Discount Handheld Gps Units
March 3rd 2010 09:49 am
discount handheld gps units
Shopping for Discount Marine GPS Electronics
With so many options for discounted multifunction marine electronics, how do you decide which system is right for you? Here are a few pointers about features to look for in basic models and what additional features you can expect in more expensive marine GPS electronics.
Select the Type of GPS You Want
When it comes to marine GPS, you can choose between a handheld unit, a combo GPS/chart plotter or a standard GPS receiver that will be hooked to your computer. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
If you are looking for an accurate, but inexpensive GPS unit that can be used on and off the boat, then consider a handheld GPS with basic features. On-board marine electronics often include GPS receivers as an integrated package. You can find combo GPS fish finders, chart plotters, radars and other marine GPS combos.
Think of the Environment
In this case, the environment you and your GPS will be in. On the open water you are exposed to very bright sun, making it hard to read all but the brightest displays. Even on calm days you may experience choppy waters that will interfere with your balance. At times like this a handheld GPS with a small screen may be hard to read. What’s more, their small controls will be hard to manipulate when you are struggling to maintain your balance. If you do a lot of sailing on rough water, then consider a GPS or GPS combo that has a large display and large control knobs for easy navigation on bobbing waves.
If you have a small boat, finding shaded or below-deck space for a computer to link to the standard GPS might present a problem. Keep in mind that computer screens are not designed to be viewed in direct sunlight. Another consideration when selecting the best marine GPS for your boat is how much dashboard space you have. For a small boat and dash look for marine electronics that can be expanded in the future to incorporate other devices in a single display. For larger boats with a spacious dash, consider whether you want to load the dash up with multiple displays or if you prefer one integrated model that presents a large, high resolution viewing area. If you have a large boat it might make sense to have more than one display for your fish finder, GPS navigation and radar.
Figure Out What Else You Want Your GPS to Do
Nowadays, even the most basic budget GPS models are highly accurate and capable of storing thousands of points of interest. It might be all that you need. On the other hand, if you are into fishing, you might consider a GPS/fish finder combo. A GPS/ chart plotter multifunction unit might be especially useful to boaters.
If you are not certain whether you need some of the features, check if the marine GPS unit you consider buying offers expansion capabilities. For example, a fairly budget-friendly Si-Tex ColorMax 5 and ColorMax 7 are both basic marine GPS/chart plotter combos that can be expanded to integrate fish finder, radar and other marine electronics components.
Decide What Features You Can Do Without
Many marine GPS units are now heavily loaded with additional features. Some might be very useful while others might turn out to be nothing but costly detractors. Decide for yourself whether you need your multifunction GPS to play MP3’s, synch with your Bluetooth headset for hands-free navigation, or provide live weather updates. Compare features offered on different models at your price point. Are you paying for a high resolution display, the ability to upgrade with additional marine electronics or additional features that you will never use?
There are many good GPS marine electronics on the market. Choosing the right one is a balance between understanding what features are available, knowing your own boating needs, and comparison shopping for GPS marine electronics in your price range.
About the Author
Want to learn more about top-quality marine electronics? MarineWholesales.com has all the leading brands of discount marine electronics for yachting, boating and fishing.
