GPS Buyer Guide

What is GPS?

GPS stand for Global Positioning System and is a navigational satellite system.  GPS devices communicate with a constellation of satellites managed by the US Air Force orbiting over the earth to establish the exact coordinates of the device via triangulation calculations.  GPS units can be accurate to within a few meters if they have high performance receivers.

Major Types of GPS

Automobile Portable

Portable GPS units are small enough to be carried between the house and the car or between different cars but not small enough to fit in a pant or shirt pocket.  They typically weigh about 10 Oz and are about 4" in width and several inches in both height and depth.  They range in price from $250 for a basic unit to over $500 for one full of the latest bells and whistles.  The biggest brand by far is Garmin which makes the StreetPilot Series of portable GPS units. (See Top Automobile Portable GPS Models)

Automobile Pocket

Pocket GPS units weigh around 5 Oz and are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and also a pant or shirt pocket.  They typically have a 3.5" screen size and cost more than the Portable types because of the small form factor.  They start at around $400 and can cost over $600 for a full featured unit.  The biggest brand by far is Garmin with the Nuvi series of GPS units. (See Top Automobile Pocket GPS Models)

Automobile In Dash

An automobile In Dash unit is built into the dash of the car and so it is not portable.  More and more new cars offer In Dash GPS as an option but they are usually expensive for what you get in terms of functionality.  The advantage is that they are integrated into the dash instead of mounted on top of the dash and they aren't easily lost like a portable unit.  Pioneer makes a very good In Dash GPS unit. (See Top Automobile In Dash GPS Models)

Fish Finder

Fish Finder GPS units typically have a dual function of chart plotting and sonar technology.  The chart plotting is used for identifying shorelines, roads, and surface features and the sonar is used for locating fish.  The most popular brand of fish finder GPS units is Humminbird. (See Top Fish Finder Models)

Camping and Hiking

These GPS units are designed to be lightweight and rugged for outdoor use for hiking, camping, and geocaching.   Some of the more expensive units are also waterproof.  They usually come preloaded with some maps but you will often have to load additional maps from your computer to the device if you are heading 'off road'. (See Top Camping and Hiking GPS Models)

Fitness and Cycling

Fitness and cycling GPS devices are used for walking, jogging, running and cycling.   Typically they fit on your wrist like a watch and can track speed, distance, pace and calories burned.  Cycling GPS units often fit on the stem or handlebars of a bike. (See Top Fitness and Cycling GPS Models) 

Motorcycle

GPS units designed for motorcycles are very similar to those used for cars except that they are often waterproof, vibration resistant, and designed to fit on a motorcycle console.  Bluetooth hands free technology is also popular for these devices. (See Top Motorcycle GPS Models)

Marine

Marine GPS units typically have chart plotting functionality.  They are loaded with a special marine database including marine navigational aids like buoys, sound signals, day beacons and tide data. (See Top Marine GPS Models)