Portability is the main feature of some of Garmin's current models of GPS receivers. These portables include the GPSMap series which is suited for aircraft as well as other uses, and has seven models to choose from. There is a monochromatic GPSMap 96 and its color version, GPSMAP 96C, combining an operating system which is pilot-friendly and with powerful navigation tools, enabling the user to always keep on track.

Aircraft situational awareness is enhanced by these models through its Jeppesen built-in database and a database of US obstacles overlaid on a map. From these Garmin maps, alerts are raised when potential obstacles ahead are determined. GPSMap 96 is operated through a simple keypad; its design is streamlined to enable users to literally have GPS capability within the palm of their hands.

Bright, four-level gray scale display readable in sunlight makes reading the receiver's Garmin maps easy. These Garmin receivers also enable pilots to automate their logbooks to track flying hours and to record locations of departure and arrival automatically. A navigator for air, land and sea rolled into one, GPSMap 96 has these three navigation modes and an autorouting built-in basemap.

This feature allows the user to switch either from plane to boat or to car or to on-foot use. It has a memory of 23 megabytes and a port for a mini-USB wherein GPS maps data can be stored from a wide array of optional MapSource products. For road navigation, for instance, MapSource detailed street maps may be accessed and uploaded. On the water, the Garmin maps could be switched to marine cartography. Two AA batteries can serve as the GPSMap 96's power source, and hence, this device can likewise be a great companion on hiking trips.

Garmin, indeed, has come a long way since it introduced its first product which is solely designed for the marine market. This was a GPS 100, a panel-mounted GPS receiver which was launched in the 1990 International Marine Technology Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois. Priced at $2,500 the product became an instant sensation, leading to the introduction of other Garmin products with the now de rigueur GPS maps.

One of Garmin's early portables was a handheld GPS receiver that GIs carried in their 1991 Gulf War campaign. Another popular device was launched in the early 2000s, and was designed specifically for recreational runners (and hence its brand Forerunner). These wrist-worn GPS devices offered waypoint projection and two-dimensional tracking, features that were also adapted to another model, the Garmin Foretrex that gained popularity among mountain bikers, hikers and sailboat racing enthusiasts. Another popular GPS product, an in-car navigation system, was developed later in the StreetPilot, one model of which features 16-color Garmin maps.

For instance, if you are on the road, the City Navigator is probably the one you will want to be using. Here, there are over six million maps on various points of interests as well as traffic information and street data. For individuals who frequently go sailing, the Blue Chart is more suited for you. With 3-D display, you will find coastal favorite places, locations where there are shipwrecks, depth contours and auto-guide features. For hikers, the ideal format is the Topo US map. The included attributes are terrain contours, trails, information on elevated places, bodies of water and routable roads.

Garmin GPS map systems have a built-in American base map, which gives thorough information about highways, tides, exits with turn-by-turn directions. Using this device is very easy; you will simply connect it to your computer utilizing the USB cable included. This will enable you to load the map details along with the transfer routes and other locations. If you want, you can also purchase micro SD memory cards with 64 MB capacity. These cards have been pre-loaded with maps such as MapSource so that you do not have to connect the device to your computer.

You will also find the Garmin Rino 120, a very interesting small device. It is not only helpful for you as a navigation system but also as a two-way radio with a range of five miles along with twenty-two channels and thirty-eight privacy codes. It also has the ability to communicate with the usual FRS/GMRS radios. Additionally, each user has their own unique icon and ID so others can see their exact location on the map. This Rino 120 operates on AA batteries or a rechargeable battery set.

You might also want to consider the Garmin Nuvi 855, which has plenty of exciting features. It is super slim and very compact that one can easily slide the gadget into their pocket. This device has a Hotfix element, which makes the device very sensitive so you can enjoy a clearer and faster satellite acquisition together with 4.3 inches of widescreen and full color display. If those attributes stated were not enough for you, the Nuvi 855 has 3-D maps and views, battery can stay up to five long hours and it also has an mp3 player for all music lovers. Aside from that, you can also add photos of yourself or the places that you have visited.

Consumers will also appreciate the other series of Garmin GPS maps due to the fact that they have features that you will certainly enjoy. Most of the Garmin navigation devices can stand for a long period of time without needing recharging. In addition to the excellent characteristics, there are games and sunrise or sunset phase tables.

You'll find that Garmin software is widely available so you can update and enhance your favorite GPS device easily. WebUpdater is an excellent Garmin software that you can download for free. This lets you update your device by simply connecting it to your computer and running the program. You will need to follow the prompts that are shown on your monitor's screen. Then, you will confirm that you want to update your unit and WebUpdater will do the rest of the job for you. It will download the necessary revisions and later, install it in your device.

The WebUpdater software has been updated itself to make it extremely user friendly and seamless to manage. Once you have downloaded WebUpdater, the application can instantly run it from your computer since it regularly performs some checks for your Garmin navigator device.

For every Garmin model, there are corresponding software updates that you can use so that your unit will be able to keep up with your busy lifestyle. For instance, if you have the Garmin GPSMAP 2110, you can download a unit and additional software for your USB drivers. If you have the Garmin GPSMAP 376C, you can use the WebUpdater to automatically provide updates for your unit or download additional software for your USB drivers as well as xImage. Also, a unit update version 4.50 is now made available. On the other hand, for BMX Motorrad Navigator III, you can download BMW Worldwide Dealer Database software along with Firmware Update for Bluetooth Module and Points of Interest Loader for Windows version 2.5.3, which has been available since August 22 of 2008.

Other software updates have been completed for MapSource, MapInstall and nRoute. The latest version for MapInstall has added features such as Brazilian and Portuguese translation together with an updated map that provides better images. For MapSource, the versions 6.15.3 and 6.15.4 contain various fixes like the waypoint symbols found in the user directory and the vertical profile for some maps. Meanwhile, nRoute has been made better as it provides larger display, simple directions, route assistance, turn reminders with voice, location tracker and loads more. This software can work with MapSource since you can easily import and export important user data. nRoute Garmin software works well with GPS 18 and 10 though it is also compatible with every Garmin device when used with USB.

For optimum results with your Garmin GPS navigation system, download and utilize the applications provided for you. With the growing range of various products, you will surely find one that will match your preferences. Now, your device is complete with the Garmin software you installed.