GPS

A dedicated cyclecomputer or a smartphone can provide you with your speed, distance, pace, elevation change, location, directions, and much more as you ride. There are more options than ever for using GPS technology while cycling. But how to decide which type to use? Cyclecomputers are weatherproof and have long-lasting batteries, but smartphones have more functions and the cycling apps are free or inexpensive. Read on for my take on the pros and cons of various types of GPS devices for cycling, and some factors you may want to consider. Image © MapMyRIDE

Tracking a vehicle, person, pet, or piece of property with GPS was once a technically difficult and costly process. GPS tracking takes the typical functions of a GPS device a step further, by either capturing and storing position data within internal memory for retrieval later, or by transmitting location data in real time via the same cellular data network used by mobile phones. GPS tracking is now very accessible to consumers, for a wide range of purposes. And like so much other technology, GPS tracking has its pros and cons, and ethical considerations, as well. Let's take a look at how it works, and which type of device is best suited for different purposes. Image © Garmin

GPS has long been a favorite tool for fishermen, making it easy to return to good spots. Freshwater  lake fishermen just got another great way to find fish with the introduction of Fishing Hot Spots - Lakes maps ($9.99) from Magellan. "Fishing Hot Spots features extensively researched fishing information including detailed profiles with shoreline characteristics, size, depth and contours, and submerged cover/vegetation to better prepare anglers for their fishing trip," states Magellan. "Lake-specific tips and techniques help the angler identify the fish species, seasonal fishing patterns and the best baits and lures to use for greatest success. Fishing points of interest and other interesting fishery data are included to inform anglers about where particular fish are typically found, primary species and average sizes, tackle techniques and stocking practices."

The maps are sold by state, and are compatible with Magellan's handheld eXplorist GPS devices. Image © Magellan

If you've tried GPS mapping apps and found them to be too complicated, or if you haven't tried trip e-journaling and would like to start logging and sharing your adventures, consider the new GPS Pal app from sportswear maker Columbia. To Columbia's credit, the app appears to be ad-free, and its user-friendly interface made it easy to jump in and start journaling and sharing still images and videos. Read on for my full review and star-rating. Image © Columbia

Using a big screen is one of the ways portable GPS makers are setting themselves apart from the smartphone competition. If you thought an "oversize" 5-inch screen was large, watch out for this new (shown in photo) VIA 1605TM model with a 6-inch (diagonal) screen from TomTom. This high-resolution touchscreen is designed to provide a large, sharp image of upcoming navigation points, as well as ample space for large, easy-to-find touch zones for controls. The TomTom VIA 1605 TM also features TomTom's folding EasyPort mount, which makes it compact and easy to stow.

"Safety on the road is an ever-present concern for today's drivers," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director Consumer at TomTom. "The unique design of the TomTom VIA 1605TM addresses that concern, ensuring that the interaction is easy and instructions are in clear view."

The VIA with 6-inch screen will sell for $229, and will go on sale in late May. Image © TomTom

Magellan this week introduced a new 2012-model line of portable car GPS devices ranging from $99 to $169. The top three models in the series have large, 5-inch (diagonal) screens. In addition to the features we've become used to in car GPS, including spoken-street-name directions and product-lifetime free map updates, the new Magellans have innovative functions such as parking availability and traffic camera alerts.

"The new Magellan RoadMate 2210, 2210T, 2220-LM, 2230T-LM, 5220-LM, 5230T-LM and 5235T-LM models feature 'Landmark Guidance' which gives drivers an easier way to navigate to their destinations," states Magellan. "Instead of presenting the driver only with street names that may be hard to locate and read, the Magellan RoadMate GPS tells drivers to turn at familiar landmarks such as gas stations, banks, stores or other large, easily-seen places."

These new models also include a built-in AAA TourBook, which I have found to be very useful, and a step above a simple web search for finding out the real story on hotels and attractions. Image © Magellan

While iPhone GPS navigation apps seem to get all the buzz, there are some excellent apps available for Android operating system and Windows Phone 7 phones, as well. One of the more robust available is Navigon's MobileNavigator app ($39). Features include:

• Spoken street names.
• Active Lane Assistant (shows you the correct lane).
• Bluetooth support.
• Google Local Search.
• Pedestrian mode.
• Access and navigation to contacts list.
• Traffic detection & avoidance as an in-ap purchase.

Navigon Android is an on-board-data solution, meaning that it stores all maps in your phone's memory, and it requires 600MB of memory space. Image © Navigon

The availability of sports watches that include GPS functionality has grown rapidly from virtually none a few years ago, to a range of top brands today, including Timex, Polar USA, Garmin, Motorola, and Magellan. I've done a buyer's guide to GPS watches, but some new models have since come onto the market that are well worth considering. GPS watches are now available for running, cycling, triathlon, and golf. Prices range from $199 to $499. Read on for my new GPS watch roundup. Image © Garmin

There are dozens of good, turn-by-turn GPS navigation apps on the market for iPhone and Android smartphones. How to tell which one is best for your needs? There are actually some good firm guidelines for getting the right app, including how maps are stored, whether the app has spoken street name directions, lane guidance, and much more. Read on for the definitive guide on getting the navigation app that's just right for you. Image © Navigon

TomTom offers one of the best and most complete iPhone turn-by-turn navigation apps, and recently completed an upgrade that includes social features, and speed camera warnings. TomTom doesn't want you to tweet or use Facebook while you drive. That's not the idea. But you may, however, set up your app to automatically tweet your friends or update your Facebook friends with your actual arrival time, for example. That's a useful hands-free feature. You may also select destinations and navigate to them directly from Facebook. The latest version (1.10) of the TomTom app also includes the most up-to-date TomTom maps, and a fixed-speed-camera warning feature. Image © TomTom