Garmin 305 Design

Even when you think of a wrist-mounted device you still tend to think in terms of bulk as well as a unit that distracts your attention away from your exercise routine.

Garmin has put a great deal of thought into the Forerunner 305 which reduces the bulk without sacrificing high quality technology.  The Forerunner 305 is smaller and more comfortable than the previous models. Although it is still not the size of a sports watch it has a smooth sleek design that attaches comfortably to your wrist with an unobstructed view of the high resolution widescreen display with easy button access.

The display provides high resolution clarity with a button layout that is easy to use and functions that are readily available.  On the left side is the Power button which allows you to easily turn the unit on and off and regulate the backlighting on the widescreen display.  Below the Power button on the left hand side is the Mode button to help you view the main menu, timer, and work with menu options and different sport selections.

On the front of the unit is a button that allows you to create laps for your exercise routine along with a timer reset and a button that allows you to start and stop the timer. On the right hand side is a button with a variety of options to make selections and acknowledge messages along with a function button that allows you to scroll through menus and data fields.

Customization

You can customize the Garmin Forerunner 305 to create your own selection of data that you want to see thanks to the three different types of screens that are designed to accommodate your workouts.  You can also configure the data from more than a dozen different fields so you can view your progress and achieve an accurate reading on your exercise performance through real-time information.

You can customize the settings to read just about any aspect of your workout including the number of calories you burned, the distance you achieved, different elevations if you are running on a hill or stair stepping, and much more.  There is also an advanced tracking system that allows you to track different heart rates such as when you are doing laps, average heart rate, and zones with the heart rate chest strap that is included with the Forerunner 305.

If it sounds complicated the good news is that you can program the unit to view only the data you want to see and according to the type of workout you are doing.  The different settings can be programmed for a quick workout with general information, interval training, and an advanced workout.  If you wish you take this data and upload it online to a website such as motionbased.com so you can view it and analyze your progress at your convenience and from your PC.

USB Connectivity

The Garmin Forerunner 305 provides a USB port for connection to your PC and uploading of workout data with the Training Center software.  The Training Center software allows you to view your progress on graphs and other information sources.  The software also works in the opposite way where you can chart your courses on your PC and then upload the information to the Garmin Forerunner 305.  The mapping, waypoint marking and routing capabilities makes defining your route a lot easier.

What the Garmin Forerunner Includes and Some of the Extras

The Garmin Forerunner 305 includes the heart rate chest strap monitor, the docking cradle and AC charger for keeping the battery charged, and interface cable for your PC that plugs into a USB port, and an expander strap to ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist.

You can also purchase optional equipment to enhance your workout such as a wireless cadence and speed meter if you are an avid biker and want to track your bike performance.  There is also the optional Foot Pod accessory that attaches to your shoe and then transmits the information on your workout to the Garmin Forerunner 305.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an easier way to keep track of your progress when you are working out or when you are training for a competition, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is worth taking a look.  The new design is better than the past models such as the 205 and the unit is easy to set up and use and tracks your workout accurately.  To decide whether or not the Garmin Forerunner 305 suits your needs you can obtain more information by clicking here.

On a recent excursion to the electronics store I reviewed a few GPS navigation systems when I came across a few of them that were specifically designed for a motorcycle.  I reviewed a few of the systems and came across the Garmin Zumo 665 motorcycle friendly GPS which is an upgrade from the previous 550 model I reviewed.  I took a closer look at the 665 and found some great features to share with my friend that seemed to deliver some of the things he was looking for.  He was very appreciative so I decided to share my research with other motorcycle enthusiasts.

Garmin Zumo 665 Motorcycle Friendly GPS Features

When I took a closer look at the Garmin Zumo 665 I was completely blown away by how motorcycle friendly this unit is and its convenient use in your automobile and finding your way around on foot. It is equipped with both a vehicle mount and motorcycle mount and comes with a convenient carrying case. Since my friend wanted to bring his automobile GPS navigation system with him I thought this was ideal and provided him with more bang for the buck.

