Things to consider when buying GPS Equipment

Here's a good read taken from the GPS World blog, as posted by Mauricio. The link to that article is here: http://gps--world.blogspot.com/2009/07/things-to-consider-when-buying-gps.html

There are three different satellite navigation systems used around the world.The most common is the US Global Positioning System (GPS) or NAVSTAR witch uses uses 24 satellites. In fist place originated by the US military, GPS is now widely used for civilian purposes, for example GPS are used by carsGalileo was launched in Europe in 2005 and was considered a rival system to NAVSTAR system. And there is also a Russian system called GLONASS.When searching for sat nav deals you need to take in account the following things:- Decide the purpose of use of the GPS and how often you intend to use the equipment (driving around city streets, hiking mountains or touring the Virgin Islands in your yacht? Each intended use has its unique needs, whether it's street maps and directions, topographical and altitude information or extra battery power);- You need to decide how much you want and have to spend (budget)- Decide what kind of maps you'll need (general, what-state-am- I-in maps, or precise city-driving directions?); And of course 2D and 3D maps. Newer models comes with 3D maps already.- Choose a system that offers updates of the point-of-interest data (Most GPS systems include locations of airports and other transportation services, ATMs and banks, restaurants, hotels and a host of other sites); Pay attention also on the fact that a lot of units come with this POIS and maps already installed on the GPS and some units requires a download and install procedure.- You need to decide with brand you are going to buy: Garmin, Mio, Magellan, Alpine, tom tom sat nav, Pionner, Cobra, etc....- Turn by turn directions, and vocal as well as graphical directions (Some systems uses a map and monitor that include arrows that show you the direction of a turn and also indicate where your car is on the map in relation to the destination);- Look for features such as audible alerts that warn you of upcoming intersections or turns, and scrolling maps to track your progress;- Select a system that features multiple ways of getting to your destination (by address, by intersection, by a personal address book or via a location selected directly from the map);- The screen type and size (most of the units now are 4.3 inch and touchscreen but there is a lot of GPS units that still comes with 3.5 inch touchscreen).http://www.satnav-expert.co.uk/ is a great website that will help you to choose and compare cheap Sat Nav Deals.

I hope this helps out everyone else interested to incorporate GPS gadgets into their daily life.

Need help on your Omnia?

So you've acquired that snazzy new Samsung Omnia and your quite proud of it. Sure, you got the bragging rights and all but have you totally tricked out that phone of yours? I can think of more than a hundred things to do with the Samsung Omnia - some of which are listed here. It's and adventure in tweaking and all, if you know what I mean.

In case your in Manila and you need some help in flashing the firmware or you need to check out some programs, do let me know.

Car DVD Player with GPS

Here's a 2Din Car DVD player I'd like to show you. Perhaps it's like most of the others you've seen on the interwebs but as you scroll down the feature I will be listing here, you might actual change your mind.

• Double din mounting size
• 7-inch LCD touch screen, screen resolution: 480 x 234 pixels
• With built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels)
• Built-in GPS navigation system
• Dual zone function: listen music or radio while using GPS
• Compatible with Bluetooth adapter for handsfree calls on compatible cell phones
• Motor slide down, screen angle adjusting
• Multiple screen viewing angles
• Plays DivX/DVDs, DVD-Rs/RWs, DVD+Rs/+RWs, CDs, CD-Rs/RWs, MP3/WMA discs, JPEG, and MPEG1
• Front USB 2.0, AUX, iPod port
• Two SD card ports (1for GPS map and 1for Music)
• Compatible SD card, USB, SD/USB auto detect
• Built-in TV receiver functions
• Compatible PAL/NTSC/SECAM/SECAM_L TV system
• Compatible USA, Europe, Japan radio system
• Built-in FM/AM stereo radio receiver,30 stations preset, RDS function
• Aux audio input from front panel, Brake auto detect
• 1-way video input/output,1-way audio output ,1-way rear-view camera input
• Wireless remote control

Processor and GPS Features:

• Processor - Samsung High Performance Processor S3C2440 (400mhz)
• SirF III GPS Chipset
• EMS Memory - 64MB SDRAM
• Operating System - WinCe net 5.0

WinCe 5.0?!!! That's what most stuff is embedded nowadays and so you can run Gate 5, Route66 N7, TomTom, Cardinal, etc.

Wait ... Did I hear Garmin Mobile XT ?

For inquiries, I can be reached at my YM - sithlord09251976

I'll be posting other models and 1Din variants during the weekend and will be putting all these stuff on Ebay.Ph so standby for the next posts.

How much? Find us on eBay Philippines! We have product posted over there.

GPS Navigation in the Philippines

It's hard to tell how many Filipinos are actively using GPS navigation and devices in the Philippines today. I've noticed that many car owners are surprised and shed disbelief that it actually works here. The idea of actually navigating our city streets with a consumer electronic device may seem far-fetched to most and is typically viewed as a thing of wonder commonly seen in the West and in Hollywood films.

The good news is, GPS devices can actually be used here - as those 24 to 32 medium Earth orbit satellites (NAVSTAR GPS) practically cover our planet, it's just a matter of implementing the right operating system, software and more importantly, a functioning navigable map. I've mentioned earlier about Roadguide.ph and the wonderful work the community has been doing. I'd like to stress that the Garmin navigable map of the whole Philippines is available for free and can easily be downloaded from the forums (you have to register of course). I'll be posting some really cool (and affordable) in-dash entertainment devices with GPS capabilities in my next updates. I plan to sell the gadgets over Ebay.Ph and will be featuring all of them in this blog.

Ruining your Mass Celebration One Sith at a Time

I could not help posting this image when I saw it, being the SW fan that I am. Taken from motivatedphotos.com, thanks to the savvy person who captured this rare moment.

E74 Error Fixed by the Towel Trick

It's true, when my console died last May 13 because of an E74 error it was only two days ago when I decided to try the towel trick. I watched a couple of supposed instructional vids teaching the whole world how to fix these sort of problems. Many have been absurd to the serious such as standing on your upside-down console to the famous towel trick. I took two towels and covered the powered on console and let it run for approximately 10 minutes until the fans automatically shut off. After 20 minutes of cooling the unit down, I turned it on and what do you know, it's alive again. I guess it's time to get Fight Night 4 and Ghostbusters for some well needed game time!