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Top 10 Portable Handheld GPS Units

From Jim Walczak,
Your Guide to 4-Wheel Drive / Offroading.
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When selecting a portable handheld unit, consider the variety of situations in which you could use it. Don't overlook the fact that the same GPS receiver used off-road can also be used when walking in strange towns, hiking, bicycling, boating, or marking landmarks like gas stations or restaurants on long road trips. Truth is, most of the dashboard GPS units these days are also PORTABLE... so check those out too! (see related links below)

1. Magellan Crossover GPS

The integrated best-in-class battery offers up to 8 hours of use so you can navigate, search points of interest, plan trips, listen to MP3s and view pictures from wherever you are. This GPS unit has advanced vehicle navigation and outdoor GPS routing capabilities in the world's first pocket-sized, lightweight Crossover GPS. Now you have the ability to go from the open road to the great outdoors -- enjoy driving, hiking, boating, fishing and more, all with one GPS! It has a powerful, integrated antenna. From the creators of Hertz Neverlost.

2. Garmin StreetPilot c340 GPS Navigation System

Includes software for downloading specific maps or areas of interest onto the 128 MB SD memory card -- simply transfer from a PC via USB connection. 3.5" diagonal, TFT color display with simple touchscreen interface -- choose between a 3-D view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view. An internal lithium-ion battery (4- to 8-hour life) allows out-of-vehicle trip planning. Built-in lithium ion battery. Integrated suction cup mounting system for easy adjustment, quick release and use in multiple vehicles. Display: 2.8"W x 2.1"H (3.5" diag.), 320 x 240 pixels.

3. Cobra GPS Handheld Navigator

Simply load the StreetFinder software into your computer. Then load the destination states for each trip into Navigator using the PC interface cable. Finally, punch in the place you want to reach and follow the map directions on the Navigator's screen. Includes continental U.S. state boundaries, highways, Canadian provincial boundaries, European country boundaries and hundreds of worldwide cities. WAAS Enabled GPS receiver is more accurate than standard GPS receivers.

4. TomTom Rider Portable GPS

This navigation system was designed with motorcycle rides in mind, which means it's tough and rugged for portable outdoor use! The 3.5" color touch screen has a sun visor and anti-glare coating which allows you to see information clearly in all conditions. Plug in, switch on and ride -- no installation or activation necessary. Water resistant and rugged -- includes mount for all motorcycles. Bluetooth helmet headset receives clear and accurate turn by turn voice instruction wirelessly. Uses internal Lithiun-ion battery (5 hours of use).

5. Garmin eTrex Vista

The Garmin eTrex Vista is the most feature-packed version of the eTrex line. The Vista model certainly lives up to its reputation, as there are far too many "pros" to list here, and relatively few "cons". The Garmin eTrex Vista is the best in its class, offering the most convenience features than any other GPS receiver in this price range.

6. Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS Portable Navigation System

Includes wireless remote that allows operation from a distance. Huge 7" easy-to-read touchscreen is ideal if you drive a larger vehicle such as an SUV, RV or Semi -- see where you're going from anywhere in the vehicle! Includes built-in MP3 & audio book players for entertainment options. Loaded with maps of the entire U.S. plus major Canadian metropolitan areas. Features a built-in antenna, built-in WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, XM Satellite radio and XM NavTraffic capable (subscription required).

7. Garmin Etrex Hand Held GPS Unit

the eTrex takes the best features of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and put them into a 6-ounce package that is only 4" high and 2" wide. The result is a unit that will literally fit in the palm of your hand. Besides its small size, outdoorsmen will notice its sleek design. All buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won't obstruct your view of the display. There are only 5 operator buttons for the ultimate in user-friendly design.

8. Garmin GPS III Plus

A top-of-the line GPS receiver that has excellent mapping capabilities, although it lacks memory for storing additional downloaded maps. While portable, it's better suited to drivers than hikers.

9. Magellan Road Mate 2200T GPS

View details easily with the ultra-bright, 3-1/2" hi-resolution, anti-glare color touchscreen. Nearly 2 million pre-programmed points of interest. Sirf Star III chipset is the best in the industry for quick acquisition of your precise location. SD card slot for unlimited user storage. Has the longest battery life in its class -- approximately 8 hours!

10. Magellan Road Mate 2000 GPS Unit

Small, powerful and affordable. This GPS unit is a full-featured vehicle navigation with built-in battery for portability! View details easily with the ultra-bright, 3-1/2" hi-resolution, anti-glare color touch screen. Simple touch-screen menus. Sirf Star III chipset is the best in the industry for quick acquisition of your precise location. Nearly 1.5 million pre-programmed points of interest, plus other advanced features like SmartDetour and Multi-Destination Routing.
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