It is also evident that this unit was designed with the motorcycle enthusiast in mind with its waterproof durability, glove friendly touchscreen design, fuel spill resistance, and resistance to ultraviolet rays.  The Garmin Zumo 665 GPS receiver design also withstands vibration from the road and extreme weather elements.  All of the buttons are designed for use with your left hand to make it safe when operating your motorcycle on the open road.

Garmin Zumo 665 Navigator

The navigation on the Garmin Zumo 665 is state-of-the-art with complete mapping coverage for the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico with a preloaded database which contains an impressive 6 million points of interest that includes many locations for accommodations, restaurant locations, fuel stops, and area attractions.  You can also install optional points of interest from a CD and customize points of interest.

Another impressive feature I found was the nifty 3-D building view feature which allows you to visualize the location more closely and the lane assist feature which will tell you in advance when you need to change lanes with real life views of what upcoming intersections look like and locations where you make turns.  It also contains voice recorded directions and text to voice capability to help you navigate safely.  There is a feature which allows you to calculate your routes, digitally monitor your fuel level, and locate detours to get around interstates and construction areas.

The mapping feature has 2D or 3D capability with customized colors to view the map by day or by night.  There is also a sensor feature that detects when dusk it approaching and will automatically switch the map lighting from day mode to night mode.

If you have found a great route or you are planning a trip you can take advantage of the trip planning tools to create custom routes on your PC and then load them into your Garmin Zumo 665.  When you are finished with the trip you can view it in Google Earth and share it with your biker buddies thanks to the microSD card expansion feature.

Add Weather, Traffic, and Radio with Garmin Zumo 665 Navigator

I was amazed by the ability of this little device to allow you to stay ahead of a storm with the optional XM NavWeather with Garmin Zumo 665 NEXRAD radar.  Not only does it provide you with up to the minute information on the weather conditions you can also view radar graphics on the screen to help you avoid a storm.

The unit also comes equipped with the Garmin Zumo 665 XM Antenna which allows you to receive radio entertainment in real-time with an impressive 170 digital channels offering the latest news and entertainment while you are traveling the open road. You must also purchase the subscription plan to acquire this service and you also get the Garmin Zumo 665 NavTraffic feature which helps you to avoid traffic delays and construction sites.

Garmin Zumo 665 Entertainment and Wireless Technology

I found it very easy to stay in touch with all of the latest innovations in communications included in the Garmin Zumo 665.  The unit is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology which allows you to use your phone safely through a Bluetooth headset or Bluetooth enabled helmet with the capability to call points of interest through the Bluetooth interface.  You can also receive voice prompts for direction through the wireless technology to make navigation safe and easy.

As I investigated further I found the Garmin Zumo 665 had an all-in-one entertainment center which included an impressive MP3 player with SD sound card and next generation Bluetooth A2DP technology which provides state-of-the-art stereo sound and includes the XM radio with subscription.

These are only a few of the features that are packed into the Garmin Zumo 665.  When you look at everything that is included in the specs the list seems to be miles long.  Overall, it is a great all-in-one unit which you can use on your motorcycle, on foot, or in the car which makes it a great value for the price not to mention all of the features you get.  I had to do a little homework to find a great price for this all-around unit and after doing a lot of research with price comparison I found a great deal here.

Being a tech buff I told him I recently saw an advertisement for a GPS navigation system which was designed with the avid motorcyclist in mind.  I decided to back track and find the GPS system that I had heard about so off I went to my local electronics store and found several motorcycle GPS systems to test drive.  The following information represents what I found during a Garmin Zumo 550 review which provides motorcyclists with just about everything they need:

Garmin Zumo 550 Portability

Listening to my friend I kind of wondered underneath if it really was possible to apply a GPS system to a motorcycle despite the fact that the unit was advertised as being designed for a motorcycle.  Hence the reason for me to pay a visit to the local electronics store to see for myself.  I looked at a few different units before coming across the Garmin Zumo 550 Portable which I found to be very portable and full of motorcycle friendly features.

