Find Your Way With Bluetooth GPS

There is no shortage of bluetooth GPS (Global Positioning Systems) receivers on the market. With price and functionality differences of most systems very close, one of the primary differences in selecting a GPS will be the company you sign with for service, rather than the product itself. Being able to map your destination and wirelessly transmit it to your personal data assistant or your laptop computer, is the huge convenience that makes blue tooth GPS units so much in demand.

With the blue tooth GPS units you can select your destination, obtain your directions and have them transferred without the need for wires to another device such as your PDA or laptop computer by way of blue tooth connections. If your laptop does not have blue tooth capabilities, a USB adapter can add that quality for between $30 and $50, depending on brand and signal strength.

One of the issues currently with bluetooth GPS systems is their battery life, which is typically less than the PDA units or laptops into which the information will likely be transferred. A Taiwan company, Kemix, announced a yet-to-be-distributed solar powered blue tooth GPS, which will make this a moot point. However, you will still have to charge your PDA and laptop.

Accuracy And Price

Those working in surveying or mapping look for accuracy within about a yard, while the typical user is happy with accuracy within 10 to 15 feet. Especially with blue tooth GPS systems, the higher the accuracy the higher the cost, but most folks expect and accept that disparity.

When your bluetooth enabled hand held device has been synchronized with your blue tooth GPS unit, and it has received the information from your GPS service it will automatically open the link and begin the information transfer. This can be especially useful if you travel frequently and reduces the need for mapping services tied directly to your PDA or laptop. A handheld GPS is also an excellent high tech tool for hikers, hunters, or anyone who may find themselves in unfamiliar territory. A few even include built in cell phones.

Some of the bluetooth GPS receivers can also be programmed to transfer points of interest and topographical maps in addition to turn by turn directions. A few more even offer voice command capability and other options.

TomTom Navigator 5 Bluetooth - GPS kit for Palm and Pocket PC