Choosing GPS

You heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. Or are you tired of getting lost while traveling. Welcome to the 21st century. Postioning World System (GPS) has been sufficient time for the prices are reasonable and the technology is easy to use. With several brands and models, how to choose?

If you want a GPS for hiking and driving use, then a portable unit would be the way forward. Some handhelds even accessories that allow them to be installed in a car. But do not rule out a PDA. More on that in a moment. By road, there are GPS receivers made just for vehicle use.

Handheld GPS receivers are in stock or non - mapping. Basic, non - mapping unit can often cost less than $ 100 U.S. and usually has / displays the following:
* City
* Quote
* compass direction accurate positioning and time
* force
* indicate the ability to calculate the distance
* the ability to store the path of a series of waypoints
* the ability to navigate the route
* ability to follow your footsteps

Handheld mapping receivers do all the above plus have the ability to display maps. The cards are either pre - loaded or uploaded from your PC. Prices are reasonable for the mapping units, from about $ 150 U.S.

Paper charts are highly recommended if you use an application to receive or not. Paper maps do not require batteries and will probably not defective. Also a paper map gives you an overview for your situation - something lacking on the small screen of a GPS.

I mentioned the account a PDA with GPS. A PDA is bulkier and the battery life is generally shorter, but if you use a PDA anyway, then there are several ways to turn a PDA into a GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS "sleeve." It is a device that fits perfectly into the PDA. Another option is one of Garmin's PDAs. Garmin GPS is probably the most popular team and have a PDA / GPS that is Palm - Pocket PC based - base.

Prices for automotive GPS start at about $ 250 U.S.. These provide turn - by - turn guidance. Spend a little more than that and you get voice guidance. These are larger than handhelds in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by the electrical system of the car and hence they can be used in a vehicle. Many car manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers as an option. Because they are built in the big advantages are security and aesthetics. They are slightly more expensive than an add-on units and often have fewer options. I also heard stories about people who have difficulty in obtaining updates the map.

PDA / GPS is a good alternative for the automotive industry. Its screen is the size of a unit of car, so the screen is not a problem. They can also be driven by car, eliminating battery worries. Garmin PDAs mentioned above are both hardware and software for the automotive industry.