Handheld GPS Devices - Analyze Your Needs Before You Purchase!

Handheld GPS devices represent a special category of all available GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver units used in various situations and for different applications. The major applicability or usefulness of handheld, portable GPS devices can be divided into two distinctive categories, i.e. for outdoor leisure and sport activities like hiking, trekking, climbing, camping and running and, secondly, for industrial applications like land surveying and position measurements at construction sites. Utilizing the GPS navigation satellite system, correct location of the GPS receiver can be determined by retrieving exact longitude, latitude and altitude coordinates. Today, most GPS receiver units, whether handheld or not, communicate through radio signals with at least four GPS satellites, whereby three satellites determine the exact location of the receiver and the fourth satellite is used for correcting the receiverâEUR(TM)s clock. After the Selective Availability regulation, which provided certain accuracy reservation for military use, was ended in 2000, the precision of civilian GPS improved from about 100m to about 20m.

Handheld GPS devices provide tremendous flexibility and convenience for the user. Not only can the user continuously monitor his, or her, exact and current geographical location and path of travel, but handheld GPS devices can be fitted for relaying with central offices or base stations that can track or follow the user for security and safety reasons. For example, GPS devices that can communicate with and supply coordinates to a central station are very popular by mountain climbers and hikers. As the GPS system has developed and improved over the past years, many new applications have emerged for the users of handheld GPS devices. Not only can users determine their current location, but also obtain a multitude of additional and supportive information through geographical maps, inserted in the GPS receiver units, such as precise navigation, locations of restaurants and hotels, weather reports, tourist attractions, etc. Currently, there are a number of companies producing and offering many different handheld GPS devices. Some of the best known include, Garmin, Magellan and DeLorme. The devices have a broad range of features, attributes and, of course, price tags. Before selecting a particular handheld device, it is important to know what you will be using it for. For example, a GPS device used for hiking may be less applicable for mountain climbing or, even less, running. Obviously, devices for industrial applications have particular requirements and qualities. If you are looking for a handheld GPS device that can be used in different circumstances, a multipurpose unit could be the answer. Furthermore, you need to have an idea of what features you are interested in or require in addition to the standard GPS and mapping functionality, e.g.:

Touch screen window
Color screen or black and white
Built-in camera (like in mobile phones)
SD (memory) card expandability
Voice recorder
Built-in electronic compass
Barometer
MP3 Music Player
External antenna connector
Etc. etc.

Obviously, as the feature list increases, so does the price. Another important thing to keep in mind is considering what geographical maps may be included or applicable to your needs, e.g. outdoor and recreational maps, street maps or marine maps. Most handheld GPS devices come with some pre-loaded or built-in geographical maps, for example a base map of the USA and Canada containing major highways, city centers, bodies of water and more. You need to find out whether you need additional detailed maps that can be added to the handheld device, for example detailed cartographic maps, topographic maps, and more.

Still another important issue to keep in mind is the GPS software that is normally included with the purchase of a new handheld GPS for uploading GPS data to a computer. By that you can conveniently view all your maps, waypoints, trails and routes from your computer screen. Many other interesting advanced features and possibilities can be implemented with an appropriate handheld GPS receiver including, playing "hide-and-seek" and "treasure-hunting" through geocaching or importing your tracks, waypoints and routes into Google Earth for tracking and monitoring. In short, handheld GPS devices offer a plethora of wonderful possibilities and options.

For maximizing its benefits, you should carefully consider your needs and requirements before you actually purchase a new handheld GPS. Common retail prices for handheld GPS devices range from $100 up to $800USD depending on built-in or available features and attributes.

Olafur Ingthorsson is a Consultant and an Internet Marketer. His passions include IT and Communications technologies, including handheld GPS devices, the outdoors and triathlon sports.

Handheld GPS Devices

Analyse Your Needs Before Purchasing a Handheld GPS Device

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How Does a GPS System Work? Where to Get the Best GPS Systems For Your Needs

Basically a GPS System consists of 3 parts.

1. The Satellite System,

2. The Ground Station and

3. The GPS Receiver

Satellite System:

The SPS satellite system consists of 24 satellites operated by the United States Airforce and is called NAVSTAR. They are solar powered and have backup batteries to keep working during eclipses. Each satellite orbits the earth twice every day. Together the 24 satellites cover the entire earth from their various high orbits. They are designed to orbit in such a way that at any point of time any GPS system on earth receives signals from at least 4 satellites. These satellites have atomic clocks aboard them which keep accurate time.

The Ground Stations:

These stations keep sending up signals to keep the data on the satellites accurate. Sometimes, the satellites go out of orbit or data on them is outdated. The master ground station continuously monitors the signals and sends up corrected information so the data aboard the satellites is accurate all the time. So, when a GPS system logs on to these signals the data is always accurate.

GPS Receiver:

GPS receiver is the device you use to find your way around anywhere on Earth. The receiver GPS device receives the data from the satellites and calculates its position on earth. For the GPS system to find the location accurately it needs to receive signals from at least 4 satellites.

The GPS satellites emit low power radio signals of two frequencies. One is intended for military use and the other frequency L1 is for civilian use. There are 3 bits of information transmitted by the satellite which is used by the GPS system to make simple calculations to find the location on earth.

The principle on which GPS system works is very simple. At every moment the GPS receiver calculates the distance between itself and a satellite from space. You can be anywhere on a sphere defined by this "distance" as the radius. The GPS receiver does this same calculation for four satellites. The intersection of the 4 spheres gives your coordinates on earth.

