What is a GPS handheld?: GPS units are used for helping you find your way to where you need to go by figuring out where you are and then telling you how to get where you need to go. They store maps, among many other functions, and have an automotive and handheld application. They are an absolute necessity for any outdoor activity where you need to keep a close eye on where you are.
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.
The Most Important Part: How sensitive the GPS antenna is depends on exactly how accurate the GPS handheld is. If you do a lot of geo-caching then you will want a more accurate unit whereas if you are just hiking, biking, boating, etc. Then you can afford a wide accuracy area because you don't need it to be so exact. You will want to look for a unit that uses 12 channel receiving so that it will have the best reception, the high end units can receive more channels.
The GPS antenna: How sensitive the GPS antenna is depends on exactly how accurate the GPS handheld is. If you do a lot of geocaching then you will want a more accurate unit whereas if you are just hiking, biking, boating, etc. Then you can afford a wide accuracy area because you don't need it to be so exact. You will want to look for a unit that uses 12 channel receiving so that it will have the best reception, the high end units can receive more channels.
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.
Need an idea of what to get?: Two of the best units are made by Garmin and DeLorme. The first one of these is the Cadillac of all GPS units. It's the Garmin Oregon 400t priced at $450 it has the touchscreen and every bell and whistle you can think of. It boasts wireless data updates, paperless geocaching and more. The next model is much more practical is made by DeLorme and is priced at $340. The PN-40 does not have a touch screen and is hard to learn, but is lightweight, waterproof and very reliable and is great for the buyer on a budget.
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!
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.
The Most Important Part: How sensitive the GPS antenna is depends on exactly how accurate the GPS handheld is. If you do a lot of geo-caching then you will want a more accurate unit whereas if you are just hiking, biking, boating, etc. Then you can afford a wide accuracy area because you don't need it to be so exact. You will want to look for a unit that uses 12 channel receiving so that it will have the best reception, the high end units can receive more channels.
The GPS antenna: How sensitive the GPS antenna is depends on exactly how accurate the GPS handheld is. If you do a lot of geocaching then you will want a more accurate unit whereas if you are just hiking, biking, boating, etc. Then you can afford a wide accuracy area because you don't need it to be so exact. You will want to look for a unit that uses 12 channel receiving so that it will have the best reception, the high end units can receive more channels.
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.
Need an idea of what to get?: Two of the best units are made by Garmin and DeLorme. The first one of these is the Cadillac of all GPS units. It's the Garmin Oregon 400t priced at $450 it has the touchscreen and every bell and whistle you can think of. It boasts wireless data updates, paperless geocaching and more. The next model is much more practical is made by DeLorme and is priced at $340. The PN-40 does not have a touch screen and is hard to learn, but is lightweight, waterproof and very reliable and is great for the buyer on a budget.
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!
About the Author:
William Harris is an active geocacher. He has made a lot of research on the best handheld GPS units and shares the information in his handheld GPS units reviews website. He also recommends handheld GPS units for fishing and hunting purposes.
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