Chris Pirillo » gps

Do You Want a Google Car?

Chris — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:27:08 +0000

Do You Want a Google Car? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Yes, I was driving in my car at night. I had two hands on the wheel, and four eyes on the road. I do think and drive, though! Do you?

Google is everywhere. One place it is not is in a car. Yes, you could bring an Android device into the car with you to make use of the turn-by-turn voice-controlled navigation. I predict that within three years, we will see Google cars on the road. You may even consider not buying a new car unless it’s powered by Google at some point.

Let’s face it. If you go online and look for something – where do you go? You go to Google. You look for maps. You go shopping. You search for things. It just makes sense. Maybe it’s just something I personally want to see, given that every built-in navigation system that I’ve used are nothing more than a kluge. They’re a pain in the ass, they’re ugly and cumbersome. Google Android is more powerful, for sure. If I’d want something in my car, and could choose for myself… I’d want this.

They have everything wrapped up. It’s all coming together on the desktop – calendars, maps, search, navigation… everything you need. Now it needs to come together in your car! The great thing is that they’re just giving it away. Car manufacturers can decide if they want to spend thousands of dollars to purchase nav systems that don’t even work well… or get the Google stuff for free!

Would you be willing to put up with well-placed ads in your navigation system in exchange for something that works – and works very well?

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iPhone GPS App Review Roundup

Chris — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:50:39 +0000

iPhone GPS App Review Roundup is a post from Chris Pirillo

Currently, the leading iPhone GPS apps are:

G-Map (West)

It seems that G-Map series is the one to beat (in terms of price and features), but I was hoping my community might share their experiences with any one of these GPS apps? I asked earlier on Twitter, and results / reviews were all over the map (no pun intended).

FirstRSS+ThunderIT AWS HMAC ERROR: "http://xml-us.amznxslt.com/onca/xml?AWSAccessKeyId=05G128QTRXN0J06J6PG2&ContentType=text%2Fxml&Keywords=gps%2Bsoftware&Operation=ItemSearch&ResponseGroup=Large&SearchIndex=Blended&Service=AWSECommerceService&Signature=EmpZQc3e8skRtSoCC%2BDT3Oepsg7dr3LIK%2B6Fn579%2Fqs%3D&Style=http%3A%2F%2Ftagjag.com%2Fcss%2Famazon.xslt&Timestamp=2009-11-22T06%3A33%3A09Z&Version=2005-07-26" NOT FOUND!

HOT: Personal GPS Devices Help You Locate Stuff

coupons — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:24:07 +0000

HOT: Personal GPS Devices Help You Locate Stuff is a post from Chris Pirillo

Are you the kind of person that loses your keys, forgets where you park the car when you go shopping, or neglect to close the gate only to find the dog has escaped the yard? Do you wish there was something that could help you find all these things? Use a GPS locator! Small and easy to use, these devices can help ease your worries.

Personal GPS devices are hot this year, and are very thoughtful gifts. The best part about them is they work best when you leave them lying around. They can help you keep track of your car, your teenage driver out on the road in a snowstorm, your precious children and your family pets. Here are some of the products you can try:

The GPS Homing Device – Retails for $79.95 and batteries are not included. This locator is about the size of a coaster (3 1/2″ diameter) and it is VERY simple to use – only two buttons.
Zoombak A-GPS Universal Locator – Zoombak has three products available, this one is the Universal. There are 3 ways to do an on-demand search, too. Retails for $199, but Amazon sells it for less and it’s a great deal, considering all the options and abilities of the unit.
Zoombak A-GPS Car & Family Locator – Zoombak’s second product, for the Car and Family. Said to help monitor teen drivers when they are behind the wheel. Can also assist in finding your car when stolen! Installable or portable and retails for $249.99, but available for a lot less at Amazon.
Zoombak A-GPS Dog Locator – Yes, you heard right. Tired of chasing your dogs all over town, never knowing if they are okay or not? Try the Zoombak Dog Locator. Small, lightweight, water resistant and recommended for dogs over 15 lbs. Comes with a pouch that attaches to their collar. A great little unit that retails for $199.99, but once again is available for a lot less at Amazon.
The BrickHouse Child Locator was recently featured in a Duracell Battery commercial. There’s one thing that frightens parents more than anything else – not knowing the location of their children. Are they lost or hurt? Did someone take them? GPS devices can bring great peace of mind to parents. BrickHouse Locator has several products you can use to keep tabs on your children; they have devices you can place in the coats or backpacks of your children as well.
The KeyRinger from Sierra Systems is sold in sets of two, and will always be able to locate each other. For example, you can attach one to your keys and one to your TV remote. If you lose the remote, use your keys to find it. Likewise, if you lose your keys you can use the device on the remote to find them. This device works for up to 300 yards; it gives a distinctive ring and flashes a bright light. Okay okay I admit… it’s not a GPS device. Instead they use radio frequency to locate the other unit, similar to how you page your missing cordless phone handset.

Have you seen other personal GPS devices you’d like to recommend? Please share your product experiences and hey, why not go to ExpoTV and do a video product review? See you there!

What is Geocaching?

coupons — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:04:21 +0000

What is Geocaching? is a post from Chris Pirillo

This is Rhonda Martin’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

I have a wonderful “Geek” hobby called “Geocaching”. If you like electronic gadgets and like to get out of the house, try Geocaching for fun. It requires a hand held GPS and a pair of good shoes.

If you don’t know what Geocaching is, the best way I can explain it is that it’s hidden treasures that are registered on a site by GPS coordinates. You try to find the treasure by following the GPS signal and by clues giving on the site. Now these treasures are usually small and not worth much in monetary value because it’s more about the thrill of finding the treasure not what’s in it. The geocache is usually located at a scenic site that is beautiful.

The purpose of geocaching is to try and get people to enjoy the trip, so make sure you take a camera with you. We have ended up at some of the most beautiful places that I never knew existed in the state I have lived in all my life. The first time I ever went geocaching I didn’t have a camera and I was some disappointed. Another tip for those of you who like to fish – make sure you pack your fishing gear because you will find some awesome fishing holes.

Once you have located a geocache you can take an item from the hidden geocache box but you must leave something in its place. The geocache box usually has a logbook so you can write your name and the date you found it. If you want a list of hidden treasures just log onto www.geocaching.com – plug in your GPS and download them directly to your unit from the site. When I logged on I found three within five miles of my hometown. You will be amazed at how many geocache sites are hidden.

Once you have downloaded all the geocache sites on your GPS they are there for good until you delete them. You can literally turn on your GPS and just start driving and if you come near a geocache site your GPS will tell you. I have a friend that leaves his on in his truck at all times and if he is near a geocache site and has the time he will see if he can find it. This did get him in a little trouble because he ended up late to work a couple of times due to geocaching on the way to work. This can become addicting so they say.

You can also hide a geocache treasure and post it to the site, however remember you must maintain the geocache. If you no longer wish to maintain the geocache you must remove it and post that you did so.

You can also track a bug. This is kind of fun. You purchase a bug from the site, which is usually a fancy coin or tag, and then register it. When someone finds it they take it to another geocache and leave it for someone else to find but they must log where they found it and where they took it. The owner of the bug can track online where it has been and where it is. You can even post where you are trying to get your bug to end up at. For example, let’s just say you live in Florida and you want to see how long it would take for your bug to reach Alaska you can post for Geocachers to help move your bug towards Alaska. If someone is going to another state in that direction that this bug is logged to go then that person would take the bug and drop it off in the state closest to Alaska that they traveled to. I had a friend in Maine that wanted a Christmas Ornament to go to Alaska, so they attached a travel bug to the ornament and the last I heard it was in Ohio.