The unit is designed to be very easy to operate while you are driving a motorcycle while containing most of the features installed on an automobile GPS navigation system.  I was impressed with the durable construction of the Garmin Zumo 550 with a touch screen that is made for gloves and left handed controls to make it easy and safe to use while on the road. The removable lithium ion battery lasts for about three hours and is rechargeable with an AC adapter.

Garmin Zumo 550 Navigation

The Garmin Zumo 550 is preloaded with a comprehensive selection of maps and many navigational features to allow avid motorcyclists to travel anywhere and still find their way.  Some of the preloaded features include housing accommodations, fuel stops, restaurants, ATM locations, and voice recorded directions that help you get to your location. Also the Garmin Zumo 550 provides detailed text and voice guided directions and offers a text to speech functionality.  You can also calculate your routes and find detours in the event of construction which is under way.  The unit can store many routes which you can download to Google Earth to visualize your trip.

If you have a motorcycle helmet or Bluetooth headset with a phone installed you can take advantage of the Bluetooth wireless technology which allows you to talk on the phone while you are driving or call points of interest with the easy to use Bluetooth interface. If you have a lot of contact numbers you can easily find what you are looking for by simply entering a few letters of the contact name. The phone options are easy to access safely while you are driving and the icons for operating the phone are large so you can easily find them without taking your eyes off the road to search for them.

There are over 6 million different points of interest in the database and you can also load the optional CD to add to the number of points of interest.  The software will also allow you to monitor when you are speeding, gauge your fuel supply, and receive notifications such as when you are getting close to your destination.

The mapping feature has 2D or 3D capability with customized colors to view the map by day or by night.  There is also a sensor feature that detects when it is getting dark and will automatically switch the maps from day mode to night mode.

Garmin Zumo 550 XM Antenna

You can also receive real-time traffic updates with the Garmin Zumo 550 XM Antenna which is an optional unit and comes with a subscription plan.  The antenna provides you with real-time traffic updates from Clear Channel Total Traffic Network and if you travel a lot the extra cost is well worth the investment.  You can also enjoy radio reports with this service and there is a built-in MPS player which will allow you to load your favorite media via an SD card and listen on installed speakers or through a Bluetooth headset.

Garmin Zumo 550 Manual

The Garmin Zumo 550 comes with a comprehensive manual and is also available in PDF format from the Garmin website.  The manual is about 70 pages and includes clearly explained information on how to get started with the device, where to find specific features, how to use the main pages, instructions for using the hands-free features, how to obtain traffic information, using the XM radio option, tips on managing your files, how to listen to MP3 files from the SD card, and how to customize the device to make the features you use the most readily available.

Overall, the Garmin Zumo 550 is a great buy for everything you are getting and since the unit is so portable you can easily use it to find your way around on foot or place it in your automobile.  I found it to be extremely motorcycle friendly with great mounting hardware, high quality waterproofing, and great functions with the latest software updates.  If you have been searching for a unit to use on your motorcycle and you have been shopping for a Garmin Zumo 550 best price I found a great deal on it here.

Garmin Etrex Legend CX

I started my quest by giving the Garmin Etrex Legend CX a test run and found it to be a handy little unit to help me find my way around.  It is a great all around unit for hiking, climbing, water navigation, and any other personal activity where you need to find your way.

• Great Features: The Garmin Etrex Legend CX comes with a lot of nice features some of which include a WAAS-Enabled GPS that is super sensitive to provide great performance regardless of your activity and environment, built-in basemap with automatic routing capability, microSD card slot to store additional MapSource details, built-in antenna, 256-color high resolution TFT, tracks to allow you to retrace your path, 500 user waypoints, trip computer, and much more.

• Garmin Etrex Legend Software: The CX model can also utilize Garmin Etrex Legend software via a mini USB port that allows you to download map data from the Garmin library of MapSource CDs.  The unit is also capable of using other MapSource products such as BlueChart, City Navigator, and U.S. TOPO.

