The many faces of GPS

It's hard not to think about cars when thinking about global positioning systems, or GPS.

The satellite technology has allowed car manufacturers to give drivers on-demand directions and instant access to information. And GPS navigation has become an increasingly popular feature with high-end cars.

Even rental car shops are getting into the fray with dealers such as Hertz adding as many as 50,000 GPS devices to its fleet as of 2005, according to market research firm Mintel International Group.

But cars aren't everything. And GPS has become more than a means of getting to where you're going.

The result is a slew of GPS products that can tell you where you are, where you're going and what kind of music you'll be listening to along the way. And they work with cameras and cars, watches and cell phones. So don't worry if you find yourself a little, well, lost in the world of GPS products and services.

Jessica Myers, spokeswoman for Garmin International, says consumers are looking for a device that will give good directions, but they still want the added features.

"Now a lot of GPS devices converge a lot of different technologies," Myers says. "Consumers are interested in having a unit that will provide them with a little bit more, such as traffic or XM with radio on it."

But GPS companies stress the importance of reliable navigation technology.

Adds Jim Luetjen, sales manager at Lowrance Electronics: "It's cool when you buy the gimmicky stuff, but I think for the most part people are looking for a good navigation system."

Garmin StreetPilot 2820

Description: The mountable navigation device, just released on Amazon.com, features an option to incorporate real-time traffic updates via traditional or satellite radio. The device is equipped with Bluetooth technology, which allows hands-free calling, in addition to an MP3 player and audiobook player for listening to music. Users have the option to access weather reports and stock updates with the device as well.

Web: www.garmin.com

Price: $1,099.99

Verizon Wireless Chaperone

Description: Verizon Wireless joins the ranks of Sprint Nextel with its release of a GPS-enabled cellphone for kids. The Chaperone Child Locator lets parents keep track of children via the Internet or mobile phone. Customers can use the Verizon Wireless Web site to keep tabs on the location of their child's LG Migo phone, which comes speed-dial equipped for child safety.

Another service, Chaperone with Child Zone, sends text alerts to parents whenever the phone (and presumably the child) leaves a designated area. Both subscription services are available through the Verizon Wireless family share plan.

Web: www.VerizonWireless.com

Price: $9.99 for monthly access per line for Chaperone Child Locator; $19.99 for Chaperone with Child Zone; $99 for one-year contract with Migo phone.

Magellan eXplorist XL

Description: For the outdoorsy type, the eXplorist XL boasts a 3.5-inch color display (the largest of any rugged outdoor GPS, according to the company). Encased in rubber armored, impact-resistant plastic, the water-resistant locator device comes with built-in digital maps showing major roads, parkways and points of interest. Magellan says volunteers used eXplorist products in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina to find their way in the dark while tracking homeless pets.

Web: www.magellangps.com

Price: $399

Timex Bodylink Trail Runner

Description: The Timex Bodylink Trail Runner system helps runners keep track of their on- and off-road traveling. The GPS technology-loaded waterproof watch allows runners to track speed, distance and location during a run, walk or jog. Data can be seen on the watch or uploaded and viewed on the home computer. A special mode allows runners to track their routes, as if dropping digital bread crumbs.

Web: www.Timex.com

Price: $350

Lowrance iWAY 350C

Description: Winner of the "Best New Mobile Electronics Equipment Product for 2006" at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show in Las Vegas, the 350C uses audio and visual cues to reroute travelers in case of a missed turn or an incorrectly followed direction. It can be mounted on a motorcycle or in an automobile.

Web: www.lowrance.com

Price: $499

Nikon D2xs Camera

Description: When fully loaded, the D2xs records the coordinates of all photo shoots. The latitude, longitude and altitude of the camera's position are digitally embedded into what's called the picture's metadata (time, date, shutter speed, etc.) when a picture is taken. The data can be viewed on the camera's display or called up on a computer for later use, which means no more labeling photos. The information is not displayed on the finished photo.

To operate the camera's GPS options, the photographer must attach a compatible GPS device, such as the Garmin Geko 301 ($246), using manufacturer cables.

Web: www.nikonusa.com

Price: $4,700 for the camera, plus the cost of applicable GPS device