| GPS Units used to be all the same. They were | | | | may not want to waste your money on a |
| universal and somewhat bulky. However, as the | | | | handheld GPS Unit. However, most areas, even |
| need and demand for GPS technology has | | | | the busiest or most mountainous do allow for |
| increased, the way GPS Units are made has | | | | access in certain areas, so you will find this is |
| changed significantly. Hikers, bikers, cross-country | | | | often the least of your problems. |
| skiers, and all kinds of other individuals who travel | | | | Another potential problem you may find with |
| across the wide, open country had a need for a | | | | handheld GPS Units is their size. If you want to |
| GPS Unit that was easy to travel with, yet still | | | | use a PDA GPS Unit, expect the GPS to take up |
| worked in order to assist and prevent getting lost | | | | the bulk of space on your PDA. You can get |
| in unfamiliar locations. | | | | PDA's with additional space such as the Garmin |
| Some people may not use handheld GPS Units for | | | | iQue M3 Bundle w/2gb memory card as opposed |
| such practical purposes. Some people just like to | | | | to the Garmin iQue M3 Bundle w/1gb memory |
| have them on hand. Handheld GPS Units can help | | | | card. |
| in an emergency. Besides, they look nice and | | | | Of course, you may decide that cutting corners |
| make life much easier whenever you are traveling | | | | on your PDA just is not worth it. You can keep |
| to any location. It may be you just want to | | | | your PDA with all of the programs you need. |
| purchase your GPS for looks, and that is ok. | | | | Then you can purchase a separate, handheld GPS |
| Whatever your motivation is, you can find an | | | | Unit such as the Magellan eXplorist 500 le or the |
| excellent handheld GPS Unit to suit your every | | | | Garmin GPSMAP 60C. |
| need. | | | | These systems, while smaller than the portable |
| Adding a GPS to your Current Handheld Device | | | | GPS Units, are easier to transport. However, |
| Depending on the type of handheld device you | | | | sacrificing size can be a problem. Often, maps, |
| have, you may be able to upgrade so GPS | | | | voice functionality, and other common features of |
| technology is included. They make GPS | | | | portable GPS Units are considered add-ons for |
| information available to PDAs and even laptops. | | | | handheld GPS Units. You may be able to purchase |
| However, you can also purchase a handheld | | | | the best handheld GPS Unit with all of the add-ons |
| device with GPS functionality if you do not have | | | | already attached, such as the Garmin GPSMAP 60. |
| one already. This is convenient since your GPS | | | | However, you will have to add at least one thing |
| Unit now has multiple capabilities and functions. | | | | on. You are going to have to decide if purchasing |
| For example, the GPS manufacturer Garmin | | | | a handheld, for this reason, is worth it. |
| makes several nice PDA models including the | | | | The Benefits of Handheld GPS Units |
| Garmin iQue M3 Pocket PC and GPS Navigator. | | | | Of course, the benefits do outweigh the |
| Getting Around with Handheld GPS Units | | | | annoyances when using a handheld GPS Unit. |
| Getting around your town, city, or the country | | | | Depending on why you need a GPS receiver you |
| becomes easier with a handheld device. There are | | | | may find that handheld units suit you better than |
| two main brands of handheld GPS Units. The first | | | | a portable unit does. |
| is Garmin and the second is Magellan. There are | | | | There are many reasons you should buy a |
| other, lesser-known brands, but these are the | | | | handheld GPS Unit. These reasons include: |
| two major ones. These brands differ in | | | | · Easily upgradeable on a PDA |
| functionality (Garmin uses WAAS), features, and | | | | · Able to work with many add-ons offering |
| capabilities. | | | | additional options after you purchase it |
| Depending on where you are, the reception from | | | | · Easy to transport |
| the satellites sending the location to your handheld | | | | · Excellent for situations when you get lost |
| GPS Unit may be better or worse. Mountains, | | | | or emergencies such as broken down cars (when |
| skyscrapers, and trees can all obstruct the | | | | you need to go for help) |
| satellite signal from sending to the GPS unit. This is | | | | · Ability to transfer images & maps to and |
| partly why multiple satellites are used for each | | | | from laptops, PDAs, and more |
| receiver. Of course, this can also mean your map | | | | Ultimately, whether you choose a handheld GPS |
| image and directions are not as accurate. | | | | Unit or a portable GPS Unit is up to you. However, |
| The downside to Handheld GPS Units | | | | just make sure you choose based on your needs |
| If you live in, work in, or visit areas that do not | | | | and you simply cannot go wrong. |
| allow for GPS signals to read correctly, then you | | | | |