• Compact and Easy to Use: The Garmin Etrex Legend CX is equipped with a handheld unit that weighs only about one pound and is very easy to use.  When you activate the unit it will automatically look for satellite points and then you simply use the maps that are included in the system.  The main menu is easy to use and setting up a basic map for your location is a breeze.  In addition to these features, the Legend CX is very sturdy and contains a clip so you can attach the unit to a car dashboard or connect it to your belt.

I found the Garmin Etrex Legend CX to be right on target regardless of your environmental situation and whether you are trying to find hiking, camping, or fishing spots.  It is a great all around GPS unit to help you get to where you want to go.  It retails for approximately $325.00 but I found a much better deal by going here.

Garmin Etrex Legend HCx

Next I gave the Garmin Etrex Legend a test run and it is a great handheld companion for both the road and in the great outdoors.  It is reasonably priced for what you are getting and has a lot of technology packed inside a little unit.  Here are some of the things I found in this handy device:

• Compact and Lightweight: While it is great to get lost once in a while when it comes down to being serious the Garmin Etrex Legend HCx is a lifesaver with over 25 hours of battery life and weighing in at little more than a half pound.  You can fit it in any size pocket or attach it to your belt while you are hiking and best of all, its waterproof.  The device has a sturdy build with rubber gripping on the sides so it feels solid in your hand.

• Easy to Use: The Garmin Etrex Legend HCx has a great receiver which finds a satellite connection within seconds regardless of your location. The menu feature contains easy to use side buttons with a thumb button on the front of the device.  The backlit display is designed for viewing in a wide variety of light conditions including darkness and extreme sunlight.

• Worldwide Map: You can get great access to a worldwide map which is included on the unit and if you desire to have detailed information you can link up with City Navigator by loading the maps on a microSD card or you can upload it through the included USB port on the side of the unit.

• Great Features: The Legend HCx contains a 64 MB microSD card for MapSource data so you can access highly detailed maps with more information.  The 256-bit color display allows for viewing in any light conditions with automatic route generation, off-route calculation, and turn direction that includes alert tones.  There is also a great USB port for downloading maps from the Garmin library.

Another cool feature that I liked was the capability to locate the nearest place to eat, gas stations, and lodging, and a customized computer system that tracks your trip mileage, speed, and elevation.  You can also save trips that you have taken so you can use it at a later date.

I also like the fact that the battery life appears to have no limits and it is very useful in your car or in the great outdoors. It even works in dense foliage when you are on the hiking trail. The Garmin Etrex Legend HCx can also be operated with one hand and the click stick is a great way to navigate around the maps and the menus.

The Garmin Etrex Legend HCx provides excellent quality and service should you ever need assistance and once you have it in your hands you will wonder how you ever survived without it.  This device is an excellent choice if you are on a budget and it prices around $270 retail however you can find a much better price on it here.

Our geocaching day was an experience, but it also gave us a great chance to take a look this portable and functional GPS receiver. After adventuring around the country geocaching, we’ve since realized that if you’re at all into going off the beaten track, then a handheld GPS receiver is so much fun.

For under $250 at Amazon, the question you’re most probably asking however; is should you buy it? Let’s take a look at the main features:

• Highly sensitive WAAS enabled GPS
  The WAAS enabled GPS is the biggest attraction to potential buyers, and we found that Garmin weren’t kidding when they said it was highly accurate and super sensitive. While running about the country isn’t the most accurate of tests, we found that we really were where it said we were! It’s not only sensitive, but locks on quickly and provides pin-point accuracy even without WAAS.

• Color screen
  The reasonably sized, full color display is a pleasure to use. It’s all too often these days that you get something which works great indoors, only to be a complete failure outdoors. The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx had no problems on even the sunniest of days and the unit’s backlight is bright and does a great job in ensuring that regardless of conditions, the display remains clear.

