| Traveling used to mean packing along detailed and | | | | Bluetooth technology is widely known as the |
| illegible maps and compasses of questionable | | | | standard for modern wireless communication. This |
| reliability. Given the number of times travelers had | | | | system allows two electronic devices, such as a |
| to stop and pull over to check a map, it's a | | | | GPS and PDA, to send and receive signals, |
| wonder that we ever traveled at all! These days, | | | | transfer data and "communicate" with each other. |
| modern travelers can easily find their way with a | | | | The information is shared without wires. |
| small hand held wonder called a GPS receiver. | | | | Bluetooth GPS Receivers |
| Since GPS devices hit the market a few years | | | | A Bluetooth GPS receiver is an electronic device |
| ago, traditional navigation devices and roadmaps | | | | that uses wireless technology (namely, Bluetooth |
| have been left in the dust. Travelers these days | | | | electronics) to transmit GPS data. The data is |
| can glance at a GPS screen right in the car, and | | | | transmitted to a second wireless device, such as |
| get clear directions on where to go and how to | | | | a PDA, that is capable of handling the technology. |
| get there. | | | | For example, a GPS receiver can wirelessly |
| A GPS receiver is a small electronic device that | | | | transmit data to a PDA handset, but only if they |
| can actually calculate your precise location on | | | | are both enabled with Bluetooth capabilities. |
| earth. The GPS is able to decode signals sent | | | | There are many advantages to using Bluetooth |
| from satellites in outer space, and use those | | | | GPS receivers with compatible PDAs for data |
| signals to tell you where you are at any given | | | | transmission, rather than using CompactFlash or |
| time. When combined with specialized software | | | | USB wires: |
| and electronics, the GPS is able to pinpoint an | | | | Wireless Convenience |
| exact location on a map, and give you instructions | | | | Without wires to tie them down, you are free to |
| on how to get there. This fascinating technology | | | | position your GPS receiver and PDA device where |
| becomes even more incredible when you discover | | | | it's most convenient for you. Many travelers |
| that it can be had for a relatively small price. | | | | choose to place the GPS on the dashboard, |
| GPS receivers become even more useful and | | | | allowing it to maintain a clear connection with |
| convenient when paired with other mobile devices. | | | | satellites in the sky. The PDA is best mounted |
| A PDA is a popular consumer product that is | | | | right in front of the driver, where he or she can |
| easily used along with a GPS. PDAs have hard | | | | clearly see the directions on the screen. With |
| drive space to allow for map storage and colored | | | | Bluetooth technology there are no wires to limit |
| screens to display maps, making them ideal | | | | the convenience or obstruct your view of the |
| technological GPS partners. When one takes into | | | | screen. |
| account the small size and weight of a compact | | | | Added Storage |
| PDA as compared to options such as laptop | | | | If you are using Bluetooth GPS and PDA, you'll |
| computers, it's easy to see why PDAs are the | | | | have no need to a CompactFlash. In this case, |
| choice of today's tech-savvy travelers. | | | | you can use the empty CompactFlash slot as a |
| Integration poses a problem with using a PDA | | | | storage area for maps and other software |
| with a GPS receiver. Most PDAs are connected to | | | | required to optimize your GPS navigation. |
| GPS receivers with either a CompactFlash (CF) | | | | Bluetooth GPS manufacturers will offer further |
| card, or conventional USB wires. The size of the | | | | benefits with their equipment. For example, many |
| GPS, added to the size of the PDA, plus a CF can | | | | Bluetooth GPS receivers feature a POI (points of |
| create a bulky and cumbersome system. Using | | | | interest) database, pre-stored maps and route |
| wires, on the other hand, can be inconvenient and | | | | re-calculation function. |
| actually limit the usability of your navigation device. | | | | Shop around to learn as much as you can, and |
| Many people are finding the best solution to the | | | | compare models to find the one that suits you |
| problem is through Bluetooth technology. | | | | best. Your GPS will likely soon become a trusted |
| Bluetooth Solution | | | | travel companion. |