This hobby is also something the whole family can enjoy. We always plan a whole day of geocaching and take along a picnic for lunch. It’s an inexpensive way to spend the day together as a family while having a great time. I found that the young or old at heart all enjoy this hobby.

On the geocaching site it will also tell you how difficult the geocache is to locate. That makes it easier for the beginners or for the handicapped or elderly.

If you are thinking about trying this new found hobby or already registered at www.geocaching.com look for our user name “wearethegoonies”. Hope you enjoyed this post and give this a try if you haven’t already done so.

Where’s My GPS?

Chris — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:43 +0000

Where’s My GPS? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Where are you at right this minute? When you travel, do you know where you are? Do you need help getting from one place to another? If so, you may want to pick up a GPS. I have HPs new iPAQ 310 GPS device.

The HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion is a sleek personal navigation system that provides a unique 3D travel experience. The high-definition 4.3-inch touch screen display and high-performance GPS technology make it as beautiful as it is helpful.

View your maps in 3D for more true-to-life navigation. Locate restaurants, museums, shops and other attractions from millions of points of interest pre-loaded on the device. Put your travel experience in overdrive. Enjoy a fast, immersive navigation experience thanks to the SiRFtitan 600 MHz Dual-Core processor, on a high resolution 4.3-inch touch screen display that provides spectacular visibility.

I have a GPS system built into my car, so I wouldn’t put this unit in my car. However, I will be taking it with me when I’m out and about. This little unit is very easy to use, and works perfectly. I definitely would recommend this family-friendly unit.

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How Do You Share GPS Data with Friends and Family?

Chris — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:44:00 +0000

How Do You Share GPS Data with Friends and Family? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I’ve had the opportunity to test a variety of GPS devices over the years. They’ve always been just ‘ok’ in terms of usability. My favorite one is the one right on the iPhone. What’s missing is the ability to track where you’ve been, or share with your family where you’re going. I found out about a free application that works on the iPhone, and several other devices. InstaMapper allows you to track a person or vehicle online in real time using a GPS-enabled cell phone.

To use InstaMapper, you create a free account. Registration takes only a minute or two. All we ask for is a username, password, and a valid email address. Next, you install a small application on your GPS-enabled phone. When you run the application, it periodically sends your GPS coordinates to InstaMapper servers over the cellular data network.

Login to your account from any computer and you will see the location of your phone, as well as historical data, on an interactive map. You can also export location data in several formats and access it programmatically via an API. If you want to share your location with friends and family, we allow you to embed a map with your location on a web page, blog, or your Facebook profile.

InstaMapper makes it very easy and quick to share your location with family members or friends. It comes in handy if you’re taking a trip, and want to let others track your progress. It can be used for fun facts… or even for personal safety reasons. It’s completely free, and simple to use. The only caveat I have is that it would be entirely too easy to give out wayyyy too much information online. It’s one thing for you to share your home address or location with a close friend or family member. However, you don’t want that put up on a blog for the whole World to see.

InstaMapper gets a big thumbs up from me. I just warn you… be careful with your information, what you share, and with whom.

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GPS Tracking Device

Chris — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:40:15 +0000

GPS Tracking Device is a post from Chris Pirillo

The question, from Lockergnome reader Zona Bovingdon:

I am hoping that I will get an answer back from you, as I am not sure this is the right place to direct this message. I got you email while searching the Seidio G4850 GPS car kit. I was really impressed by your comments. I presently have a HP iPaq 4700 (no GPS program), but am strongly considering purchasing the seidio car kit along with the TomTom Navigating software. As this is my first venture down this road am looking for all the info I can get especially from private citizens who have used this kit.

I am concern that the two items will be compatible with my 4700 and that after I have spent the money that I will be pleased with the product. I do lots of car travelling between Canada and US and would like to have a GPS (for dummies) as I am not very technical. Any pitfalls or concerns I should be aware of would be greatly appreciated.

