Don't Miss Out on Great Software for Your GPS Unit | The Communication Blog

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Don't Miss Out on Great Software for Your GPS Unit

By Joseph Aaron

When users post reviews on the different GPS products from the major brands, they seem to focus only on the the device itself; the appearance, how well it performs, and the user interface. What GPS product reviews usually ignore, though, is the GPS Software that is needed in order for the GPS unit to interact with the Windows or Mac systems properly. A certain kind of software is necessary for tasks like synchronizing and accessing the most recent maps and POI's to a GPS device. As with any other software, GPS software that is too complex should be avoided. Appreciating the peculiarities of GPS software may not be the point that moves you to purchase one specific brand, but appreciating the capabilities of the supporting software is required after you already decide on one GPS device. The kinds of GPS software will often be practically identical for various models within a particular brand. A nice model to look into is the Garmin Nuvi 465t Truck GPS Navigator.

Garmin Nuvi Software

Garmin Nuvi manufactures a wide selection of different GPS software that you can get from their main website. Software updates are able to be downloaded manually or through another bit of software called WebUpdater. In order to make WebUpdater work, all that is needed is to plug the device in and follow the easy wizard steps. Garmin also offers several mapping programs which support both Windows and Mac users. There is actually a special section exclusively for Mac users allowing them to make the most out of their Garmin Nuvi GPS devices.

TomTom HOME

The TomTom HOME is designed to search your device for existing software and install upgrades whenever required. On top of its basic features like transferring maps, TomTom HOME also enables customers to download files which are installed in the TomTom, then customize and put them back in the unit to create unique themes, giving the GPS a more personal appearance. In addition, TomTom even managed to produce software for mobile phones, most of which has been discontinued. Fortunately TomTom still makes an application that supports an iPhone 3G.

Magellan Software

Magellan may have the permanent image of offering affordable goods, but you can now find a lot of software intended to be downloaded without payment, including two different versions; VantagePoint and MapGuard. VantagePoint is a comprehensive application made to transfer all the GPS bells and whistles to a home computer. Every one of the maps, trails, directions, and waypoints are given and all maps can be perused by applying both the 2D and 3D effects.

MapGuard is Magellan's alternate program and contains MapSend Manager as well as Mapsend Lite. The MapSend Lite is a highly advanced application that can view any map on a PC, helping you to add waypoints and design routes. This software also support Geocaching, and you can even convert information into many different formats. A great unit to consider is the Garmin Nuvi 465t Truck GPS Navigator.

Judging Each Application

Once again, GPS software ought not be the only factor in picking your new GPS device. These applications are only sold to support their products and tap into that product's maximum capabilities. Out of the devices listed, TomTom HOME easily beats out the others as a result of our ability to customize the user interface. Certain kinds of software may even be "test driven" even if you don't have the corresponding GPS device.

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