The Latest GPS Units - What Should Outdoor Enthusiasts Be Looking For?

The Latest GPS Units - What Should Outdoor Enthusiasts Be Looking For

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The GPS unit industry has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. Developments in digital navigation technology now mean that it is possible for companies such as SatMap, Memory-Map and Garmin to provide their customers with so much more than simply a device to prevent walkers losing their way. A whole outdoors experience is now available with features from data-sharing communities to wireless transfer for geocachers. As the market becomes ever busier with units, we give a helping hand to outdoors enthusiasts everywhere to help them choose the right unit for them. What needs to be taken into account when choosing a GPS unit?

Externally:

Size of screen. The larger the screen the more map will be visible. Don't forget to check if it's easily viewed in bright sunlight.

Touch screen with/without stylus and/or controls. Touch screens should respond quickly to touch, but not too easily, and a stylus should be easily held with gloves on and also attached to the unit somehow to prevent it going astray. Controls such as buttons or joysticks should also be easy to use with gloves on.

Casing. Many units come with a rubber casing to make them waterproof and shockproof, though of course great care should still be taken, this does not make them immortal!

Compact and lightweight. Compare units for weight and size. As any outdoor enthusiast knows, shaving ounces off here and there makes a huge difference.

SD slot for uploading extra maps and functions such as driving navigation.

Internally:

Battery. The GPS unit should have a powerful battery to provide enough power for long trips, about 20 hours is a good stretch. Spare batteries are included with some units, while for others it may be a good idea to check out means of charging the battery for very long expeditions.

Memory. How much can it store? There needs to be room to store routes, waypoints, tracks and to upload extra maps.

Antenna and internal compass. This is the most important feature of the unit. The antenna should be highly sensitive for pinpointing exact locations and maintaining locations even in deep valleys or under heavy cover. Extra features such as an internal compass are a bonus.

For geocachers, a unit that transfers wirelessly between compatible units will save time on manually inputting information and will also help save the environment.

The Garmin GPSMAP 62sis one unit that we think incorporates all these features and more. Not only is it light and compact with a large screen and controls that can be operated with gloves on, it also has a powerful battery and large memory. It's quad helix antenna with WAAS/EGNOS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix prediction coupled with 3-axis tilt compass will accurately identify location and maintain it. The 62s has a worldwide built-in base map with shaded relief and Bird's Eye Satellite Imagery for amazingly clear, high resolution images of terrain.Choosing Garmin also initiates the user into a free online data-sharing community, Garmin Connect, where photos can be downloaded and uploaded and experiences shared. If we had to choose a reliable unit to take with us on expedition, the Garmin GPSMAP 62s would get our vote.

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