| You've heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. | | | | "sleeve." That is a device that the PDA nestles |
| Or, you're tired of getting lost on your travels. | | | | into. Another choice is one of Garmin's PDAs. |
| Welcome to the 21st century. Global Postioning | | | | Garmin is probably the most popular GPS maker |
| System (GPS) has been around long enough that | | | | and they have one PDA/GPS that is Palm--based |
| prices are reasonable and the technology is | | | | and one that is Pocket PC--based.Prices for |
| user-friendly. With myriad brands and models, how | | | | automotive GPS start at around $250 US. These |
| to choose?If you want a GPS for both hiking and | | | | provide turn--by--turn guidance. Spend a little |
| driving use, then a handheld unit would be the | | | | more than that and you get voice guidance. |
| way to go. Some handhelds even have | | | | These are larger than handhelds in order to |
| accessories to allow them to be installed in an | | | | accommodate a screen large enough to be seen |
| automobile. But don't rule out a PDA. More on that | | | | while driving. They are powered by the car's |
| in a moment. For driving only, there are GPS | | | | electrical system and because of this, they can |
| receivers made just for vehicle use.Handheld GPS | | | | only be used in a vehicle.Many automobile |
| receivers are either mapping or non--mapping. A | | | | manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers as |
| basic, non--mapping unit can often cost less than | | | | an option. Because they are built-in, the big |
| $100 US and usually has/displays the following: | | | | advantages are security and aesthetics. They are |
| Location | | | | quite a bit more expensive than add-on units and |
| Compass heading | | | | often have fewer options. I've also heard some |
| Elevation above sea level | | | | stories of people having a hard time getting map |
| Accurate time | | | | updates.A PDA/GPS is a good alternative for |
| Satellite location and signal strength | | | | automotive use. Its screen is about the size of an |
| The ability to calculate distance traveled | | | | automotive unit, so seeing the display is not a |
| The ability to record your path as a set of | | | | problem. They can also be powered by the car, |
| waypoints | | | | eliminating battery worries. The Garmin PDAs |
| The ability to navigate routes | | | | mentioned above both come with the hardware |
| The ability to retrace your steps | | | | and software for automotive use.If you're hiking, |
| Handheld mapping receivers do all the above plus | | | | a basic handheld unit (without maps) will be fine |
| have the ability to display maps. The maps are | | | | since you'll always have paper maps with you |
| either pre--loaded or uploaded from your PC. | | | | anyway (you will, won't you?). An advantage to a |
| Prices are reasonable for mapping units, starting | | | | handheld mapping unit is that they usually have |
| at around $150 US.Paper maps are strongly | | | | more advanced features than the basic units. For |
| recommended whether you're using a mapping | | | | driving, you have the choice of a handheld, in--car |
| receiver or not. Paper maps do not require | | | | dedicated, or PDA. The handheld does have limited |
| batteries and probably won't go defective. Also, a | | | | usefulness in a car, as it does not provide |
| paper map gives you a "big picture" view of your | | | | turn--by--turn guidance. For a more detailed look |
| situation -- something lacking on the small screen | | | | at how to choose a GPS, click here.J. Chartwell |
| of a GPS.I mentioned earlier your considering a | | | | has developed Maps GPS Info.com, which |
| PDA with GPS capability. A PDA is bulkier and the | | | | provides practical information on GPS and maps |
| battery life is usually shorter, but if you're using a | | | | that everyone can use. His website includes |
| PDA anyway, then there are several ways to | | | | product reviews and a maps/GPS glossary. |
| turn a PDA into a GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS | | | | |