An article on GPS and related topics

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Tips on Selecting a GPS

By: FrancisGrouper

GPS makes all sorts of navigation easier. With a GPS device and a clear view of the sky, you will never be lost again. There are a wide assortment of GPS devices out there, and purchasing the best one for your needs will help guarantee that you get the most from your GPS device. After all, a unit that does not meet your requirements tends to sit on the shelf and not get used. This guide will help you select the right type of GPS for you so that you'll get years of usage from your GPS.

Step 1: Selecting the correct type of device

Before you get a GPS, you have to know about the various types of GPS units available and how each can meet your requirements. The major types of GPS devices 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 unit you are buying.

Vehicle GPS devices are a great benefit if you drive for a living or visit lots of different locations with which you are not familiar. Vehicle GPS devices often come with features that help make using them in a car much easier: features like automatic route finding which tell you when and where to make turns so that you can keep your eyes on the road. Some vehicle GPS systems even come with technology that alerts them to real-time traffic conditions and they can re-map your route based on the existing traffic. If you plan on using your GPS primarily in your vehicle, you should look for a device designed specifically for this sort of usage since these devices tend to have larger, easier-to-read, screens than most handheld units.

Handheld GPS systems are the most versatile type of GPS systems for sale. They can be used when camping, walking, driving, really any place you can go. However, this versatility often comes at the cost of advanced features. Since the unit needs to be portable, screen size is often 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 plan on using your GPS chiefly in your car, the small screen may make it harder to use. If you plan on using your GPS when fishing, hiking, or camping, this is most likely the best kind of GPS for you.

GPS units that link up directly to a laptop or PDA often rely on the computer or PDA for all of the advanced GPS functionality except for the collection of the positioning data from the GPS satellites. Because a lot of the functionality is moved to the computer or PDA, the GPS system itself is usually much cheaper than a stand-alone GPS device. But if you intend to use your GPS for walking, backpacking, camping, or in a marine environment, taking your laptop or PDA may make using your GPS device more trouble than it is worth. As such, GPS devices that connect to other devices are most often employed in vehicles and for folks who navigate by foot in cities. If you are searching for the cheapest type of GPS system around and you currently have a GPS-compatible PDA or computer, this may be the best choice for you.

Step 2: Picking GPS Features

Depending on the type of GPS system your are buying, here are some features that you will want to think over.

Accuracy -- As a general rule, GPS systems have an accuracy of about 50 feet. If accuracy is important to you (perhaps you are laying out a course for a race and you really want to make sure you get the 5K distance correct), look for a system with WAAS (wide area augmentation system) since this doubles the accuracy of a GPS system. This feature tends to be most useful in handheld units.

Address Finding -- Some GPS units allow you to enter a specific street address. This is very useful when driving and is a feature most often found in vehicle GPS units or devices used in vehicles.

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

Built-in Maps -- Lots of GPS devices come with maps that are built-in; for example, all of the United States. If you are getting a system with a built-in map, be sure you get a GPS for your area, especially if you are purchasing on-line. Also, make sure that the map can be updated. If you plan on having your GPS for several years, you can be certain of roads changing during that time.

Compass -- Believe it or not, there are GPS systems that do not have a compass unless you are traveling above some minimum speed (often faster than a hiking speed). But there are GPS devices that come with true compass functionality even when stopped. This feature tends to be most useful in handheld GPS systems.

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

Downloadable Maps -- Most GPS units allow maps to be downloaded into them. This is very convenient for people who travel to a wide variety of locations. It also makes it easier to purchase 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 plan to use your GPS system with maps, you'll want to make sure that you have sufficient memory to hold the number of maps you will be using. As it is with computers, the same is true with GPS devices: the more memory the better.

Extended Battery Life -- If you are looking for a handheld or PDA attached GPS device, look closely at the battery life as this may be the limiting factor in using your GPS.

External Antennas -- Some GPS units allow an external antenna to be attached. This can be useful in vehicle units where the satellite signal may be reduced by the unit being in a car. It can also be helpful in portable units as it allows you to keep the device packed but still be operational for things like creating trails.

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

Water-Resistant/Proof -- If you are purchasing a handheld GPS system and you intend to go boating, camping, hiking, fishing, or doing anything outdoors with your GPS device, consider looking for a unit that is resistant to water. Also, know the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant indicates that the system can be exposed to small amounts of water but it typically cannot be submerged. If there is a chance your GPS will be totally submerged, you should get a waterproof GPS, not a water-resistant one.

Article Source: http://ezine-articles-planet.com

Francis is a gadget freak. She has been playing with GPS receivers for upwards of 10 years. You can see her GPS ratings at eDistiller.

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