If you travel a lot using several different modes of transportation then you probably are looking for a handheld GPS to help you find your way. Locating a source of discount handheld GPS units can be a problem. Being just a little bit bigger than a standard cell phone, handheld GPS receivers offer the ability to navigate to any location on earth. When not in use you can put in its holster ready for the next use.

A quality handheld GPS unit can range from less than $100 to as high as $2,000. A good quality unit with the best features will cost you about $500.00.

Manufactures that commonly offer handheld GPS systems include Cobra, Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance and Bushnell. Lowrance offers the best prices for handheld GPS systems that contain monochrome coloring. Their cheapest model is only $63.99, however we do not recommend buying a gray scale or black and white display.

Unfortunately, Lowrance is not the best choice when it comes to colorized GPS handhelds, as their prices, (which can be over $1,000) are almost expensive as more well-known Garmin or Magellan brands. For colorized handheld GPS, it is best to go with Cobra, (with their cheapest colorized unit costing only $922) and Bushnell, (whose cheapest colorized unit costs only $500). Bushnell is a new manufacture of GPS. However they offer unique GPS aerial photo mapping and weather tracking features.

Where can one buy a handheld GPS systems at a discount price?

http://Amazon.com is one place that offers dozens of discounts on various brands of handheld GPS systems. Some of their handheld GPS systems are offered at a reduction rate as high as 41%. Others are discounted through special rebates. If this is not enough of a discount, one can try an online auction site. Since sellers on most auction sites are not professional vendors like Amazon. Usually they are just selling their used personal units allowing them to offer more in terms of price negotiation. It is not uncommon to buy discount handheld GPS systems at hundreds even thousands below retail price when purchasing from online auction sites.

Manufactures that market a large number discount handheld GPS receivers are: Cobra, Lowrance and Bushnell. These and other brands can be purchased from sites like http://Amazon.com or online auctions. Doing your homework and searching carefully you should not have any excuse for buying an overpriced handheld GPS system. Initially it might seem nice to get the most expensive, most popular brand-name handheld GPS available. However,if you can get all the features they need from a discount GPS system.

The bottom line is that discount handheld GPS systems will function in the manner and have most of the same features as any retail priced handheld GPS receiver. A good handheld GPS receiver is a great travel necessity that will open the whole world to you, don’t leave home without it.

The first step to choosing a unit is looking at all of the different categories that are available. The six basic categories of units are automotive, handheld, PDA, laptop, aviation and marine. The most important thing you need to do is decide which one you need based on where and when you are going to use it.

Basic handheld GPS units are generally less expensive and can even be as low as one hundred dollars. They are just as accurate as the more expensive handheld units, but they do not have as many specialized features. Most basic handheld GPS units have or can display your location, usually in the format of your choice, a compass heading, the elevation above sea level, the accurate time, typically in both twelve and twenty four hour formats, satellite location and signal strength, the ability to calculate the distance traveled, the ability to record your path as a set of waypoints, the ability to navigate routes, and the ability to retrace your steps. The main thing you will find in the most advanced handheld GPS units that you will not find with a basic one is the mapping capabilities.

Handheld units are great because they can vary so much in size, which makes them very easy to customize them for whatever your needs may be. Some of the smallest ones are as tiny as a basic cell phone and this can make them very easy to travel with you, whether you are walking around a new town or camping on a backpacking trip. Also, handheld GPS units are completely self contained, which means that there are no external attachments. However there are some exceptions like the ones that have receivers that run on external power, like from a car. Also, some units have are built with a jack for an optional external antennae and other units can be connected to a laptop or a PDA for expanded uses.

There is another group of units known as handheld mapping GPS receivers. These units display maps that are pre loaded onto the device, but have been uploaded from a PC. These units are typically larger than the ones that do not have mapping capabilities, but they are still fairly inexpensive. Regardless of which one of the handheld GPS units you choose, you will be happy that you got one, especially the first time you find yourself lost in the woods.

Amazon.com
An essential for any outdoor excursion, the Garmin eTrex Venture HC helps you navigate through the toughest terrain. The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, which locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear: whether you’re traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Venture HC to help you find your (more…)