iBuy GPS

When it comes to backpacking, I recognize the importance of eliminating unneeded weight, but I just don’t feel comfortable going without my GPS.  Whether I’m stuck in a dense forest, navigating a canyon, or standing in front of an alpine lake in the middle of nowhere, my Garmin Etrex GPS works like a charm.  I can locate the nearest road, park station, even locate the best place to find water over the next ridge.  While most backpackers prefer a map, if anything, I just can’t put down my GPS; it’s too convenient and it helps me to feel safe in the outdoors. 

I recommend carrying a GPS to all backpackers, though it does weigh more than a map and can become damaged, if you keep care of it, it’s an invaluable asset to have on the trail or in the great outdoors.  In the case of an emergency, though it’s unlikely, you’ll be glad to have it! 

In today’s tough economy purchasing a new automobile can be difficult, and asking a bank for credit to purchase that auto can be even more challenging.  If you’re looking to update your car, truck, or SUV and don’t have the money or credit to spend on a new one, it’s a smart idea to purchase a few new accessories.  For example, a mounted navigation screen, like the Garmin Nuvi GPS, will help get directions to your destination and even find destinations like restaurants, entertainment, and gas.  You might also consider a new MP3 player or IPod compatible stereo for your car, and a new speaker/sound system to go with it.  If the outside of your car is looking a little outdated, professional auto painters like Maaco don’t offer paint services as prestigious or lasting as a body shop, but cost a fraction of the price and can help tide you over until you want to purchase a new vehicle. 

Auto accessories like mats, hubcaps, rims, seat covers, steering wheel covers, and trunk liners also make great, less expensive, holiday gifts. 

Despite recent advances in the American auto industry, the American automakers for years failed to compete with Japanese and foreign automakers.  This is the reason that Ford, GM, and Chrysler are now in dire need of help from the federal government.  While Japanese and several foreign automakers focused on fuel efficiency and technological advancements like GPS mounts, rear view cameras, and smart brakes, American companies were trying to make it all bigger and better, when consumers were demanding smaller vehicles.  Though the American automakers realized their mistake in the last year, the damage had been done.

To right themselves and remain a force in the industry, Ford, GM, and Chrysler will have to appeal to the modern consumer, and redefine themselves as companies that are making technological and smart evolutions to the auto. 

Whether you live in an urban area, or are a frequent visitor, a GPS device is a great option for navigating city streets and finding stores and restaurants.  Though these devices come standard on many new vehicles, installing them in an old vehicle is quite simple.  First of all, decide on a GPS device.  Garmin, as the original GPS brand, and the most renowned, is a safe bet.  For city navigation, the Garmin Nuvi is cost efficient and comes with all the contemporary features. Once you have selected the GPS device you want, you will want to purchase a car mount.  These can be installed on your dashboard and will hold the GPS in place. 

Once you have both the GPS and the mount, turn it on, read the instructions, plug in your destination, and follow the on screen map; piece of cake! 

Even if you don’t travel, if you visit new places often, or live near a large city, a GPS can help you reach your destination and even discover new places.  Many new cars now come standard with automotive GPS systems.  With a GPS system you can enter a destination and it will calculate the fastest route, and with some of the more advanced systems, even avoid traffic and road construction.  It’s a carefree way to visit new places with no risk of becoming lost. 

Though new cars come with automotive GPS systems installed or available as an option, if you don’t feel like buying a new car, GPS units are sold individually as well.

Simply speaking, nuvi 850 is one advanced navigator. It features speech recognition (SR), a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and more. Like the rest of the wide nüvi 800-series, just speak a menu option and nüvi obeys your command.

Go from North America to Europe without loading more maps with the transatlantic Garmin Nuvi 670. This pocket sized Personal Travel Assistant™ comes with built-in street maps for both continents, making traveling abroad so easy. Similar to the 660, Nuvi 670 includes a colorful widescreen, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and FM transmitter, then takes it to the next level with even more maps.