Helpful Tips for Using Portable GPS Devices

Portable GPSs (Global Positioning Systems) are becoming increasingly popular, both as portable units and as car 'built ins.' At first they seemed, as much new technology does, to be almost magical in nature. As the years pass and they become exponentially more commonplace and less expensive, the have become more acceptable and desirable to consumers. More and more people have and use them.

How They Work

Portable GPS units, whether they cost $200 or $500 (the current general range) all work with the same basic technology. The unit contains a small (3 - 5" measured diagonally, screen - often touch activated, a removable data card that holds a detailed and updatable road atlas and a powerful receiver that takes in signals from a network of satellites rotating around the Earth. Once you enter your desired destination, the receiver connects with the signal from those satellites which both places YOU and your destination.

The 'map' is then displayed on the screen along with various details that you can choose. Although they are each a bit different in appearance and features do vary, the essential GPS is as I have described and is encased in a generally plastic unit large enough to hold the electronics. Most, when not in use, are small enough o fit in a purse, coat or jacket pocket. Some are now being built into multi-function handheld devices and cell phones, but the focus here is on the 'standard' portable GPS unit.

Most have programmed 'voices' and tell you the directions, cautioning in advance of every upcoming turn and colored lights on their sides to visually cue you when a change/turn is coming up in case you are not listening or have the sound turned down. In most instances, actually watching the screen is more of a novelty than a requirement because of these other signaling elements.