity speaker in eight different languages.

A remote control unit lets anyone in the car manage the unit, not just the driver.

More features:

• MP3 player and manage music using TomTom Jukebox.
• Real-time traffic support.
• Real-time weather report.
• Ipod connectivity.

·         One note on the map database. TomTom uses a TeleAtlas map database. TeleAtlas is dominant in Europe whereas the Navteq map database is dominant in the US. I did notice some differences in routing with the GO910's map database as opposed to other units using Navteq, but both routed me to my destination. I'd suggest trying it in your location to make sure the map database meets your expectation.

Key specifications:
Size: 4.4" x 3.2" x 2.6;" 12 ounces
Display: 4" widescreen; 480 x 272 pixels; WQVGA color touchscreen with TFT Compare TomTom GPS prices at Twenga

The Pharos 140, a Portable GPS Receiver

One of the most recent innovations in GPS gadgets is the Pharos 140, as a GPS receiver the device has evolved to give its user the power to do much more and not only can this instrument be used as guide even when deep in the jungle but it great features have made it fun to use both as an entertainer and a communicator.

With a large screen of 4-inch and highly accurate 20-channels SiRFstar III GPS engine, the device is an excellent gadget for locating any place in the US and Canada since it holds the map of these two regions and also it has been built with such ability to display the user location and provide turn-by-turn instructions with 3D map views.

Another very interesting feature is that the Pharos has a wireless connection which connects its user via a Bluetooth; as a result users can answer phone calls by simply touching the icon on the Device's screen. This is a very useful feature especially when driving because the phone would be there in the pocket or any other safe place and the users would not need to hold their head while answering the call, it provides such a perfect hands-free interface.

As a great entertainer, the Pharos can play music, video and show pictures downloaded into the device with such relative clarity, it support various format of documents and pictures such as JPEG, MPEG and MP3.

The Pharos is relatively light with a size of 9.5 oz, a 5.8x3.5x1 dimension, a TFT Touch Screen of 4-inch diagonal and 480 x 272 pixels, 256 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM, and a space for  SD card slot. The operating system supported is Microsoft Windows CE 5.0

It also has a DC car charger, an AC home charger, a stylus, a USB cable, USBv1.1, Bluetooth v2.0, CAP Sense Buttons, TMC, and a windshield bracket.

With these powerful features, the Pharos is sold at the rate of $549.95

Panasonic and Garmin Collaborate to Offer OEM Auto Navigation

With the hope of providing a custom made OEM navigation products whose target audiences are the vehicle manufacturers, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. and Garmin have gone into partnership. With this agreement, they believe the two companies will continue to pursue independent initiatives, as well as jointly work on select OEM programs.
According to a statement made available by the president of Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. Vince Sarrecchia, who said that "As electronics and onboard navigation continue to play an ever-growing role in the automobile, Panasonic and Garmin will seek to create value for their customers, and ultimately consumers, through the use of superior technology resulting in product developments that provide ease-of-use and added sophistication. As a category leader in several markets, including automotive, recreation and aviation, Garmin brings a rich and diverse background to our collaborative efforts."

In his own comment, the president and COO at Garmin, Cliff Pemble said that "This agreement to collaborate with an industry leading OEM supplier strengthens Garmin's growing position as a recognized provider to the automotive industry.

"Like Panasonic, we are passionate about the products we produce,"

NavNGo Limousine GPS System Introduced at CES 2008

One of the innovating devices introduced at the just concluded CES 2008 is the powerful NavNGO Limousine GPS System. This device described as an unusual, yet useful way to transform a simple display screen into a GPS navigation system caught the attention of many present at the occasion.
The prototype was designed in Hungary and included were so many interesting features to help the device perform effectively and to help all components to create a real GPS system from a display.In addition to the SiRFStar III receiver, the gadget also came with navigation software and more than enough digital maps inside a 2GB SD memory card. To help the device to run at optimum speed is a processor with a speed of 300MHz with a remote control which facilitates its usability and a pair of speakers incorporated to handle all the audio functions. The date pricing was not mentioned so also the release date but from all indications, both would be made available soon.

