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Choosing A Handheld GPS Unit
GPS Units used to be all the same. They were universal and somewhat
bulky. However, as the need and demand for GPS technology has increased,
the way GPS Units are made has changed significantly. Hikers, bikers,
cross-country skiers, and all kinds of other individuals who travel
across the wide, open country had a need for a GPS Unit that was easy to
travel with, yet still worked in order to assist and prevent getting lost
in unfamiliar locations.
Some people may not use handheld GPS Units for such practical purposes.
Some people just like to have them on hand. Handheld GPS Units can help
in an emergency. Besides, they look nice and make life much easier
whenever you are traveling to any location. It may be you just want to
purchase your GPS for looks, and that is ok. Whatever your motivation is,
you can find an excellent handheld GPS Unit to suit your every need.
Adding a GPS to your Current Handheld Device
Depending on the type of handheld device you have, you may be able to
upgrade so GPS technology is included. They make GPS information
available to PDAs and even laptops. However, you can also purchase a
handheld device with GPS functionality if you do not have one already.
This is convenient since your GPS Unit now has multiple capabilities and
functions.
For example, the GPS manufacturer Garmin makes several nice PDA models
including the Garmin iQue M3 Pocket PC and GPS Navigator.
Getting Around with Handheld GPS Units
Getting around your town, city, or the country becomes easier with a
handheld device. There are two main brands of handheld GPS Units. The
first is Garmin and the second is Magellan. There are other, lesser-known
brands, but these are the two major ones. These brands differ in
functionality (Garmin uses WAAS), features, and capabilities.
Depending on where you are, the reception from the satellites sending the
location to your handheld GPS Unit may be better or worse. Mountains,
skyscrapers, and trees can all obstruct the satellite signal from sending
to the GPS unit. This is partly why multiple satellites are used for each
receiver. Of course, this can also mean your map image and directions are
not as accurate.
The downside to Handheld GPS Units
If you live in, work in, or visit areas that do not allow for GPS signals
to read correctly, then you may not want to waste your money on a
handheld GPS Unit. However, most areas, even the busiest or most
mountainous do allow for access in certain areas, so you will find this
is often the least of your problems.
Another potential problem you may find with handheld GPS Units is their
size. If you want to use a PDA GPS Unit, expect the GPS to take up the
bulk of space on your PDA. You can get PDA's with additional space such
as the Garmin iQue M3 Bundle w/2gb memory card as opposed to the Garmin
iQue M3 Bundle w/1gb memory card.
Of course, you may decide that cutting corners on your PDA just is not
worth it. You can keep your PDA with all of the programs you need. Then
you can purchase a separate, handheld GPS Unit such as the Magellan
eXplorist 500 le or the Garmin GPSMAP 60C.
These systems, while smaller than the portable GPS Units, are easier to
transport. However, sacrificing size can be a problem. Often, maps, voice
functionality, and other common features of portable GPS Units are
considered add-ons for handheld GPS Units. You may be able to purchase
the best handheld GPS Unit with all of the add-ons already attached, such
as the Garmin GPSMAP 60. However, you will have to add at least one thing
on. You are going to have to decide if purchasing a handheld, for this
reason, is worth it.
The Benefits of Handheld GPS Units
Of course, the benefits do outweigh the annoyances when using a handheld
GPS Unit. Depending on why you need a GPS receiver you may find that
handheld units suit you better than a portable unit does.
There are many reasons you should buy a handheld GPS Unit. These reasons
include:
· Easily upgradeable on a PDA · Able to work with many add-ons offering
additional options after you purchase it · Easy to transport ·
Excellent for situations when you get lost or emergencies such as broken
down cars (when you need to go for help) · Ability to transfer images &
maps to and from laptops, PDAs, and more
Ultimately, whether you choose a handheld GPS Unit or a portable GPS Unit
is up to you. However, just make sure you choose based on your needs and
you simply cannot go wrong.
About the Author
Catherine Tower of Gottronics, is in charge of the research department,
where she gathers information and reviews different portable GPS units,
whether it be good or bad and stays up to date with all of the latest
developments of the products.
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