Handheld GPS Units - LowerGear TV
|
|
Garmin nüvi 2455LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates $179.99 4.3″ WIDESCREEN TOUCH DISPLAY; FREE LIFETIME MAP & TRAFFIC UPDATE; 3D TRAFFIC-THE WORLD’S MOST EXTENSIVE TRAFFIC AVOIDANCE SYSTEM; LANE GUIDANCE WITH EXCLUSIVE PHOTOREALTM JUNCTION VIEW; DUAL-ORIENTATION SCREEN; SUPPORTS ECOROUTE HD WITH ACCESSORY PURCHASE; GARMIN GUIDANCE 2.0… |
|
|
Garmin nüvi 1350LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates $249.99 Free lifetime maps & traffic updates and speed limit indicator - display size (wxh): 3.81 x 2.25 (9.7 x 5.7cm); 4.3 diag (10.9cm) - display resolution (wxh): 480 x 272 pixels - wqvga color tft with white backlight touchscreen display - rechargeable lithium-ion battery up to 4 hours battery life - high-sensitivity receiver - rohs version available - basemap preloaded maps and ability to add maps - … |
|
|
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor $233.99 Package Includes: Forerunner 305, Heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, AC charger, PC/USB interface cable, Quick start guide, Garmin Training Center CD & owner’s manual The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System combines form and function. This combination running partner and personal trainer is designed for athletes of all levels. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new cours… |
|
|
Apisphere Geomate Jr. Handheld Geocaching GPS $54.99 The easiest and quickest way to get in on the geocaching fun, the Geomate.Jr is an incredibly affordable and amazingly easy-to-use geocaching GPSjust switch it on anywhere in the United States and be directed to your closest geocache. Its really that easy. With over 250,000 pre-loaded geocache locations covering all 50 U.S. states, its an outdoor adventure just waiting to happen anywhere, anytime,… |
|
|
Garmin GPSMAP 541s 5-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter with Sounder $929.99 Gpsmap 541s combo - includes dual frequency transducer featuers a large ultra-bright 5 qvga display along with an improved high-speed digital design for faster map drawing and panning speeds. Plus, these waterproof units have a high-sensitivity internal gps receiver, so mariners will always know their position at sea. They are ready to go with built-in bluechart g2 marine cartography of the coasta… |
|
|
Garmin MapSource U.S.A. Topographical Map CD-ROM (Windows) $33.99 Weve mapped every hill and valley. Download data from the MapSource TOPO U.S. 2008 DVD directly to your compatible Garmin GPS. Now you can enjoy topographic mapping detail no matter where your adventures take you. TOPO U.S. 2008 features digital topographic maps for the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It is available in two different formats making it easy and convenient to load da… |
|
|
PlayStation Vita - WiFi $249.99 Sony’s PlayStation Vita, previously codenamed “Next Generation Portable” (NGP), is the long-rumored successor to the PlayStation Portable hardware series. PS Vita retains the familiar general form of the PlayStation Portable hardware series while dramatically improving on virtually every aspect of its use with powerful and exciting new features including: dual touch pads at the front and rear, d… |
|
|
Garmin MapSource TOPO! US 24k West Topographic Coverage for Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada (DVD) $129.99 Topo U.S. 24K Topo U.S. 24K DVD gives access to a wider coverage area than Garmin’s Topo U.S. 24k data cards. The new Topo U.S. 24K West DVD provides up-to-date detailed 24k topographic coverage for Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Built-in DEM (digital elevation model) data supports 3-D terrain shading and route elevation profiles to help estimate terrain difficulty. With routable road… |
|
|
Garmin City Navigator North America for Detailed Maps of the United State, Canada and Mexico (DVD) $70.99 Garmin DVD maps are easier to plot routes compared to preprogrammed MicroSD cards. DVD maps require a PC or Mac computerDVD maps are easier to plot routes compared to pre-programmed MicroSD cardsRequires separate purchase of blank MicroSD/SD card for most devices (not sold thru QBP)… |
|
|
Garmin Forerunner 305 Variation Parent … |
|
|
Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS $424.99 Foretrex 401 wearable gps the foretrex 401 is a slim wrist-mounted gps navigator perfect for outdoor activities that require the use of both hands. Foretrex 401 combines a high-sensitivity waterproof gps receiver, electronic compass and barometric altimeter into a lightweight device ideal for hikers, skiers and campers. To share data easily, you can connect foretrex to your computer with usb or ju… |
|
|
Garmin Forerunner 610 Touchscreen GPS Watch $399.99 227943 Features: Touch, tap, or swipe the screen to keep track of all of your information or adjust settings to the touchscreen can withstand rain, sweat, and spilled sports drink and is sensitive enough to be accessed with gloves Track your efforts with the Virtual Partner and Virtual Racer settings that let you gauge your pace against a static pace or compare it to previous bests or other users … |
Mail this post
Tags: cheap, discount, discount handheld gps units, equipment, garmin, handheld