Handheld GPS

Find a handheld GPS receiver

There is an extremely wide variety of handheld GPS receiver models available depending on your desired price range and capability. Almost all handheld GPS units double as radios, allowing you to communicate with anyone on the set frequency—very handy if you’re on a hunting or camping trip or if an emergency arises.

Let’s look at some of the major features to be found on handheld GPS and how to compare them to make sure you’re spending only what you need to get a GPS that will serve you well.

Sponsor Links
[what's this?]

Advertiser Links for Handheld GPS

Sprint Official Site First Is 4G, But Plays Nicely W/ 3G. The First 4G Phone. HTC EVO™ 4G.www.Sprint.com/First

Bendix King GPS Software Handheld Navigation For Road & Sky.BendixKing.com/GPS

Handheld Gps for Sale - Cheap Prices Handheld gps for sale at the Lowest Prices Online. 1000s of Top Products.GPS.Exava.com/Outdoor

Handheld GPS Receiver Features

There are four major features of handheld GPS units that you need to look at when you’re deciding what to purchase:

Information storage and radio channels. All handheld GPS units also act as radio transmitters and can have between 12 and 42 channels and ranges of 1 to 30 miles. Depending on the model, you can also store from 500 to 2,000 points of interest and 20 to 200 routes. Some units may come with onboard memory available for downloads, and almost all will have the option to use memory cards to enhance storage.
Battery and operating time. Typically, models make use of AA batteries for operation, with a few select models coming equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack. Operation times can range from 10 to 48 hours.
Interface. This includes the display and data input methods. The display can be either black-and-white or color and of varying resolutions. Some GPS units have touch-screen technology for ease of use, while some are restricted to complicated button-and-menu interfaces.
Added features. These include such things as an electronic compass, barometer or altimeter, an external antenna, the types of GPS maps available—such as topographic maps, road maps and marine charts—and USB cables for computer interfacing and software upgrades.

Compare Handheld GPS units

When searching for the best handheld GPS, you need to know exactly what you want to use the GPS for. A casual hiker is not going to want to spend the same amount of money on a GPS as a diehard survivalist, as they just won’t be making enough use of it to justify the added costs. Battery type and operating time are very important to consider; typically, the longer the operating time, the better.

Interface is really a matter of personal preference. High-resolution color touch screens can really increase the cost of a unit but can also make it much easier to operate.

Added features are where you really need to know what your GPS is for. If you’re going to be using your GPS for hiking and camping, road maps and marine charts will be unimportant, but an electronic compass may be a lifesaver. Currently, one of the best rated handheld GPS units for camping and hiking is the Garmin Oregon 400t.

When purchasing a GPS, it is recommended that you look up handheld GPS unit reviews to see what others’ experiences have been with a unit and make sure it will be the right one for you.