Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
List Price: $229.99
Price: $99.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save: $130.00 (57%)

I'm a pilot and I entrust my navigation to Garmin, specifically a GNS430, which is about $10,000 installed. This little guy is great for getting around in the car. I had a Garmin C340 until not too long ago, however, some thief thought it was better that he had it than me.

As far as using the device goes, it is absolutely easy to use. Telling it where you want to go on the QWERTY key display is much easier than on the C340's ABC key display. Points of interest are up to date and are very accurate. Though, I haven't tested it too much, but it has my grocery store and office, so I'm pretty good; as my primary use is for ETA rather than way-finding. You can directly enter co-ordinates into the Nuvi 260w, which is nice, when hunting down some silly thing a friend has sent you to find.

The only drawback is the suction cup mount. The old mounts had the power built into the cradle so you could take the unit out without disconnecting the power cord, which was handy. This on the other hand uses a mini-usb adapter which is plugged into the back of the device directly.

All in all, I'm secretly happy a thief came my way, otherwise I probably wouldn't have bought this.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Garmin nüvi 265W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (without Traffic)

List Price: $199.99
Price: $128.68 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $71.31 (36%)



The last GPS I got I couldn't even figure out how to turn on...they have really come a long way as far as ease-of-use. This one...opened the box, easily assembled it onto the base with no directions, plugged it in, turned it on (okay, I had to go to directions for that, but they are very clear), followed all the steps (very intuitive - it walks you through it) and there I was - it had me pinpointed to my exact position in the parking lot - wow. So I plugged in an address, and yes, I'm old-school - I was shocked with this relatively inexpensive machine started TAlKING to me, nice voice too - very clear directions, tells you exactly how far to go before turning. This is the new model, which is why I got it, but it seems to have all the best features discussed in reviews of older models (I read a lot of reviews). Again, I'm not proficient in technology (my 11 year old niece has to help me with my phone and forget an I-Pod) but from my point of view this has all that a typical driver would need - I even think my even less-technically proficient parents would like it and I plan to try it out on them.

Update after a week: The screen shows several things I hadn't noticed, like your speed, the speed limit for the road you are on (some roads, not all roads), the expected time that you will get to the destination, the direction (North, South, East, West) and how far it is in miles. It's not distracting, as these notations are on the perimeter. The voice directions are very good, a warning prior to coming to a turn and then a 'turn left on ____ St.' when you get there and how far it is, as in 'turn left in point-three miles'. And it tells you which side of the street (left or right) your final destination is on, which is very helpful on a busy street.

Also nice is the 'Map' feature: It's simply a map of where you are, showing an automobile icon that moves as you go along...it shows landmarks, street names along with the speed limit and your speed so you don't have to look down at the speedometer and guess if you're going the speed limit and what it is. This can be used even when you don't have a destination plugged in. Plus, the machine saves addresses so you just have to tap on an address from a list of places you've been, instead of retyping it. It also saves the cities, so you can pull it down from a menu instead of typing it in...so I would consider it generally 'user-friendly'.

I got the portable Garmin Friction Mount to hold it in place (it's a beanbag type thing) which is really great, as you can easily stow it on the floor so no one decides to 'borrow it' if they see it on the dashboard. Overall, couldn't be more pleased...this one doesn't have 'traffic alerts', so if you want 'traffic' there is another Garmin model that would be more suitable.

Monday, November 8, 2010

GARMIN 010-11049-00 Astro DC 30 Wirelesss Collar Transmitter

List Price: $199.99
Price: $156.87 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save: $43.12 (22%)



Product Description
Garmin DC 30 Transmitter Collar. This rugged, all weather collar has an integrated GPS transmitter and antenna that work with the Astro 220 to ensure that your dog will never be lost again. Plus, its specially weighted so the antenna will always point to the sky for optimal signal. When teamed up with the Astro 220, this system will have you hunting in no time. The DC 30, in combination with the Astro 220, pinpoints your dogs position every 5 seconds and runs for 17 hours. You can extend the battery life of the DC 30 by changing the position transmit rate from 5 to 10 or 30 seconds, enabling the DC 30 to work up to 36 hours in the field on one charge. You will know if your dog is pointing, sitting, moving or treeing. Where its at. Where its been. How fast its moving and how far its gone.
The original astro came packaged with a small rechargable orange transmitter and a velcro harness to put it on your dog. Anyone mixing velcro and dog hair knows what happens next. There was also a plastic clip you could use to screw the transmitter onto your dog's existing collar, but my dog broke 2 of those clips giving chase.


