What To Look For
A hand-held GPS receiver is generally used for camping, hiking, biking or other outdoor and sports uses. These devices have all of the same capabilities as regular car GPS devices, but they also have terrain-mapping and satellite-only mapping systems. A built-in compass and backtracking are essential features that any hand-held GPS you buy should have. Look for systems that are waterproof, have several kinds of mapping, have a long battery life, have a built-in compass and any other features you think you will need in an outdoor environment. ConsumerSearch.com recommends the Handheld Garmin Oregon 550t as one of the top-rated hand-held GPS devices. Consumer Search also rates the Gamin eTrex Venture HC with a high rating. Best of GPS.com recommends the Garmin Rino 130 GPS and Radio and the Garmin iQue 3200 Handheld PDA with Integrated GPS for hand-held use.
Common Pitfalls
There are a few problems with Garmin hand-held GPS devices. One of the main problems is the price. A high-quality hand-held GPS system can cost upward of $300. This is a price that is out of range for many people. Some of the systems may only have one type of mapping system, which can make transitioning from outdoor to road navigating difficult. Some devices may have a short battery life, which can be a problem during long trips without access to electricity. To avoid these problems, look for systems that have long battery lives and several kinds of mapping systems.
Where To Buy
The best place to find hand-held GPS systems is at electronics stores or sporting goods stores. Electronics stores will have the latest technology and up-to-date tracking information. Sporting goods stores will sell models designed for heavy outdoor use with waterproof features and insulating cases. Some of the best electronics stores are Radio Shack and Best Buy. Some of the best sporting goods stores are Dick's Sporting Goods and REI. If you know what you are looking for, Amazon.com can be a good place to find discounts on handheld GPS systems.
Cost
Expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a high-quality Garmin handheld GPS system. The lower-priced systems will have fewer features than the higher-priced systems. The Gamin eTrex Venture HC costs about $130. The Handheld Garmin Oregon 550t costs about $500. The Garmin Rino 130 GPS and Radio costs about $350. The Garmin iQue 3200 Handheld PDA with Integrated GPS costs about $420.
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