How to Choose a GPS Device

GPS makes navigation much easier. When you have a GPS unit and an unobstructed view of the sky, you will never end up lost again. There are a assortment of GPS units for sale, and getting the right one that fits your needs will guarantee that you get the most out of your GPS unit. After all, a device that does not meet your needs tends to stay at home and not be used. This guide will help you ascertain the right type of GPS for you so that you will get years of employment from your GPS.

Step 1: Selecting the right type of unit

Before you get a GPS, you need to know about the various types of GPS units that are available and how each can meet your specific needs. The primary types of GPS units are: vehicle, handheld, and PDA attachments. The type of GPS unit you select will vary based on your requirements, and the features you should consider will vary based on the type of device you are getting.

Vehicle GPS systems are a lifesaver if you make trips to lots of different areas with which you are not familiar, or you drive for a living. Vehicle GPS systems may also come with features which make operating them in a car very easy: features like automatic route finding which tell you where and when to make turns so that you don't need to take your eyes off the road. Some vehicle GPS systems come with technology that makes them aware of real-time traffic-reports so that your route can be recalculated based on current traffic conditions. If you plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should look for a device designed specifically for this type of usage as these devices tend to come with bigger, easier-to-read, screens than most handheld devices.

Handheld GPS systems tend to be the most versatile type of GPS units for sale. They can be used when driving, camping, hiking, really any place you can go. But, this versatility often results in a unit that has fewer advanced features. Since the system needs to be portable, the screen size is usually limited and this can make many features of a GPS (such as breadcrumbs, route marking, visuals, etc) harder to use than in a system that is fixed in a vehicle or that makes use of a larger screen on a PDA or computer. If you intend on using your GPS primarily for driving, a smaller screen may make it less safe to use. If you plan on using your GPS when fishing, walking, or camping, this is probably the best sort of GPS for you.

GPS units that link up directly to a PDA or laptop commonly depend on the computer or PDA for all of the GPS functionality except for the collection of the data from the GPS satellites. Since a significant amount of the functionality is moved to the computer or PDA, the GPS system itself is often much cheaper than a free-standing GPS system. However, if you intend to use your GPS for in a marine environment, camping, walking, or backpacking, taking your laptop or PDA may make the use of your GPS unit extremely inconvenient. As such, GPS devices that connect to another device are usually employed in vehicles and for folks who navigate by foot in cities. If you are looking for the lowest cost GPS unit around and you currently already have a GPS-compatible PDA or computer, this may be the right choice for you.

Step 2: Picking GPS Features

Based on the kind of GPS device your are looking for, here are some of the features that you should consider.

Accuracy -- In general, GPS units are accurate to within 50 feet. If accuracy is important to you , consider a device with WAAS (wide area augmentation system) as this at least doubles the accuracy of your GPS device. This feature is usually most useful in handheld units.

Address Finding -- Some GPS units let you to enter a target street address. This can be very useful when driving and is a feature most often used in vehicle GPS units or units used in vehicles.

Automatic Route Finding -- This is often used in conjunction with address finding. This feature configures the GPS so that it will tell you exactly where to turn to get to a pre-programmed final destination. This is an incredibly useful feature for vehicle systems, or systems used in vehicles, since it allows you to use the system without having to try and read the GPS while you are driving.

Built-in Maps -- Many GPS devices will come with maps that are built-in; for example, all of the United States. If you are purchasing a device with a built-in map, make sure you get a GPS for the right area, especially if you are buying on-line. Also, make sure that the map can be updated.

Compass -- Believe it or not, there are lots of GPS devices that do not have a compass except for when you are traveling above some minimum speed (often faster than a hiking speed). But there are also GPS units that provide true compass functionality even when you are stopped. This feature tends to be most useful on handheld GPS units.

Computer Compatibility -- If you are considering a GPS system that connects to a computer (which is most of them), and you are using a non-Windows computer (like a Mac or a Linux machine) be sure that the GPS unit can connect to the type of computer you have. Every GPS device that connects to a computer will support a Windows machine. But compatibility with other operating system varies.

Downloadable Maps -- Many GPS devices allow maps to be downloaded into them. This is very nice for users who travel far-and-wide. It also allows you to get away with buying a GPS with less memory since you can easily swap out the map to fit the area you will be in.

Expandable Memory -- If you are using your GPS device with maps, you will want to be certain that you have enough memory to hold the number of maps you will be using. As it is with computers, the same is true with GPS systems: the more memory the better.

Extended Battery Life -- If you are looking for a PDA attached or handheld GPS device, pay particular attention to the battery life as this can often be the limiting factor in using your GPS.

External Antennas -- Some GPS units provide for an external antenna to be attached. This can be useful in vehicle systems where the satellite signal may be impeded by the system being in a car. It can also be useful in handheld systems as it allows you to keep the device in your backpack but still be operational for things like breadcrumbs.

Traffic Alerts -- Some GPS systems come with the capability to wirelessly download real-time traffic information. If you live in an urban area, this is an incredibly helpful feature even if you know the area you are in. This feature tends to be available in vehicle devices and in PDA/computer attached devices.

Water-Resistant/Proof -- If you are buying a handheld GPS device and you plan on going backpacking, boating, fishing, camping, or doing anything outside with your GPS device, consider looking for a system that is resistant to water. Also, be aware of the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant means that the device can be exposed to small amounts of water but it typically can't be completely submerged. If there is a chance your GPS will be totally submerged, you need a waterproof GPS, not one that is water-resistant.