Any time you’re on the road, there are a whole host of factors that can influence your ability to get from A to B in good time, even if you know the way. It’s a good thing GPS units can give you so many different kinds of useful information these days. Some models provide live traffic updates or tell you where to find local businesses, while others are voice-activated, or connect to your cell phone so you can make hands-free calls.

The first thing to do when selecting a GPS device to suit your lifestyle and budget is to decide on the screen size, and then make sure you get the maps you need. After that, you should consider which other functions are essential to you, and which ones would simply be nice to have.

Basic Features

Starting with the screen, you can get a really big one (the Nextar SNAP7 measures 7 inches) or a much smaller one (such as the 3.5-inch Navigon 2200T). Most GPS devices (like the Alpine PND-K3) come with a 4.3-inch display, which works just fine for most of us. Practically all models are preloaded with maps of the lower 48 states. There are some, such as the TomTom One 140-S, that give you maps of Hawaii and Alaska, and you can even get Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico too.

Don’t forget to check whether map updates are included in the purchase price. With some GPS units you get free lifetime updates and coverage additions, while for others you have to pay each time.

These days, you can expect to see a specific set of features as standard on your GPS device. Almost all units (the exception is the very basic Magellan RoadMate 1200) have text-to-speech conversion, which is a great safety feature that you simply should not be without. The GPS speaks street names out loud so that you can keep your eyes on the road and don’t have to keep checking the display. Unless you have a Goodyear GY145 or a TeleNav Shotgun, your device will also allow multi-segment routing, which is where you plot a route with more than just two locations.

All units contain a POI (points-of-interest) database packed full of info on restaurants, hotels, stores and local attractions at your destination and along the way. A typical GPS has a few million POIs (for instance the Magellan Maestro 4350 has six million). Many models give you added extras such as the Zagat guides and 3D landmark views that come with Navigon’s high-end 7200T and 8100T devices, or the AAA Tourbook listings supplied with Magellan’s Maestro range.

Traffic and Other Information

GPS devices are invaluable for showing you how to steer clear of traffic jams and other obstacles that can make driving such a hassle. Some systems even help you avoid getting a speeding ticket by alerting you to traffic cameras and speed limits along your route, in addition to giving you live traffic news. With some of Garmin’s top-of-the-range models such as the nüvi 755T you receive free 24/7 traffic updates via Navteq (on less expensive Garmin products you can choose this service as an optional extra, for $60 a year).

One of the latest developments in GPS technology is cellular connectivity that enables you to see live map changes, traffic jams and highway pileups right on your screen. This features is, so far, only available on a few models. The Dash Express, which came out last year but is already off the market, was the first standalone GPS with a cellular radio for live updates on the traffic and other local happenings. The TeleNav Shotgun now has a similar feature that uses GPRS radio, which is offered as a three-month trial and costs around $10 per month after that. TomTom’s initial foray into the world of connected GPS, the GO 740 LIVE, was announced at this year’s Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show.

Voice Control

If you don’t have a tight budget, take a look at a voice-controlled GPS, which lets you keep both hands on the wheel where they belong. The prize for best-ever voice control goes to the Garmin nüvi 880, which is highly accurate and lets you control virtually every single function by speaking to it. However, this model has now been superseded by the 885T, which also offers lane assist services and MSN Direct connections. You can also find some voice control options on the Navigon 7200T and 8100T, but they simply don’t work as well as the Garmin’s.

Media and Other Functions

On top of the standard navigation tools and information services, a lot of GPS devices have a full complement of multimedia features. Media players, which let you play music and videos and view photos in all the popular file formats, are commonplace. Some of the more sophisticated models, such as the Magellan 4350 and Navigon 8100T, will also let you make hands-free calls by connecting to your cell phone via Bluetooth.

If you still don’t know which way to go to find the ideal GPS unit, take a look at our latest GPS reviews. Make sure you compare prices before you buy, though. Remember that you can get some really good deals if you shop around online before making your final purchasing decision.

It can also be the key to uncovering new trails and nature spots, as well as your lifeline in an emergency.

Hikers are spoilt for choice, with GPS devices to suit every budget and requirement, ranging from Garmin’s basic but functional Geko 201 and eTrex H models to the feature-packed and ultra-sensitive Delorme Earthmate PN-40 or Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx.

