GPS makes getting lost a thing of the past

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GPS is also making an appearance in cell phones. That’s because the government wants 911 providers to be able to find your location in an emergency. So, the E911 program relies on GPS to be built-into cell phones, rather than having you tell an operator where you are.

Nextel i836
Nextel
The Nextel i836 is small, light and features an E911 GPS sysetm.
Nextel has been in the forefront of equipping their handsets with GPS. They currently have a large number of phones with integrated GPS services. I’ve currently been playing with their newest compact device, the i836. It’s a terrific phone and the GPS system has been able to tell me where I am when I’ve tested it on both coasts. The i836 is currently selling for $199.99.

There are also services which use Nextel E911-enabled cell phones GPS to give you driving directions. TeleNav gives you audio and video driving cues over your handset and lets you plan your trips in advance and download the information when you need it. It costs $9.99 per month for unlimited service.

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Finally, for the ultimate auto navigation system, there’s the brand new Pioneer AVIC-N2. It’s a dashboard-mounted device that helps you get where you’re going like all of the previously mentioned items – but it just might help get you there a lot faster.

Pioneer GPS
Pioneer
Pioneer's next-generation GPS/entertainment unit synchs with XM traffic reports.
The Pioneer system is not only linked to GPS satellites but also to XM satellite radio’s NavRadio service. It displays traffic incidents and road-flow conditions on a motorized, 6.5 inch touch-screen monitor. The system tells you about accidents and road problems by means of traffic icons and suggests alternative routes around major traffic incidents and heavily congested roads.

Traffic flow is displayed in different colors – green for more than 40 MPH, yellow from 20-40 MPH and red for less than 20 MPH). Additional icons inform you of road construction and closures.

By the way, this is not just a GPS/navigation unit. It’s also a full, in-dash car entertainment system with AM/FM/XM radio, CD, DVD and MP3 playback. Plus, there’s something called the Vehicle Dynamics Monitor which includes a visual interpretation of a clock, compass and voltage meter as well as being able to show you your vehicle’s G-forces (forward, backward and lateral), angular velocity and slope.

All in all, this next-generation system is very, very impressive. Expect to pay for all this technology. Pioneer’s AVIC-N2 retails for $1,999 although I’ve seen it available online for just under $1,500. And don’t forget the monthly subscription fee needed for the XM radio service.

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