The first, and probably the most important, thing to consider when purchasing a handheld GPS unit is the sensitivity of the receiver. The choices are low- and high-sensitivity. If you are a casual user who does not care about the exact coordinates but only about the general area, then save a little cash and go low-sensitivity.
Personally, the high-sensitivity is a MUST. It allows you to get within +/- 4 feet of an exact coordinate, depending on cloud cover, tree cover, etc. The high-sensitivity may cost just a little more and it is well worth it.
Another thing to consider about GPS units seems like pure vanity, but the screen’s color can be very important. Most GPS units are either green tinted or multi-colored. The green screen is fine if you are looking to use the GPS for rugged activities or you do not care about appearances. The green screens also use less battery power to backlight it in darkness or shadows. On the other hand, multi-colored screens use more battery power to be seen, but the appearance is far better. Many colors also enable you to use color coded waypoints, which helps you distinguish between several different waypoints, or markers, within the same area on you GPS’ map.
A third thing to take into account before buying a GPS unit is if maps or mapping software is included with your purchase. If your unit does not have road maps, topographical maps, etc., then you will have to spend more money on them later on if you desire to have them on your GPS (a must for me). Some GPS unit boxes will not tell anything about the map software on them, and this can fool many novice buyers into purchasing the GPS and feeling let down when they turn it on.
Most GPS units come with very basic maps on interstates and major highways. If you are using the GPS for hiking, hunting, fishing, or another other activity in forests or wilderness, topographical maps should be a must. If you are using the GPS for navigation or geocaching, more in-depth road maps should be considered.
I personally recommend the Garmin eTrex Venture HC (or any from this series). They contain base maps, but come with software that can help manage other in-depth maps that you can purchase separately.
