Selecting the Right Satellite GPS System For You

Selecting a new Gps navigation system can be a daunting undertaking. Today easy GPS navigation and cheap GPS systems can be found online or in discount department stores everywhere. GPS (Global Positioning Systems) receivers are no longer an expensive gadget for hunters and sport fisherman; they are a part of our everyday life and for some as important and necessary as a cell phone. With an inexpensive GPS a USA map preloaded in the receiver; a driver could easily find their way anywhere in the USA. The new cheap GPS systems have spawned new hobbies and interests like geocaching (electronic treasure hunting).

When selecting a new Sat Nav system you might ask yourself; where do I begin?

• Are you confused by all the new GPS types on the market?
• Are you looking for a cheap GPS system for USA road navigation or an easy GPS system to use hiking and off road?
• GPS prices fluctuate with available options & features; how do I choose?

As with all decisions, you start with the answer (or solution) and work backwards. What? You say. If you think about it; making a decision is a lot like using a Sat Nav system. You need to know the destination before you begin the trip.

Selecting the perfect GPS type is simple. You are looking for an easy GPS navigation system to solve a problem you have. Defining that problem will lead you to the GPS type you will need.

For a moment forget about all you know about GPS units and begin with a clean slate (or piece of paper). List all the things you want a Sat Nav system to do for you. I mean everything! Do not worry about if it is available or not; just list it. This is now your destination or goal. From here you can follow the path back to your perfect GPS system. You may not be able to find everything on your wish list in one GPS device, but you can try.

For example; you want a Sat Nav system to take with you on your fishing trip to a small but productive lake in northern Wis. You have a small boat and do not want an expensive sea-going GPS unit found on commercial boats. Your objective is to locate fish cribs built by local fisherman and store the GPS coordinates so you can pinpoint the best fishing opportunities. Fish cribs are like shipwrecks; they attract fish. Your list might look like this.

Must have:

• Touch screen preferably Glove-friendly for cold morning or ice fishing.
• High brightness, sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display
• Sturdy, waterproof, fuel-resistant and able to withstand the elements
• Auxiliary antenna for remote areas

Wish list:

• Additional Internal memory for more detailed maps (e.g. Great Lakes)
• Additional microSD slots to add sportsmen’s club maps
• USA GPS National Forest Service maps
• Dual functionality ATV/boat and automotive mount for boating or driving
• Floating
• Altimeter, barometer, camera, flashlight.

As you can see by the list, this narrows your GPS navigation system selection by removing standard street navigation GPS types. Now you can concentrate your search on Handheld “Sport” GPS units with an eye on any that could be used for street navigation.