Portable GPS

What to Do With a Portable GPS Receiver

Portable GPS receivers are available at nearly every major electronics retailer around the country.   GPS receivers can be used for directions, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and the newest outdoor adventure game, geocaching.

Purchasing a Hand-Held GPS Device

Purchasing a portable GPS unit is easy, although most people will want to read reviews and manufacturer specifications before purchasing a unit.  Experienced GPS users will know what they are looking for when purchasing additional units; people new to the devices will want to look for a few basic specifications. Those specifications include: price, range, accuracy, sync capabilities, battery life, and any other pieces of data that will make whatever intended activity easier. A reasonable price for a portable GPS unit is between 150 and 300 dollars. 

The range of the GPS unit should be considered in two factors; the first is how close to a location the device can locate, and the second is how far away the unit can be from the nearest tower with a signal.  Any portable GPS device should be able to map within 100 feet of the target area, and the better units can map within three feet.  For maximum range in relation to a tower, an antenna may help increase that range in very wooded or mountainous areas.

Accuracy is always an important feature for technical equipment. Portable GPS devices should have memory of all basic United States maps including highways, city streets, rivers, lakes, national parks and the like.  Testing the unit for ease of use will help the user to be more accurate. For people interested in recording their progress on a large hike, or recording surveying information, sync capabilities are also important.  Some portable GPS units can be connected to a personal desktop or laptop computer, and the collected data can then be transmitted from the GPS device to the computer.

The battery life of the portable GPS is important as well, especially on an extended hike in a heavily wooded area.  An average battery life for most GPS units is between 12-30 hours for two AA lithium batteries.  Rechargeable batteries are not always the most reliable in these types of high tech devices, and the lithium will last longer, making this the best choice when selecting a power source for your device.

Portable GPS devices can give outdoor adventurers more confidence wherever they travel.  The units can give directions instantly to thousands of locations using real satellite feeds and compiled maps. Many of the portable GPS units are also water proof, made of durable, shatter-proof plastic, and have many other extra features available.  Also of these GPS units are usually so user-friendly, so that you can operate your device directly out of the box.

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