GPS Systems and Reviews

Marine gps systems

Tips for choosing marine gps systems

Marine gps systems

If you are on the water a lot, you should consider investing in a good marine gps system.  It doesn’t matter if you are an accomplished boater or not.  Things happen.  Tragedies can strike.  If nothing else, it is easy to lose your way, even on the water.

A marine gps system, may help you find your way, may help you save time and may even help you find those fish that are getting harder and harder to catch (if it also includes a built in fish finder or if it is working with a fish finder). 

Have you ever thought about the wonderful capabilities that a Marine gps system has?  Have you ever thought about how it could enrich your boating experience?  Maybe now is the time to think about some of the wonderful and exciting technology advances that have been made in marine GPs systems over the last few years.

Here is a sampling of the some of the capabilities many of these systems now have:

Excellent waterproofing (you never know when a wave will throw water into the boat and onto the Gps system)
A display unit that is still visible on your sunniest of days
Buttons that is easy to use, even if you are wearing gloves
Specific information that pertains to sea beds, navigable channels and other maritime data needed for easier guidance of a marine vessel
Fish finders that are so expert that they can predict their movement the next day
Co-operative fishing functions so one boat can rely messages to another boat
Comes in both portable and mountable models.  Some models can even work for other functions as well, such as hiking

As with any gps system, marine gps system comes with a variety of capabilities and at a variety of price levels, depending on which model you choose.   What factors should you consider before shopping for you next or first marine gps system?

Tip number one:

Do a budget and consider how much you can spend.  If your budget can’t afford the model you want, you may even have to devise a plan on how to save or how to get some cash, before you go shopping.

Tip number two:

Decide which capabilities you must have.  If you scrimp on the capabilities you need or want the most, you won’t ever be satisfied with your purchase. 

Tip number three:

Think about some of the extras you would like to have, if your budget will allow.

Tip number four:

Do your research before purchasing. 

If you know other people who own gps marine systems ask their opinions on models and brands. 
Read some reviews and look at some of the ratings.

Tip number five:

Shop when you have the time to actually listen to the sales pitch or read all the fine print.  This is important whether you are shopping online or at a retail store.  You must understand things such as:  return polices warranties and exclusions.

Now that you know a little bit about how to purchase a marine gps system here is a few choices you may want to consider when it comes time for you to go shopping.

Garmin GPS 72

This is gps system will work for your land and marine navigational needs
It is a handheld model
It is durable
It is waterproof and unsinkable
It has a built in antenna
It has a backlit display and keyboard
It can store 500 way points and 50 reversible routes

Average price is $131

Garmin GPSAp 440

This is a mountable GPS system
It has a 4 inch display screen
The display screen is ultra bright
Has built in maps
Stores up to 1500 way points and 20 routes
Has sun and moon information
Has built in audible alarms
Has a built in antenna

Average price is $500 to $600

Lowrance LMS 525C DF GPS Combo

This is a mountable GPS system and a fish finder
It has mapping capabilities
It has an external antenna
Works in salt water
Can keep track of Temperature, speed and distance
Works with both satellite radio and radar waves
Has a 5 inch display screen

Average price is between $600 and $700

Of course, there are many more models and brands you can choose when shopping for a gps marine system.  You can find systems with many more capabilities at far greater prices, with the same basic capabilities within the same price range or less capabilities possibly at lower prices.  If you follow the above tips, you are sure to find one that fits your needs and wants perfectly.  Just remember to shop around and to take your time.  If you do that, you are more likely to purchase a gps marine system that you will enjoy.

 

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Choosing personal GPS systems

Tips on choosing personal GPS systems

Choosing personal GPS systems
If you are on the market for a personal GPS system, you are probably wondering if there are any tips that can help make your purchase choice easier and more budgets friendly.  Of course, there are tips.  But it may take a little work and a lot of thinking on your part.

Tip number one

Know what you can spend.  This means you should know exactly what you can spend that will not hurt your monthly or weekly budget goals.  Yes, this may mean that you have to sit down with pen and paper and do the math.  If you decide to purchase your new personal GPS system with your credit card (and yes there can be advantages to this.  Some credit cards will offer you extended warranties on things you buy, etc) make sure you are able to actually afford it.

Tip number two

Actually know what type of GPS system you want. 

Do you want or need a personal GPS system that will work in your automobile to help you navigate your way?

Automobile GPS systems are great for finding exact addresses. 

They also come with many wonderful options.  Plus, they can either be dash mountable for a fixed position or be bought in a portable style so the user can move it from vehicle to vehicle.

Do you want a personal GPS system to help you with some of your sporting activities?  A personal GPS system is perfect for routing your jogging or hiking trails, for back tracking your courses, for measuring your speeds and distance.  Plus, they can help you find your way back to your course if you are to ever stray from it.

Tip number three

Understand the capabilities that you need and then make sure you purchase a system that comes with at least the basic of these.

If you scrimp on the capabilities that you think you need or know you need just to save money now, you won’t be happy with the system.  This means you have failed in purchasing the best system for your money or budget.

For this reason, it is also essential that you ask what each system can do and if you don’t understand something ask for further explanations.

Tip number four

Do your homework.   This means do some research on the different brands, models, types and styles of personal GPS systems that are on the market today.  As you are researching, think about which ones would fit your needs.  Does one style or model stand out above the rest?  If it does, this may be the one that is suited for your tastes and needs.

While you are doing your homework, read the reviews and the ratings systems of many of the different models and brands.  Remember that the basic things you want to know about each brand and model is:  Accuracy, price, ease of use, capabilities and then possible the extra added features.  By knowing what others feels about these factors you may want to change your first opinion of which gps system to buy and go with another choice.

Tip number five

Remember weight and style is also factors.  If you are going to be using personal GPS systems that are a portable or a hand held model, you need one that is light weight and that is easy for you to carry.  This is even a greater factor if you plan on using it during sporting activities.

Style can be a factor if you are one who worries about how things looks and blends.  If you want a system that comes in colors besides the basic black, your search may be a little harder, but well worth it to you.

Tip number six

Are there extra features that you have to have?   Yes, this can go along with tip number three under those capabilities.   But beware extra features such as Mp3 players, video players, etc, may cost you more in the long one.  Yet, if you just cannot stand to go running without your Mp3 player, it may be worth extra money to invest in a Gps system that has this addition so you do not have to mess with yet another device.

Tip number seven

Know when your local retail stores and online stores have sales.  This may mean signing up for newsletters, buying more local papers or just talking with sales people. 

The advantage?  You could save money on the brand you want to purchase.

If any of the sales staff are extra friendly, you could even ask if that certain brand you like is going to be on sale any time soon.
By following some of the above tips, you are more likely to find a quality gps system that will not only meet your needs, but one that you will actually enjoy owning.

 

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