The TomTom Rider is the first GPS that can be used for bikes as well as a car. The great thing about the TomTom Rider is it is rugged, water resistant, fits both motorbikes and scooters and provides you even with clear spoken instructions in your helmet using the wireless Bluetooth connection. It’s so easy to use that even with gloves on you can still use the touch screen. Just plug in, switch on & RIDE: no installation or activation necessary.

EASY
Just plug in, switch on & RIDE
Simple touch screen operation: Drive mode tailored for use with gloves on
Clear and accurate: turn-by-turn spoken instructions
Crystal-clear 3D and 2D graphics
Compact and portable design
Door-to-door planning in your region
View route: review and test the calculated route before you actually start driving
Dynamic status bar: improve readability by customizing status bar
Tip feature: discover everything RIDER has to offer through useful onscreen tips
Extensive guided tour: pick up the features even quicker and get the maximum out of your TomTom RIDER

SMART
Water resistant and rugged
Fits both bikes and scooters: with a mounting kit of four pieces to adapt to your 2wheels.
In helmet spoken instructions: Bluetooth TM headset included
Bike speed linked volume: volume of voice instructions will increase/decrease depending on speed of your bike
Anti-glare screen: always an optimal view, even in direct sunlight
A choice of routes: quickest, shortest or avoiding toll roads
Itinerary planning: plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations
Integrated GPS antenna
You can use RIDER also in a car: Just fit the optional car mounting kit on the windscreen of the car, switch on and you’re on your way.
RIDER recognizes if you are in a car or on a motorbike: There’s no need to adjust RIDER for use in the car – it automatically switches from glove-friendly to in-car mode for driving, and it allows you to make and take calls any time on the move too.
Multi lingual: speaks more than 30 languages in over 50 voices
User interface: now including 18 languages
Thousands of points of interest available
Call a POI: directly call a point of interest through the RIDER
Make it your own: save personal favorite addresses for quick route planning
Compass mode available: displays compass on screen to have even more orientation while driving
Get free scenic routes: offered by TomTom PLUS

CONNECTED
Ready for TomTom PLUS Services: get scenic routes for free and try out traffic service for free for a month
USB 2.0: for faster data transfers
Hands-Free Calling via Bluetooth™: connection with a compatible* mobile phone
(For safety reasons it blocks outgoing calls while the bike is moving, but if you choose to accept an incoming call it is automatically routed to your helmet. When the bike isn’t moving or you have stopped for a break you can make and receive calls normally.)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Integrated GPS receiver based on SiRF Star III with 20 Channel All-in-view tracking
CPU: 380 MHz
32 MB RAM
3.5 inch, 320 x 240 TFT colour LCD touchscreen
115mm x 92mm x 58mm, 310 grams
Internal rechargeable Li-Ion giving approx. 5hours
Operating temperature: - 10 to + 55 °C
Water resistant and protected against any wet weather conditions
(test: TomTom RIDER was subjected to a sustained jet of water at high pressure from all directions and suffered no harmful effects)
Bluetooth headset battery Talktime: 10 Hours
Bluetooth headset battery Standby: 250 Hours
Memory card (SD card) with software and maps
USB port and cable for PC connection
Bluetooth headset included for clear wireless spoken instructions
Alternative power source: 12V motorbike battery
Mounting kit (4 pieces) to fit most bikes and scooters

Source

GPS navigation systems are essential for any driver travelling some distance, and can save both time and money. Many people will think “I don’t need one of them, I never get lost”, nevertheless at the price that you or I could pick one of these up for these days, it’s common sense to purchase one for even the occasional drive to a new location.

The GPS systems that are available today offer a lot more than just the map info that many people assume. Since GPS systems have arrived, the technological advancements have added such benefits as locating hotels and restaurants, and notifying the driver of speed cameras nearby. Furthermore, they constantly update with a detailed map of the area, with details of nearby facilities like hospitals; which is a feature that can be highly advantageous in an emergency situation.

The majority of vehicle manufacturers are capable of providing the car buyer with a built-in GPS system. These systems are able to advise the necessary authority of the vehicle location in scenarios where the vehicles’ airbag is deployed, and also when the car has been reported by the owner as stolen.

The detail that many GPS systems can provide in terms of road maps and directions is incredible. Even when abroad, the relevant software is available for you to be able to use your GPS there. The software is regularly available via the internet for the GPS user to download instantly, and to benefit from in almost, if not all countries.

So let’s take a look at some of the most useful and “must-have” options with a GPS device:
- A good viewing screen is vital as it obviously displays all of the data that you will need to see. Make sure it will be clearly visible and easy to understand whilst driving, and all information is displayed in a simple easy-to-follow manner.
- Consider selecting a GPS product that is easy to use, so that you do not need to fiddle around with the setup whilst in the car, but instead can set up what you need in a few seconds.
- Purchase a device that has good mapping software, which will display detailed streets and information on facilities. Ensure that it can also be updated online so all information can remain current.
- A voice enabled system is highly important, as it allows the driver to find their destination without taking their eyes off the road to constantly check their position on the GPS.

For those that do not have a GPS device, you may still decline the need for such a product; however for those that own one, i’m certain that they will never again be without one. They are practical to keep in your vehicle and provide good-quality information when required. They can save you time when travelling to a location and vehicle costs such as petrol whilst doing so. Take a look around at the GPS devices available to find out more detailed information, and to browse the deals that can be found. With the range of equipment available, finding one to meet your requirements should be relatively effortless.

Source: Justin Brown - Article Alley

Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk where you can find satellite navigation equipment and also sell any used cars in the UK

Click Here To Shop For GPS at Vanns.com!

A new use of GPS is to protect your car or wireless device from being ripped off.

A handheld system out of New Zealand operates using both GPS and GSM and can be programmed to send an alert when it is moving without your permission. The device is the TrimTrac GPS Locator, and it works in conjunction with Web-based software from the manufacturer Mr. Hawk.

You can program it to send you an SMS alert once it is in motion. Presumably, this is a signal that someone has stolen your vehicle. The device is made with the auto owner in mind, but it can also work to protect and track other devices, such as laptops.

It is small enough to hide in the glove box or under a seat, so would-be thieves don’t even know that you are tracking them. With a little ingenuity, you can also attach it to your laptop or other mobile device as a deterrent to “borrowing.”

Source: Mobile Magazine