The answer, from Gnomedex supporter Josh Bancroft:

I can’t speak to the exact hardware mentioned, but any standard Bluetooth GPS receiver should be compatible with the iPaq 4700 and TomTom Navigation software. I can speak as a long time user of the TomTom software – I was a field tester for their first U.S. release, using an HP Jornada 568 (Pocket PC 2002).

The TomTom navigation software is top notch for Pocket PCs. The 3D view is great, the navigation directions are accurate and easy to follow, and the map data is pretty up to date. It should look great on the iPaq’s VGA screen. For what it’s worth, with all the other navigation systems out there, I still have the Jornada with TomTom installed in my car, and use it regularly. I’ve tried other Pocket PC navigation apps, and IMHO, nothing compares with TomTom.

That said, the general web consensus is that nothing beats the smaller dedicated GPS units for in car navigation. There’s the TomTom Go, but the undisputed king of the category from everything I’ve read is the Garmin Nuvi series. If you’re going to spend money on GPS navigation, you really should check out the Nuvi series. Top end models are expensive ($600+), but there are others in the line that don’t have all the bells and whistles (Bluetooth for hands free calls and traffic updates, etc.) that are rock solid, too. Check Amazon for low prices, and google for reviews by Scott Hanselman and Merlin Mann.

The resolution:

Thank you so much for your comments. I have checked out the Garmin Nuvi, since I already have the iPaq thought I would just utilize it rather than get another gadget… although I love gadgets. Again, thanks for your help.

GPS Coupons:

Radio Shack - $30 off Garmin nuvi 255W 4.3-inch GPS Receiver (Refurbished) - Posted on 11/22/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
Radio Shack - $80 off TomTom XL 330S GPS Receiver (Refurbished) - Posted on 11/22/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
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Radio Shack - $50 off TomTom GO 930 GPS Receiver (Refurbished) - Posted on 11/22/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
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Radio Shack - $80 off Garmin nuvi 275T 3.5-inch GPS Receiver - Posted on 11/22/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
Office Max - Save $50 on TOMTOM XL 330 GPS - Posted on 11/17/09 and Expires on 11/21/09
Kmart - TomTom SX325 GPS on sale for $169.99 - Posted on 11/16/09 and Expires on 11/21/09
Amazon - Low Prices on Select Garmin GPS - Posted on 11/14/09 and Expires on 12/31/09
WalMart - GARMIN Nuvi 780 Portable GPS with 4.3-inch Touch Screen, Spoken Street Names, Bluetooth, MSN Receiver only $199.54 - Posted on 11/14/09 and Expires on 11/25/09
WalMart - $20 off Garmin nuvi 750 Portable GPS w/ 4.3" Screen, Spoken Street Names, MP3 Player & FM Transmitter, only $169 - Posted on 11/13/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
TheNerds.Net - $8 off Garmin nuvi 255 Automobile GPS only $126.99 using coupon code Alex8 (EXCLUSIVE) - Posted on 11/13/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
PC Micro Store - 50% off all Young Micro GPS Accessories using coupon code GPS50EVA - Posted on 11/12/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
West Marine - Lowest Price on Garmin Oregon 400c Handheld GPS Navigator, only $299.99 - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 12/24/09
In The Hole Golf - Bushnell Neo GPS - $50 Mail in Rebate - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
In The Hole Golf - $100 Mail in Rebate on Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC GPS - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
In The Hole Golf - Free Accessory Pack ($110 Value) w purchase of OnPar Golf GPS - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
In The Hole Golf - Free Accessory Pack w purchase of Sonocaddie V300 Auto Play GPS - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
In The Hole Golf - Free Gift From Callaway w purchase of Callaway uPro GPS - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
In The Hole Golf - Free Shipping and 30 Day Money Back Guarantee on ALL GPS systems - Posted on 11/11/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
Meijer - $60 off Garmin nuvi 285T Bluetooth Portable GPS, only $189.99 - Posted on 11/7/09 and Expires on 12/30/09
WalMart - Garmin nuvi 265WT 4.3-inch Screen GPS Navigation w/ Spoken Street Names, Bluetooth and Lifetime Traffic only $191.54 - Posted on 11/6/09 and Expires on 11/30/09
Dicks Sporting Goods - Free Shipping on Select GPS Units - Posted on 8/6/09 and Expires on 12/31/15
Joes Sports - Free Shipping on select GPS Units - Posted on 5/14/09 and Expires on 12/31/15
Budget Rent A Car - Free Day of where2 GPS Navigation w/ Weekly Rental - Posted on 4/15/09 and Expires on 12/31/15
MCSports - Free Shipping on Select GPS Units - Posted on 4/10/09 and Expires on 12/31/15