Here is a rundown of some of the features you will need to consider when buying a GPS unit to use on the trail. Many of these criteria apply to devices you can use for other outdoor activities too:

• Reception: The most important feature of a GPS for hiking is the satellite reception. Basically, you need a device that continues to work even if you are walking under trees, next to hillsides and rock formations, or in river valleys and canyons. Look for a unit with a high-sensitivity SiRFSTARIII or MediaTek chipset, and you will be able to get a signal on your GPS handset from just about any location. (In addition to the high-tech models mentioned, the Garmin eTrex HC and eTrex HCx ranges all give you excellent reception and fast signal acquisition.)
• Channels: Most handheld GPS units have 12 channels, meaning that they can accept up to 12 satellite signals at any time. Some high-end models offer more channels, for example the Lowrance iFinder Expedition C, which has 16.
• Maps: With the exception of the most basic entry-level devices, virtually all GPS units these days display maps. When you’re hiking, a topographical map that shows the landscape in detail makes life a lot easier. A few models, such as the Garmin Oregon 400t come with topo maps of the United States pre-loaded, while others have different sets of detailed maps and basemaps onboard. Most units give you a USB port and a cable for uploading additional maps and other data from your PC and the Web.
• Waterproof and ruggedized: For outdoor use, your GPS should be water-resistant to the IPX7 standard, meaning that it can survive sitting in three feet of water for 30 minutes. This will protect it against heavy rain as well as being dropped in a stream. Devices designed to be used outside are usually also built to withstand vibration, knocks and drops, and often have a rubber casing and buttons that cannot be broken easily. Overall, handhelds tend to be less fragile than in-car GPS units.
• Screen: The screen size and type people choose often comes down to personal preference. It can be hard to read a map on a small display, so you should pick a device with the largest screen you would want to carry around. Color screens show map features clearly, and backlighting is also useful, but both features burn a lot of battery power.
• Black & White: Some hikers therefore prefer a black and white display such as on the Garmin Geko 201, which can also be easier to see in direct sunlight. Certain new models like the Garmin Edge 705 feature a transreflective color screen for optimum readability in any light.
• Touchscreen or rocker keypad: Despite their small screen size, more handheld GPS devices come with touchscreens now (e.g. the Garmin Oregon 400t). This makes it simpler to enter names and cuts navigation time. A rocker keypad like the one on the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is meant to be used one-handed, which is practical when you’re on the trail.
• Size and weight: An important consideration when you have to carry your GPS along with all your other gear. GPS units for hiking range from a couple of ounces to nearly a pound in weight. If you really don’t want to carry any extra weight and can live without having maps on the screen, you could go for a GPS made for runners, such as the Garmin Forerunner 405CX or the Suunto X9i.
• Battery and other power sources: A unit that accepts external power from a household socket or your vehicle’s cigarette lighter as well as using batteries is ideal. Lithium batteries are great, especially if the device also takes regular AA or AAA batteries that can be replaced on the go.
• Memory: You need at least 20MB of storage space for maps, waypoints and other data. Many of the more advanced GPS units now feature a microSD card slot for unlimited storage.
• Routes and waypoints: Entry-level models typically store 20 routes, and pricier units give you 50. Most GPS devices let you enter 500 waypoints (specific locations recorded by longitude and latitude), while the Delorme Earthmate PN-40 offers 1000.
• Tracks: Your handheld GPS builds a breadcrumb trail of your hiking trip as you go along. This makes it easy to get back to your starting point. Most also let you upload tracks to your PC and view them on topographical maps.
• Additional features: Several high-end units include an electronic compass that lets you see which direction you are going in, without having to hold the device dead level. A barometric altimeter, which is essential for climbers, is also fairly standard on upscale models. The Garmin Rino 530 HCx offers both of these, plus some unique and useful extras such as a NOAA weather radio connection and a two-way radio for communicating with other members of your hiking party.

Find out How to Use Your GPS on the Hiking Trail.

With these three strategies you can venture into the wilderness secure in the knowledge that you will always have a safe and enjoyable time:

• Plan in advance. Certain GPS units, for example the Suunto X10 GPS Watch, let you merge your GPS map on your PC with one from Google or other map providers. In this way you can familiarize yourself with the track rather than just head out into the unknown. If you use Google Earth or a topo map to view your intended track, you will get a good feel for the terrain. This will put you in a better position to decide if this is an environment you want to explore, which areas to avoid, and where to set up camp.
• Keep your eye on the weather. With a barometer in your GPS you can tell what the weather might do before it happens. The Garmin Rino 530 HCx adds a connection to the NOAA weather radio service for even more predictability. When you are out in the open and far from home, it is important to be prepared for changes in the weather so you don’t get caught out.
• Track your time and distance. Hikers, runners, kayakers and cyclists alike like to know how long it took them to get from A to B, not least so they can work on improving their time. A handheld GPS device keeps track of your time and distance, even if you decide to take a side jaunt or a different route. The Garmin Edge 705 and many of the wrist-mounted models designed for runners also record your heart rate so you can keep an eye on your own fitness level too.

