Some Surprising Ways You Can Use GPS to Save

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Sure, investing in a GPS can save time otherwise spent driving in circles or digging through a glove box for that crumpled map you’re sure is there. But you don’t need the hardware installed in your car in order to reap the rewards of this technology.  Here are some alternatives that still save you time – whether driving on the road, walking in your neighborhood or caring for a pet. 

RENT A GPS FOR SPECIAL TRIPS
The most popular devices start around $250 and head upwards of $999 (for Garmin’s (GRMN) Nuvi 880 with voice recognition – rated the number one car GPS by CNET (CBS). But if you don’t need to use a GPS daily, you can take advantage of the technology on an as needed basis.

Say you’re dropping the kids off at college this fall, you might need a little extra direction in navigating an unfamiliar city or town. Well, no need to splurge and install a device in your car when you can simply have one delivered for the trip. At LowerGear.com, customers can rent GPS units that arrive on your doorstep via UPS (UPS) at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. The available devices from Garmin, Magellan and Mio come preloaded with maps for both domestic and international travel, can be temporarily installed in an automobile or used handheld, and can direct you to gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, airports, parks and more. Prices range from $32 to $139 for seven days, although devices can be rented for as few as three days for a lower fee. 

GPS: NO CAR REQUIRED
If you own one of the 7.3 million smartphones sold in the first quarter of 2008, a GPS may already be at your fingertips.  The BlackBerry (RIMM) 8830, BlackBerry Pearl 8130, Samsung Blackjack II, Nokia (NOK) N95 and Apple (APPL) iPhone all come equipped with built in GPS. With the ability to get real time position and voice guided directions, you no longer need to splurge for a pricey car accessory to help you save time by always knowing the best route to your next meeting. And even if you have a regular old cell phone most of the major carriers, including Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), Sprint (S) and T-Mobile (DT) http://www.thestreet.com/quote/Dt.html?omorig=header offer add-ons that enable your phone to produce local color maps, driving directions and points of interest. Verizon’s VZ Navigator feature costs $9.99 a month or $2.99 for 24-hours, giving you the option to access and pay for the service only when you need it.

A GPS COULD BE YOUR DOG'S NEW BEST FRIEND
GPS’s aren’t only for humans. If your beloved pooch tends to wander, then maybe it’s time to look to the stars to keep him close by. A doggie GPS from GlobalPetFinder.com runs for $289.99, and once attached to your dog’s neck will instantly place him on your digital grid (for an $18 per month fee). Log-in to the command center and design a “digital fence” that designates where your dog can wander without warning. If he sniffs or walks outside the digital boundaries, you are immediately alerted on your two-way wireless device (phone, PDA, computer) and given continuous updates with his coordinates. You can also check your pet’s location by dialing “F-O-U-N-D” from your phone or computer.  Within minutes your pet's unit will respond with their position. It’s one way to feel safe about your furry friend in this ruff, ruff world.