Geotag Your Photos with Freeware

Chris — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:31:08 +0000

Geotag Your Photos with Freeware is a post from Chris Pirillo

I don’t think there’s an easier way to geotag your digital photos in Windows. Check out the free Panorado Flyer:

JPEG image files can contain supplementary information (so-called Metadata). Technical metadata as described by the EXIF standard can contain fields for GPS data, like geographical latitude/longitude, altitude, and track. The Panorado Flyer tool enables you to get the coordinates of the place where the picture was shot and insert them into these fields. You can do it manually, using a dialog window. Or, if you have installed the Google Earth client (can be downloaded for free), you can search for the location there, drag it to the center of the map window, then change to Panorado flyer, grab the coordinates and insert them into the image selected, without typing any numbers.

Don’t think I’m going to do this terribly often, but certainly will consider it for future use.

Hertz Car Rental Problems

Chris — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 00:57:05 +0000

Hertz Car Rental Problems is a post from Chris Pirillo

We use Hertz almost exclusively for car rentals these days – I think it’s because they’re a premier partner with American Express (which is our preferred plastic). Ponzi and I happen to travel a lot, so we rent cars from Hertz often. We always opt for a GPS-strapped vehicle, too. In the past few weeks, I’ve experienced a few customer service snags with the car rental company:

When we were in Texas for my brother’s wedding, the Neverlost GPS directed us to the closest airport – which just so happened to be the wrong one. While I’d rather have a nav system than go without, the Neverlost is a usability nightmare compared to more elegant systems that ship standard in, say, the Acura TSX.
Ponzi had to call Hertz to discuss a discrepancy, and the rep told her that she was privvy to a better car at a lower cost – even though the Web site she registered through didn’t bother to say so. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Through our business account, I reserved a Hertz car through the Web last week. The online form wanted to change the reservation name from mine to hers, and I had to re-edit the form before submitting it. When I arrived at SJC as a #1 Gold Club Member, they wouldn’t let me leave the lot because I wasn’t “Latthanapon Indharasophang.” When I walked up to the counter, the agent was accusing me of not using the Web form properly – and that it was my fault. I’m a “#1 Gold Club” member, which apparently means I get treated like shit quicker than non-members.
I can’t add my name to our account, and it doesn’t look like we can change Ponzi’s name in there without divine intervention. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Ponzi jockeyed her car behind mine before leaving to Los Angeles last week, and I can’t move it because I don’t have her alarm fob. I called Hertz to arrange a local rental, and the operator asserted that they’d reimburse my cab fare to the office. When I called the downtown location, the local clerk told me to wait a few hours (again, I ask the value of being in the “#1 Gold Club”). I arrived, paid $15 for the fare, and waited in line. The guy was only able to reimburse only $8 (but made it $10 because he was “feeling like being nice”).

If Hertz was blogging, I’d send ‘em a trackback.

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from GoDaddy includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter code CP2 at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order.

Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code CHRIS7, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

This feed is fueled by Lockergnome Online Shopping and Coupon Codes

Before you shop next time, see if we have a coupon first.