GPS Systems and Reviews

GPS Systems Information

Best Buy

Why a Handheld GPS Unit Maybe Your Best Buy

It seems these days GPS systems come in all sizes, prices, and designs. You can get them for a vehicle or your wrist and even to hold in your hand. The real question though, which is really best for you. We have looked at all three different types and we have come up with why the handheld is really your best option. Read further to find out why the handheld GPS system is the way to go.

Handheld GPS systems are very popular these days and in my opinion probably, your best buy right now. Let us look a little closer and see why that is. First most handhelds are so portable that you can toss them in your pocket, purse, or even briefcase. These are much tougher to steal as you can hide them where a car unit that is mounted many ties cannot be.

Do you love to hike? Ride a bike? Or even go fishing? Than the handheld is the model for you. Most handheld GPS systems now can be used for a variety of different applications. This means no matter where you are or what you want to do just toss it in your pocket and you are ready to go. Other portable units do not let you do that.

Handheld portable GPS systems are fast becoming the units of choice. There use to be a time when the screens on these models were small and ugly looking, but that has really changed. The Screen resolutions are much better and many models have introduced color, which have been big selling points for these units, but it does not stop there. Map selection in many of these models also has improved and you can almost get any map you want. This means no matter if you’re traveling on the highway or deep into the mountains, you can access the map that you need.

Other big changes that have come to the handheld GPS unit are the SD memory card slot. This means you will be able to add more things to the unit as well. You can actually change memory cards and have certain data on each one. This means you no longer have to worry about searching all the time or running out of room on a certain memory card. Battery life is something else that a handheld has a big advantage over. Most portable units have a real short battery life while these units have a much longer time. This is very important as you need them to last a long time especially if you’re away from home or have no way to charge your battery.

 Many of the newer handhelds also now use replaceable AAA or AA batteries so you can carry extra ones with you and never have to worry about your unit going dead. Prices are another area that has really seen a drop recently. When handhelds first came out they were on the expensive end, but that has change and they are much cheaper than ever before. I think that has a lot to do with the popularity of handheld GPS systems these days.

As you can see, handhelds have really changed since you first looked at them. They are much cheaper than when they first came out. You get many more extras than you can imagine. Battery life is also much longer so you can spend even more time wherever you are at. Lighted display even lets you do things at night without any worries about ever getting lost.  Toss in SD memory cards and you can see why the handheld GPS system probably is the best deal for your money.

It is true that portable GPS systems have bigger screens and maybe able to do some really nice things, but short battery life really makes these not practical for long time use outdoors. This is why more people are turning to handheld units than ever before. The ability of these to do so many things make them very enticing for people and that is why sales are really taking off for these types of models.

Overall, if you want the best product for your dollar than probably the handheld is the way to go. You get so much for your money they are really hard to beat these days. As more features are added to them, they will just become even more popular. Grab yours today and you will see why people love the portable electronic powerhouses.

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Find the Best Portable GPS Systems Here

If you’ve been going from store to store trying to find the best portable GPS systems on the market but haven’t had much luck deciphering one from the other, then take a moment to read this article. We will look at which devices have been determined by top reviewers and experts to be the best on the market. That way, when you go back to purchase one, you will already have in mind which will be the best for you – and not have to depend on that salesperson who just wants to get points for the most expensive sale.

About Portable Units

Before you try to find the best portable GPS systems available, it is important that you understand the difference between the portable units and the built-in units. Built-in GPS units are typically those that are found already built into the dashboard of your car. Then there are other devices meant to be used exclusively in your car that are not built-in from the dealership, but are installed later. Both of these types of units are different from those that are portable.

Portable units can also be meant only for the car; however some can also be handheld and meant to take your through areas off of the road, making the portable version more versatile on the whole.

Devices by Price

Now we are ready to help you determine which are the best portable GPS systems on the market for you. There are more and more varieties being produced everyday, but there are a few that are always reliable and trustworthy. We will look at some in three key price ranges: expensive, moderately priced, and cheap.

Expensive

Expensive units (average $600 and up) are often among the devices on the market because of their high quality and multitude of features, however, they probably won’t make the “best buy” list, so keep this in mind when considering one of these pricey, but reputable brands:

Garmin Nuvi 660 – If you’ve been doing your research on devices, then you’ve heard of Garmin. This company is the superstar of positioning systems because it always puts out great, reliable products. In particular, their Nuvi 660, while not skimping on the price, is considered one of the systems available because of its mapping and navigation options, Bluetooth capabilities, voice automation, easy-to-use interface, MP3 player, FM transmitter, and photo viewing options. Its cost is right at $700, but you are guaranteed great quality and accuracy for the price.

Moderately-Priced Devices

My opinion is that the majority of the best portable GPS systems on the market fall into this category. Many companies are creating units that are reasonable in price and pretty heavy on the features. Let’s look at one that is highly rated and affordable.

TomTom GO 720 – Like Garmin, TomTom has a reputable name in the industry because they put out devices that tend to be very accurate. In particular, the 720 is considered a great buy at $450. At this price level, you get a straight mapping system, which has map updates, reroutes, POI directories, a safety option that allows you to seek help without the use of a cell phone, and a USB docking cradle to name a few. 

Cheap

Cheap devices on the market tend to fall below $300. But just because they are inexpensive doesn’t mean they can’t be among the best portable GPS systems. Below is a brand that might be perfect for the price and features.

TomTom One – Priced at about $200, this device is known as the best budget device available. One reason is because it simply does its job with great accuracy – mapping directions for customers. It has a user-friendly touchscreen and clear, color maps – nothing more. So if you want the MP3 player, games and other features, this isn’t for you. But if this is all you need in a system, save your money and get just what you need.

The easiest way to learn which are the best portable GPS systems on the market is by doing plenty of research on not just what companies offer great products, but which devices actually have the functions and features you’re looking for. Everybody wants something different, so you can’t assume that what is best for the reviewer is best for you. The main goal to keep at the forefront is to find high quality products at great prices and with every feature you need. By looking at my list of the best portable GPS systems, there’s a good chance that you’ve found all of that. But don’t stop here; keep looking until you know for sure you’ve found the best one for you!

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