Each one is having its own specific positive points. Easy to use handheld GPS sets provide crystal clear Quality of the Image on a wide screen, which has a full color display of the Maps and relevant Data. Furthermore the sets are Waterproof! The Models include a 2MP Camera, LED Flashlight, Voice recorder, and with SD card compatibility to allow you to capture pictures and sound as you travel. With a 3-axis compass, and a built in barometer it is a Navigators dream! The choice of Maps is exceptional. You have a wide array of maps including Outdoor and Recreational Maps, Street Maps- which give you a turn-by-turn guidance with a refined point of interest mapping system, which allows you to mark vantage points such as Fuel, Cash, Food, Lodging, etc to make your traveling pleasure enhanced. Marine maps-, which is, not only maps but also gives you every bit of guidance about Tides, currents, Winds, and any navigational assistance you require on your sojourn in the seas.

All this with availability for updates as and when it is required. Special software such as Mapsend Lite, MapSend Manager, and VantagePointä are Downloadable. The set is designed for precision navigation using the state of art technology, and software for fastest GPS positioning acquisition in its class. The high resolution and high range system allows for GPS positioning and tracking and mapping even in cloudy weather, and while traveling through deep canyons and between mountains. The Pictures and Sounds you have captured can be shared with your friends after downloading on your PC and uploading on the web. The set comes along with an AC Power Adaptor, which has a built-in USB converter, and also a Power saver Mode. Additional accessories such a bicycle mounts, USB cables, Carrying pouch, External Antenna, Swivel Mounts for certain Models all make up the Magellan Triton Handheld GPS system a welcome choice for buyers.

Features

The Garmin Forerunner 305 takes your training to a new level. It has a robust GPS antenna that holds the satellite signal in most any environment. It includes a heart rate monitor and good battery life. The power is in the workouts. Some of the features include comparing your pace and heart rate to previous runs. Using the optional FootPod to transmit distance and pace. It has three main data screens. Each workout is stored for further review.The Garmin Training Center software is a great resource to analyze and optimize your performance. They also include workout functionality with MotionBased.com and TrainingPeaks.com.

Screenshots

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: yes
• Bike speed/cadence sensor: yes (some versions)
• Foot pod: yes (optional)
• Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): no
• Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): yes (coming soon)
• Garmin Training Center® software compatible: yes
• Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): yes
• Courses (compete against previous workouts): yes
• Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): yes
• Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): yes
• Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): yes
• Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): yes
• Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): yes
• Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals):
  yes
• Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): yes
• Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): yes
• Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): yes
• Customizable screen(s): yes
• Barometric altimeter: no
• Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): no
• Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+Sport™-enabled power meters): no
• Sport watch: no

Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Athletic Training System Need an ultracompact GPS personal training aid, down to the size of a wristwatch? Tired of the clunky old systems without decent software? Sick of losing GPS reception in the city? Do you just wish you had a softer heart rate monitor strap? Check out the new Garmin Forerunner 305. With an ult

Garmin Foot Pod Indoor System for Forerunner 305 CLOSEOUT SPECIAL Take it inside!Now you can train indoors with your Forerunner 305 and still track your distance, pace and calories burned. The wireless Foot Pod attaches to your running shoe (threads through the laces for a secure fit) and transmits your distance and pace to the Forerunner. Use the Foot Pod on an i

Features

The Forerunner 405 monitors your time, distance, pace calories, and route continuously. Every workout is stored for analysis. The Garmin Training Center software will help analyze your workout. The watch is wireless and will download the data to your PC. It allows sharing wirelessly as well. It is available with or without a heart rate monitor. The serious trainer will demand the heart rate monitor feature. The signal strength is strong for any off road training. If you attach a foot pod or bike sensor it will track speed and distance cadence.

Garmin Watch Specs

• Weight 2.11 oz
• Battery rechargeable lithium-on
• Battery Life 2 weeks in power save and 8 hours in training

Maps

• Basemap No
• Waypoints 100

Other Features of Garmin Forerunner Watch

• Heart rate monitor: yes (some versions)
• Bike speed/cadence sensor: yes (optional)
• Foot pod: yes (optional)
• Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): yes
• Garmin Connect™ compatible: yes
• Garmin Training Center® software compatible: yes
• Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): yes
• Courses (compete against previous workouts): yes
• Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): yes
• Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): yes
• Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): yes
• Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): no
• Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): yes
• Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals): yes
• Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): yes (for advanced workouts only)
• Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): yes (for advanced workouts only)
• Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): yes
• Customizable screen(s): yes
• Barometric altimeter: no
• Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): yes
• Sport watch: yes

Screenshot of the Garmin Training Center Software

Caches Vary in Categories

1. The Cache can be a basic waypoint with a small container
2. Multi-caches involve multiple waypoints and add to the fun
3. Puzzle caches require some thinking to find the destination
4. Virtual caches have no container but usually take you to a destination that requires you to obtain some information

