What is a GPS handheld? GPS units are used for helping you find your way to where you need to go by figuring out where you are and then telling you how to get where you need to go. They store maps, among many other functions, and have an automotive and handheld application. They are an absolute necessity for any outdoor activity where you need to keep a close eye on where you are.

GPS: There are several satellites and 25 ground stations (who send up their signal to the satellites) that send out a signal to GPS receivers to tell the GPS receiver where it is. The handheld has an antenna that works off of this network.

Price: How much you spend in a handheld GPS is entirely up to you, obviously, but the features on a handheld are driven primarily by price. $150-$500 is the general price range for a GPS handheld. If you are trying to get a great unit and save money then look carefully at the features and if you don't need all those bells and whistles then don't get them and save the money accordingly.

Features: Do you really need that?: There are a variety of features like touchscreens, altimeters, and even heart rate meters but there are a few things you should be sure to look for and things that fortunately, won't break your bank either. A good unit should be GPS for the obvious reasons, the outdoors rains, and gets wet, a good unit should be able to stand up to some water, not full submerge but very close. Also, look for a unit that stores maps, routes and other items.

A note about antennae: The antenna is directly proportionate to how accurate the unit will be. If you are geo-caching then you will want something very accurate, if you are hiking, biking, or boating then have a meter of inaccuracy is ok because you don't need a location to exact inch. Look for a unit that receives at least 12 channels although most do much more because then you will be able to get a signal in dense vegetation and trees.

Other features: Also, you will want the unit to be fairly light as you have to carry this thing all over a unit that is heavier but does fewer things is not good, at the same time if you have more features but greater weight that can be negative on the longer hikes and such. You will also want 50 route memory so that if you hike the same area frequently you will not have to plot a new route every single time. Also don't forget a GPS that points to the next waypoint, it's very important, especially in the out-of-doors.

Some Suggestions: There are two models that stand out to me for consideration for your purchase of a GPS handheld unit. Manufactured by Garmin and DeLorme, the first one, by Garmin, is really the very, very best complete with all the bells and whistles you could want. Complete with touchscreen, wireless uplink, and much more it's the best and most expensive. The Garmin Oregon 400t comes at the pricey $450. DeLorme has the perfect unit for someone on a budget. At only $340 the PN-40 has an a difficult interface, but is very light, practical and waterproof.

Last Word: If you keep these tips and models in mind then you should be able to find the perfect handheld GPS unit for all your hiking, biking, boating, and outdoors needs. Remember, the requirements, look closely at those bells and whistles and enjoy the great outdoors knowing exactly (to the meter) where you are going!

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