Handheld GPS
The handheld GPS has become indispensable when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping and sports. With hardware becoming more compact, the handheld GPS has become a powerful tool for finding directions, measuring distances, mapping routes, and even tracking wildlife. There are many different ways to go when purchasing a handheld GPS, but there are two companies that stand out when it comes to providing a GPS device that really works when it is out in the field: Magellan and Garmin.
The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX is considered to be the best all-around handheld GPS by reviewers. It has the quickest satellite lock, even from a cold start. It also renders maps faster than other handhelds because its memory is powered by the SiRFstar III chipset. Its GPS receiver still gets great reception even when you use it under heavy tree cover, in the mountains or during a dense fog or rain. Along with accurate elevation data from the barometric altimeter and exact direction from the electronic compass, getting lost while hunting or hiking is almost impossible. The large, color display makes it easy to see the screen in harsh daylight and the already water-resistant GPSMAP 60CSX won’t stop working if it gets an accidental dunk in the water, thanks to its waterproof case. It also comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card so you can store extra maps that can be purchased from MapSource mapping software. The built-in basemap software includes highways, exits, and tide data, with turn-by-turn directions. It weighs 7.5 ounces and runs for 18 hours on two AA batteries.
The Magellan 500 LE isn’t quite as powerful as the 60CSX, but the price is much cheaper, and if you are just starting to add the element of GPS navigating to your weekends outside, or don’t need all of the bells and whistles of the 60CSX, the 500 LE is a great value for the features it provides. The reception can be spotty under certain conditions, but the 500 LE is probably one of the easiest handhelds to use. The 2.5” screen is still larger than similar models in the same price range, and is full color. While it doesn’t have as much memory as more expensive models, its 8MB of internal memory can store 5 track logs, 20 routes and 500 points of interest. It also comes with a built-in color map of North America which makes it easy to view roads, rivers, waterways, city centers, airports and other major points of interest. If you need detailed maps for street or marine navigating, more memory can be added by purchasing an SD memory card. It is designed for use by right or left handed people and this 5.4 oz navigator works with a simple keypad and joystick.
On another note, Garmin also offers the Forerunner 205 GPS device for outdoor sports enthusiasts. This is a personal training device for joggers, hikers, bikers and cross country skiers to track their courses and time their workouts. It looks something like a watch and has a unique design that allows the antenna to wrap around the wrist so it can be worn and programmed while it is in use. Because it keeps a running history of previous workouts and times, you can track your progress against previous workouts. This is a powerful tool if you are a competitive athlete training for a triathlon or other multi-sport event because the Forerunner can mark the changes between biking, swimming and running. There are three main data screens with twelve different data fields to give you feed back on your workout. The Forerunner 205 comes with free Garmin Training Center software that lets you store your information on your computer and lets you further analyze your performance in relation to elements like altitude or other factors.
Posted in General GPS Information
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