Track Your Location with a Handheld GPS Unit

Global positioning devices are currently appreciated by drivers who would like to move safely through unfamiliar or busy cities. However, if you trace the original purpose of global positioning devices, you soon discover that GPS devices were initially used by hikers and other people wandering the open countryside who prefer to avoid getting lost. As R&D teams went about improving the technology of the newest GPS devices for road warriors, the new technologies were incorporated into the handheld GPS models as well. These state of the art handheld GPS devices appear to be very much like mobile phones thanks to their shape and LCD screen. Another great model to consider is TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Many of the GPS devices that mount on cars can actually be useful for outdoorsmen as long as they are at ease with the interface. Many of the products manufactured by TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan are diminutive enough to carry around in your hand or keep inside your pocket. Although if you plan on employing the GPS unit while hiking or using just one hand, helper or two may be useful. What follows is a list of a few products to look for.

Magellan Triton Series

The Magellan Triton series is an instructive example to think about because every one of the models from the Sunday driver to the arctic explorer package all appear identical. The budget models come with a very suitable 2.2” QVGA color screen while several of the more advanced models provide a slightly bigger screen of 2.7”. Every one of the Magellan units sport a rugged construction which is waterproof, therefore you can confidently carry them along while crossing rivers or during rainy seasons.

Several of the Magellan models have the AdventurePack label affixed to them which indicates that the devices include some specific software called the TOPO! Explorer. Extreme explorers need to definitely take a closer look at these packages. The benefit of Magellan’s array of products is that you can find a Triton product that won’t blow your budget with over 5 models to choose from. Another nice option to consider is the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Garmin Series

Garmin has quite a few handheld products and each individual series handles certain types of navigation. Considering one case in point, the GPSMAP 7X series models are all saltwater-friendly and intended for crossing the open ocean, and the GPSMAP 6X series models have a more durable design for heavy duty usage, even though they are still relatively inexpensive and contain a comprehensive set of applications including microSD support and competent navigation.

The eTrex series are handheld GPS devices consumers want to check out when budget is a serious concern. They are also lightweight with quite a few of them offering a screen big enough to refer to with ease.

In case you consider yourself a professional traveler looking for a device made to be especially tough and stuffed with powerful applications, the Colorado or Oregon series may meet your needs. Both series provide a comprehensive touch-screen display, a feature not provided in other Garmin series, and they additionally come with different maps particular for the exact model you get.

Be aware that the aforementioned handheld GPS devices shouldn’t be used for driving unless a non-driving navigator is using it. If you won’t require most of the specialized applications and could use one device that is able to work on the city street as well as the trail, it might be more sensible to purchase a multipurpose unit that you can carry in a car or in a backpack. Another good item to consider is the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.