How to find the handheld GPS you need

A handheld GPS is what you need if you are looking for a GPS to use while out biking, hiking, geo-caching or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Here's what experts say are guidelines for choosing a handheld GPS your own way.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First off is choosing between a mapping screen vis-a-vis a numerical longitude/latitude readout saying where you are. Many reviews say this is one area to insist on value for money. The function enables you to see where you are from a reference-waypoint point of view.

2. Get a waterproof or water-resistant model as much as possible. For water-resistance ratings, look up the IPX standard of the device. Am IPX of 4 means the device can withstand water splashed on it. However, for a GPS that can withstand accidental swims in the pond, you need a certified IPX-7 model.

3. With regard to the memory size of routes, go for the standard of a twenty-route memory. But you can go for as many as 50. For the still route-memory hungry, there are the GPS receivers with memory-card slots.

4. Units with 500 user-entered waypoints are safe choices.

5. Of course, you also need to address size and weight issues. This is where you, yet again, take stock of your personal preferences and lifestyle. There is basically a direct relationship between weight and screen size; so will it be a bigger display (which means a bigger unit), or the other way around?

6. Pick the unit that employs a 12-channel parallel receiver system. The advantage in this is that you get the best signal even in wooded areas. The latest currently have 15 channels.

Resources

• Handheld GPS on Squidoo
• Auto GPS on Hubpages

[luv2blog]

on 9/8/2008 GPS units can be so helpful!

[Diablo2]

on 8/13/2008 I just got a TOM TOM ONE 3rd Edition.. not the most expensive out there but it does the job :)
Thanks for the tips, im sure it'll help many.

[shannonxj]

on 7/9/2008 great article!