Find out more about GPS Units for Hiking.

Here’s a list of some features you might want to think about:

1. Accuracy: Most GPS units are amazingly accurate these days, at least when it comes to calculating your exact coordinates. However, businesses and streets are forever changing, so some of that that information might be incorrect unless it has just been updated. With some of the less expensive GPS products there is a risk that the price reflects the fact that the mapping data is out-of-date – so check before you buy. You also need to ensure that the vendor gives you regular updates to the maps and POI lists. Find out how much these updates cost – some vendors charge as much as $100 per update, while others give them gratis for a fixed time, or for the lifetime of the unit. In addition, for certain GPS models have online communities where you can share and download mapping and other information.
2. Usability on the go: When you are driving, your GPS can distract you even more than your cell phone. For your safety, it is vital that the maps are clear and simple to read. This requires high quality graphics and an uncluttered screen with only the necessary visuals. The touch-screen controls also need to be logically arranged and quick to use. With some models, you can easily add in a stop along the way, while with others that takes a bit of re-programming.
3. Reflective screens: In bright sunlight, it can be impossible to read the map on the screen. Many high-quality devices feature a reflective coating behind the screen, so that you can see the display clearly even if the sun is shining directly onto it.
4. Mounting kits: To use your GPS in the car, you will need a mounting kit with a strong bracket, as well as adaptors for both AC and 12-volt power. In certain states, you are not allowed to mount a GPS on your windshield – make sure you know the laws in force where you live before spending your money. You can probably get a different type of mount – one that uses beanbags or fits into the air vent, for example – from your GPS merchant.
5. Power supply: An in-car GPS is designed to plug into the vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet. If you are out in the wilds, you need a battery-powered handheld GPS unit. If you only plan to use it for short walks, you should be fine with one that runs on an onboard rechargeable battery. However, a model that takes replaceable (and ideally rechargeable) AA or AAA batteries will keep you going for many hours or even days. Many smaller handheld devices can only last 4 or 5 hours on the two AAA batteries they use. A bigger unit might run on up to four AA cells, which are bulkier and heavier but provide as much as 12 hours of power.
6. Weight: For an automobile GPS, weight really doesn’t matter. It is, one the other hand, an important consideration when you are selecting a handheld model. Portable devices can weigh anything from a couple of ounces to almost a pound – and don’t forget to add the weight of your extra batteries.
7. Dead reckoning: In a city with a lot of highrise buildings, GPS signals can have a hard time getting through to your device. In that case, you won’t get an accurate reading of your location, and you might end up missing a turn or getting completely lost. Some of the more high-tech models have a feature known as dead reckoning that is meant to overcome the problem by using interpolation to compensate for the signal interruptions. The unit uses your speed and direction to keep the map updated; however, this technology is still not very accurate.
8. FM transmitter: In some GPS units there is an FM transmitter that sends spoken directions, music and any other audio to your car stereo. This gives you the best sound quality.
9. Bluetooth: These days, Bluetooth connectivity is becoming standard on high- and medium-priced GPS units. This feature allows you to hook your GPS up to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and use the speaker on your GPS for hands-free phone calls.
10. Internet connectivity: As yet, only a few models let you log on to the internet. With this rather convenient feature you can look up addresses on the web and send them to your GPS. You can also search for useful information like gas prices in your area.
11. Media players: You can’t watch a video or movie when you are driving, but your passengers might want to. You can always listen to some music, though. Several of the pricier models let you insert a card with stored music and videos, and some will also show photos.
12. XM Radio support: High-end GPS devices sometimes support XM Radio subscriptions. While you don’t need XM Radio to get around, it can be good company if you spend a lot of time in the car.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want

Here are some of the most important features you should look out for:

Maps: When you buy an in-car GPS in the United States, you generally receive street maps for the whole country, and sometimes for the entire continent. You can also purchase maps for other countries as needed. Since there are only two or three primary sources for most of the digital map data, there is not too much difference between the maps shown on different models.

