11/14/2011

Garmin Map Update 2009 for City Navigator North America NT Review

Garmin Map Update 2009 for City Navigator North America NT
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I bought my CD last week and have been visiting popular as well as remote places to see if anything's changed. For anyone who has to deal with space constraints and such (me, for example), the mapping data is about 1.4GB. Installation does take some time, presumably due to the increase in mapping data and time required to build increasingly diverse index files.
Sadly, NT2009 does not seem to be as big an update from 2008 as the latter was from NT8. There are quite a few major/popular POIs (like banks and restaurants) that are still not present. In fact, there is a BoA branch that's suddenly changed location in the '09 database. Over the past couple of years, there have been a couple of exit changes on I-84 but none of them are reflected in here. There are a couple of streets near my gf's house that were renamed a few years ago but have still not found their way into the Garmin DB (haven't checked NAVTEQ though). At the risk of belaboring my point, I'll stop right here. :)
YMMV though as many friends, relatives and members on online discussion forums have found solace with NT2009 in places such as FL and AZ. I will be in GA/ATL all through May and shall update this review in a couple of weeks.
Overall, if you're eligible for a free update, go for it. However, if you live in the N.E. and have to shell out $55-odd, I think your money is better spent elsewhere, assuming you have NT2008 already.
P.S.: If you have an older system (like the c3xx), you can fit the entire mapping data on an SD card. If you have a 1GB or smaller card, select the areas you most want via MapSource. For example, removing PR and Hawaii easily saves 70-odd MBs.
Edited on 05/28/08:
After spending a few weeks traveling through GA and NC, I can't find any location that isn't mapped in the latest version. One or two gas stations in the ATL suburbs (Alpharetta to be more precise) show up on the opposite side of the street (maybe it's bad interpretation logic in Garmin's hardware and has nothing to do with cartographic data) but hey, at least they aren't completely absent! Overall, the south-eastern U.S. seems better covered as compared to the north-east.

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11/13/2011

Timex Bike Speed & Cadence Sensor Review

Timex Bike Speed and Cadence Sensor
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Take time to install and the cadence sensor is difficult to set. The cadence is not function after 2 weeks. It seem the sensor is broken.

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11/12/2011

Nokia E71 Unlocked Cell Phone with 3.2 MP Camera, International 3G, Media Player, GPS, Wi-Fi, MicroSD Slot--International Version with Warranty (Gray) Review

Nokia E71 Unlocked Cell Phone with 3.2 MP Camera, International 3G, Media Player, GPS, Wi-Fi, MicroSD Slot--International Version with Warranty (Gray)
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As other reviewers wrote, this is a Europe/Asia model (the E71-1 RM-346 to be precise). If you want to use it mainly in US you should take a E71-2 (e.g. the US version) so you can use the US 3G. If you need a phone for Europe or Asia, this is a good deal because with the current currency rate it's cheaper here than anything I've seen in Europe.
The one I have came from Philippines. The manual is in English and the language can be set either in English or Philippines languages. The AC adapter is the same shape as US/Japan, and it accepts anything from 100V to 230V.
There are already a lot of reviews about this product, but here is what I love in it, in a nutshell:
* SIP (VOIP) is integrated to the system, so you can very easily initiate a VOIP call (just by typing a number or from your address book). Very convenient to make cheap international call when you're on a WiFi
* The battery life is amazing
* It's very responsive
* It's thin and slim but the keyboard is still very usable
There are a few cons in the software (such as having to switch networks manually) but unless you're really into multimedia (music/videos) it's the best phone out there.


