Handheld GPS

Welcome to handheld-gps-world.com where you can find information and the best prices on the internet on the top GPS units. We feature top merchants who offer deep discounts that can only be found online.

GPS (global positioning system) refers to the network of satellites that orbit the earth and provide signals that can be used to pinpoint a specific location on earth. A GPS unit basically gathers the signals from multiple satellites and processes them to calculate its position. The data is then relayed to the user in latitude and longitude format which is the universal method of mapping the globe in a grid system.

The applications of GPS and related technologies have grown tremendously over the past couple of decades. What started as a mostly military and aeronautical application is now commonly used by everyday people in a host of different applications. For example, did you know that your cell phone could not function without the global positioning satellites that synchronize the various wireless networks? Boaters have come to rely on the handheld marine GPS.

The most familiar use of GPS technology in modern life is, by far, the ubiquitous use of navigation systems in cars. Soon maps will become completely obsolete if they have not already. These systems generally are available in two forms, units that are built into new cars and handheld GPS units. The handheld versions usually are equipped with a mounting system so that they can be easily used in cars that do not have such systems built in, there's even a whole category of motorcycle GPS. Modern units made by Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan range from basic units with on screen maps to more advanced models with tons of features for added convenience like voice activation and turn by turn directions.

Lowrance handheld GPS units are also used by recreational boaters as well as hikers. No need for campers and outdoorsmen to learn how to use a compass any longer. And, there is no place on earth too remote for GPS positioning capability. The technology covers the entire globe. It doesn't matter if you are in the middle of Yosemite National Park, the Sahara Desert, or London, England - GPS works everywhere.

Garmin Oregon 400

If you are looking for a high end, feature rich, professional grade handheld GPS receiver then the Garmin Oregon 400t is a great choice. This is the ultimate unit for camping, hiking and boating. It has an intuitive graphical touch-screen interface that makes the 400t easy to use for beginners yet powerful enough for advanced users. It also features 3-D map viewing, wireless data transfer and paperless geocaching.

DeLorme PN-40

A less expensive, yet capable alternative to the pricey Garmin Oregon is the DeLorme PN-40 handheld GPS device. The most glaring difference between the two devices is the lack of a touch screen on the DeLorme. Beyond that one major difference, the DeLorme PN-40 has similarly powerful features and mapping capabilities. The LCD screen is bright and easy to read in all lighting conditions, and the high-sensitivity SiRFstar III signal processor provides pinpoint accuracy. The main complaint is that the sophisticated PN-40 requires a steep learning curve, and there are no innovative touch-screen controls to help novice users learn how to use the device's many features.