There is more variation with handheld units. There are some that cannot show maps at all, and only give you your longitude and latitude. They also display a trail or track of your previous coordinates to show where you have come from. More sophisticated models can store maps of streets and terrains, and a smaller number will let you download satellite images. Remember that most handheld units have small screens, which can make it tricky to read a map.

3D map view: GPS units for the car tend to show maps in 3D map view (bird’s-eye view). The map is updated constantly as you drive along, so that you always see your current location and the surrounding landscape. If your GPS only offers 2D views, the map will look exactly like a piece of a normal printed map. A 3D view shows you the area around you as seen from a height of two hundred feet or so. This produces a map that is easy to read when you are driving.

Turn-by-turn directions: This is the most useful feature of an in-car GPS. Finding your way to your destination is simple with a unit that gives you both visual and spoken directions about where to turn left or right, or get on or off the freeway. Text-to-speech functionality, which pronounces street names, is included in most devices these days. For instance, the unit can tell you to turn right in 500 feet onto Walnut Avenue, rather than just turn right in 500 feet. While text-to-speech was previously only available on expensive models, you can now find it on many popular-priced GPS units too. A few of the most basic devices don’t have text-to-speech functions, but for most motorists it’s a must-have that is worth paying for.

In most GPS models, the spoken road directions are delivered though the on-board speaker. Some, however, have a short-range FM transmitter that links to your car radio, which makes it easier to hear the instructions over the noise of the engine.

The majority have an on-screen keyboard where you touch the screen to spell out the address – and most have an autofill function to save time – then press Go. Make sure you set up your journey before heading off, though – don’t try to use the keyboard while driving! Certain new models have voice-recognition features that let you speak your instructions out loud. You can make changes while driving, but it is not always 100% accurate, so don’t put all your trust in it!

After a few seconds, your GPS will display the calculated route on the electronic map. It is important when you are at the wheel that you receive your directions in a clear and timely fashion. Your GPS should be able to give you route instructions at an appropriate time – neither too early nor too late – to ensure that you can drive as safely and calmly as possible.

Display size and type: GPS devices for automotive use can have screens ranging from 3.5 inches to 7 inches diagonally. A smaller screen can actually work perfectly well, as long as it is well designed and comes with good audio features. Bear in mind, too, that a larger display costs significantly more than a small or medium-sized one. You can do much more with a big screen, though, and you might find it worth spending extra to get larger maps, more space for travel information (speed, direction, street labels) and a less cramped on-screen keyboard. Handheld GPS units normally have small displays, which tend not to be suitable for touch-screen controls. Therefore, the controls on handheld devices can often be quite convoluted.

POIs (points-of-interest): This is an onboard database of locations and businesses such as gas stations, motels, fast-food outlets, parks and local attractions. Some POI lists feature phone numbers as well as names and addresses. A typical vehicle GPS will have several million POIs on record. However, POI lists are usually less up-to-date than street maps since businesses tend to change or move quite frequently.

Real-time traffic updates: You can receive real-time traffic information on many GPS models, via either an FM transmitter or a wireless signal. If your GPS doesn’t have an inbuilt receiver for these services, you might be able to get one as an add-on. There might be a fee for subscribing to the traffic reports. Your live maps will show traffic jams and delays due to road works anyway, so that you can save time by selecting a different route. There are also GPS units that automatically change your route based on traffic updates.

Lane assistance & realistic road views: If your route is completely new to you, even clear spoken directions can be confusing at times. A useful feature that is appearing on more GPS units now is lane assistance, which lets you know which lane to drive in ahead of upcoming turns or highway exits. There are also units that display simulated images of the road, down to the street signs. This can be particularly handy when you are approaching confusing intersections. To confirm that you are on the right street, you only need to take a quick look at the display.

Channels: The number of channels corresponds to the number of satellite signals the device can receive at any one time. Cheaper models generally have 12 channels, and more sophisticated units as many as 24. In broad terms, a higher number of channels makes the GPS device more accurate.

Media card slots: There are two different ways for GPS units to store their mapping and POI information. Your device will either use a built-in hard drive or a flash memory card such as a microSD card. Each method has its own advantages: media cards are longer-lasting, while a hard drive allows for faster route calculation and POI searches. A GPS with a hard drive doesn’t necessarily need a media card slot, but many models have one anyway. This makes it easy to update map data and back up addresses. It also means you can use the multimedia features, like music and video players, that come with some top-end models.