GPS Theft on the Increase in Maribymong

The police has called on residents, particularly those in the City of Maribymong to be more vigilant about security with particular reference to vehicle. The call came as a result of recent increase in the number of thefts properties and most especially vehicles in the city.

While advising the residents on the need to be more alert and security conscious themselves, the Acting Senior Sergeant, Frank Fabbian said that "Don't be tempted to leave items behind in your vehicle, leaving items under seats or in the glove box is not advisable as thieves will and do still locate them. Do not make your car an easy target for a criminal."

"The majority of theft from motor car offences is occurring during daylight hours, in and around major shopping centres and train stations in the Maribyrnong area and in public car parks," he said"

Also, police have called on individuals to be alert and report any strange activities conduct by a person or group of persons to 000 in order to stem their activities

GPS Technology Helped Crews in Rescue Operation

That the GPS technology is a blessing and a technology that has come to help humanity is not an overstatement. In crucial moment, it has become the only device that proved to be so helpful most especially during emergency.

And again, the technology has proved its worth when emergency crews were able to locate a diabetic woman who was stranded in Rock County during the weekend.

It happened that Tammy Wescott had already prepared for work and was driving on the road when she went off the road and into a wooded area in Janesville. She said she was confused and disoriented, but was conscious enough to call her dad who kept her on the phone while her mother called 911.

"We have a medical emergency. My daughter is diabetic and was on her way to work," Wescott's mother told 911 operators. "She's parked on the side of the road somewhere, and nobody can find her."

Dispatcher Gina Shippee convinced Wescott's mother to have her daughter call 911 so they could use GPS with her cell phone to get her location. A minute later, Wescott called.

"I'm off the road, I'm off County (Highway) J somewhere," Tammy Wescott said in her 911 call.

"OK, Tammy, I'm going to try to locate you with your GPS," the emergency dispatcher said to her.

Within seconds, Tammy Wescott's location had been mapped. She had veered off the road quite a distance, but technology and a quick-thinking dispatcher might have saved her life.

Within seven minutes, rescue crews had located her.

Wescott said that she suffered some minor injuries and was transported to a hospital on Saturday morning. She said that she's doing just fine now, and is very grateful and impressed how crews were able to locate her.

Rock County authorities said that it's not the first time they've used the technology to find a victim, but this was a perfect example of why it's so valuable.

GPS-Glonass Navigator Now Available in Russia

The folks in Russia can now enjoy the full benefits of the Russian Glonass navigation satellite system; this was made known by the Federal Space Agency through its Director. Already, the first batch of the device totaling 1000 navigator units has been sold out within 20 minutes of its released.
This is a very overwhelming sale considering the fact of its introduction to the market.The Director, Anatoly Perminoy said that "The competition for this market, which is estimated at billions of dollars, was fierce inside and outside Russia and we may still encounter unfriendly acts, some of them against the Federal Space Agency.However, the moment of truth has come, and everyone in Russia and abroad realized that the system will be created and there is no way back. Our industry is capable of making navigation units. The market was jolted, as the sellers of GPS services would lose their monopoly The fact that Russian navigation units receive signals from both Glonass and GPS makes them more precise, Perminov said. The Federal Industry Agency is in charge of the production of navigation units, while the Federal Space Agency coordinates the entire Glonass program.
The navigation units with sensor displays are 17.5 centimeters large and weigh 400 grams. They can receive 12 Glonass channels and 20 GPS channels. Next year the Federal Space Agency will launch six Glonass satellites to enlarge its orbiting cluster, Perminov said.We are drafting amendments to the federal program Global NavigationSystem. There will also be a federal program of regional uses of space exploration benefits. We will do a lot for the development of the Vostochny spaceport. Many launches will be done, primarily those of three telecom satellites, two research satellites, two manned spaceships Soyuz and five Progress freighters, as well as six Glonass satellites, he said.
As for the agency's targets for 2008, he named the drafting of a concept of Russian space activity until 2040. The concept will be discussed at the Russian Security Council in February 2008. The Glonass cluster provides for navigation support to the defense and security agencies, as well as state-run air, automobile, railroad and sea transport, geodesy and cartography and civilian users. The Glonass services are available at over 90% of the Russian territory, while the world accessibility of space navigation services nears 80%, Perminov said. A Proton-M rocket with a DM booster unit delivered three Glonass satellites to orbit on December 25. The cluster separated from the third stage of the rocket launched from the Baikonur spaceport at 10:42 p.m. Moscow time," the agency said.