When the DC30 came out it was a major improvement. Garmin realized that the heavy transmitter would sag down where the dog tags hang, so the put it there intentionally instead of forcing it on top.

The passive antenna in the original unit was replaced with an active amplified gps antenna sewn into the collar facing the sky. A small thin cable is hidden in the collar to carry the gps signal down to the transmitter below.

Finally, the transmit antenna was redesigned for vhf frequencies and realizes 1dB more gain over the previous transmitter - not alot but still an improvement.

In short, the DC 30 makes the astro a real dog tracker. I bought the collar separately and was immediately impressed. No longer did I have to scrape dog hair from the velcro on their earlier design!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Garmin Astro Bundle 220 Dog Tracking GPS

Are you worried about your dog? Worry no more with GPS dog tracking. It is something of great pleasure to them, but it is a source of tension for you. It is not possible on your part to keep track of them each and every moment, but if after sometime when you realize that it is no where around the yard or not even in the rarest nooks of your broad garden, then there is simply no end of your worries I am sure. So if you can manage something like the above mentioned product then the work of locating down your pet would naturally grow quite simple I am sure. Your dog can be located very easily if a GPS dog collar tracking device is attached on its collar. It is very effective and at the same time available at a price that would not burn a hole into your pockets. There are many developments that are being achieved in this field, but at the moment there are two types of products are available in the market. The first one acts via a cell phone. The device works by sending signals to your cell phones.retail more

GPS DOG TRACKING

GPS dog tracking system that can tell you where your dog is anytime, right away.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Zoombak ZMBK200 Advanced GPS Car and Family Locator

Are you worried about your teen or other loved one being behind the wheel? What if they get lost or your car gets stolen? Worry no more with Zoombak Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator. This water-resistant device installs permanently in your car or keep it portable for use in other vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, boats and bicycles. You can pinpoint your car's location on-demand via Zoombak site, mobile phone or live customer care. Or use the continuous tracking option to find out where your car is in real time. Just log on to the website to view a map of its current location, as well as where it has been before. Create and activate your own customized safety zones and be notified if your car leaves a zone. This locator will provide you with the peace of mind you are looking for in auto safety. Continuous Tracking - automatic update of your car's location every 5 minutes for up to 1 hour Location History - see where your car has traveled for the past hour, day or week. Device Alerts - have Zoombak notify you via email and/or text message when your Zoombak Locator has been powered off or has a low battery 24/7 Live Customer Care A-GPS Technology that uses both satellite & cellular technologies Comes with - Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator device Portable Car Charger AC Wall Charger Installation kit - 12V DC Charger for in-car charging and Installation Bracket User & Quick Start Guide 30-Day Risk Free Guarantee (in original packaging & condition with receipt) 1-year Manufacturers Warranty Device must be activated within 60 days of purchase

Install the Zoombak car locator permanently in your car or keep it portable for use in other vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, boats and bicycles. Locate your car’s whereabouts on-demand using Zoombak.com, your mobile phone, or live customer care. Track your car's location in real time, or view a map of your car's current location or location history. Create your own customized "safety zones", and get notified via text message and email when your car has left the zone.

Unlimited on-demand location requests, an easy-to-use website, and a 24/7 toll-free phone number for live customer care and location support, will provide you with the peace of mind you are looking for in car safety. Please note that Zoombak requires a monthly service plan (Learn more)


Key Features

Find the current location of your car online, via mobile phone text message, or via toll-free 24 hour customer service Track your car's location continuously
Get your car's location history
Get alerts whenever your car leaves custom "safety zones" that you define Low Battery and "Power Off" Alerts
24/7 Customer Service
Just 2.5 ounces
Long battery life (standby = up to 120 hours or 5 days; active use = up to 150 location requests)
Water-resistant housing
Low-cost service plan

LandAirSea LAS-1505 Tracking Key Vehicle GPS Tracking System

Technical Details
Ideal For Parents Who Want To See If Their Teenagers Are Speeding Or Employers Who Want To See Where Their Employees Are Driving
Small, Pocket-Sized Gps Device
Receives Signals From 24 Gps Satellites Orbiting The Earth
Internal Computer Accurately Determines The Location Of Device Within 2.5 M & Records Data Every Sec
Can Be Easily Hidden In Or Under Car


special Protect This Item from Accidents with a 3-Year SquareTrade Warranty
For just $29.99 more, protect your purchase from drops, spills, mechanical and electrical failures.


