Software's the Missing Link to Your GPS Unit

By Joseph Aaron

When consumers submit reviews on the vaious GPS devices from the larger brands, they seem to focus primarily on the technical aspects of the device; the overall look, performance levels, and the user-friendliness of the unit. What GPS product reviews usually ignore, regrettably, is the GPS Software that is needed in order for the device to connect with the Windows or Mac systems properly. This software is required for tasks like synchronizing and installing the latest maps and POI's to a GPS device. Just like normal software, GPS software which is overly complex should be avoided. Appreciating the differences between GPS software might not be the deciding factor that moves you to purchase one specific brand, but understanding the supporting software is required after you already set your eyes on one GPS device. The kinds of GPS software are going to usually be nearly identical for different 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 might have the well-known habit of producing reasonably priced products, but they now offer a lot of software provided to be downloaded at no cost, including two individual versions; VantagePoint and MapGuard. VantagePoint is a multipurpose application made to transfer all the GPS bells and whistles to a computer screen. Every one of the maps, trails, directions, and points of interest are offered and your maps can be browsed with both the 2D and 3D effects.

MapGuard is the other program and includes MapSend Manager in addition to Mapsend Lite. The MapSend Lite is a state of the art application designed to see any map on your PC, helping you to select waypoints and plan directions. Magellan's products also support Geocaching, and the user can additionally convert coordinates and mileage into several different formats. A great unit to consider is the Garmin Nuvi 465t Truck GPS Navigator.

Judging Each Application

Please remember that, GPS software ought not be the only basis in picking your new GPS device. This technology is only marketed to support each manufacturer's GPS systems and tap into that product's maximum usability. Out of the ones listed, TomTom HOME easily beats out the competition thanks to a user's option to personalize the user interface. Certain kinds of software may even be "test driven" even if you don't have a compatible GPS device. - 21392

About the Author:

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Nuvi 465t.

Understanding Auto Shipping Brokers

By Tom Kearns

A vehicle is not just a vehicle, and our money does not grow on trees. Vehicle transportation can put you into a hectic situation if you are trying to do it by yourself. The best of this world is we can have someone do it all for us; no need to 'Stop being lazy'! An auto shipping broker can do what we do not want to do; take care of it all, while we just rest on our laurels and pick which state of affairs that is best for our monetary and situational circumstances.

We are talking about going to an auto shipping broker, of course, someone who will take care of all our car needs. Let us further examine what exactly an Auto Shipping Broker is. A broker deals with a vast number of carriers based on your budget and convenience. They are the middleman. Instead of dealing with the auto shipping companies yourself, the broker will find you most likely the best price when you contract through them. Your vehicle is not shipped by the broker. Instead they have the absolute leverage in finding the right shipping service for you to send your vehicle in the accurate direction with an open spot using a vast network of carriers. When you consider the slim openings that are available to the single customer, this can be incredibly useful. Your vehicle is usually transported on a specific route with a definite schedule when you use an auto shipping service. While working with the broker more options are available for you.

However a broker does not insure your vehicle, but can help in aiding to use the right company which will. They also find the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want it. The broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company, while many carrier services have a large amount of trucks to transport your car. The situation rests on the fact that the trucks used to transport you vehicle are very far away thus leading to a more expensive turn around. Working with a broker is much easier due to the fact they are able to quickly track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area. The broker allows the pick up and drops off time to be sooner than working with a carrier company.

While working with a broker you will never be rushed or fixed and this is one of the best things about it. Once you speak to a carrier and get a quote they want you to book right then while that spot is still open. Based on your requirements, brokers offer a plentitude of options, nothing is forced. Direct service communication is another great benefit. Brokers can inform the drivers or carriers of anything by being able to speak directly to them. While that access is usually not available for carrier companies. They are limited to shipping then it's off.

The choice is always yours. If you want auto shipping, and life, to be a bit easier and hassle free, going with an auto shipping broker may be the right choice. - 21392

About the Author:

For more information on Auto Shipping or to get an auto transportation quote please visit http://www.jmnhaul.com .

Cars for Sale by Owner

By Brian Hansson

With the recession taking place, it would be unwise for you to be buying brand new cars when you can save a lot of money from purchasing cars for sale by owner. This is an good method of saving some money that you could spend on other important matters like foods and foods. But before you purchase the first car for sale by owner that you come across with, there are some integral things that you have to take note of.

The Quality of the Vehicle

Since you are buying secondhand vehicles, it is recommended that you thoroughly check the condition of the car. You will not want to spend some money on something, thinking that you have saved some money only to see that what you have purchased is not in good running condition. If this happens, you are going to spend more money on repairing that car and maintaining it. This is why it is integral that you check the condition of the vehicle before making a purchase and making sure that you test drive the vehicle first before reaching a decision.