Pharos GPS Phones Now Available on T-Mobile Network

The Pharos GPS phones-600 and 600e, are now connected to T-Mobile
network and are available at a discount rate for new customers who
will be willing to sign a contract with them. The reason for signing
the contract is to ensure that potential users of the service get it
at a cheaper rate with the 600 for $500 and 600e for $400.
What makes the 600 differ from the 600e lies in the navigation
software which is provided by Ostla but the hardware is the same.
The Pharos 600 and 600e GPS phones come with a 2Mega Pixel digital
camera, FM radio, and Windows Media Player.
Other features that differentiate the 600 from the 600e include a
touch screen keyboard and mobile versions of Microsoft Office Outlook,
Word, Excel and PowerPoint, all these are absent in the 600e.

The Drive GPS 135

Pharos, with a spirit of innovation, has another smaller version of navigator device branded Drive GPS 135. This new product is however smaller than Drive GPS 250 or the older version GPS 140 and although it has a small screen of about 3.5 inch, its portability makes it so easy to carry about and it can fit in into a jacket's pocket so easily.
Another feature that is lacking is the Bluetooth connectivity making it obsolete as hands free plus the fact that the operating system is Windows CE 4.2 instead of 5.0 versions.

The Drive GPS 250 from Pharos

Drive GPS 250 is a new navigator introduced by Pharos with features that are eye-catching. With its large touch screen of about 4.3 inch which permits for easy clarity and navigation, users are saved the stress to stain their eyes while viewing through. The device uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery, the implication of this is that it can last for an approximate time of seven hours just on a single charge. This is quite an advantage for users that will be on the field away from power source. What's more? The device also has a text-to-speech function that pronounces street names as well as maps that covered the entire US and Canada with a 1GB SD card that contains 1.2 million POI's. It is priced at the rate of $300 and will soon be available at major retailers, shop.

Raytel Launches New GPS Navigator

EGO Drive, the new GPS navigator developed by Raytel will be released at the CES expo that is coming up next month. The company boasts that this new device is an unusual navigator because it has been built to perform superlatively above with any such similar device.
Among the features that make this navigator device to be so terrific
is a 4.3-inch touch-screen that allows for apparent clarity with 2D or
3D mapping. The wireless remote control knob allows its users to
perform some basic functions without the need to pull it out of a
pocket or lean over to the dash.
With the advanced Bluetooth support, users are allowed to make
hands-free call and at the same time use the stereo audio streaming.
With data being copied on either to the internal memory through a USB
connection or saved on SD cards with a capacity of up to 2GB, users
can play MP3, WAV and MPEG-4 files on the system.
In addition, the device can also be used for speech-to-text voice
recognition, read SMS and MMS messages and it has inlet for stereo
audio or composite video sources.
However, pricing and the exact date it will be made available
commercially has not yet been disclosed.

