The addition of a Global Positioning System to any mobile device opens up a host of benefits to the office on the go. You can get quick directions to your next business lunch, Fed Ex stop, or Kinkos run, as well as up-to-the-minute traffic and weather reports. Though GPS technology is most commonly found in luxury vehicles (for navigation), you’ll also find GPS loaded in some mobile phones and PDAs to help with directions, provide a local map, or allow access to other useful information. GPS is now also manufactured as a stand-alone mobile pocket-sized device, to use as you would in a car, but without having to start your engine. In this issue of PJ, we’ll introduce you to some of the leading products that utilize GPS technology and show you how they can help you with your mobile business needs.

All the best,

Jeff Moore
Senior Editor — ProductivityJournal.com

Satellites aren’t Just for Astronauts Anymore:

TomTom Go 300 ($499.95)

If your work takes you on the road and in your car, this is the answer to your prayers. TomTom Go 300 is a portable GPS car navigation system that is small enough to take with you anywhere. An impressive package, including extensive features, smooth and streamlined maps and menus, SD Card-based unit, built-in Bluetooth-equipped GSM/GPRS cell phone for connecting to the Internet, and an affordable price round out this unit. The TomTom Go 300 can download traffic and weather reports and other data (including comic voices for directions). TomTom's maps are cleanly designed, the menu system is easy to use, and the unit is replete with extras such as the ability to tie speaker volume to your car's speed. Other pluses are a robust, flexible mounting bracket and a built-in help system. TomTom gives you the GoGo.

Mio 168RS (from $344.99)

Mio 168RS is a combination Pocket PC/GPS with beautifully compact design, excellent GPS mapping software, and a substantial accessory bundle. With compact pocket-friendly proportions (4.4 by 2.7 by 0.6 inches) and a light load (5.4 ounces) this device is capable of serving as your PDA and a whole lot more. Mitac, the manufacturer, has also been quite generous with accessories for the Mio 168RS. A USB cable, cigarette-lighter charger, and a really helpful suction-cup windshield mount are all included with purchase.

HP iPaq hw6515 ($649)

HP's latest Windows Mobile-based smart phone, the HP iPaq hw6515 for Cingular Wireless, boasts many advanced features that are sure to please the well-seasoned road warrior. The EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution)-capable world phone comes equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard, a plethora of messaging options, integrated Bluetooth, and a 1.3-megapixel camera. It also has something the competition doesn't: a built-in GPS receiver for making the smart phone a handheld GPS device. Also, if you don't want a camera or your workplace doesn't allow it, you can opt for the HP iPaq hw6510, which includes all the same great features of the hw6515, with the exception of the camera (and a little more affordable price tag at just $549). The hw6515 can practically do anything — except maybe your dishes.