To get started with InstaMapper’s free GPS tracking service you just have to download the software and create an account – they only ask for a username, password and valid email address – NOT a bunch of other private information so you can be sure of your privacy.

The Instamapper Free GPS Tracking Service also also allows you to embed a map with your current location on a blog, web page, or Facebook profile too. We have to give it a thumbs up for functionality and cost (absolutely free).

InstaMapper has Been Tested on the Following Phones:

Apple iPhone 3G
Sony Ericsson E10i XPERIA Mini – GSM Quadband Android Phone
HTC Wildfire A3333 Smartphone – Android OS, 5MP Camera, Wi-Fi, and Touch Screen
HTC Legend A6363 Unlocked GSM Android Based Smartphone

Download InstaMapper and try it out.

You get the Approach S1 pre-loaded with with the basemaps of over 14,000 U.S. and Canadian golf courses. There are no subscriptions to update services like some of the other golf GPS devices on the market, when you buy the S1 Golf GPS Watch, it’s all inclusive. Garmin will likely also offer basemap updates as they add more courses.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts almost eight hours when your using the GPS and is easily recharged with the included adapter and charger. The battery will last 2-3 weeks if you’re only using the S1 as a stylish but conservatively designed watch.

What I like most about the Garmin Approach S1 is that it’s a simple, purpose-built device that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. I also like that it’s a wrist-watch so I can concentrate on the game instead of where I’m putting my Golf GPS.

See larger image Garmin Approach S1 Waterproof Golf GPS Watch (Electronics) List Price: Price Not Listed New From: Check Amazon For Pricing In Stock Used from: $199.99 In Stock

TomTom has come out with a series of products that make using your Navigational GPS easier. Your not going to have to give up the attention you’re putting on your driving to be able to use these GPSs.

TomTom calls this series of devices the XXL series, and what makes the XXL series unique is the size of the screen. Honestly, these GPSs are super-sized compared to anything else on the market. You’re not going to have to endanger yourself by squinting your eyes to see these. The large screen also means that the on-screen buttons are bigger too, you’re not going to be hitting the wrong button as much when you’re using one of these.

TomTom’s XXL series GPSs have HUGE displays compared to most other GPSs on the market, we’re talking 5 inches (measured diagonally) of screen real estate. They’re the biggest I’ve seen around on the market.

TomTom currently produces 5 versions of their 5 inch Huge-Screen Navigational GPSs and out of all of those to choose from I prefer the models listed below. The TomTom XXL 540M comes with free lifetime map updates and the TomTom XXL 540TM comes free lifetime Map and Traffic updates.

• TomTom XXL 540M (Lifetime Maps Edition) 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
• TomTom XXL 540TM (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Bigger is Definately Better when it comes to a GPS that you’ll be using while you’re driving.

Enabling this function is easy. Just go to System Preferences and click on the “Date and Time” section. Under the Time Zone tab, check the “Set time zone automatically by location” option. The map should turn grey, and your Mac will start automatically determining your current location using the CoreLocation service.

I’m sure it won’t take long before they are, but Mac’s aren’t yet being sold with a built in GPS chips. Your Mac won’t have GPS functionality unless you add it. However, the CoreLocation service will use your computer’s visible Wi-Fi networks and check them against a database of the WiFi’s registered locations.

If you’ve connected a GPS device to your Mac and it Snow Leopard recognizes it, the CoreLocation service should automatically use your GPS to determine its location. With the GPS connected you can pretty much take your computer anywhere in the world and OS X will automatically adjust your time to the local time for you.

When the CoreLocation service is using WiFi networks to determine your location you’re going to be a lot more limited on where you get this automatic functionality.

Other applications can use CoreLocation service through OS X too. We wrote about Google Latitude earlier (Google Latitude – It’s a GPS Without a GPS – Sort Of) and it will ask for access to your Mac’s CoreLocation service so you can share your location with your friends.

For security, an application will always ask permission to access to your location information. If you like, you can completely disable the CoreLocation service by going to the Security section of System Preferences and checking the “Disable Location Services” checkbox under the General tab.

I’ve been thinking of so many ways that this new device could be used. When it’s available it’s going to come at a really reasonable price – just $500!

So I looked into this device a little more and I noticed that it comes with assisted GPS, this made me really happy. This means there’s a possibility to throw out the old handheld GPS (or maybe keep it for when you need it) and use the iPad as your navigational GPS.

All we need is some software and we’re ready to go!

I already have plans to black out the front window on my car so that I can duct tape my iPad to the inside of the front windshield. I want to see how accurate it really is! No, I’m kidding, but I think that the bigger the screen for a navigational GPS the better and the iPad might be a great replacement than what’s available on the market today.

Garmin listens to their users (the people that are making them money) and then markets the products that people want.

