Lost & Found

Way back when, the only people to even think of being able to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were our military and other government entities. Today, however, things have changed, and for the better. Consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites built by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS technology is one of the most widely used networks in the world. With the ability to track virtually anything that moves, the GPS network is right at home among members of the off-roading community.

Used primarily for guidance on roads less traveled, the sheer number of GPS radios and transmitters available to the public is staggering. With so many units available, it can be a daunting task to choose the correct unit for your intended purposes. The terrain (street or trails) on which the unit will be used, the intended applications of usage (geocaching, waypoint tracking, or just turn-by-turn directions), and the user's level of skill are all important issues to address prior to making your purchase.

With these and many more issues to consider, we've compiled a sampling of what we believe to be some of the hottest GPS units available on the market today, with an emphasis on off-roading.

It's especially important to note that just because you may have a GPS unit does not guarantee your safety or rescue, should you venture into harm's way. As sophisticated as these GPS units are, they should never be used as a sole replacement to the more conventional compasses and maps. Always keep a compass and maps of the areas you'll traveling through with you. Keep in mind that GPS units are electronic devices, which rely on batteries that can run out and electronic components that can become damaged.

Lowrance iWAY 100M

WHAT IT DOES: The iWAY 100m provides precision, auto-routing, and turn-by-turn mobile navigation using visual and voice prompts to any destination across the nation.
WHY IT'S HOT: This unit contains a built-in receiver/ antenna that tracks both 12-parallel channel GPS and WAAS signals, with position updates every second. An ample 3-inch diagonal, high-resolution 240Vx180H Film Super Twist monochrome display produces superb mapping details and easy readability, even in direct sunlight. The mapping software is the Lowrance exclusive MapCreate Turn-By-Turn program bundle.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Lowrance Electronics
Dept. OR
28156 Plymouth Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918)437-6881
www.lowrance.com

Lowrance iFINDER PhDc Mapping GPS

WHAT IT DOES: This product provides a waterproof, color-display mobile-navigation system in a handheld package. Built-in continental U.S. and Hawaii back-ground maps feature interstate-exit services. The built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter provide additional surrounding condition reports, and the system is compatible with all plug-and-play FreedomMaps, Fishing Hot Spots, and Navionics electronic chart models.
WHY IT'S HOT: Aside from the incredible GPS and mapping capabilities, the unit allows MP3 files to be stored and played for the ultimate convenience, regardless of where you are in the world.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Lowrance Electronics
Dept. OR
28156 Plymouth Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918) 437-6881
www.lowrance.com

Lowrance GlobalMap Baja GPS Mapping Models

WHAT IT DOES: This new line of GPS mapping models is offered in two versions. The GlobalMap Baja contains a 5-inch-diagonal 480x480-pixel LCD screen for excellent glare-free viewing through a high-contrast Film Super Twist monochrome display with 16-level gray-scale definition and advanced white LED backlighting. The GlobalMap Baja 480c features the new Lowrance 256-color TFT display, which provides super-wide viewing angles and fluorescent cold-cathode backlighting.
WHY IT'S HOT: Both models are capable of navigating motorists from nowhere to anywhere by delivering full 12-parallel-channel GPS and WAAS reception provided from the ruggedized external LGC-2000 Baja receiver/antenna for super-fast satellite lock-ons and enhanced position accuracy to 3 meters. Each unit is memory-card-compatible with Lowrance's FreedomMap software and MapCreate topographical software. Each unit has been ruggedized and made shock-resistant to handle the off-road abuses encountered on the roads less traveled.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Lowrance Electronics
Dept. OR
28156 Plymouth Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918) 437-6881
www.lowrance.com

Lowrance iWAY 800c GPS System

WHAT IT DOES: The iWAY 800c contains a 10.4-inch diagonal mega-screen color display designed to appeal to larger vehicles. The behemoth GPS system is con-trolled by a 20GB internal hard drive, with 10 GBs preloaded with high-detail mapping. The remaining 10 GB of free space can be used to support the built-in MP3 player. The system uses Lowrance's 12-parallel-channel GPS and WAAS signals, with position updates every second.
WHY IT'S HOT: Being a portable unit, the iWAY 800c system easily connects to any PC running Microsoft Windows XP, ME, or 2000 for loading music files. Two easily accessible MMC or SD digital-media memory-card slots are provided for additional mapping software programs.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Lowrance Electronics
Dept. OR
28156 Plymouth Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918) 437-6881
www.lowrance.com

DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2005 Handheld Version

WHAT IT DOES: The ever-popular Street Atlas USA 2005, which was originally built for laptop users, is now available to work on either the Palm OS or Pocket PC and offers the same data, routing, POIs, voice prompts, and GPS capabilities as the regular edition.
WHY IT'S HOT: With this newest version, users can select precut maps for metro areas, or select custom maps, just as before. Getting the maps you want onto the PDA is easier than ever.
WHO TO CONTACT:
DeLorme Mapping Inc.
Dept. OR
2 DeLorme Dr.
Yarmouth, ME 04096
(800) 511-2459
www.delorme.com