62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent System at Low Cost
I was really suspicious when I went GPS shopping, because I'd heard so many problems about metal blocking signals and so forth. I put the tracking key through all kinds of tests in my van, hiding it upside down under the seat, inside the dash, stashing it back inside the compartment for the jack, surrounding it with metal and pointing it in all different directions
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Escort Entourage PS Kit-0019 GPS Vehicle Tracker (Black)

I have no problem recommending this GPS . It has worked as advertised and met all my expectations. The pricing is a little high, but as I've learned (read my Zoombak disaster) you get what you pay for. I keep this device in an enclosed trailer for some added security, and when the battery gets low, you are notified. You have unlimited locates, and the shock and perimeter functions work flawlessly as well.

List Price: $349.95
Price: $299.95 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save: $50.00 (14%)


Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description Introducing Escort Entourage PS, powered by Blackline GPS, the fully portable, personalized security system with mobile phone alerting that lets you protect, share and connect as never before. A powerful combination of always-on cellular networks, top-tier GPS tracking and motion-sensing technology, the Escort Entourage PS is your extra layer of assurance for the things or people you value most.


Portable GPS-based vehicle security and location awareness for your real life. Click to enlarge.


Escort Entourage PS Powered by BlacklineGPS
Introducing Escort Entourage PS, powered by BlacklineGPS, the fully portable, personalized security system with mobile phone alerting that lets you protect, share and connect as never before.
A powerful combination of always-on cellular networks, top-tier GPS tracking and motion-sensing technology, the Escort Entourage PS is a comforting extra layer of assurance for the things or people you value most.

Real Portability
The Escort Entourage PS goes where your vehicle or other possessions go, and lets you know where it is by text message and e-mail when it's tampered with or moved.
Entourage PS is compact and may be hidden in your vehicle almost anywhere, or used to protect your belongings. Click to enlarge.


Real-time GPS tracking tells you where your vehicle is located at anytime. Click to enlarge.


Instant awareness of your vehicle's or belongings' security through mobile alerting (SMS and email). Click to enlarge.


Real Location Awareness
Advanced sharing technology goes beyond mere tracking, and lets you share your vehicle or other item's location with people you know, via your personalized website panel. Plus, you can track the precise location of the Escort Entourage PS on your computer, Blackberry smartphone, or browser-enabled mobile phone--all in real-time and on demand.

Real Personalization
Your private website allows you to set all your security preferences--and change them at any time. Select your geographical security zones, choose icons for your different devices, check your vehicle's speed and direction on Google maps and more.

Real Easy
The compact, sleek design of Entourage PS makes it easy to conceal in your vehicle or other personal possessions. And its internal battery lasts up to one full week on a single charge.

Real Security
With its wide range of features, dependable performance and superior attention to the ownership experience, the Escort Entourage PS is the smartest choice in truly portable security and location awareness for your life on-the-go.

Note: Service plan required for use


Service Plan Description
Escort has the plan for your life-on-the-go.
Put the advanced technology of the Escort Entourage PS to work for you as a comforting extra layer of assurance for your vehicles and personal belongings for only $14.95/month (3 month prepayment and activation fee of $29.95 required when activating device). Or, subscribe to an annual plan and pay no activation fee. Plans have no contracts, no cancellation fees, and include all the features.

Escort Entourage PS Subscription plan powered by Blackline GPS includes the following standard features:

Access to your personal Network Account powered by Blackline GPS, that is the online home for your Escort Entourage PS
Unlimited real-time locating produces locations as quick as 20 seconds
No service cancellation fees
Wireless coverage in the US and Canada
Easy-to-personalize online Internet browser-based interface
Continuous tracking provides 10-second locations for up to 10 minutes at a time
Tracking scheduler automates tracking for you with tracking intervals as quick as every 10 minutes
Mobile security alerts and notification via email and text message (SMS)
Early indication of possible theft through tamper-sensing (vibration) and alerting
Early theft indication through GPS security perimeter monitoring and breach alerting
Remote control interface for remote interaction and locating via text message (SMS) from your mobile phone
Interactive mapping with zoom and panning features
6-month location and security data history within Network Account that stores location, speed, direction, altitude, alerts and more
FREE Location-sharing and Friend-finder app for supported smartphones with an unparalleled, convenient mobile interface
Hassle-free, automatically recurring credit card billing from Blackline GPS
24/7 live customer care