Motorola MC70 Now Available with New Integrated GPS Features

The new features incorporated into the Motorola MC70 makes it to be
just more than a handheld mobile device; it now connects people and
products to information resources. This device incorporates a mobile
phone, PDA, computer, scanner and imager in a single unit. The device
combines multi-mode wireless networking, voice and data communications
and advanced data capture in an enterprise productivity tool that can
support nearly any application in any environment as pre-determined by
the user.
Experts revealed that the support for GSM/EDGE cellular networks
delivers global coverage, fast wireless data speeds that enable rich
applications, and enterprise-level security. Also, the integrated GPS
functionality would enable the enterprise to locate drivers, re-route
delivery workers, find missing devices anywhere in the enterprise,
provide vehicle navigation, and a host of others beneficiary functions
The device is to be distributed by BlueStar, a solutions-based
distributor of point-of-sale, bar coding, data collection, radio
frequency identification (RFID), and wireless mobility products.
BlueStar works exclusively with VAR Partners, and provides them with
complete solutions. The director of market development at BlueStar,
Greg Seelbach said that GPS is one of the hottest trends in the mobile
computing, because it provides many technical advantages ranging from
turn-by-turn directions for the user to the enterprise being able to
automate the dispatch of its field workers.
He further added "Integrating GPS technology in the Motorola MC70,
which is becoming one of the most popular mobile computers sold by
this industry, means this GPS-enabled model is all but guaranteed
success."
It should be recalled that the new version of MC70 was introduced in
October, last year by Motorola with believe that the GPS option would
allow organizations with field employees, such as postal companies, to
track and manage real-time tasking.

Garmin Sales Pick-up against Rival Company-TomTom

Garmin Ltd (GRMN) announced today it has ended a takeover battle with competitor TomTom over Tele Atlas, a supplier of mapping data. The navigation device maker also said it will renew an existing contract to buy mapping from Navteq. The company opened at 107.82. So far today, the stock has hit a low of 106.08 and a high of 108.53. GRMN is now trading at 107.08, up 2.29 (2.13%). The stock hit its 52 week high of 125.68 in October and set its 52 week low of 48.46 in January. Technical indicators for the stock are bearish but improving while S&P gives GRMN a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating. For those who would be interested in a hedge play on this stock, January should be considered a bull-put credit spread below the $80 range. Although, GRMN stock could fall up to 25.3% before expiration, this position would still be profitable enough.

Google Maps and TomTom Join Forces to Offer Better Navigation Service

In a recent agreement with Google Maps, TomTom- the world's largest navigation solutions provider, announced that their users can now search for and send business addresses directly from Google Map's website to their devices without any difficulty making navigation experience more personalized and better than never before. In order to create more room to accommodate TomTom services, Google Maps local search pages have expanded their 'send to' feature with the option 'send to GPS', as a result with just a mouse click, Tomtom users can instantly benefit from this service without needing to download complicated zip files before they can access such service. Appreciating this agreement, the Vice president Product Management at TomTom said that "The ability to search, find and send information from the web to a TomTom is something we have been investing in for some time now. We are pleased to work together with Google Maps on this personalization functionality. This cooperation represents a major step for TomTom in meeting the growing demands of our customers for personalised content for their TomTom devices." With this feature incorporated to suit TomTom requirement, its users would now be able to search for business addresses and transfer them from Google Maps website to their TomTom device by simply clicking on the 'send to GPS' button. The selected information is transferred to the TomTom device when the device is connected to the Internet via TomTom HOME, the free software application TomTom offers its customers. Drivers can then navigate to their new destination, as well as view the location on the map of the TomTom device or save it or later use as a 'favorite'. In his own comment, the Products Manager at Google, Giorgio Scherl said that "We are delighted to be working with TomTom to offer this exciting new service to our users. We are constantly working to make our maps more useful so they become a one-stop-shop for finding all the local information and directions that people need."

Man and Sons Rescued with the Aid of GPS and Mobile Phone

The combined use of GPS and mobile phone has been able to rescue a man and his sons after being stuck in a thick bush for several minutes. The man and his boys were saved by rescue helicopter that plucked them out of the bush in NZ's Ruahine Ranges after placing a call through his mobile device. Luckily for them, they carried a hand-held GPS device and this made it easy to pin-point their location. According to Sergeant Bill Nicholson, the police search and rescue coordinator, the man and his two sons aged 12 and 14 had gone into the ranges from east of Takapau in Hawkes Bay, to climb track to the tops. He said that "They missed a junction and ended up bush-bashing for about four hours without finding the track." The mobile phone call and GPS co-ordinates made it easy for the Hawkes Bay Lowe Corporation helicopter which flew to the spot and winched the three to safety about 6.30pm by which time the man was exhausted and one of his boys was suffering from an infected led. They were flown to Hastings Hospital for assessment.

