Best GPS Solutions

I would like to begin this article by first stating that all the GPS products reviewed will do the job. However, the buyer will have to consider a number of factors, including the attractiveness and readability of the user interface, the ease of operation without having to resort to the manual, the accuracy and flexibility of the routing feature, and more. It amazes me that products which were superb last year still keep getting better. In fact more than two of the programs we reviewed are complete rewrites, and all but one now include large graphical buttons and easily identifiable icons, which let you operate the program using your fingertipand leave the stylus in the slot. In addition, more and more programs are offering live traffic updates for those with phone-enabled Windows Mobile devices.

This article was completed with the able assistance of several reviewers, including Bruce Allgire, William Bressette, Gary Garland, Al Harrington, Tim Hillenbrand, Mordy Mueller, Russ Terrell, Ed Zabrek, and Rey Flores. Their opinions have been incorporated into the reviews and they are quoted throughout the article. A special thanks goes to Denise Deveau for integrating the product descriptions and the reviewer comments into individual product reviews.

Final note: We tested the Pocket PC versions of these programs. A number of them are also available for the Windows Mobile Smartphone and we indicate this when they are.

GPS solutions for Windows Mobile devices are definitely improving with age.

Not only have the old standbys enhanced their programs considerably, new players have introduced innovative programs that ensure lively competition and continued fast-paced development in the field.

Today there is a vast selection of very affordable and versatile GPS solutions available for Pocket PCs and Smartphones, Most vendors offer integrated packages that include the GPS software/maps, GPS receivers, as well as power cables and other accessories. You can also buy the GPS receivers and software separately. Although you can mix and match GPS receivers and software, usually the most economical way to pick a GPS solution is to find the software with the features and map coverage you like, and then purchase a GPS receiver supported by the software vendor.

In the following reviews you will find that there is much to commend about most of the solutions. However, GPS users have varying needs and experiences with GPS. When selecting a solution, its critical to understand your navigation requirements and the level of sophistication you need in a program. You should also pay careful attention to the extra fees charged for additional map coverage, tracking services, and other add-on features. Packages can vary considerably and costs can quickly add up when certain features you wanted weren't included in the purchase price.

CoPilot Live 6 from ALK Technologies

http://www.alk.com

CoPilot Live 6 is a powerful yet easy to use GPS navigation program that includes the latest street maps, advanced customizable routing, route specific real-time information, and support for the latest Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PCs and Smartphones (including the Motorola Q). In addition, it supports both TMC and GPRS Traffic information.

CoPilot Live 6 is available for the Pocket PC (top) and Smartphone (bottom).