Tips on Purchasing Your 1st GPS Unit
by:
Adrienne MacDonald
An introduction to GPS technology, the various types of GPS systems on the market, and tips on choosing a unit that is right for you.
Anyone that enjoys the great outdoors has probably detected
of GPS devices. They can move in handy once
you are hiking, boating, biking, or doing simply just about thing
else in the great outdoors. Twenty years ago, you had to trust 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 trust on air signals, you must have a GPS receiver and a clean view of the sky for them to work. Once
your device is turned on it is really linking up with 27 orbital satellites in place about the planet. Four of the nearest satellites are placed and the distance from them to you is calculated via the hand control device. The process is called trilateration. Based on that, the GPS device can determine wherever
you are on the planet. Pretty neat huh?
When you look at the some 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 once
you are shopping.
- Research the name brand. Although 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 big-ticket GPS device out there. The cheapest may not meet your expectations and the most big-ticket one probably has too more extra stuff you wish ne'er
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 nice range. You can besides try to look at auction sites like Ebay.com to find a nice deal. If you are lucky enough to find one that is used, do sure to test it out 1st to do sure that it works properly.
Deciding to buy a GPS system is a personal one, so do sure that you understand the ins and outs of the technology. If you do a variety of some activities a nice basic, waterproof model wish 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 some brands out there. An online opinion site like epinions.com is besides a great place for honest answers.
About The Author
Adrienne MacDonald is a freelance author and conducive writer to http://www.gpsresource.info – site that provides free information on worldwide positioning systems.
This article was announce on August 14, 2005