Look how many people are out there on the internet searching for free Garmin voices or free Garmin voice packs! I’m telling you – there’s lots of people out there looking for this kind of stuff and it is not easy to find anything.

Sure, if you’re going to disrespect the ancient and outdated copyright laws you’ll likely find some stuff on the torrent sites and the P2P networks – but you know the risks in doing that.

What Garmin did above all is listened to the market. Garmin developed a piece of software that allows you to make your own voices for Garmin GPS devices and they are giving it away for free.

You thought you were going to have to pay for something like that didn’t you?

You can download Garmin Voice Studio directly from the Garmin Web Site.

For those of you who think outside the box you’ll figure out that you’ll have no problem making any free Garmin GPS voice pack that you want to with this piece of software.

If you don’t have a Garmin yet – get with it! We suggest the new Garmin nüvi 1690 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth Navigator with nüLink! Services

See larger image Garmin nuvi 1690 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth Navigator with Google Local Search & Real-Time Traffic Alerts (Electronics) List Price: $449.99 USD New From: $129.00 In Stock Used from: $69.95 In Stock

Magellan (average consumer Magellan that is) has also made their way into the software market and puts out Navigation software for the iPhone and it doesn’t look all that bad.

One thing I do like about their software are the 3D landmarks, which are really cool and really help you find your way without having to look too hard at street signs as you’re driving by them. So the 3D landmarks are great – when they’re available.

I like the address book integration in the Magellan iPhone GPS software too. This allows you to easily enter info into your iPhone address book and then quickly access it through your GPS software later on when you need it without the need to enter it again.

The Highway Lane Assist and Find Your Car are pretty good too even if you don’t really need them.

For those of us that use our devices for real multitasking, there’s even Music Control built into the Magellan iPhone GPS software too.

You can find Magellan’s GPS software, Magellan RoadMate in the iPhone store.

Alright Magellan, this is getting better, but I still haven’t forgiven you for the Pro GPS stuff you pulled on me so you’re going to have to keep moving and improving. When it comes to your electronic devices Magellan – can you please come up with something that’s actually innovative as well, instead of just the same as everybody else has!

The Garmin Rino 530HCx is a really powerful collaborative GPS device that allows you to communicate with and view other people’s positions in real time.

Since I’m in the mining industry I see the potential in a device such as this. When I’m out in the wild looking for rocks or taking samples it’s sure be nice to have a team of people out there with me that I could communicate with without having to bring a separate radio.

But the Garmin Rino 530HCx goes way farther than voice communication with its position reporting function that allows you to report your position to other Rino users in the group. The position reporting feature allows Rino users to report and receive Rino user positions and display them on the handheld GPS device.

Obviously I see the potential for use in the exploration part of the mining industry but I also see how it would be useful in search and rescue operations, group hiking, hunting and many other group based activities.

If you’re used to carrying a radio to communicate with other users while you’re doing activities that require both a GPS and a radio the Rino will allow you to shed a bit of weight by combining these devices.

See larger image Garmin Rino 520HCx 14-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio and GPS Receiver (Electronics) List Price: $449.99 USD New From: $417.82 In Stock Used from: $320.00 In Stock

If you have a Nuvi 205, Nuvi 705, Nuvi 1200 or a Nuvi 1300 you’re on your way to saving some money.

The Garmin Nuvi EcoRoute software lets you choose between getting to your destination quickly, getting there via the shortest route or getting there saving some money by the most fuel efficient route.

The software will also allow you to keep track of your fuel usage and tell you just how fuel efficient your driving is. So if you’re one of those people that like to race to the next stop light or sign you may be able to break yourself of the habit by watching your fuel consumption using different styles.

When you’re doing a lot of running around or short trips back and forth you can also keep track of how much it costs you to do them! Keep running tabs on your trips and maybe you’ll even start walking once the trips to the corner store costs start adding up.

If you already have a compatible GPS you probably already know about the EcoRoute Web Site.

If you don’t have a GPS yet follow the links to find great prices on the following EcoRoute compatible Garmin GPS Devices:
Garmin nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Garmin nüvi 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Garmin nüvi 1300 Series 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Enjoy the Savings!

If you’re going on a road trip with the guys you’ll probably want some entertainment on the way. You can get that with some new Politically Incorrect GPS voices from PIGTones.

PIGTones even offers a voice file so you can get ex-President Bush’s voice on your GPS. Since GW Bush’s term is over you hear from him a lot less – maybe you miss him. I don’t really have a problem not hearing from Bush these days, but some of you out there just might be fond of the little guy after the eight terribly long, almost unbearable years he spent in office… If you find that you do miss him you can download and have him right there as a little, electronic voice.

Just as if he were in office using his veto powers against the will of the majority of the people he was supposed to be serving – he can STILL be telling you WHERE TO GO!