Stolen GPS Device Recovered by Amityville Police

A GPS device allegedly stolen by a man on his bike has been recovered by Amityville police, the bike man with the name Alex Balista, age 33 and who claimed to come from Coptague was arrested by the police officer after discovering the address of the device's owner by pushing the "home" button on the system. The police officer, Sgt Brian Scott said that Alex drew suspicion to himself because he was struggling to ride the bike on Merrick Road with the device in his arms and with protruding wires dangling near the spokes. When checked, the "home" address listed on the GPS device was a block away from the stop, on Grand Central Avenue. When officers went there, the owner said he didn't know his van had been vandalized but confirmed the GPS device belonged to him. The owner admitted that he had not locked his car before the theft and which occurred about five minutes before the officer stopped Alex. Also, some stolen amount totaling $1000 were recovered from Alex who was arraigned on charges of larceny and criminal possession of stolen property both misdemeanors, as well as ticketed for nighttime operation of a bicycle without a light.

Santa Claus Promoted Using NGA Technology

US Department of Defense said that it was approached by Santa Claus during the Christmas period to help streamline his Christmas Eve deliveries, having realized the need to meet the overwhelming growing world demand. In this regards, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has deployed a specialized version of its geospatial intelligence technology, dubbed the NGA Toy Delivery System X-100 and this has enabled Santa Claus to utilize the most efficient flight routes around the world. Claus reportedly told the Agency that "You helped me out last year and I need some new routes that will let me move around the world quickly and efficiently" The NGA technology works by combining satellite imagery with its map and chart making expertise to upgrade a military-grade, geospatial intelligence-based digital navigation system and provide the basis for the Toy Delivery System X-100. NGA said that they have upgraded the system and this has resulted in increased speed and accuracy since the time it was developed in 2006. While the NGA refused to divulge specific details on the underlying hardware and software technology utilized by the NGA Toy Delivery System X-100, it did post an example video of the system's navigational output on its Web site, reportedly displaying the same data utilized by Claus this year. The system apparently utilizes military-grade GPS technology with satellite mapping and aerial imagery

ULA Launched GPS IIR-18(M)- Latest GPS Satellite

This year is pivoted to development of space industry particularly the GPS sector and recently United Alliance Delta II rocket has successfully launched what the company believed to be the latest GPS satellite into orbit making it to be the fifth in a series of eight Block II R-M satellites built by Lockheed Martin. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral following a nominal 68-minute flight and this was the second GPS IIR-M mission within two months. Don Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems said that "The successful deployment of this high-performance satellite represents another important milestone in the modernization of the GPS constellation and reflects our commitment to achieving mission success for our customer. Our team is now focused on performing a rapid and efficient on-orbit checkout to quickly place the satellite's advanced navigational capabilities into operational service." The satellite, designated GPS IIR-18 (M), will join the four IIR-M satellites and 12 operational IIR satellites currently in the GPS constellation, which comprises 31 operational satellites overall. GPS IIR-18 (M) will be replacing space vehicle number (SVN) 36, which in turn will replace SVN 37, and be placed in orbital slot C1, according to the U.S. Air Force. Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open-access signal on a different frequency. The launch marked a milestone for United Launch Alliance, the 50-50 joint venture formed between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, which are otherwise corporate rivals. The ULA uses both Boeing-supplied Delta and Lockheed Martin-supplied Atlas launch vehicles. The ULA vice president of Delta Programs while passing a comment said that "With the launch of GPS IIR-18 (M), ULA completes a tremendously successful first year of operation and demonstrates its commitment to 100 percent mission success." He concluded by saying that, come next year , ULA currently has 23 scheduled launches on the manifest from six launch complexes, which include 16 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, and seven from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Among those launches are several GPS satellite missions.

