You’ve probably already heard the term GPS - it stands for Global Positioning System, and initially it was a series of satellites designed for military use. Since the 1980s, though, the system has been opened up to commercial and public use, and a ton of gadgets have become available, most noticeably mapping and navigation aids for cars. But there have been a number of other products that make use of GPS technology, including some that may not be obvious.

We recently got a chance to take a couple new GPS-powered gadgets out into the field — because you need a clear view of the sky in order to lock onto the satellites, you can’t actually use GPS gadgets indoors.

Adeo Fitness Trainer
www.MotionLingo.com
$149
The Adeo Fitness Trainer isn’t just a GPS device, it’s also an MP3 player accessory! You simply plug your headphones into the Adeo, and then plug the Adeo into your MP3 player’s headphone jack—it’s compatible with both iPods and non-iPods. Then, the Adeo will give you verbal cues during your workout to let you know if you’ve reached certain goals or waypoints (miles traveled, minutes exercised, calories burned, etc). You can set up several different customized exercise programs by plugging the Adeo into the USB port of your PC or Mac, and using the bundled software to set your personal stats and your exercises goals. Then, during your exercise session, a voice will gently interrupt your music every so often to let you know what point you’re at in your exercise regimen. The downside here is that the Adeo really relies on a satellite lock in order to function properly, so you can’t use it indoors, and you may not be able to use it in a downtown area where there isn’t a clear view of the sky….all you’ll hear over and over again is a pleasant voice telling you that it’s trying to locate the satellites. If you can find a wide-open field, though, it might be the best exercise trainer you’ve ever had.

Blackberry 8800
www.blackberry.net
$ (varies based on cell phone plan)
For those who loved the idea of the Blackberry Pearl, but really preferred the larger Blackberry models with the full-sized keyboard, here comes the 8800: it has the same rollerball design that made the Pearl’s menu system so easy to navigate, but it features the same wider design of the old-school Blackberry models, which allows a full-on QWERTY keyboard, where every letter has a key to itself. That wider form factor also allows the 8800 to squeeze in a few extra features, like a GPS receiver. That’s right — you no longer have to connect a GPS module to your smartphone via Bluetooth…it’s built right in on the 8800, and the phone comes with a few GPS-ready applications. For example, the Maps application can retrieve position information from the GPS module, and update your position on the map, even as you walk. With a navigator program, you can even plot routes from point A to point B, and the program will show you when you need to turn, just like it would on a full-size GPS navigation device. And of course, the Blackberry 8800 does all of the things you’re used to the Blackberry doing, like storing your contact list, managing your calendar, taking notes, and making phone calls via EDGE technology.

Here are the key tips from good tracing…

1)Less is more – Use as few points as you can get away with.
2)Framing Curves – Place your points on either side of a curve for the best results.
3)Work in Layers – Keep you project organized

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www.cocktailsonthefly.tv

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