GPS Tracking System Comparison Guide and Reviews

What You should Know about Handheld GPS

July 5th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

A Global Positioning System or GPS was originally developed and operated by the US Department of Defense. Prior to it being used for commercial purposes GPS was utilized by the government for 24 hour navigation for sea, ground and air operations.

There came a point when the GPS became extensively used for commercial purposes, there capabilities expanded to include movement and monitoring of people, forestry, cartography, mineral exploration, and tracking down of wildlife that is endangered within their natural habitat and as well as many more uses.

Originally, the GPS is operated on big computer systems but eventually; it has developed into something smaller - the handheld GPS. The good news about the handheld GPS is that it functions just like the GPS in more elaborate machines and it allows the user to generate information anytime and anywhere he or she may be. Handheld GPS have now gained such a following that there are so many people all over the globe that constantly rely on the handheld GPS to help them navigate around the world and locate areas which are even beyond the navigation and location determination in the past.

Popular Handheld GPS Models

There are many handheld GPS models that are available in the market nowadays. One of the most popular models of a handheld Garmin GPS System is the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx, which is considered as the fastest when it comes to locking onto the satellite. This handheld GPS is equipped with a 2.6 inch color screen, a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass and a special Geocaching menu.

However, despite the fact that this handheld GPS is loaded with many functions, it only weights about seven ounces and could run for approximately 18 hours using two AA batteries. The Garmin GPS is rubberized and is water resistant. If you intend to wade or swim on your trip, you could count on this handheld GPS to survive.

Another popular handheld GPS device is the Magellan eXplorist XL. This particular handheld GPS is equipped with a 3.5 inch color screen which is viewable even when exposed to sunlight. Because of the large screen of this particular Magellan model you have the benefit when looking at the maps and obtaining information you need from them.

However, the challenge of the Magellan GPS is that unlike the Garmin GPS, it is not equipped with an electronic compass or an altimeter. This unique GPS also has a weight of about 12 ounces, which is somewhat heavy when you compare it to the Garmin. With the use of four AA batteries the battery life of the Magellan is roughly 15 hours.