vxfjaylon的部落格

You may be hearing increased talk about something called a GPS pedometer. This is actually a misnomer. There is no such thing as a GPS pedometer. However, let me explain what people mean when they talk about GPS pedometers.

By definition, a pedometer counts steps. Most pedometers function with a pendulum mechanism inside the case that registers with each footfall. They need to be worn on or around the hipbone, level with the waistband. That way, they can most accurately register your steps.

GPS technology, on the other hand, uses 24 satellites in geosynchronous orbit around the Earth, and is able to measure distance, speed, and pace. The GPS units you may be most familiar with are used for navigation in cars or handheld units. These have additional functions including real-time mapping and navigation functions. They are able to set that store waypoints, routes, and more.

Many walkers and runners are looking for what they call a GPS pedometer. What they really mean is a unit that will use the accuracy of GPS technology to give them basic information on speed and distance. Thanks to a prudence in technology at lower costs of microelectronics, many companies are developing just such items.

Timex, for instance, has been producing units for the last several years to meet this demand. These normally come with two to four pieces: a GPS receiver that can be worn on the arm or waist, a watch unit, and the optional data recorder or heart rate monitor. The Timex GPS units transmit real-time data to the watch, where the user can see speed and distance information, along with the traditional Timex sports watch functionality.

The Timex units can still be a little pricey because you are getting a sports watch along with a GPS unit. Another company, Navman, has recently come out with a variety of sport tool units that do not include a separate watch. These are worn on the upper arm, and include a display right on the GPS receiver.

Navman has developed different units that are sport-specific. There is one for walkers and a different one for runners. There is one for skiers and crosstrainers, one for water sports, and more.

The Navman Sport Tool W300, which was specifically designed for walkers, includes all the functions a pedometer user needs, and then some. This is an ideal unit for anyone who is into walking for fitness or recreation. It gives you ultra precise measurements on the distance you have covered, your current, maximum, and average speed, and your calories burned. It also has a timer to measure the time you have walked, and uses atomic clock technology to provide you with the precise date and time.

Anyone looking to upgrade from a normal pendulum-based pedometer to a simple to use GPS unit should look into the Navman Sport Tool GPS receivers.