| As scary as it may be, the US Department of | | | | |
| Defense has been using satellite technology | | | | One great appeal of many portable GPPS |
| to track the location of targets anywhere on | | | | devices is their multi-functionality. A |
| Earth with pinpoint accuracy for the last | | | | wristwatch with GPS capability, for example, |
| thirty years. GPS, or Global Positioning | | | | is a great tool for those who enjoy outdoor |
| System technology, lets GPS portable | | | | pursuits like hiking, fishing, and camping; |
| receivers pick up transmissions from four of | | | | it eliminates the need for inconvenient maps. |
| the twenty-four tracking satellites. | | | | Having a GPS portable device in your PDA will |
| | | | be a great way to help you find your way |
| By interpolating the data from the four | | | | around strange cities or find alternate |
| satellites, GPS portable receivers are able | | | | routes when traffic is moving against you. |
| to get a very clear picture of their own | | | | |
| longitude and latitude, as well as the | | | | The Garmin handheld GPSMAP 60CSx uses the |
| correct time. To be able to function | | | | state-of-the-art SiRFstar III chip to give it |
| properly, however, the GPS portable receiver | | | | a nearly instant link--usually less than |
| must be positioned where it the satellite | | | | thirty seconds--to satellite transmissions |
| transmissions will not be blocked. | | | | even under heavy vegetation or in canyons. It |
| | | | is ideal for back country mapping and also |
| Sometimes a difference of a few feet can mean | | | | has optional software to provide turn by turn |
| the difference between a clear signal to the | | | | directions and automatic routing.Listing for |
| GPS portable receiver, and a weak or blocked | | | | $536. it can be found on the Internet for |
| one. The GPS portable receivers are often | | | | $350. |
| incapable of receiving signals if they are | | | | |
| being used near tall buildings or under heavy | | | | The Garmin iQue 3600 PDA with GPS |
| canopies of vegetation. The GPS portable | | | | capabability, first introduced in 2003 with a |
| receivers can be used indoors, but only with | | | | sticker price of $589 is now advertised on |
| the aid of an external antenna. | | | | the Internet for as low as $339. |
| | | | |
| Commercial GPS portable devices are now | | | | Finally, the Garmin GPS Forerunner watch for |
| available in an amazing variety of | | | | runners, although they are far from elegant, |
| applications besides stand alone receivers. | | | | is a waterproof training devise with |
| They are incorporated into PDAs, | | | | technology which enable it to pick up |
| wristwatches, and cell phones. And of course, | | | | satellite transmissions even among tall |
| there are portable GPS receivers for | | | | buildings or under heavy vegetation. These |
| automobiles, motorcycles, and boats. | | | | GPS watches can track distance and time and |
| | | | run about $240. |
| Features And Prices Of GPS Devices | | | | |