Best Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex HC

Somebody who is looking for a portable GPS unit for backpacking for instance, may not be looking for the same features as somebody who is getting into geocaching.  If you plan to buy a GPS unit, here are some things to consider when you compare GPS systems.

Cost is obviously a big factor with handheld GPS units, although GPS prices in general have come way down in recent years, a higher end GPS can cost upwards of $700.  When you consider that an entry level handheld GPS can be purchased for as little as $100, you can see that it pays to be informed before you go out and buy one.

Size and weight should be a consideration, but most GPS units available today are compact enough that the difference between them is negligible.  The bigger the unit however, the bigger the screen that can be incorporated into the unit.  Some of the smaller GPS screens can be a little difficult to read, even with high resolution color.  Touch screen GPS units are also available.

WAAS -  Definitely spring for a WAAS enabled GPS.  WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation system.  It is a system of ground based stations that provide GPS signal corrections.  You dont need to know how it works, just that it provides accuracy of up to 5 times better than a non WAAS GPS unit.  This system is currently only in place in North America, however it is compatible with 3 other SBAS (Satellite based augmentation systems): 1) EGNOS - Europe, 2) MSAS - Asia, 3) GAGAN - India.   If you plan to buy a handheld GPS, make sure it is compatible with one of these SBAS systems.  (they are all designed to be interoperable) 

Ease of Use.  Some of the newer GPS units have touchscreen navigation, making them really intuitive to use.  The only button that exists on the Garmin Dakota for example is just the power button, all other functions are completed via the graphical interface on the screen.  This is something you should consider carefully, sometimes the tactile feedback provided by an actual "button" just feels better than touchscreen controls.  Its a personal preference. 

Electronic Compass.  Most GPS units come with a compass of some type on them.  On most basic handheld GPS systems the compass requires that you be moving in order for it to provide you with a calculated direction based on your geolocation to the satellites.  An electronic compass does not require movement, and will function independently from the global postioning system.   An electronic compass will add cost, and reduce battery life slightly.  It is a nice feature to be able to stand still and turn around and know what direction you are facing, but this can also be accomplished with your good ol fashioned magnetic compass which you should have with you for backup anyway.   

Barometric Altimeter.  Most units have a GPS altimeter, which determines your altitude based on your latitude and longditude in relation to the GPS satellites.  Some more expensive Handheld units come with a barometric altimeter, which uses barometric pressure to determine your altitude.  Barometric pressure will provide a more accurate altitude measurement, and is what is in use in most aircraft. Other common data found on most GPS units are things like Speed, Elapsed time on the move, elapsed time stopped, and Distance traveled (odometer).

Two way Radio.  The Garmin Rino is equipped with a 2 way FRS/GMRS radio, which for some specialized purposes might be a very handy feature to have, civilian search and rescue for example.

Geocaching mode.  Geocaching is basically a world wide treasure hunt, where one uses a GPS unit to locate "Geocaches" that have been hidden by other geocaching enthusiasts.  When you locate a cache, you can exchange contents, or just write down what you found and go online, where you will verify your find and get credit for it.  Some GPS units come equipped with software geared specifically toward geocaching.  Its an easy and very fun way to familiarize yourself with your GPS unit.  

Customer support.   Before you make any major purchase, its a good idea to do some research to see if you can get a feel for the company's responsiveness to the needs of their consumer.  Garmin seems to have a better customer satisfaction record than Magellan, and I have also heard good things about Delorme customer service from several PN-20 owners.  Check out the online forums for the device you are considering, this is usually an invaluable tool for purchasing any sort of equipment today.

What GPS unit are you using ?

Do you use a handheld GPS for navigation? Do you recommend it ?

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