Some people will tell you that if you plan on buying any sort of GPS unit, you should look only at the Garmin brand. Whether this is true, is an individual choice. But there is no doubt that the Garmin brand does have many units of many styles and choices.
Here are just a few different types of GPS units that is carried by the Garmin brand.
Garmin Handheld GPS Units
A Handheld unit is just as its name implies, one that is easily held in one's hand and easy to move from place to place. These units are used in automobiles to help one navigate and find directions (even street by street or turn by turn) and are taken with one when camping, hiking, or other such sport to help chart one's course or find navigate their way.
GPS Watches are sometimes also considered a handheld device. These can be used to help one keep track of their fitness level by monitoring heart rate, pulse and tracking steps taken or ran. These watches are also used to upload maps that will help one chart a fitness course.
Here is some specific sampling of the different styles and types of handheld GPS units that can be found in the Garmin line:
GARMIN E TREX H
This GPS device looks similar to a cell phone. It is lightweight, weighing only 5.3 ounces (including the weight of the batteries). It uses 2 AA batteries. It has up to 15 run time hours. It has superb reception. It can even work in tree covered areas as well as canyon areas. It has support for 15 languages. It can store up to 500 waypoints, which includes names and symbols. It also can save up to 20 routes with up to 125 waypoints per route. It's track log can save up to 10 tracks at a time.
Price generally runs about $100
LOWRANCE IFINDER H20
As its name implies, this handheld is waterproof. It is also a mapping GPS that weights only 8.7 ounces. It has a 3" diagonal display, 240 X 180 high resolution screen. It also has a 12 channel WAAS antenna that gives it accurate readings. What makes it even more special is its built in highway detail and general outline of waterways, lakes and rivers (making it easier to read, understand and keeping its owners from getting lost). If you wish to enhance the basemap further, you can purchase a software upgrade such as MapCreate.
It's has a memory of 1,000 waypoints. It also save up to 100 plot trails, with up to 10,000 waypoints per trails. It has 42 different icons which is used to identify the difference between each waypoint.
It also has Zoom in and out abilities, audible alarms (great when you need help), and back track features for whenever it is necessary to retrace your steps.
It also has a cigarette adapter used for charging as well as the regular AC adapter.
Price generally runs for about $170.
GARMIN FORETREX 101
This GPS device is wearable. Just strap it onto your wrist and wear it as you would a watch.
It is lightweight, weighing only 2.6 ounces (batteries included). It is waterproof (no worrying about getting it wet while boating or possibly even while prespiring).
It runs off 2 AAA batteries and has an estimated run life of 15 hours.
It has an enhanced WAAS antenna which allows it to operate in even dense foliage areas.
It can show the user tracks and routes taken in reverse.
It has a easy to read display.
It can save up to 20 tracks with up to 10,00 total trackpoints.
It has a countdown ability which is great for sports enthusiasts. Yet, it has many features that mariners and even hikers may enjoy.
This is a muli purpose non-mapping GPS unit. It comes with a lanyard and a belt clip.
It runs off of 2 AA batteries with a 28 hour run life.
It weight 7.5 ounces (including battery weight).
It has a backlight and a 160 x 240 resolution display which will function in any light.
It has 12 channel WASS antenna.
It features a built in Marine point Database for residents in the US, plus world wide cities.
It has a 60 1MB memory. It can download information either through a USB or a serial port connection. It has fast download capabilities.
It's memory can hold up to 50 reversible routes that includes 10,000 trackpoints and 1,000 waypoints.
It also will tell its user the time for sunset and sunrise.
It has an alarm clock.
The estimated cost of this unit is around $160
You can buy these Garmin Units and many more like them online, at many sports stores, department stores or electronic stores. Again, you can only be the judge as to whether Garmin is the leading maker of GPS devices. Buy one today and see.
