GPS Tips: Save Time and Money by Customizing Your GPS

GPS Maps With No GPS

If you have a Web-enabled cell phone or PDA, you can receive instant street maps of your current location with a subscription software package from Handmark. This service for people who don't have GPS receivers returns precise maps based on street and city queries that you send wirelessly. You can also get up-to-the-minute news, weather (with live radar maps), sports, stock prices, directories, and movie times and ticket purchases. The street maps can help you avoid having to ask for directions; but aside from that, the service's unlimited directory assistance (with reverse directories as well) more than justifies the $70 yearly subscription. For $30 a year, you can obtain just mapping and directory assistance.

GPS Sites Show You the Way

A treasure trove of maps, tutorials, preset waypoints, and product support is available on GPS-related Web sites. These are our favorite Internet addresses for getting the most out of a GPS receiver and mapping software:

• GPS Information is like a directory-assistance site of frequently updated links to GPS reviews, fee and free software downloads, technical assistance, digital maps, and anything else GPS related.
• Topografix's free Easy GPS software makes it simple to create, edit, and transfer waypoints and routes between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS device.
• Travel by GPS offers free, downloadable GPS maps for hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and on- and off-road sightseeing. Included are map images, waypoint coordinates, and route data that will guide you through pretested, unique travel adventures.
• Did you know that there are specific times of the day that provide better GPS satellite coverage? If you download Trimble Navigation's free Planning.exe program, you can see in advance the best times to receive optimum GPS satellite coverage at your location.

Former PC World Senior Editor Michael S. Lasky is now a freelance writer and PC consultant in San Francisco.