One of the greatest assets a hiker has is a handheld GPS unit. Any experienced hiker realizes that having the ability to know where you’re going, particularly in the wilderness, is important. Most experienced hikers also realize that the most important challenges when it comes to hiking in the deep woods are how to locate the head trail and after that how not to lose your way when you’re hiking. One of the benefits that a handheld GPS device can give you is the freedom to experience and explore hiking in uncharted wilderness areas that have not been attempted before.

A basic handheld GPS unit gets its power from regular batteries and is about two to three inches wide and four to six inches long. GPS handheld units usually have a small screen with an icon which represents both your pre-plotted locations and your current location. Additionally, different models have detailed maps indicating streams and roads, typography, etc..

An exceptional GPS navigation systems manufacturer is the Magellan GPS company. Magellan GPS systems invented a unique GPS handheld unit which is the Magellan SportTrac Map. This particular handheld GPS device is lightweight, compact and sturdy which gives outstanding performance for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Magellan SportTrac map has a 2 MB European mapping database and is accurate down to 3 meters.

The engineers went into great detail when constructing the Magellan sport Trac map. One notable feature is that it has a memory capacity of 6 MB for storing street-level maps. The SportTrac map has seven very large graphical navigation displays so hikers can clearly and fully view all the particular details stored in it. These exceptional displays suit the needs of even the most avid outdoor adventurers.

Handheld GPS unit benefits

The benefits of using a handheld GPS device are considerable. Depending on your needs for a GPS device you may very well find a GPS handheld devices will be better for you than a portable unit (car gps systems) would be.

There are various reasons why you should purchase a handheld GPS device. Some are:

• - Very simple upgradeable path on a PDA
• - The ability to use add-ons offering more capabilities after your initial purchase
• - Ease of transport of the device
• - Excellent for situations such as emergency vehicles breakdowns (when you need to go for help on foot)
• - The capability to transfer maps and images to and from PDAs, laptops, and more.

It is up to the individual as to whether or not they want to purchase a portable GPS unit (auto) or a handheld GPS unit. The advantages of either device are clear with the exception being that a handheld GPS device is one level more portable.

As technology has progressed over the years it has enabled people to have a more sophisticated a way life and has changed society considerably. Just a short time ago people still had to plug wires and cables to connect peripherals to their computers. However, you can now send or receive just about any information through the use of wireless technology.

In recent years people have been provided with the convenience of wireless data transfer through the use of Bluetooth technology. An handy application in the use of Bluetooth GPS is helping you when you’re traveling. Due to the fact that Bluetooth systems are highly reliable and accurate they are the most widely accepted wireless technology. Most small Bluetooth GPS gadgets are so small they can fit into your pocket which helps greatly when you’re traveling.

Bluetooth GPS: Magic in The Mechanism?

Because Bluetooth technology implements a small area network it can be operated without user intervention altogether. Since Bluetooth GPS uses wireless technology you can load the data within your GPS straight into your computer with no interactions on your part. For example once you are in range of your Bluetooth enabled computer and if you have a Bluetooth enabled GPS system (i.e. — maps etc.) you can easily upload your data. Bluetooth wireless technology was designed to operate within an area of a maximum of 30 feet in diameter.

Bluetooth GPS systems function on agreement and protocol within the physical level, because of this only the data that you approve for transfer will be sent to a particular destination so there is no real concern about uploading information that is not authorized.

Finding a Wireless Bluetooth GPS

There are many different Bluetooth GPS models on the market today. The best part about Bluetooth GPS devices are that they are very affordable and easy to use. If your intention is to purchase a GPS with Bluetooth technology, it would be in your best interest to do some research on the Internet prior to buying such a device. Research various models of Bluetooth GPS devices available and evaluate their prices as well as their features. Because of the omnipresent nature of the Internet you will find it is the best place to do your research. There are numerous websites that carry extensive information for this kind of technology. Because of this, more often than not, you will not need to go to other sources of information for your research.

In regards to the cost of GPS devices with Bluetooth technology, you should take into account that the more features and functionality of your Bluetooth GPS device, the greater the cost that will be incurred. Take into consideration your needs in comparison to the many features that each Bluetooth GPS device offers so you can come to an informed decision.

Encouraged by competition from companies such as Timex, before the turn of the century back in 1999, Casio pioneered the first GPS watch at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. Today the availability of GPS watches has mushroomed into an industry unto itself, many of which are available at very affordable prices. Today you can buy a new GPS watch for less than $100.

The question may come to mind; why would I need or want a GPS watch? There are 3 good reasons to purchase a GPS watch:

Navigation (route planning) — for people who walk, hike, climb or who are a mobile in general can download routes from their computers into their GPS wrist watch. You can also use this method in reverse; you can record your route as you follow it so that you can recall at a later time.

There are some interesting uses for this application. For example, if you’re out hiking and you find a great fishing hole, you can record the route that took you there and mark the precise location.

Training — the majority of individuals who purchase the GPS watch do so for training. It will tell you the exact distance you traveled and at what speed. You record your location at the starting point of your training session, and GPS records your time from that starting point. You can access this data at any point in time during a training session. A microchip in the watch figures your distance and speed that you are traveling and GPS records your initial starting time.

Numerous technological advances give added performance capabilities within most GPS locator watches, such as heart rate monitors. It is astonishing the amount of technology that can be put into the size of a wristwatch.

Safety – your GPS watch will pinpoint the exact location you are on the earth. If for instance you get hurt or have an accident, become ill, at the very least you’ll know where you’re at and also have the means to find your way back through your GPS watch. If you have a means of communication with others, you can supply the rescue personnel with the knowledge they require to find you.

It keeps time as well. Not just basic time. Completely accurate, and consistently updated time according to the GPS satellite’s atomic clock. With your GPS watch you’ll never be off by even a single second. Not even by nanosecond.