Global Positioning System (GPS) Support

I purchased a TomTom Global Positioning System (GPS) for my car last year.  This product has the ability to have map upgrades via computer four times a year (for an annual fee).

I've run into problems with my TomTom and the support staff at TomTom.com has been very helpful in getting my GPS up and running again.

WiFi--iPod Touch, iPad, More

The first release of Apple's iPad is the WiFi version that makes it act much like the iPod Touch--though with a 9.5 inch (25 cm) screen.

I have been using the iPod Touch and its WiFi capabilities since July, 2009.  I really appreciate the apps and its functionality.  I can use it for eMail, for surfing using Google and Safari, and for a variety of other apps, audiobooks, movies, photos, voice memos, etc.

GPS is one of the weakest applications on the iPod Touch.  I understand its functionality is much better on the iPhone.  When I provide the addresses, the iPod Touch uses Google Maps and provides me directions to get to a variety of addresses.

My GPS for the car (a TomTom) is not working properly and it's great to have the back-up via the iPod Touch.  One of the problems of the WiFi iPod Touch (and, potentially, for the current WiFi iPad) is that many of its apps work only when connected to the Internet via a WiFi network.  While there are many WiFi networks available, there is not yet universal access.

Global Positioning System--Finding Our Way, Finding Each Other

Global Positioning System (GPS)--consists of a network of satellites linked together to pinpoint locations on the planet.  GPS Navigation Devices--produced by Magellan, Garmin, TomTom, Nextar, and others with applications for the iPhone--allow almost everyone to take advantage of the GPS to navigate from place to place using maps.  Multiple users can even find each other using two GPS navigation units.  Many of these (like the iPhone) are hand-held devices and, while they may be used in vehicles, they can also be used by pedestrians.

The Astrolabe  and the Mariner's astrolabe allowed ancient astronomers and navigators to determine positioning using triangulation.  The GPS of today brings this process to pinpoint accuracy.