Waypoints: You can save waypoints, which are the latitude and longitude of specific locations, in your GPS unit’s memory. If you want to hike up a trail, for example, just hit the waypoint record key before you leave the car, and you will be able to find your way back without any problem. Waypoints are vital for those using handheld units, but are seldom used in the car. As you would expect, entry-level devices have only basic waypoint functions and little storage capacity. High-end units, in contrast, let you store hundreds of waypoints, label them as you want, and manage them within the database.

Tracks: Handheld devices generally have a tracks function, which records and displays a breadcrumb trail as you walk or drive along your route, so that you can easily trace your way back. On certain models you can download a track to your computer, superimpose it onto a topographic map and print out the result. If you want to store many tracks and name them yourself, you will need a top-of-the-line GPS, while a cheaper model should suffice for someone who only uses this feature occasionally.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want

The receivers, which can be anywhere on land or sea or in the air, pick up the signals and use them to determine their current position. Wherever you are on the planet, the GPS system will work 24/7.

That said, your GPS device needs to be within direct sight of at least three satellites in order to work properly. Therefore, your location might be displayed incorrectly – or not at all – if you are hiking down a deep ravine or driving through a tunnel. The more satellites your GPS can see, the more information it receives to help it calculate your location. Under ideal conditions, you can obtain a good indication of your altitude too; this can be extremely useful for hikers and climbers.

The GPS system was first used by the U.S. military, just like many other technological advances that have now become part of our everyday lives. Once they could calculate positions with such extreme precision, the American armed forces gained considerable advantages over their adversaries and allies alike. In the 1980s GPS was released for civilian use, and was quickly adopted by the shipping industry, among others. Until then, ships had depended on a 300-year-old technology, the sextant, to figure out where they were.

By the early 1990s, GPS technology had advanced to the point where the receiver and mapping data would both fit into a small box. This paved the way for the launch of the personal and portable GPS devices we use now.

The most popular portable GPS units these days are designed either to be used in your vehicle or held in your hand while you are walking around. A lot of automobile GPS devices can also be used as handhelds when you are on foot.

There are several other ways you can get GPS capability, though. Many smart phones have built-in GPS receivers these days, and there are GPS PDAs, GPS walkie-talkies, GPS sport watches and even GPS units for hunting dogs.

You can also buy devices especially made for recreational boaters, runners, cyclists and bikers.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want

The price tag will depend largely on the functions and screen size you opt for. You can find both in-car devices and handheld models with small, 3.5-inch displays and basic mapping capabilities for as little as $100. At the other end of the scale, you can spend over $600 and get a GPS with a raft of bells and whistles such as a large screen, ultra-sensitive receivers, live traffic reports, Bluetooth and internet connectivity, and multimedia features.

Before you take the plunge and spend your hard-earned cash, ask yourself these questions:

How much will really I use my GPS?

For someone who has a reasonably short commute and drives much the same routes every week, a GPS in the $100 to $250 price range should be plenty good enough. Unless money really is no object, you’ll need to weigh the cost of a more expensive model against how much you actually need the extra features. On the other hand, if you drive to a lot of different places – for instance to make sales calls – you will soon find that your GPS becomes your best friend. If this sounds like you, you might want to spend a bit more to get the features you need.

Where will it go in my car?

It might not be as simple as you imagine to find a good, secure place for your GPS unit in your vehicle. The majority of in-car GPS devices can be mounted in a bracket that is attached to a suction cup, which in turn is meant to be stuck to the windshield or dashboard. However, some states (including California) have banned windshield mounts. Another hitch is that on some dashboards, it is hard to find a flat, smooth surface where the suction cup will stay put.

Alternatively, you could get a mount that hooks into the air vent in the dash. This may or may not work for you, though, since the mounted GPS unit will shut off some, if not all, of the air flow from the vent. You should also keep in mind that the vent might not be strong enough to support the GPS and its mount. You could also try keeping the mount in place with weighted beanbags, but that would require a flat surface to rest them on.

Do I need frequent map updates?

You will soon see the advantage of having up-to-date mapping data if you drive a lot and need to get to unfamiliar locations on time. Make sure you get a model that allows you to perform regular updates, even if you have to pay for them. However, if you think you’ll only use your GPS to locate the nearest place to buy coffee or a burger when you are on the road, you should be fine with data that is less current.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want

The day of the printed map has come and gone, just like the steam train and the black-and-white TV. To find your way around nowadays, a GPS device is your best bet. Unlike the paper maps you used to use, your GPS will show you precisely where you are and give you detailed directions for getting to your destination, down to the last turn.

