Types of Portable GPS Devices

When deciding to purchase a GPS device, the first step you must take is deciding what type of device is best for your needs. There are a variety of GPS devices on the market specifically for consumers. I will discuss some of the most common types of GPS units, so that you will be able to make an informed decision when you buy your next navigational device.

There are many types of GPS devices, and it's becoming increasingly popular for them to combine into one device and perform multiple functions. An example of this would be the multi-purpose GPS devices which are used for in-car navigation, and they can also be used as a handheld device while on foot. I will describe these multi-use GPS devices, as well as other types of navigational systems.

Handheld GPS
Handheld devices are becoming one of the most (if not the most) popular types of GPS devices in the consumer market. This type of navigational system consists of:
-cell phones
-PDAs
-tracking devices
-multi-purpose GPS devices

Basically, a handheld GPS device is any navigational system that is portable and able to be moved with relative ease. The multi-purpose devices are becoming the biggest selling GPS devices on the market, because of their ability to be used in multiple cars as well as on foot. Handheld devices are very convienant and easy to carry around.

Handheld devices vary when it comes to mapping services, performance, and features. Some handhelds only provide the user with latitude and longitude coordinates, while other provide full-color 3D maps with voice-guided directions. If you are looking for a GPS device to use for tracking or hunting, you can probably choose a less-expensive device which only gives coordinates instead of full-color maps. Don't spend money on features that you won't even use.

In-Dash GPS
This type of GPS unit is also known as in-car GPS. Unlike handheld devices, the in-dash GPS device is not portable or able to be moved from car to car. This type of GPS device is installed into your car's dashboard, and thus is only able to be used in that particular automobile.

Many new cars will have an optional in-dash GPS system factory installed. You also have the option of purchasing an aftermarket GPS unit and having it installed into your car's dashboard. Most of the time, this procedure is not a do-it-yourself installation; it's best to have a professional install an in-dash GPS unit.

The main advantage of this type of GPS device is that it's integrated into the dashboard, which gives it a nice clean look. The disadvantage is that an in-dash unit can only be used in the car that it's installed in. So, if you plan on using your GPS device in multiple cars, you would be better off choosing a multi-purpose device over an in-dash unit.

Multi-Purpose GPS
This type of device can also be classified as a handheld device. These devices typically can be used to navigate while driving or on foot. Most of these devices offer full-color maps, which can be viewed in 2D or 3D views. These devices usually come equipped with a removable dashboard/windshield mounting arm which is used for mounting the device in a car.

These devices are probably the most versatile types of navigational units, because they tend to have lots of good features and can perform multiple applications. The main highlights that you can expect to find in most multi-purpose GPS device are:
-full-color maps
-voice-guided directions
-traffic warnings
-walking/biking/car settings
-touch-screen interface
-multimedia extras (music player, video player, photo viewer, etc.)

This type of GPS device is almost always a good choice, because they are so versatile. Prices for these devices vary drastically according to the brand name and amount of features. In most cases, you can get a good solid multi-purpose GPS device for around $300.

Fish Finders/Marine GPS
This type of GPS device is just what the name implies: a GPS unit to use while boating. These devices are used to locate objects in the water, and also to track the the desired course. These devices are an essential tool on fishing vessels. Fishing boats use these devices to chart their desired fishing spots so that they can return to the same spot at a later time.

Fish finders use sonar technology to scan the water beneath the boat to find fish or other sunken objects. Many marine GPS units now have fish finder capabilities as well as GPS capabilities. This type of "hybrid" marine GPS is becoming increasingly popular. Much like the multi-purpose GPS devices, the marine GPS units vary greatly in price according to the amount of features and capabilities of the device.

There are even portable marine GPS units available that are designed to be used for ice fishing. These devices typically combine GPS technology for plotting your course, combined with sonar for finding fish beneath the ice.