Three Additional Satellites Launched in Russia

While the Russians were busy shopping for the Christmas and holiday, the Russian Federal Space Agency was also busy preparing their own package for the entire nation and the GNSS industry. The agency announced that it has successfully launched a Proton-M carrier rocket with three Glonass satellites on board from the Baikonur space centre located in Kazakhstan. With these three recent launches, the Glonass satellite constellation in space will amount to eighteen satellites and experts believe that if all the three can be put to service, it will provide enough navigation services to all of Russia. The agency has also revealed plan to fully explore its technology in space and plan is on the way to offer a fully operating constellation of 24 Glonass satellites which will be enough to provide positioning service over the entire globe by the year 2010, this they said will complement the US GPS constellation. Six Glonass satellites are scheduled for launch in 2008, and the first two improved Glonass-K satellites are scheduled for launch the following year, according to RIA Novosti reports.

Amazon Recorded Boom Sales during Holiday Shopping

Amazon.com said that this holiday season marked its best season ever and the company admitted that Garmin GPS is among the items that did the magic. Amazon said on Wednesday that its peak day this holiday season was Monday, December 10, when its customers ordered more than 5.4 million items—62.5 items per second. As for GPS unit sales, the company didn't put a number on the units sold, but suggested that if they were lined up together, they would stretch from New York to Philadelphia—81 miles as the crow flies. Assuming an average width of 3.5 to 4 inches, that's between 1.28 million and 1.47 million units. While admitting the role of Garmin GPS being the among the top sellers in consumer electronics, along with Canon PowerShot digital Elph cameras and Samsung LCD high-definition televisions. Some other notable stats from Amazon.com's holiday season sales: • It sold Nintendo Wii systems at approximately 17 per second—while the immensely popular gaming consoles were in stock. • It sold enough Hannah Montana wigs to outfit the entire audience at her December 20 show in Providence, Rhode Island. • Top sellers in video games were "Super Mario Galaxy" and "Call of Duty 4." • Top sellers in DVDs included "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." • Top sellers in books included "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, "The Dangerous Book for Boys" by Conn and Hal Iggulden and "I Am America (And So Can You)" by Stephen Colbert. • In music, top sellers included "Noel" by Josh Groban, "Raising Sand" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss and "As I Am" by Alicia Keys.

The Nuvi 710 GPS Receiver from Garmin

The Garmin Nuvi 710 GPS receiver is a sight to behold with its
4.3-inch screen sitting in a compact 4.8"W x 3.0"H x .8"D device, with
this size it is easy to see the mapping and auxiliary information
while still being able to put it in a bag or coat when it is in the
car and it is very light weighing only 176g.
Simply put, GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System and is a
fully functional global navigation satellite system that allows its
users to map location of a particular place amidst other uses and the
710 series is Garmin's latest Satnav range.
The large screen of the device takes most of the space leaving only
the power button ON/OFF, the commands of the device is controlled via
the WQVGA color TFT screen. The screen has been designed to be
compatible with seasonal change having a resolution of 480x 272 pixels
and therefore confering it some greater degree of clarity making it
very easy to read.

Interestingly, connection to other devices such as the mobile phone is
allowed through the Bluetooth connectivity incorporated in the device,
this would enable transferring of data from the device to another.
Also the device has an FM transmitter that allows transmission of
songs from car to be easier as a result the device's built-in MP3
player.
Also, the Nuvi 710 has an FM TMC traffic function that allow its users
to predetermine trouble spots before they got stuck in them and unlike
other Satnav makers like Sony, Navman or TomTom, with this model it
means you've got to drap your nice looking car in cables and the power
cable that connects to the docking station is large, long and
cumbersome.
Basically, using the Traffic feature is simple and requires no
additional effort on your behalf. Basically if the data received
suggests you will be hitting traffic on your route, an icon appears
telling you how much time Garmin anticipates it adding to your overall
journey and then changes the estimated time of arrival.