Before, people have laboriously made sure they know where they are heading to just to avoid getting lost. They created detailed maps, erected landmarks, and memorized the positions of the stars in the night sky. But that was before.

Later, with the availability of accurate maps, nobody has to memorize the stars in the sky and nobody has to erect landmarks.

Today, there is no need to do all these things. With a device that could pinpoint your exact location in an instant, you can eliminate all the hassles of early practices. So when you are out for a hike, mountain climb, or just a simple camp out on the wilderness, all you need is one device: handheld GPS.

To help you choose one that is right for you, here are the top picks for handheld GPS:

� Cobra GPS 1000 DLX Handheld Navigator- is a battery operated handheld GPS that is capable of guiding your way through different US state highway, boundaries, European countries, provincial boundaries of Canada, and several other worldwide cities. All you have to do is install your desired location from a software to this receiver and you will see where you are going in its 2.8in w x 6.1in h x 1.3in d 1.8in w x 2.4in h display. It uses Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for more accurate pinpointing of location with ASAP II Technology� that makes this handheld GPS works 2 times faster that ordinary GPS receiver. It uses a 32 mega-byte memory card for map installation. The Cobra GPS 1000 DLX Handheld Navigator keeps you on course wherever you are.

� Garmin eTrex Vista � If there could be one GPS available in the market today with supreme functionality and jam-packed features; the Garmin eTrex Vista should be the one. The Garmin eTrex Vista has 24MB internal memory capacity capable of storing numerous kinds of data and can store different types of maps. The high resolution LCD gives Garmin eTrex Vista the advantage in giving crisp details for easy reading even for small type. With the use of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), it provides less than 3 meters of position accuracy. And the eTrex can stay dry for 30 mins under 3 ft. of water with its waterproof coating and rubber for shock absorption.

� StreetPilot 2650 GPS Handheld � Once you are out on the wild or making finding the way between tall buildings, the StreetPilot 2650 can do its job best. It possesses all features of the 2610 as well as a large color display, built-in maps, a voice prompt, and an automatic route capability with touch screen that makes navigation easier. It can pinpoint your exact position with accuracy that depends on the WAAS technology.

� Garmin eTrex Standard � If you want simple yet could make your way to your desired destination, the Garmin eTrex should be your choice. Though it lacks other upgraded features you would look for a GPS, you wont be having any trouble using it. This pocket size GPS is perfect for beginners.

� Magellan GPS 315 � If you want worldwide navigation, this one is for you. With more than 15,000 cities available, this pocket-sized GPS could get you going anywhere in the world.

These 5 wrap up the top picks for handheld GPS. It is up to you to decide which one you should prefer.

About The Author

John Rivers is the owner of GPS Navigation Systems. On his website you can find information on everything related to GPS. http://www.gps-navigation-systems.net.

If you've been confounded by all the technical jargon and hype surrounding GPS, confusing what's turning out to be a very useful tool, allow me to shed a little light on your roadmap to deciding whether or not this technology is for you! Originally designed with military applications in mind, the technology was made available to mere mortals in hte 1980's for the many and varied uses we've found so far for these special tools. Not only handy for auto navigation, GPS units have made their way into maritime navigation, backcountry uses, and much, much more!

How does GPS work? GPS (which stands for Global Positioning System) allows you to pinpoint your position anywhere on the planet to within an average of 15 meters, with some units doing much better than that. Twenty-four GPS satellites, paid for and placed in orbit by the Dept. of Defense courtesy of your tax dollars, send signals back to terra firma 24/7. These signals are retrieved by your handy dandy GPS receiver which uses three sources (satellites) to triangulate this information and compute your actual position. If there are four data sources, even altitude can be determined. Since there are normally eight satellites in line of sight from anywhere on earth, the opportunity for accurate positioning exists. Other things that can be determined besides latitude, longitude, and altitude would include things like speed, sunrises and sunsets, bearing, distance and more. While they will work in any weather, some hindrances would be electronic interference, buildings, and certain terrain. A good rule of thumb is that the units will generally not perform underwater, indoors, or underground. There are currently two Global Navigation Satellite Systems in use. Besides GPS, there is the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) Protocols are constantly being refined to enhance the abilities of these systems. A bright light on the horizon is Galileo, scheduled to go online in 2008, which promises even greater accuracy and functionality.

So how do I know which GPS unit is for me? Quite a few choices now exist for consumers in the GPS marketplace. Whether you need a handheld unit for backpacking or boating, or one for your automobile (they are becoming an attractive option!) or for one of a myriad of uses, there are several reputable manufacturers of quality GPS units out there to help you find your way through the maze of choices. Names like Magellan, Garmin, Rino, Etrex and Meridian lead the market, and are readily available. Take your time, check out the various features each has to offer, and get yourself outfitted with one of the more useful and efficient navigational tools out there today!

Copyright 2006 Keith Thompson

About The Author

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.best-gps-review.com, where many resources and information on GPS can be found.
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