If you do not know that much about cars, then it would be very much sensible for you to take your regular car mechanic when you are looking for cars for sale by owner. This way, your mechanic can advice you if the vehicle is a good one or not. He will also advice you on the cost of the car.

The Cost of the Car

It is also important that you know the cost of your favorite brand of vehicle and its type, so that when you meet up with the owner, you have an inkling of the cost. If the cost of the secondhand car is too near to that of a brand new one, then you must certainly look for other vendors. It will not do you well to purchase from the vendor only to know that the cash you paid would have already given you a brand new vehicle.

In shopping for cars for sale by owner, it is also advisable if you shop around. Who knows, you might get a very good bargain from the next owner that you meet. For this reason, you can check the Internet where you can readily see the cars for sale by owner as well as obtain a little information about the secondhand car.

With the recession happening, you should be very wise on where you spend your hard-earned money. - 21392

About the Author:

B. H. is in love with fast cars and cool motorcycles. When he is not testing the hottest wheels world, he writes about used cars for sale by owner and other interesting things on his website.

Great Methods To Choose A Car Shipping Carrier

By Tom Kearns

If you are moving, you may have already selected the moving company, but what will you do with your vehicles? Unless you are willing to drive cars cross country, you are going to also need to choose a car shipping company.

The best way to find that company is to find the company you are interested in and go directly to the company's website for a quote or to find one of the websites that will allow you to get five to ten quotes from one web page. For the most accurate quote, you must be sure that all the information has been entered correctly. The automatic quotes you receive will be for standard passenger vehicles which are operable. Cars that have been modified or that do not run increase the cost of shipping.

Be cautious about the lowest quotes. Sometimes you will get a low quote that is not yet attached to a carrier. Once you dismiss all the other quotes, you will start to hear about additional charges that make that lowest quote the most expensive one. If a quote is way below all of the others, be careful.

If you think you have found a company, do an internet search for that company's name. If you find many bad reviews, then you may want to look elsewhere. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and with friends or co-workers.

Make sure that any brokers you deal with are bonded and that any company you contract with is licensed and insured.

Once you have done your research, you are ready to book the order. Make sure that the company sends you a confirmation by e-mail or fax. Read everything regarding the move that is sent by the company before signing contracts. Remember that when you order using the internet, the e-signature is just as binding as your actual signature.

Your vehicle will need to be prepared to be transported. Remove any of your personal or valuable items from the car. Most carriers do not allow you to pack any of your household goods into the vehicle and most prefer that you have less than half of a tank of gasoline in the vehicle at the time of pickup. You car should be washed as theis allows the carrier to easily see any damage that may have been done to the vehicle.

The carrier should inspect your vehicle at the time of pickup. Any damage to the vehicle will be noted and you will be asked to sign the inspection form. Keep the copy that the carrier gives you until you pickup your vehicle.

After delivery, you will be asked to perform your own inspection of the vehicle. Be very careful in performing this inspection, as once you sign off on the form, you cannot claim any further damage to the vehicle. If there is additional damage, be sure that the carrier signs the form noting the additional damage to the vehicle. Make sure that you get a copy of this form also. - 21392

About the Author:

For more information on nationwide auto transport or to get an instant online quote please visit http://www.jmnhaul.com .

An Effective Car Wash By Yourself

By Felicia Davis

For many of us, our car is a valued thing that we would like to keep in fantastic shape for a lasting period. If you are just like one of these car enthusiasts and wish to take good care of your vehicle as well, then frequent car washes are just as important as regular maintenance.

With the correct accessories and in some simple steps, you can give your car the best car wash all by yourself. You can begin by hosing down your car to remove the layer of dust & grime from its body. After that, you should soap the body with a high quality soap specifically made for car wash.

Do not use utensil cleaners, no matter how effective they are with your unclean dishes. They can be abrasive for the surface coating and hence, can steal the shine from your vehicle and make it look old. There are many good car shampoos available in the market, just make sure to choose a high quality one.

You must also ensure that your sponge is not old & unkempt, as otherwise you will make the car look dirtier, rather than making it cleaner, by depositing more dirt on it. Use micro fibre mitts to make sure you don't take the gloss away with your vigorous rubbing.

Once you are through cleaning the roof, you can then go to the hood, the rear & the doors, in the same order and repeat the process. When you are certain that you have soaped & scrubbed to your heart's content, use the water hose once again to wash off the car thoroughly. After this, your vehicle still needs a little more to be done to gleam and shine again.

If your vehicle is kept standing in the sun after the wash, the hose down will leave water marks all over the car's surface. Therefore, you must use a piece of chamois leather to wipe it properly so that it sparkles with a new found lustre.

The end result of the whole process will be nothing short of an expert car wash and you are going to be satisfied with all your effort & labour. - 21392

About the Author:

Uncover where to find the best Car Groomers who are providing Car Wash and Car Polishing services.