• Waterproof housing
  One of the main strengths of the Garmin eTrex vista is the fact that the device is fully water proof and ruggedized – perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Keys are vulcanized rubber and easy to use and the device really is waterproof. It is NOT buoyant however so while it’ll survive the harshest of weather conditions, who knows what might happen if it sinks to the bottom of a lake!

• 25 hour battery life
  The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx takes AA batteries and lasts for around 25 hours on a single charge. You can probably expect between 18 – 23 hours of realistic usage.

• Digital compass
  Obviously, knowing where you’re going is kind of the point of a GPS – so with the digital compass that’s included with the Garmin, we have to admit we were somewhat disappointed, as you can’t use the digital compass until you get below a certain speed. That’s all very well and fine, but combined with the fact that you have to ensure you hold the GPS completely level like a table’, it’s finicky to use and more of a gadget than a tool.

• Barometric altimeter
  The barometric altimeter was just as you’d expect – and while it needs to be calibrated, it does exactly what it says and integrates with the Garmin in recording waypoints, automatic routing and letting you know exactly where you are. Once it’s set up it’s a breeze to use. If only the compass was this simple!

• Automatic routing
  With two modes of automatic routing, you can choose from an ‘as the crow flies’ direct route to your destination for off-road pursuits, or alternatively use the on-road navigation. To get the most out of automatic routing and the Garmin, one has to purchase optional Garmin eTrex Vista HCx maps such as the CityNavigator which provide a great deal more detail.

• Maps
  The Garmin eTrex vista comes with the standard Basemap that’s included in all Garmin products. If you want to make the most out of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, you’re going to need to upgrade the maps at some point and buy more.

• Track log
  It’s actually really easy to store your journey information as you go with eTrex vista as the track logs marks what’s essentially a breadcrumb trail along your destination recording your speed and altitude.

• Geocaching support
  For the fans of geo caching, Garmin included a special geo caching mode which switches to compass navigation when you get closer to the destination.

Conclusion

Great value, high quality GPS receiver, but no maps included other than the basemap means that you’ll need to buy additional Garmin eTrex Vista HCx maps.

On the whole, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx lives up to its reputation as one of the most affordable, rugged hand-held GPS receivers out there. There’s a reason why Garmin is one of the market leaders, and that’s because they know what they’re doing. With the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx best price now below $250 from sites such as Amazon, you can pick-up an award winning GPS that really can take you anywhere.

Overall, while we found this a fantastic piece of kit, the eTrex Vista lacks some more advanced features and there are some minor quirks in the software, for example the Geocaching and Compass leave a bit to be desired, and a few more Garmin eTrex Vista HCx accessories such as Micro SD card would be fantastic. However, for under $250, you really can’t find a more affordably priced GPS unit

Both devices come with full maps of the US and Canada and Map Share technology allows you to benefit from corrections made by others for up to date maps. There is an easy access Help Me menu for finding emergency services in a hurry. There is also a fold and go mount and users can get updates via a desktop application.

The 540S is the more advanced model and it includes a few extras. There is advanced lane guidance which gives visual directions helping you stay in the right lane. There are also maps for Mexico and extra points of interest (seven million in total).

They are calling these devices “portable navigation products” and they are going to be released at reasonable prices. The TomTom XXL 530S will be $279 and the TomTom XXL 540S will be just $20 more at $299. If you are looking for a bigger screen and you want a reliable device then you will be tempted and for just $20 more the 540S looks worth the extra cash to me.

It’s situations like this when free GPS maps can come to the rescue. If you’re looking for a resource to help you get around more easily, a GPS map may be just what you need.

One of the biggest purveyors of GPS maps is, of course, Google. Through Google Maps you can access easy to read maps of pretty much any point in the world. While some of the directional information may be a bit limited in more remote areas, how often are you going to find yourself trying to navigate the outer reaches of Mongolia (although, if you need to, you’ll be please to know that Google’s service does provide information on the one road you could take –
for a ways).