GPS Systems Can FAIL:

But for this to work the GPS receiver needs to be in the open with a clear view of the skies where it can get uninterrupted low power radio signals from the satellites. It won't work indoors - inside buildings, homes and offices. It does not work underground. It does not work in caves and mines. It does not work when there are tall buildings or thick foliage like in a dense forest. It does not work underwater. In short ,it does not work where you can't get clear satellite signals so make sure you are in view of open skies before you try to determine your position. Else, you might get faulty readings from your GPS Systems that can endanger you.

How to buy the best GPS systems? How to select the right GPS system for your needs? Find the answers to your questions about GPS receivers, navigational aids, handheld GPS and much more at best GPS systems reviews

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Now You Can Choose the Right Types of GPS Devices For Your Needs

Because there are numerous types of GPS devices, it can be tough to decide which one is the best for you. And just within one manufacturer, there are a bunch of different models with enough options to confuse anyone.

Walk into any electronics retailer looking for a GPS navigation device, and you will be overwhelmed at the choices available. When they first came on the scene, there were only a few choices, but now the sky is the limit.

Sorting through the many types of GPS devices doesn't have to stress you out, and this article is designed to simplify your GPS search.

All of the different types of GPS devices are designed to give directions and help you navigate your way from here to there. They are all designed, though, with different features and options that can be confusing.

Every GPS unit is pre-programmed with Points of Interest (POIs). These POIs are popular destinations that are of interest to almost everyone. GPS receivers also all have touch screens that feature simple icons and key pads used to enter information. GPS manufacturers have made the units simple to use for almost all consumers.

One challenging aspect in sorting through the different types of GPS devices is in comparing cost versus benefit. You have to look at what each GPS device has to offer compared to how much it costs to determine its value.

In looking at the many types of GPS devices, three manufacturers stand out: Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. For one thing, these manufacturers all make GPS devices that come with comprehensive warranties.

Garmin is leading the GPS manufacturing industry. Because it has created a GPS unit for budgets large and small, Garmin has almost 50% of the total GPS market. Garmin's least expensive GPS unit is the Nuvi 200 that costs less than $150. Garmin also makes a unit that sells for close to $1,000.

Tom Tom is catching up with Garmin, primarily because of the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition that is priced around Garmin's Nuvi 200. The One Third Edition also offers more features than the Nuvi 200.

Magellan was the initial trend-setter in the world of GPS devices. Magellan's Maestro series featured GPS units that cost between $150-$350. Because of Magellan's solid reputation and its partnership with auto club AAA, the company remains one of the top GPS manufacturers. With Magellan's AAA partnership, the company offers AAA's Tour Book in some of its GPS devices. This feature allows AAA members to find many travel benefits through the Tour Book on GPS units.

When analyzing the different types of GPS devices, be sure to do plenty of online research. Compare prices and features to get the best unit for your needs.

To learn more about how to choose the best types of GPS devices check out my website.

Rick Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information about the best GPS systems!

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GPS Tracking Devices - Choosing the Right Model For Your Needs

Global Positioning Systems, also known as GPS tracking devices or simply GPS's, have become an integral part of our lives and are changing the way we get around. They are some of the most versatile and useful consumer technology products available in the marketplace today.

Whether you are driving, running, boating, hiking, or even just camping out, you may find a GPS tracking device indispensable. With real time GPS tracking device you will no longer have to worry about getting lost in the woods or when driving to an unknown destination. Your GPS device will tell you exactly where you are at all times, sometimes saving you hours of frustration.

There are many types of GPS tracking devices on the market today, with many features and accessories. Choosing the one that fits your needs can be overwhelming when you first start trying to figure out which GPS tracking to buy.

The two most common types of GPS units are small portable GPS devices that you can carry around with you or wear as a wristwatch, and GPS auto navigation systems for your car. As GPS technology is developing, more and more variations are becoming available for almost any situation imaginable. Many auto GPS models have a pedestrian mode, which means they can used as handheld units when walking around. There are special models for bicycles, motorcycles, and boats; there are GPS/PDAs hybrids, GPS sport watches for running and other activities (they can even record your heart rate); GPS collars for pets, GPS cell phones, GPS walkie-talkies, and even GPS devices for tracking fish or hunting dogs.

Before you buy a GPS tracking device, consider how often and how far you travel, and which means of transportation you use most frequently.

If you are mainly using your car to travel your best bet is the auto navigation system. If you want a GPS device that isn't limited to the car, you may want to consider a handheld GPS unit. If you spend a lot of time fishing, then you should probably consider a marine GPS or GPS fish finder. These units are specifically designed to be on and around water. If you don't travel much and need directions only occasionally, choose an inexpensive model in the $100-$250 price range. If you expect to use it daily to get to clients or for service calls, you may want to invest more and purchase the best model you can afford.

As useful they are, GPS tracking devices are not for everyone. If you are not a person who travels to new places, and you know your way around well, there is no point in spending money on something you will never use. However, if you like exploring new places, by car, bike, boat or on foot, a GPS will make your life much easier and safer.

Whether you are looking for a handheld, auto or marine GPS, GPS accessories, cellular GPS, or if you are considering to use a small portable GPS tracking device to track a person, the GPS Tracking Device blog can be a good source of information.

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