Choosing a Handheld GPS Receiver

Choosing a handheld GPS receiver can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices! But your needs are specific so you shouldn’t necessarily buy the same model as your best friend bought.

When choosing a handheld GPS navigator you will want to consider the weight of the unit, whether you can strap it to your wrist, whether you need headset capability, whether you need specific software applications for travel, hiking, camping, boating, vacation attractions or other unique needs.   

Do you need or want turn-by-turn voice guidance? Do you need a GPS receiver that has a long battery life? If you are out in the wilderness, you probably do! Do you want media card slots or an FM receiver?  

If you have trouble reading small screens, you may want a GPS receptor with a larger screen display. Do you need maps or charts for boating? Do you want to plug in your MP3 player?  

Some handheld GPS receivers are as small as a blood sugar monitor. Some GPS units are suitable for keeping track of your child’s location or an elderly parent suffering from dementia. All offer specialized software – some is pre-loaded on the device, and some has to be purchased and downloaded. Pocket PC GPS units, GPS PDAs and other models offer computer capability, contact and schedule management and GPS capacity, all in one unit.

How about a GPS unit that acts as a fish finder?  Do you want to track that big fish through GPS technology? As a purist fisherman you may feel that is cheating but many people are using the technical capability to supplement their fishing skills and cut to the chase. Some of these units even have ice fishing packs designed specifically for the environment and special needs of an ice fisherman.  

When you choose a handheld GPS navigator you should be sure that any special applications you want are compatible with the brand and model you are considering. There are so many options for GPS receivers today. It may be hard to choose but if you have a good handle on what you want and need and how much you are willing to pay there are a lot of online reviews and technical articles to help you choose.