Another option for free GPS maps is MapQuest. Here you can enter directions for a starting and ending point and receive detailed directions from point A to point B. Some find the directions a little TOO detailed (i.e., turn left out of your driveway and proceed 1400 ft. to the nearest road), but they are very usable.

Many of us, however, don’t have the time or organizational skills to figure out where we’re going before we leave the house. Going to a website on your home computer and printing out directions seems so, well, 20th century. That’s where free GPS maps that you can download to your portable device can come in handy.

If you’re lucky enough to have a GPS device, such as a Garmin Nuvi or a Magellan Roadmate, you can download free GPS maps and software through your computer and straight on to the device. The Maps GPS Info site provides an up-to-date listing of 97 different sites that offer free GPS maps software.

You also may have a GPS compatible phone or PDA, such as the new iPhone, the Helio drift or the HP Smartphone, which, when combined with free GPS map software and downloads, can help you access maps and information about local sites and businesses while on the road.

Unfortunately, like many things that are “free” these programs come with some caveats. Often, some of the best features of the software are disabled in the free version, or it may be free for only a limited time. If you’re really in need of quality mapping information and resources, at some point it may be time to abandon the “free” options, and look at some of the low-cost paid versions of GPS software. Ranging from $40 to around $200, you can likely find one program that will meet your needs.

For those just beginning to explore the world of free GPS maps, though, there’s no need to start shelling out the cash. In fact, with the options noted above you can use your computer to explore planet earth, for free!

If you’re wondering what “GPS” is and what on earth it has to do with your laptop, you’re not alone. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and works through satellites. These satellites continuously transmit high frequency signals showing the relationship of the satellite to the earth. A GPS receiver uses at least three satellite signals and good old fashioned geometry (don’t worry, you don’t have to do the calculations) to pinpoint exact locations.

Many people are combining the benefits of GPS receivers with laptop GPS software for good reason. Imagine being a retiree able to pilot your motorhome around the country without fear of getting lost (and with the ability to let your family know where you are at all times). Imagine being a business owner able to track your fleet of delivery trucks at the push of a button. Or, imagine being a busy mom able to monitor your kids from the safety of your living room.

There are several things to bear in mind as you consider how you can use your Laptop GPS software for tracking purposes.

The receiver: Some laptops come equipped with a wireless GPS receiver built-in, but for most of us, we will likely need to rely on an outside product, such as a Garmin Nuvi or Magellan Road Mate. Or, with the right kind of laptop, you can purchase a peripheral device that will instantly turn your laptop into a GPS receiver. Options in this category include the Garmin GPS 18 GPS Receiver.

The information: The GPS device usually includes basic mapping software, but additional laptop GPS software is available to make your experience much more personalized and useful. For example, Microsoft offers Microsoft Streets and Trips, which provides over 16.7 million miles of roads as well as “places of interest” such as museums and national parks. This approach is terrifically useful for the road enthusiast seeking to get from point A to point B – with several stops along the way. Another option in this line isRand McNally’s StreetFinder and TripMaker, which offers similar services to the Microsoft product.

In addition, many companies offer more specialized software with up to the minute information on construction, traffic, road closing and the like to professional drivers for whom every minute counts. You can explore many of these through a service like Trackmytruck.com or accutracking.com

There are also a number of free or share ware GPS software services available. One of the best with the easiest interface is Easy GPS, although it does not offer as many features as the less-than-free laptop GPS software products.

The service: Whichever direction you decide to go, as the user your ease of use is absolutely critical. As with any new product, there is a learning curve with laptop GPS software. That said, you’ll want to find a product with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions for interfacing with your GPS receiver – and a strong online or telephone customer service line doesn’t hurt either.

Armed with your GPS receiver, your laptop and your laptop GPS software, you’re ready to see the world!