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The latest email-optimized device from the Nokia E-eries, the sleek and slender Nokia E71 makes it easy to stay on top of your email inbox with a full QWERTY keyboard and support for corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 8 GB), built-in A-GPS and Nokia Maps application, and up to 10.5 hours of talk time on standard GSM networks. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, at home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots.
This international version of the unlocked Nokia E71 can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. This phone comes with a one-year warranty from a third party provider.
When paired with a compatible 3G network that uses HSDPA 900/2100 MHz connectivity (found in Europe and Asia), you'll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services--from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming, and take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In the United States and foreign territories where 900/2100 MHz 3G networks are not available, you'll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).
Phone Features With a stainless steel case, etched graphics, and cool metallic finish, the Nokia E71 is as stylish as it is functional. It's complemented by a 2.4-inch LCD screen with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution and support for 16 million colors. The full QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to compose and respond to email with just one hand. It features intelligent input with auto-completion, auto-correction, and learning capability for fast and error-free typing. The E71 also offers two customizable Home Screen views with active stand-by plug-ins and application shortcuts for fast and easy switching betweenbusiness and personal modes. This phone has a 110 MB internal memory, which can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 8 GB in size).
The Nokia E71 comes fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded. You'll enjoy reliable real-time access to your email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as be able to download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files directly to the device.
The Nokia E71 also supports email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. Additionally, it supports the Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email solution as well as third party email solutions like System Seven and Visto Mobile.
In addition to serving entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, the Nokia E71 comes fully equipped with a robust suite of enterprise grade features, including a built-in encryption functionality for both the device memory and for the memory card. The phone also includes integrated mobile VPN support that gives mobile professionals access to their company intranet, and device lock and wipe to protect corporate information.
This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and sharing of contacts and calendar events. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones.
The 3.2-megapixel camera offers a wealth of high-end photography features, including autofocus, a digital zoom, LED flash, white balance modes, center-weighted auto exposure, multiple scene modes, and a self timer. The phone's main camera can also capture video clips up to 320 x 240 pixels (at 15 frames per second) at up to 1 hour in length, and it offers several adjustments including scene and white balance. Additionally, the E71 has a secondary, lower resolution camera on the front (QCIF resolution, 128 x 96) that can be used for making video calls (requires compatible network).
Take your media with you when you're out on the go. With the built-in RealPlayer software, you can stream and download your favorite content onto the phone, giving you access to the latest news, sports, and entertainment updates. Or sync up with your PC and play the music and movies stored on your hard drive. It's compatible with a wide variety of digital audio formats (including MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, abd WMA). You can listen to your favorite radio programs via the integrated FM radio, and the Visual Radio feature lets you see information about songs or artists.
View web pages as they were originally intended with the integrated Nokia Web Browser, which enables you to zoom out to a full screen view of the entire page using the Mini Map feature. Find the section you want and then zoom in to the content you need. The text instantly adjusts to the size of your screen. The browser also keeps a history of your browsing so you can quickly get back to where you started.
The integrated A-GPS and preinstalled Nokia Maps help you explore and locate new places, whether in another country or just around the corner. With access to more than 15 million points of interest, you can locate and navigate to the most interesting sights, bars or restaurants wherever you are. You can also send map excerpts and routes to friends by MMS or save map screen shots to the gallery.
Other features include:
Advanced contacts database: multiple number and e-mail details per contact, contacts with images
Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialling
Voice recorder
2.5 mm Nokia AV connector
Up to 18 hours of music playback
Synchronize music with Windows Media Player
Streaming media (audio - .rm, .eAAC+; video - .3gp, mp4, .rm)
Email protocols: IMAP, POP, SMTP; IMAP IDLE support
Messaging: SMS, MMS (distribution lists for messaging; text-to-speech message reader)
Infrared and USB connectivity
Support for local and remote SyncML synchronization, iSync, Intellisync, ActiveSync
Organization tools: alarm clock, calendar, to-do list, active notes
Flash Lite 3.0 and Java MIDP 2.0
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)

Built for Messaging, Inside and Out Enjoy full access to business and personal email, even when you're away from your desk. Nokia E71 includes an improved email application that offers impressive new features and reduces the number of clicks needed to perform common tasks. The Nokia E71 includes an enhanced email setup Wizard that helps configure your email accounts. You can set up most popular Internet email (IMAP/POP protocols) accounts in just a few clicks. Business email (e.g., Mail for Exchange) can also be set up if additional details are entered.
Chat with friends and colleagues on the move with instant messaging applications such as Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! GO, just like you would on your computer. The first thing you need to do is install Messenger, which is free of charge, and available via download. Select Menu > Download! > Windows Live.
Home Screen Keep the information and features that are important to you at your fingertips. You can define two separate Home screens for different purposes, such as one Home screen for work and another for free time. Your personal Home screen can contain shortcuts to leisure features such as your personal email, FM radio, MP3 player, and camera. To change from one home screen to another, scroll to the Switch Mode shortcut and press the scroll key.
There are three different areas on the Home screen: an application area that provides shortcuts to your favorite applications, an information area that lets you know about events such as upcoming calendar entries, and a notification area that alerts you to events such as missed calls.

One-Handed Typing The new narrow design of the Nokia E71 makes one-handed typing possible. Every key on the device is reachable with one hand, and the intelligent user interface allows for key functions to be preformed with one hand. It features intelligent technology for text recognition, which can be enabled by the user. The technology is the QWERTY version of technology found on other Nokia devices. It features auto completion, auto correction, and the ability to learn. Open a new message and type "Thnks." The missing letter is filled in: "Thanks."
The Nokia E71 also features long press capabilities. You can type numbers or other characters behind the Fn key by simply long pressing the corresponding key. For instance, long pressing the "R" key to type the number "1."