How to get started

1. Purchase a handheld GPS device. Check out our recommendations to fit your budget. A family gift of the Garmin eTrex Legend Series is a good start.
2. Create an account with one of the Geocaching sites online. It is free to begin
3. Search by your zipcode for the nearest cache
4. Create a waypoint with the cache coordinates
5. Bring an item to exchange. It has to be small and worth exchanging. Later on you can buy geocaching coins.
6. Navigate with your GPS to the cache
7. Look for the cache at the destination
8. Find the logbook and record your name,date, and what you traded.
9. Close the cache. Place exactly as you found it
10. Record the find on your Geocaching account on your computer
11. Enjoy the great outdoors on your new family outing

Starter Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex H

It is a simple screen and a very low cost. It is less than $100

Features

1. Monochrome screen
2. Compass and basic maps with waypoints

Intermediate Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

A step up and well worth the extra money of around $200

Features

1. Color screen. It really is worth it. Trust me
2. Expandable memory
3. Good satellite coverage
4. Simple navigation

High End Handheld GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

For the serious hiker or geocaching fan

Features

1. Large color screen
2. Altimeter and electronic compass
3. Great memory
4. Can be used as an Auto GPS

Check out our Store for Great Deals and search for any brand. We deal directly with the best GPS online stores for your security and great values.

Some points to consider before you purchase a handheld GPS unit

1. Make sure it has at least a 12 channel parallel receiver system
2. Check the comfort in size and weight for your practical use
3. Maximum waypoint inputs preferably over 500
4. At least 20 route memory capacity
5. Waterproof is worth the extra charge
6. Screen size and mapping features

The Best Features

• The cold acquisition times of this GPS is forty five seconds while the warm acquisition time is 15 seconds or less. Compare this to its comparable counterparts and it is easily identifiable as money well spent.
• The GPS receiver is 12 channels and the device has an accuracy rating of position 15 m, velocity .05 meters per second. The update speed of this device is 1 second.
• The system has a USB serial connection which allows for the user to simply plug the system into their home PC and update the devise.

Bonus Features

• This GPS features numerous functions to including the speed you are traveling, the heading you are traveling in, the distance to the new position, and altimeter, elevation reading to let you know your altitude above or below sea level you are at.
• The special features this devise includes a digital alarm clock, games, a calendar, barometer, custom POI’s, preinstalled POI’s.
• The device allows the user to attach an external antenna connection (not included with the purchase) The 60CSx has megabytes of built in memory to all the storage of numerous mapped locations and way points.
• There is a sixty four megabyte removable SD card slot (SD card not included). The software associated with this GPS is Map Source, Blue Chart, City Select, and US topo.
• The navigation system holds up to 1000 different way points that cover up to fifty different routes and stores over 10000 different tracking points. Each route stored can possess up to 250 way points. The devise is powered by AA batteries and will work approximately 18 hours without a recharge.

Accessories such as a belt clip, ;lanyard, strap and USB cable accompany the device

Overall Recommendation

This small compact GPS is a must have item for the average tracker, hiker and is a rugged devise which can withstand the harshest environments. A little costly but is worth every penny. Although there are numerous GPS devices on the market the Garmin proves itself to be above the rest when dealing with portable efficient devices.

Secondly, you are probably going to be using your handheld GPS unit outdoors, so you will want it to be water resistant. And the third item to consider, since the information is displayed on a screen, would be that you want the screen to have an efficient visibility for viewing in the glaring sunlight, as well as viewing at night, even with night time's obvious lack of lighting.

When looking at GPS handheld units to determine the quality and speed potential of the connection to satellites, look to see how long it takes for the maps to display. You can also research reviews. The personal experience of users will tip you off, or tell if the description on the box matches reality. Make sure you check the package information or in the booklet that comes with the unit for waterproof or water resistant features. Most of the units on the market are waterproof.

Questions To Consider

How large of a screen does the unit have? You need to be happy with the size of the screen for your unit. You may be fascinated with the tiny screen and how all those pixels can be so accurate in such a small place, or maybe a smaller unit works as well for a smaller price.

What if the unit you are looking at has a prestigious brand name label, yet a small screen display? Even though these can only vary so much in the size of the screen (none will be huge), even a quarter of an inch might make a difference in your comfort.

The next factor about the screen of a GPS unit, are that the screen lights up, which means the night viewing should be easy enough, but for the daylight hours you probably want to be certain the GPS boast of high color, this will help ascertain you great visibility. Checking the screen view, the waterproofness and the speed of receiving or displaying the satellite signals, will guide you into determining a good and sensible purchase.