Title: Tips On Buying Your First GPS Unit
Author: Adrienne MacDonald
Article:
Anyone that enjoys the great outdoors has probably heard of GPS
devices. They can come in handy when you are hiking, boating,
biking, or doing just about anything else in the great outdoors.
Twenty years ago, you had to rely on a compass the position of
the sun and stars and your own common sense. Not anymore! Now
you can have a handy little device that can pinpoint your exact
location at any given time of day.
If you are in the market for a GPS device, it is important that
you understand how it works. Since the GPS devices rely on air
signals, you must have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the
sky for them to work. When your device is turned on it is
actually linking up with 27 orbital satellites in place around
the planet. Four of the nearest satellites are located and the
distance from them to you is calculated via the hand held
device. The process is called trilateration. Based on that, the
GPS device can determine where you are on the planet. Pretty
neat huh?
When you look at the different types of GPS devices out there,
you may wonder which one is right for you. Prices can range from
$100- 5000 dollars, so it is important to do your homework. Find
out what features each device has, and determine whether you
need them or not. The following is a list of tips to get you
started when you are shopping.
- Research the name brand. Though GPS technology is fairly new,
the manufacturer should have a long track record of creating
quality electronics.
- Don't buy the cheapest or the most expensive GPS device out
there. The cheapest may not meet your expectations and the most
expensive one probably has too much extra stuff you will never
use.
- Look for a large display, lighted if you are going to be
traveling at night.
- If you plan on traveling by foot look for a model that is
lightweight, and water resistant.
Once you decide on a model that you are interested in, head over
to your local sports supply store. Get prices on the model above
and below it for a good range. You can also try to look at
auction sites like Ebay.com to find a good deal. If you are
lucky enough to find one that is used, make sure to test it out
first to make sure that it works properly.
Deciding to buy a GPS system is a personal one, so make sure
that you understand the ins and outs of the technology. If you
do a variety of different activities a good basic, waterproof
model will do the trick. If you have friends or family members
that own a GPS system, ask them if they are happy with their
purchase. That way you can get an honest opinion on the
different brands out there. An online opinion site like
epinions.com is also a great place for honest answers.
About the author:
Adrienne MacDonald is a freelance author and contributing writer
to http://www.gpsresource.info - site that provides free
information on global positioning systems.
