How to choose a GPS.

The first thing to decide is how plan on using an important GPS, and the second is how much you plan on investing in a GPS. Do you intend on using it in your car, for hiking not to mention backpacking, or for search and/or fishing? Current GPS receivers are limited as to what they can do and are optimized for a distinct purpose. There are GPS especially for flying, others for search and/or fishing, and some people for car navigation. A few are just an vapor map that shows your position on the map monitor. Others have no maps in the slightest and can be just fine if you just want to know your longitude/latitude.
If you plan on using your GPS in an automobile, there are many choices: a basic or mapping z22 receiver; a dedicated automotive receiver; a GPS with a PDA; or a Laptop GPS.
Although handheld units can be used in a car there are many disadvantages-the screen can always be hard to see due to the small size and some units need to be placed forward on the dashboard where he or she can get a better sign. With a basic (non-mapping) device you can tell where you are, as long as there are a paper map with one, to interpret that data.
A mapping unit is the more useful choice bearing in mind driving usually involves highway. A dedicated automotive receiver is bigger than a handheld in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by your car's electrical system and because of this; they can only supply in a vehicle. Automotive units usually have voice instructions to allow you to navigate without taking your eyes there are various road. Prices start by about $500 US.
A GPS with a PDA needs clear use of the sky for cable reception. Some receivers have typically the antenna built in or have the capability for an external antenna. An antenna on the seat of your car may or may not work. The console is the next best place - reception might be questionable. An air vent mount is much better and a windshield bracket or the antenna placed all the way forward on the dashboard is preferable yet. The most reliable place is perfectly for an external antenna to be attached to the roof with the car.
A laptop GPS requires a CF with an exterior antenna, a Bluetooth TRACKING receiver, a mouse-type GPS NAVIGATION receiver, or be connected by having a cable to a handheld GPS unit so your receiver can be placed in a position for good reception. Of course a laptop is good sized, but the main advantage can be described as very large screen designed for maps. If you have a need for a laptop in your car, this may be your best option and a mouse-type individual is inexpensive.
If you intend on using your TRACKING for hunting or backpacking there are three choices, a general handheld receiver, a mapping handheld receiver and GPS with a PDA. It is also recommended that along with your GPS, you should have a paper map, and magnetic compass, and extra batteries. Weight and size need to be considered when deciding which GPS to select. A basic receiver does not have mapping abilities, however it'll display your location in a format that you pick out, and most likely latitude/longitude. Providing your paper maps have your chosen position format marked in it, your GPS will can help you find your location at the map. If your maps do not have the position format grids as well as already, this is something you'll want to do yourself. These are going to be the least expensive methods of GPS, often less than $100 US and therefore are as accurate as less affordable units; they just don't have as many features. The main feature they lack might be mapping capability.
For hunting or do some fishing many handheld models can include best hunting and fishing times for a given location and meeting. Mapping handheld receivers are often larger, heavier, and/or have shorter battery lives as opposed to basic units. Shorter electric battery life means carrying extra extra batteries adding size and weight. With a mapping handheld unit you will have the benefit of capturing the maps displayed on your GPS. These also include other benefits such as a barometric altimeter, an vapor compass, games, and a calendar and you can plan your route in advance on your PC and upload it to all your GPS. These units display pre-loaded routes and map detail is reflected by the size and resolution from the screen. This means that mapping units are generally larger than basic items. The downside of a GPS accompanied by a PDA is that it may drain your battery quicker and it also of the top of the PDA. Mapping units are more expensive than basic systems; prices start at about $150 US unless you get one with Bluetooth capabilities that are more expensive. For fishing a chart plotter/GPS or a GPS sounder are even available. The chart plotter/GPS plus GPS sounders usually have a lot of features and start on about $400 US.