THE INTEGRATED GPS-PHONE

The trend in technology these days is convergence. Different technologies converge into a single device, usually in the most used gadget that we have today: the mobile phone. We see camera phones, mp3 phones, PDA phones, and phones that offer all these plus more. Now, the GPS is also integrated into the most loved gadget that we have, and this addresses both the need to stay connected to other people and the need for a better way to get to where we want to go.

The GPS Cellphone's Key Features

The GPS phones are really phones that do mobile phone work full time. This is their primary function and the GPS system is integrated into the device as an added feature. It is said that "Where are you?" is the most frequently asked question over a mobile phone conversation. You always find yourself tongue-tied at answering that question if you are in a place that is difficult to describe or if you find yourself in an unfamiliar location, sometimes with street signs that you cannot read. With the GPS phone this will be a problem of the past. If your lost friend also carries a GPS phone you can project your location relative to his in a map. The phone can even tell you where it is most convenient to meet up and what routes to take in order to get there. You can easily send coordinates to an operator if you need picking up.

Do you find it too good to be true? These are actually already available in the market and these specialized phones usually have a GPS receiver integrated into different kinds of mobile phone formats: GSM, dual-band, dual-band GSM, satellite phones, PDA phones, 3G and the list goes on and on as new communication technology gets developed. These also have other features that make use of the GPS technology it already carries such as phone trackers, alarm buttons that trigger a sequence of commands that connect you to emergency services, etc.

The marriage of the two technologies is still relatively new and mobile phone models with integrated GPS functions are released with only the high-end models right now. Major mobile phone manufacturers like Nokia, Motorola and Nextel have their own line of GPS phones already packed with top notch features.

Benefits of Having a GPS Cellphone

The first advantage of these phones over generic phones is, well the GPS system of course. In your pocket you hold the key to freedom from getting lost and a lot more information about your surroundings. You can always use it while traveling or just for passing the time. Log in the locations of all your friends' houses and your best fishing spots while you are at it.

Safety is also a primary concern that having a GPS phone can address. You can track the whereabouts of your phone via internet or other devices if it gets stolen or if you have just misplaced it. There are emergency procedures that some phones have that would even save your life with a push of a button.

It also frees up space in your bag, and instead of bringing two separate devices you just need to have one. It's definitely practical and so much more convenient than lugging around other bulky GPS devices in your hike. Even if it fetches a hefty price at first, think about how much it would cost to get a separate phone and GPS receiver. Convinced? You now have access to the GPS navigational system so might as well use it as much as you would your camera.