An extremely handy tool is a GPS and it can get you to unfamiliar places as well as guide you when you get lost and get you home again. Choosing a GPS will depend largely on what you want to use the device for, and what you can afford to spend on it.
Contrary to popular belief, when you buy a GPS, there are no fees or subscriptions. Offered in some units is MSN or Traffic Receiver as well as the default maps and these will be charged for. Bluetooth facilities are free.
The GPS that you choose will depend on what you are planning to use it for. Automotive models are designed to be fitted into the car, and often feature a slightly larger screen for easy viewing. You can attach these models on the windscreen and the dash and often, they can be charged from the cigarette lighter of the car as you travel. This GPS may be ideal for getting you there and back without the unnecessary detours if you travel a lot for work or you have family and friends around the country.
A handheld GPS is probably the most popular type of GPS as it can be used for a wide variety of purposes. A handheld GPS can be mounted with a bracket in the car and is also ideal for hiking, biking, boating, and camping. It would be better to have a mapping GPS for these activities. These types allow you to add other maps via software on your PC, including topographical maps, biking trails and hiking paths. A mapping GPS will record your trip and save it so that you can refer to it later and repeat the trip if you like to head out and see where the trail will lead you.
Also available are small GPS versions and these can be worn on a strap on the wrist like a watch or you can attach it to the handlebar of a motorbike or bicycle. For cyclists and bikers, these are very convenient but since they are very small, seeing or hearing where you are going is not an easy task.
Make sure that you buy a waterproof model if you are looking for a GPS for boating. You may want to spend a little extra and get a GPS that is waterproof even though most handheld models are water resistant.
On some GPS models, the basic default maps would only show the main highways. To upload more detailed maps, you may need additional software and some brands also offer Internet uploads of maps as well. Other items to check are battery life, particularly if you are hiking for days on end with no access to charging facilities. The black and white screens are cheaper but a color screen is much nicer to work with. Before you make a decision, you should first weigh up the features you will need and the features you like as well as the cost.
Contrary to popular belief, when you buy a GPS, there are no fees or subscriptions. Offered in some units is MSN or Traffic Receiver as well as the default maps and these will be charged for. Bluetooth facilities are free.
The GPS that you choose will depend on what you are planning to use it for. Automotive models are designed to be fitted into the car, and often feature a slightly larger screen for easy viewing. You can attach these models on the windscreen and the dash and often, they can be charged from the cigarette lighter of the car as you travel. This GPS may be ideal for getting you there and back without the unnecessary detours if you travel a lot for work or you have family and friends around the country.
A handheld GPS is probably the most popular type of GPS as it can be used for a wide variety of purposes. A handheld GPS can be mounted with a bracket in the car and is also ideal for hiking, biking, boating, and camping. It would be better to have a mapping GPS for these activities. These types allow you to add other maps via software on your PC, including topographical maps, biking trails and hiking paths. A mapping GPS will record your trip and save it so that you can refer to it later and repeat the trip if you like to head out and see where the trail will lead you.
Also available are small GPS versions and these can be worn on a strap on the wrist like a watch or you can attach it to the handlebar of a motorbike or bicycle. For cyclists and bikers, these are very convenient but since they are very small, seeing or hearing where you are going is not an easy task.
Make sure that you buy a waterproof model if you are looking for a GPS for boating. You may want to spend a little extra and get a GPS that is waterproof even though most handheld models are water resistant.
On some GPS models, the basic default maps would only show the main highways. To upload more detailed maps, you may need additional software and some brands also offer Internet uploads of maps as well. Other items to check are battery life, particularly if you are hiking for days on end with no access to charging facilities. The black and white screens are cheaper but a color screen is much nicer to work with. Before you make a decision, you should first weigh up the features you will need and the features you like as well as the cost.