Handheld Gps Devices Make The Outdoors More Enjoyable
Are you a fan of the outdoors, but are always getting lost when you get out there? Some people don’t have the keenest sense of direction, which is fine because technology has caught up with them - and you - to create new handheld GPS devices that offer mapping and navigation assistance when you’re out of your element. You’ll be surprised at the number of features these devices have. When you’re done using one, you’ll be able to climb mountains, trail through valleys, venture out on the ocean, and be back for dinner by 6 (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating some). Let’s look at some devices and what they’re able to do for you.
What is a Handheld GPS Device?
A handheld GPS device is one that offers the same, or similar, features of the traditional GPS system, with mapping functions, guided instructions, and maybe even an MP3 player, but does not need to be attached to the dashboard of your car. Instead, it has an internal battery that allows it to operate while in your hand and often has a tougher exterior due to the expectation that you may drop it. Many of these devices also offer information that a traditional system may not cover, including instructions in wooded areas that don’t include streets. Depending on the device you get your hands on, you may be able to get out into virtually any area in the United States (and sometimes beyond) without the concern of getting lost again.
Below are a few categories that I thought you might want to think about when choosing a handheld GPS device. This allows you to sort out your interests then choose the device you think will work best for you.
Hiking
If you love the great outdoors so much that you sleep there every night, you might not need a handheld GPS device, but if you are new to the terrain you’re visiting, one of these systems will work great in helping you navigate along rugged terrain. The device of choice for many who get out and hike on a regular basis is the Geko 201 created by Garmin. It is a compact system that lets you move through new territory like a professional hiker.
Because of its advanced satellite feeds, it is able to tell you where you are with no problem. In addition, as you trek through terrain, the screen leaves virtual breadcrumbs that look like dots along the trail on the map you have displayed on the screen. This way, if you have trekked away from the car and are now unsure of where it is, you can turn back and begin walking in the direction you think it is located. The Geko will do the rest of the work to let you know if you are moving in a right or wrong direction based on the breadcrumbs it’s left behind. You can also use the system to get you around on the road. And if you need to avoid boredom, the unit also has games you can play.
Marine
In addition to hiking handheld GPS units, are marine devices that are designed to help people functioning on the water to gather their bearings easily, and even catch an occasional fish or two. The Garmin eTrex Legen HCx unit is great for not only getting out to hike and cycle, but also fish. It is one of the smallest unites on the market, but is also one of the best. It has built-in road and highway detail and a great sunlight-readable display perfect for the outdoors. It has a base map of both North and South America and can detail lakes, rivers, highways, cities, railroads, and coastlines - impressive!
If you need more maps and marine locations included in this device, you can download the necessary data; this might include automatic reroutes, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and menus for finding points of interest when you don’t have an address. The device is water proof, which is great for when you get out on the sea. But with all of the extra features it includes, you will probably not allow one drop of water to hit this masterpiece.
Golfing
If you are a heavy duty golfer then you can appreciate a little assistance getting around the holes. Of course, if you don’t have a map of how to get to each hole, you may be left out in the wind when it comes to assistance. But what if you did have a map of each hole? Not likely, right? Actually, it is likely if you pick up a golfer’s handheld GPS system. The SkyCaddie Golf SG5 is a system created for those who not only want to get around the course with ease, but also want to measure the full depth and shape of any course from any angle. This device has thousands of professionally-mapped courses and offers a great color display with automatic backlighting that ensures easy readability for both the indoors and outdoors.
With Your Dog
If you have a frisky dog that loves to run for the hills every chance it gets, it might be a good idea to invest in a device that can track your dog’s whereabouts not matter where you are located. The Zoomback Advanced Dog Locator is a great way to take advance of this beneficial technology by planting a small device on your pet’s collar or muzzle. By doing this, you can track where it is located by looking at your corresponding device. It allows you to pinpoint your pet’s location on demand and even allows you to get mobile phone updates if you’re not near your device when your pet comes up missing.
A handheld GPS device can come in handy to many people under many different circumstances. By deciding how one of these units would be useful to you, you can determine which brand would work best for your needs. After deciding, you can find some great deals the many handheld GPS devices out there and then begin enjoying your new mapping experience.
Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises LLC offers Valuable GPS Systems Reviews at the
Traveler’s Friend Blog at http://www.gpssystemsblog.com
Tags: best gps systems, garmin gps systems, gps navigation, gpsunits, handheld gps, new garmin gps systems