In addition to security, Car tracking GPS services provide a host of additional benefits. For example, these devices are often used with high-end vehicle locator systems, such as On Star, Accutracking or Road Trac. Customer service representatives can track vehicles of their customers, offering everything from directions, to assistance in unlocking doors if one loses ones keys. In fact, they can determine when an airbag has been deployed in a vehicle and send help within seconds. They can also remotely identify many mechanical problems and send out a tow truck before you even know you need one! Finally, did you know they can even remotely disable the starter? That ought to foil a few would be car thieves.

If you consider a car tracking GPS system, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions. First of all, think about what types of services you might need. Obviously, a system that can monitor your every movement and unlock your doors remotely will cost a bit more than a system that simply pinpoints the location of your vehicle on a map. For many users, though, it will make sense to have a more high-end option, especially if you’re looking for a technological partner in the battle to get your kids (or your spouse!) to drive more slowly.

Consider, too, how your car tracking GPS system will interface with any GPS receiver you might already have in your car, such as the Garmin Nuvi or the Magellan RoadMate. Bear in mind that these are GPS receivers, not transmitters. Although some higher end devices may be able to provide transmission services or, at a minimum Bluetooth compatibility through which you can connect your cell phone, they are not designed for tracking purposes.

You’ll also want to look at the installation procedures for your selected device. If you are using a simple tracking device with limited or no outside monitoring you can often install this on your own. If you go with a high-end system, be sure to work through a reputable dealer. Installing car tracking GPS system is a bit more complicated than putting on new wiper blades and should not be attempted by anyone without adequate knowledge of the technology.

Finally, of course, you want to be comfortable with the personnel who will be monitoring you and your car. For safety’s sake, you’ll obviously want to be sure the monitoring services operate 24 hours a day. Check, too, into the redundancies built into the system – what if the network they’re using goes down? Do they have a back-up?

Ultimately, bear in mind that your car tracking GPS provider will learn a lot about you – where you go, your driving habits – even your car maintenance practices. You’ll want to be sure that information is safe and secure (except, of course, when you want to track down your kids!

Well the guess work of where packages might be and when exactly you might be able to expect delivery could be over with the advent of GPS truck tracking.

Useful not only for delivery services, GPS truck tracking can be successfully utilized in a whole range of applications. Airport shuttle services use it to provide customers with up-to-the-minute estimates of when they will be picked up. Furniture and flower delivery services use it to manage their fleets (and give their customers more flexibility). Car dealerships use it to keep track of inventory – on the off chance someone might take a “test drive” for an extended period of time.

Generally GPS truck tracking services use either a cellular or a satellite network. As the customer, you would purchase a tracking package from one of any number of providers, including Advanced Trucking Tehnologies,FleetLinc and Track Your Truck. The vendor will provide you with GPS devices, software, wireless services – in short, everything you need to begin GPS truck tracking.

Once your receivers are installed on the vehicles, signals will be sent usually every one to five minutes through the designated cellular or satellite network to a designated receiver station. These signals will be translated into specific coordinates. These coordinates are then fed into a PC-based mapping system, such as Google Earth, to allow you to pinpoint the exact location of trucks in your fleet. All of this happens seamlessly and in seconds, allowing you to monitor what’s happening with deliveries from the comfort of your office.

Many services also provide the added bonus of recording and saving GPS coordinates for a set period of time – in case questions come up about whether a certain vehicle really was where it was supposed to be at a certain time.

The level of service, accuracy of pinpointing locations and number of receivers would depend entirely upon your needs. Smaller fleets will obviously need fewer receivers and may operate in a very localized area. Although you may not need a nationwide locator service, do bear in mind that if you are looking to expand, it might make sense to start with a provider who will be able to meet your needs in the future.

For a very small operation, you might also consider purchasing a GPS truck tracking device on your own. You can then purchase one of the many existing commercial services that will send signals from your GPS device through receivers directly to your PC. One such option is the Super Trackstick GPS Datalogger, which will not only help pinpoint the locations of associated vehicles, but will also store information for future review.

Hmmm. In addition to keeping track of deliveries, GPS truck tracking might be useful for telling you where your teenager REALLY took the car the other night. Right?