GPS Systems and Reviews

Portable and Handheld Navigation: Before Buying Compare GPS Systems

When was the last time that you sat down and compared products before you bought them? I mean really compared them. When did you look at the pros and cons of multiple products, including prices, long-term benefits, features, and overall reliability? Many times we get used to following the crowd when purchasing products, especially electronic gadgets. We go with what is most popular on the market; the one about which the salesperson says “Everyone is getting this.” Yet we don’t spend a lot of time determining which features are best for our personal preferences. When purchasing a product, especially a navigation system, you want to make sure you get what you need. So for this article, we will remember this motto: Before buying, compare GPS systems, so that you undoubtedly find the best unit for you.

Which to Use for Comparing

So you’re at the point where you’re ready to get out there and beginning comparing devices. But before we get into which products they are, let’s look at the difference between the two types of navigation devices highlighted in this article: portable and handheld. 

Portable vs. Handheld

Remember our motto? Before buying, compare GPS systems. So before we go into which units have better reputations, let’s look at the difference between the portable and handheld device.

Portable – A portable navigation system is typically categorized as one that you can carry in your hand. However, they are also typically categorized as those that sit in your automobile while driving. They are usually mounted to the dashboard so that you can easily view your directions. And are usually not carried around outdoors – however, they can be. The reason that they have adopted the name portable over the years is because their counterpart, the in-dash system, is one that cannot be moved out of your car once installed. The portable system can be moved from car to car, making it mobile, therefore it is considered portable.

Handheld – The handheld device can often be confused with a portable one, in that it is, well, portable. However, the units placed in this category are actually used outdoors, and usually come with more durable casing. Where the portable system offers preloaded highway and street maps of the United States and sometimes beyond, the handheld version may go even further to offer maps of hiking trails, valleys, rivers, lakes, parks, and more. See why we say before buying, compare GPS systems? By knowing the difference in something this subtle, you can actually come closer to getting what you want in a device.

Products on the Market

Now it’s time to put our motto, before buying, compare GPS systems, to use. Below is a short list of units on the market that fall under the portable and handheld categories. By comparing their features, hopefully you’ll be able to figure out what you’re looking for in a navigation product.

Garmin Nuvi 660 – This portable navigation system tops most lists as a great unit to purchase. It costs around $650 and offers tons of features, including 2D and 3D preloaded maps of the United States, turn-by-turn voice navigation, Bluetooth capabilities, MP3 player, FM transmitter, and photo viewing options.

TomTom One – Falling into a much lower price range ($200), the TomTom One is a portable device with fewer features, but it still offers a reliable experience. Its primary features include a user-friendly touchscreen, clear color maps, and turn-by-turn voice navigation. If you’re looking for the extras then you’ll want to direct you’re attention back to the Nuvi 660.

Garmin eTrex Camo – This handheld unit is great for those who love hunting and fishing. It offers a trip computer that indicates distance and speed of on-foot travel, sunrise and sunset times, retraceable path functions, Autolocate, and the ability to store up to 500 waypoints.

Magellan SportTrack – This handheld unit is also good for hunting and fishing. You can get good use out of it if you are a hiker, boater, or biker. It offers nine large graphic navigation displays, and can determine your coordinates within 3 meters. In general, it is a little more versatile than the Camo – something you definitely should keep in mind when deciding whether to buy. See why we say, before buying, compare GPS systems?

So now that you’ve done some leg work in your system search, how do you feel? There are definite benefits to the motto: Before Buying, Compare GPS Systems. So before you purchase your first (or next) unit, keep on searching. And always remember, before buying, compare GPS systems.

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