Finding Your Way With a Magellan GPS System

There are many models in the Magellan GPS line of products. The popularity of these devices has prompted other manufacturers to jump on board with their own versions of what personal global positioning should be. Over the past few years, due in part because of this competition, the price of GPS units has dropped to the point where you don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy the benefits, and the fun of global satellite technology.

From geocachers to aviators, there is a Magellan GPS System that will fit every application. For example, start with the 200 Series handheld GPS. A small and lightweight basic unit, the 210 weighs in at 6 ounces and has a rugged sport-type case. It comes equipped with basic map and data storage features, and is accurate to within three meters under ideal circumstances. This represents an older era of GPS units, but is still a reliable and functional unit for geocaching. Plus the price won’t scare anyone, with a tag around $150.00 through most online sellers. For a handheld, portable, off-road device, this is a nice option to consider. Just remember that it is the lower end of the spectrum.

Drivers have the RoadMate series to help them along their way. The RoadMate features voice guidance, which allows you to operate your vehicle safely while receiving turn-by-turn instructions. All the driver needs to do is program the addresses he intends to visit into the RoadMate. The unit will do the rest. The RoadMate series adapted to newer technologies by adding models when new options became available. These vehicle based GPS units are more costly than low end systems due to the increased amount of technology built into them. They are definitely worth the money, especially to people who can’t find their way out of the garage.

The marine units are basically off-road Explorist devices with marine based software, like buoy locations. There isn’t a factory installed fish-finder, but added were protective measures that deal with the water. For example, not only are the units “labeled” and set up with waterproof cases, but they float. This makes finding the GPS unit after it slides off the boat just a little easier.

Magellan GPS systems advance as innovations in GPS technologies come along. For the user, the only decision involves getting a GPS unit that does what’s needed at the best price. It’s similar to buying a new car. If you just need transportation back and forth to work, a giant SUV is overkill. A mid-size sedan will do fine. But if you’re constantly hauling 6 kids around, a sedan won’t do. The same holds true for a GPS system. If you’re just starting out and want to map out a trip to the grocery store, you really don’t need to invest in a top of the line unit. A cheap base unit will do nicely.

GPS units will constantly improve, and will become more and more a part of our everyday lives. Soon, every new car will come standard with a device that can be turned on at the driver’s command to route a trip to grandma’s or to skirt around traffic that’s slowing him down. These systems will also allow mom and dad to see where the kids are with the car when they’re out, as well as assist when your car breaks down on a lonely stretch of road. The benefits are many, and the costs are slowly starting to come down.

The near future promises many new gadgets, some that may not even be on the drawing board yet. It wasn’t so long ago that a computer took up an entire room and required punch cards to operate. Now, almost everyone has access to a personal computer or game system that can be carries under your arm or in the palm of your hand. GPS systems will probably continue to improve also, which means that the joke about men asking for directions will no longer apply.