What To Look For
Garmin strives to make all its hand-helds the best GPS on the market, which is why different models were made with different kind of people in mind. If you will be around water a lot, look for a model that meets IPX-7 standards. These are the most waterproof Garmin models on the market and can survive through a trip down the river. A feature that is essential for hiking is the point-to-point guide. This is great for those who like to travel out into areas of the unknown, as it will always get you back to where you started. Finally, make sure the hand-held you choose has at least a 12-channel receiver. There would be nothing worse than being lost in the woods, turning on your Garmin, and finding out that the only thing it is going to provide you with is static.
Common Pitfalls
Garmin hand-helds are packed full of exciting features, but don't be tempted to buy ones that you don't need. If you're not a fisher, don't pay the extra money and buy a model that has marine applications on it. People tend to overspend on hand-helds because they think they might use a certain feature that comes on a more expensive model.
Where To Buy
To browse the largest inventory of Garmin hand-helds try a local electronics store such as Best Buy or Radio Shack. They can also be found at general superstores like Wal-Mart or Target. Used hand-helds are also available online, which has become a No. 1 selling source for people who are trying to get rid of electronics they no longer use. Just be careful and make sure you are granted a money-back guarantee if the product was misrepresented in any way by the seller.
Cost
Because Garmin is such a common household name when it comes to hand-held GPS systems, they have so many models to choose from, ranging in price from $150 all the way up to $600 as of 2010. The more expensive brands contain more features and applications, while the less expensive brands may contain less memory, and only certain accessibility's.
Comparison Shopping
Voted as the best reviewed GPS hand-held by Consumer Reports, the Garmin Oregon 550t is going to cost you around $550 as of 2010, but it has all the features you will ever need to back up that hefty price tag. With its accurate and easy-to-use touch screen, some of the features you will get with the purchase of this hand-held include IPX-7 waterproofing, 3-inch screen, 850 MB memory capacity, a loaded map and a camera that allows you to place pictures on specific destinations.
The Garmin eTrex Venture HC will put a little less pressure on your wallet for a total purchase price around $130 as of 2010. Although it's inexpensive, it still comes with a color screen and high-sensitivity signal processor, making trekking around the woods an easy task. It has a built-in 24 MB memory capacity, which isn't a lot, but it works for people who will not be using it on a daily basis.
Accessories
There are tons of great accessories that you can buy for your Garmin hand-held, and the good news is that they are all pretty inexpensive. Carrying cases, covers and extra stylus pens can all be purchased for under $7, while travel kits cost around $25, but include extra chargers, vehicle mounts, plug adapters and carrying pouches.
Insider Tips
If you are experiencing trouble or slowness from your device, try this quick tip before rushing off to the store to buy a new one. Place your finger on the bottom right corner of the touch screen, then push the power button until you see the display light come on. Keep your finger on that same right corner until you see a message appear that says "Erase all User Data." By touching yes, the unit will reset. You will lose your favorites, but you will save a whole lot of money in the process.
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