Vital Statistics The Nokia E71 weighs 4.44 ounces and measures 4.49 x 2.24 x 0.39 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10.5 hours of talk time on GSM networks (4.5 hours on 3G networks), and up to 17 days (400+ hours) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as international 3G networks (900/2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA).

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11/11/2011

Suunto Regatta Wrist-Top Boating Computer Watch with Compass and Sailing Timer Review

Suunto Regatta Wrist-Top Boating Computer Watch with Compass and Sailing Timer
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This is the only digital watch I like - it's also the first one I've ever used. The display is readable and practical. The compass is excellent and a very useful addition to the watch (saves packing a compass for camping trips too).

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The Suunto Regatta combines chronographic, sailing and navigational features in a stylishly designed wrist-top computer/timepiece. With the Suunto Regatta's user-friendly sailing timer, chronograph watch and digital compass you will master any race.
Developed in cooperation with some of the World's top sailors, Suunto Regatta will prove to be particularly useful to those interested in competitive sailing. The countdown timer will alert you with a warning signal, allowing you to be in the optimal position at the critical moment of the race start.
Suunto Regatta's sailing timer allows you to set the time left to start and synchronize the timer with the race committee at any time with a push of a button. Large numerals and audible warning signals let you concentrate more on maneuvering your boat in the swarming of the start, while Suunto Regatta keeps you informed on up-coming critical moments.
The electronic compass shows your bearing in cardinal or half-cardinal points and a North-South arrow. You can also use the bearing tracking function, ensuring that you stay on course. A rotating bezel ring with a ratchet at every five degrees is particularly helpful determining the start line bias and for memorizing the wind direction. The bubble level indicates level positioning and ensures accuracy within two to three degrees.
The Suunto Regatta is water resistant, tested to 100 meters/330 feet according to ISO 2281 standard, which means you can use it for swimming or other water sports activities--but it should not be used for scuba diving or freediving.
What's in the Box This package includes the Suunto Regatta wrist-top computer and printed operating instructions. It is covered by a one-year warranty.

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11/10/2011

Garmin GPS FORETREX 205 Wrist Wearable Personal Navigator - 010-00361-00 Review

Garmin GPS FORETREX 205 Wrist Wearable Personal Navigator - 010-00361-00
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The features of this particular item number/seller are mis-represented as a Foretrex 205, but as you look at the item's photograph the word Forerunner is clearly visible.
Garmin GPS FORETREX 205 Wrist Wearable Personal Navigator - 010-00361-00

THe two designs have very different purposes.
The actual Foretrex models are for designed for self-location in a rural/rugged environemnt such as would require camping gear, hiking boots, etc... park rangers, hunters use the Foretrex's for personal location when in the deep forest or other not so well known areas. The Foretrexs have MGRS coordinates and datum available for the user for usage with topographic maps. If you go to the back roads and use UTM of Military maps this is what you want to have on your person.
The Forerunner models are designed for fitness. They alow an individual to track his path, pace and speed + maybe monitor his heart rate and stress levels. This is nice, BUT THEY WILL NOT tell (other than Lat/Long) your ground location on a UTM, or MGRS style of topographic map. The Forerunner is for serious athletics. If you are an exercise enthusiast or a professional athlete your want the Forerunner model.
This review is mainly an attempt to clarify for Amazon's buyers/sellers of what the difference of the two styles.

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11/09/2011

Animals GPS TrackEasy1 GPS Tracker Review

Animals GPS TrackEasy1 GPS Tracker
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Make sure you check their Website first!
They take extra effort to not mention that you will need to also buy a Service Plan, that runs about $14/month.
It's T-Mobile, so you also need to make sure they have coverage in your area.


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11/08/2011

Garmin Edge 705 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer (Includes Heart Rate Monitor, Speed/Cadence Sensor, and SD Card with Street Maps) Review

Garmin Edge 705 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer (Includes Heart Rate Monitor, Speed/Cadence Sensor, and SD Card with Street Maps)
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I've had my 705 for about 3 weeks and have used it on over 400 miles of bike training. It's a great bike computer - very easy to setup, lots of data available, but only the data you decide to have on each screen. The GPS and in-unit maps are great. Installation is also easy since the sensor is wireless.
The Garmin Training Center software (Windows version in my case) is okay, but appears to have only basic integration with the 705 so far. GTC is a separate, but free, download from the Garmin site. Hopefully future versions will provide more/better 705 integration.
Something to watch out for as it isn't mentioned in the 705 docs or on the Garmin site, if you buy the 705 with the map card, those detailed maps will only be available in the 705, not in GTC. If you want detailed maps in GTC, you have to buy a PC/Mac version of the very same maps you have on the 705. That's another $100-130 on top of the $600-700 you just spent on the 705. Why? Ask Garmin.

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