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Handheld GPS Units: What To Buy?
What is it?: So what is a handheld GPS unit exactly? It is a small iPod sized device that not only stores maps, but (and this is the important part) tells you where you are to the meter and can give you directions as to where you need to go. These units have an automotive and field uses. Some of the field uses for a handheld GPS include geocaching, hiking, biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity.
How GPS works: The handheld GPS unit receives the satellite signals from the many satellites that circle all over our planet. The GPS system also uses ground based antenna to create a network of the ground as well that is sent back to the satellite for GPS receivers to use as well. Your handheld works off this network.
Price: How much you spend in a handheld GPS is entirely up to you, obviously, but the features on a handheld are driven primarily by price. $150-$500 is the general price range for a GPS handheld. If you are trying to get a great unit and save money then look carefully at the features and if you don't need all those bells and whistles then don't get them and save the money accordingly.
Features to look for: They come with touchscreens, and a different GPS antenna. Also, GPS units can come with altimeters, barometers, and in some cases heart rate monitors. Many of them are also water proof or resistant. This means that if you get water on the unit it will not die, but don't dunk it in a stream or swim with it.
A note about antennae: The antenna is directly proportionate to how accurate the unit will be. If you are geo-caching then you will want something very accurate, if you are hiking, biking, or boating then have a meter of inaccuracy is ok because you don't need a location to exact inch. Look for a unit that receives at least 12 channels although most do much more because then you will be able to get a signal in dense vegetation and trees.
The necessities: 50 routes or more storage, directional waypoints, and light weight are all necessary features. Remember, you will be carrying around all this so something that is lightweight is crucial. Also, you don't want to have to program the same route over and over again or any route for that matter. Get the one with at least 50 route memory (most come with much more), it will save you time. Lastly, you don't want the GPS to have the next waypoint and not tell you which way you need to go, this should be obvious but directional waypoint will save you time on the trail.
Some Suggestions: There are a few models I would like to suggest to you in your consideration for a reliable GPS handheld unit. These units are made by Garmin and DeLorme. The first is the high-end Cadillac of GPS handheld units. It is the Garmin Oregon 400t ($450) It has a touchscreen and all the necessary bells and whistles I was talking about. It has wireless data updates, paperless geo-caching, and much more. The next model (the PN-40) is made by DeLorme and is less expensive at $340. No touchscreen or fancy wireless updates but it is perfect in its own way of being lightweight, waterproof, and practical. Its interface can be hard to use though.
Last Word: If you keep these tips and models in mind then you should be able to find the perfect handheld GPS unit for all your hiking, biking, boating, and outdoors needs. Remember, the requirements, look closely at those bells and whistles and enjoy the great outdoors knowing exactly (to the meter) where you are going!
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