It can tell you where to find a gas station, a coffee shop or an ATM along the way, in addition to supplying minute-by-minute information to help you steer clear of traffic jams and highway pileups. Imagine having your own MapQuest in your car or your pocket – that’s what owning a GPS does for you. Now you can travel secure in the knowledge that you will always find your way, and get there on time.

GPS devices come in many different formats, including personal organizers and cell phones. You might, in fact, find it more economical to buy a GPS-enabled cell phone and a GPS service subscription than a standalone unit.

However, this guide focuses on dedicated GPS devices, and in particular on those designed to be used in your car or while walking.

GPS Buying Tips:

• Introduction
• Some Basic Facts
• What is GPS & How Does IT Work?
• The Most Important Features
• Other Features You Might Want

Please make sure you read the whole guide before you buy so that you can determine which GPS suits you best.

A GPS that is great for finding your way across the wilds of Alaska might not be the device you really need when you are in the car trying to locate the correct highway exit, or on the bicycle track attempting to improve your lap time.

Whether you are looking for an automobile GPS or one designed to make your favorite outdoor activity easier, safer and more rewarding, you will find a wide range of devices that fit the bill.

Check out all these ways you can use a GPS unit for specific applications:

1. In the Car: When you are on the road, your GPS can help you navigate through an unfamiliar city or alert you to traffic jams and accidents along your everyday route. Many in-car devices can be used when you are walking around town as well. The most useful models not only display maps but plan your route for you and then give you turn-by-turn spoken directions to your destination.
2. Motorcycles: There are several GPS units made especially for motorcyclists. These typically feature large buttons that are suitable for riders wearing gloves, and a Bluetooth headset that allows you to listen and speak to your device while riding. A motorcycle GPS can also be useful for keeping on the right track when you are driving a snowmobile or ATV.
3. Vehicle Tracking: Vehicle tracking systems have become quite popular in recent years. These devices are used by businesses to keep track of employees driving company vehicles, as well as by parents who want to know where their teenagers are.
4. Hiking: Whether you are trekking through the wilderness for several days or perhaps just out for a few hours of fresh air and exercise on a trail nearby, a handheld GPS is an indispensable piece of equipment. Some hikers like a unit that displays detailed topographical maps, while others are content with one that simply gives them their coordinates and tracks their movements. A device that gets good reception is important for all users, though.
5. Geocaching: To participate in this popular sport you need a sense of adventure, a love of the outdoors, and a GPS unit to help you locate hidden ‘treasure’. In most instances, devices that are designed for hikers and climbers work well for geocachers as well. Certain high-end models support virtual, or paperless, geocaching with cache descriptions, recent logs and more.
6. Hunting: There are a number of GPS devices specifically made for hunters. In addition to the usual features of a handheld GPS, they tend to be waterproof and have controls that can be operated with one hand. Some models allow members of a hunting party to communicate via two-way radio, and others connect to a dog tracker.
7. Cycling: Many of the GPS units for cyclists on the market can be mounted on the handlebars for easy access. When you are on your bike, you can also use a wrist-mounted runners’ GPS or even a model that attaches to your shoe. These little marvels don’t just help you find your way; you also get your speed and distance traveled, and some models include a heart rate monitor, a compass and an altimeter.
8. Running: Runners can keep tabs on their position while tracking their performance and monitoring their heart rate with a GPS the size of sports watch. The latest generation of runners’ GPS units are compact and stylish, and also let you download your stats wirelessly to your PC.
9. Golf: If you enjoy a round of golf you are spoilt for choice these days, with an impressive array of handheld GPS devices designed specifically to help you improve your game. Your unit will tell you the distance to any feature on the course so that you can make smart decisions about which club to use. The ideal golfing GPS device is small enough to fit in your pocket, and can map any golf course you choose.
10. Boating: A GPS chart plotter can be a vital piece of navigation equipment when you are out on the water. By combining GPS data with an electronic chart of the water, a chart plotter will help you find your way. Advanced models come with fish finders, as well as sounders that help you steer clear of underwater obstacles. Your marine GPS can also help you catch more fish by pinpointing your exact location. In addition, it can be invaluable in an emergency or bad weather.
11. Other Sports: GPS devices are used in a wide range of other sports and outdoor pursuits from skiing to dog sledding and camel racing, to hang gliding and ballooning. Whatever your favorite activity, you are bound to find a GPS unit that works for you and lets you make the most of your leisure time.