| The first thing to decide is how you plan on using | | | | is large, but the main advantage is a very large |
| a GPS and the second is how much you plan on | | | | screen for maps. If you have a need for a laptop |
| spending on a GPS. Do you plan on using it in your | | | | in your car, this may be the best choice and a |
| car, for hiking and backpacking, or for hunting and | | | | mouse-type receiver is inexpensive. |
| or fishing? Current GPS receivers are limited as to | | | | If you plan on using your GPS for hiking or |
| what they can do and are optimized a specific | | | | backpacking there are three choices, a basic |
| purpose. There are GPS specifically for flying, | | | | handheld receiver, a mapping handheld receiver |
| others for hunting and/or fishing, and others for | | | | and GPS with a PDA. It is also recommended that |
| Car Navigation. A few are just an electronic map | | | | in addition to your GPS, you should take a paper |
| that shows your position on the map screen. | | | | map, and magnetic compass, and extra batteries. |
| Others have no maps at all and can be just fine if | | | | Weight and size need to be considered when |
| you just want to know your longitude/latitude. | | | | deciding which GPS to choose. A basic receiver |
| If you plan on using your GPS in an automobile, | | | | does not have mapping abilities, however it will |
| there are several choices: a basic or mapping | | | | display your location in a format that you choose, |
| handheld receiver; a dedicated automotive | | | | and most likely latitude/longitude. Providing your |
| receiver; a GPS with a PDA; or a Laptop GPS. | | | | paper maps have your chosen position format |
| Although handheld units can be used in a car there | | | | marked on them, your GPS will allow you to find |
| are several disadvantages-the screen can be hard | | | | your location on the map. If your maps don't |
| to see due to its small size and some units will | | | | have the position format grids marked already, |
| need to be placed forward on the dashboard | | | | this is something you'll want to do yourself. These |
| where they can get a better signal. With a basic | | | | are going to be the least expensive choices for |
| (non-mapping) unit you can tell where you are as | | | | GPS, often less than $100 US and are as accurate |
| long as you have a paper map with you to | | | | as more expensive units; they just don't have as |
| interpret that data. | | | | many features. The main feature they lack is |
| A mapping unit is the more useful choice | | | | mapping capability. |
| considering with driving usually involves roads. A | | | | For hunting or fishing many handheld models |
| dedicated automotive receiver is larger than a | | | | include best hunting and fishing times for a given |
| handheld in order to accommodate a screen large | | | | location and date. Mapping handheld receivers are |
| enough to be seen while driving. They are | | | | often larger, heavier, and/or have shorter battery |
| powered by the car's electrical system and | | | | lives than basic units. Shorter battery life means |
| because of this; they can only be used in a | | | | carrying more extra batteries adding bulk and |
| vehicle. Automotive units usually have voice | | | | weight. With a mapping handheld unit you will have |
| instructions to allow you to navigate without | | | | the benefit of having the maps displayed on your |
| taking your eyes off the road. Prices start at | | | | GPS. These also include other benefits such as a |
| about $500 US. | | | | barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, |
| A GPS with a PDA needs clear access to the sky | | | | games, and a calendar and you can plan your |
| for satellite reception. Some receivers have the | | | | route ahead of time on your PC and upload it to |
| antenna built in or have the capability for an | | | | your GPS. These units display pre-loaded maps |
| external antenna. An antenna on the seat of your | | | | and map detail is reflected by the size and |
| car may or may not work. The console is the | | | | resolution of the screen. This means that mapping |
| next best place - reception may be questionable. | | | | units are generally larger than basic units. The |
| An air vent mount is better and a windshield | | | | downside of a GPS with a PDA is that it will drain |
| mount or the antenna placed all the way forward | | | | your battery quicker and it also of the top of |
| on the dashboard is better yet. The most reliable | | | | your PDA. Mapping units are more expensive than |
| place is for an external antenna to be attached to | | | | basic units; prices start at about $150 US unless |
| the roof of your car. | | | | you get one with Bluetooth capabilities which are |
| A laptop GPS requires a CF with an external | | | | more expensive. For fishing a chart plotter/GPS |
| antenna, a Bluetooth GPS receiver, a mouse-type | | | | or a GPS sounder are also available. The chart |
| GPS receiver, or be connected via a cable to a | | | | plotter/GPS and GPS sounders usually have a lot |
| handheld GPS unit so the receiver can be placed in | | | | of features and start at about $400 US. |
| a position for good reception. Of course a laptop | | | | |