| Remember family vacations when you were a | | | | to communicate by sending and retrieving |
| kid? Waiting in a stuffy car while mom and | | | | signals and transferring data from as many as |
| dad pored over those massive road maps? Or, | | | | ten meters away. The information is |
| watching as they tried to decipher the | | | | transmitted without any wires at all. |
| directions given by the guy at the gas | | | | |
| station? Makes us wonder how we ever found | | | | Bluetooth GPS Receivers |
| the cottage! Thankfully, modern travelers can | | | | |
| use a GPS receiver to find their way quickly | | | | A Bluetooth GPS receiver is an electronic |
| and easily. | | | | device that uses wireless technology (namely, |
| | | | Bluetooth electronics) to transmit GPS data. |
| The need for traditional maps and | | | | The data is transmitted to a second wireless |
| navigational devices has virtually | | | | device, such as a PDA, that is capable of |
| disappeared since GPS devices hit the market. | | | | handling the technology. For example, a GPS |
| Now, travelers can simply refer to the GPS | | | | receiver can wirelessly transmit data to a |
| screen to access clear direction on where | | | | PDA handset, but only if they are both |
| they need to go. | | | | enabled with Bluetooth capabilities. |
| | | | |
| GPS receivers are small electronic devices | | | | In addition to the ease and convenience of |
| that work by calculating your precise | | | | avoiding bulky CompactFlash cards and messy |
| location on earth. This location is found by | | | | wires, there are other benefits to using |
| decoding signals received from satellites in | | | | Bluetooth technology with your GPS/PDA |
| outer space. Using additional electronics and | | | | combination: |
| software, it's then possible for the GPS to | | | | |
| pinpoint an exact location on a map. This | | | | Flexible Freedom |
| incredible technology is available at a | | | | |
| relatively small price. | | | | Without wires to tie them down, you are free |
| | | | to position your GPS receiver and PDA device |
| GPS receivers become even more useful and | | | | where it's most convenient for you. Many |
| convenient when paired with other mobile | | | | travelers choose to place the GPS on the |
| devices. A PDA is a popular consumer product | | | | dashboard, allowing it to maintain a clear |
| that is easily used along with a GPS. PDAs | | | | connection with satellites in the sky. The |
| have hard drive space to allow for map | | | | PDA is best mounted right in front of the |
| storage and colored screens to display maps, | | | | driver, where he or she can clearly see the |
| making them ideal technological GPS partners. | | | | directions on the screen. With Bluetooth |
| When one takes into account the small size | | | | technology there are no wires to limit the |
| and weight of a compact PDA as compared to | | | | convenience or obstruct your view of the |
| options such as laptop computers, it's easy | | | | screen. |
| to see why PDAs are the choice of today's | | | | |
| tech-savvy travelers. | | | | Added Storage |
| | | | |
| There is sometimes a problem with the | | | | If you are using Bluetooth technology to |
| integration of GPS receivers with PDAs. | | | | transmit data, you'll have no need to plug in |
| Connection between the two units is usually | | | | a CompactFlash card. The empty CF slot, |
| made using either conventional USB wires, or | | | | therefore, can be used as a storage space for |
| a CompactFlash (CF) CARD. The size of the GPS | | | | software or maps to further optimize the |
| and PDA units together, and added to the | | | | results of your GPS. |
| added bulk of the CF card, can create a | | | | |
| cumbersome traveler's tool. On the other | | | | Bluetooth GPS manufacturers will offer |
| hand, using USB wires is inconvenient and | | | | further benefits with their equipment. For |
| limits the overall usability of the | | | | example, many Bluetooth GPS receivers feature |
| navigation device. Many people, therefore, | | | | a POI (points of interest) database, |
| are turning to Bluetooth technology as the | | | | pre-stored maps and route re-calculation |
| perfect traveler's companion. | | | | function. |
| | | | |
| Rescued by Bluetooth | | | | So, whether your travels are taking you to |
| | | | the next neighborhood or another country, |
| Bluetooth technology is the new standard for | | | | don't leave home without your GPS and PDA |
| wireless communications. With Bluetooth | | | | bundled with Bluetooth technology. |
| technology, two electronic devices are able | | | | |