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