GPS Overload – How to Choose the Perfect Device for Your Needs

Buying a Global Positioning System (GPS) to meet your needs may not be as simple as one might think. There are a myriad of different devices, for many different purposes.

The first thing to consider when buying a GPS device is its primary use. Will you be using it on the road, on the trail, or on the water?

On the road devices are usually temporary mounted in the vehicle with suction cups or bean bags. Most of these devices have turn-by-turn instructions and auto correction if you miss a turn.

We recommend getting a device with the auto-correction feature, that way you don’t have to mess with the device if you take a wrong turn, it will recalculate the route for you automatically.

There are some devices that are also portable, so you can unplug them from your vehicle and take them with you as you walk around in a large city.

My favorite in this category is the Garmin c330, c340, and c530 series. They are a wonderful size for using it in the vehicle and small enough to use as a portable. They have city maps pre-loaded, so they are not much use off-road.

Many of the newest designs have built in picture viewers, MP3 players, traffic updates (careful, that usually costs extra!!), and many other bells and whistles.

One of the best features of the Garmin c-series line is the ability to ask for the closest landmarks, such as food, gas, shopping, golf courses, etc.

Like anything you buy, make sure you understand what the device has and what you want to use for before making the final decision!

One of the most asked questions is should I buy the car with GPS already in it?

Personally, I don’t like that option because it limits how you can upgrade, and the device cannot be used in multiple vehicles.

In addition, some car manufacturers are charging several hundred dollars to update the map data on these devices and you have little choice in using them to do this.

The GPS market is an ever changing market and I like to be in control of which device I want to purchase.

Having said that, I am choosing to have a device mounted to my dash or windshield (suction cups….also illegal in some states, so make sure you know which ones!!!) with wires trailing to the power source.

On the trail devices are handhelds which depict topographical, or basic mapping data, not detailed street level details. These are great for hiking and geocaching. They have the ability to either import or download coordinates of a location (called waypoints) and then tell you how close you are to that waypoint.

Ever fear of getting lost hiking, well, you can set different points as you walk, like a breadcrumb trail so you can get yourself out the way you came in. These devices range from $80-$500+ depending on the different capabilities of the device.

Higher end models allow you to buy pre-loaded map detail on memory cards, so they can double as driving directions, however, they still don’t have the turn-by-turn capabilities.

GPS devices used on the water are fixed mount devices. These devices can have water depth, temperature, etc, especially helpful for the fisherman.

Maps that can be downloaded can have tidal waters, known shipwrecks, ports, and are very detailed. There is a huge range of devices to consider in this area.

Keep in mind that mapping software used on these devices changes about 1-2 times per year. Less frequently for the maps on the water.

Understand what your devices downloading capabilities are so you don’t get stuck with outdated maps forever!

Be aware that maps change, you have to be somewhat flexible when following the directions. I have had instances where it tells you to “turn left here”, only to have that be the wrong way on a one-way street!!!

In other words, these are guides to get you close to where you need to be, you cannot use them as gospel….common sense should prevail!

About the Author

Ty Thomas is a self proclaimed techno-nut who just has to have the latest gadgets. You can check out the latest gadgets at 4Runner Sports.

GARMIN APPROACH G5 Golf GPS Video

Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS $249.95 Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS Give your game a boost of confidence with Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS. The Approach G5 is a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf GPS packed with thousands of preloaded golf course maps. The Garmin Approach G5 uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact yardage to fairways, hazards and greens. The Garmin Approach G5 displays and updates your exact position on stunningly detailed, preloaded course maps throughout the United States. $f “player”, {src: “videosflowplayerflowplayer.commercial-3.1.5.swf”, cachebusting: true}, { key: ‘#$450d1f2cfdf440be091′, clip: { url: “http:www.intheholegolf.comvideosgarmin-approach-g5garmin-approach-g5.flv”, autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: true } } ; The Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS has a highly sensitive GPS receiver that pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move, Approach automatically updates your position, so you’ll always know your yardage. There’s no subscriptions or setup fees, and the Approach G5 Golf GPS System is compliant with USGA rules. Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS Features Touchscreen: yes Touch-targeting touch target on display to see the distance to any point : yes Manual pin positioning tap and drag flag on green for precise yardage : yes Course preview see detailed, hole-by-hole preview : yes Digital scorecard keep score for up to four players : yes Computer scorecard review save and review scores on computer : yes USGA and R&A compliant legal under the Rules of Golf : yes Physical & Performance: Garmin Approach G5 GPS Uni

Expresso AG1 Navigation & Golf GPS $124.95 Expresso AG1 Navigation & Golf GPS Expresso chose iGolf, a pioneer in golf GPS, to bring the most advanced Golf GPS technology in the golf industry to the Expresso AG1 Golf GPS. Since 2003, iGolf technology and data has been trusted by leading organizations to deliver the most accurate and up-to-date information to thousands of golfers worldwide. Instantly find the precise distance to key targets on the course for improved scores and increased pace of play! $f “player”, {src: “videosflowplayerflowplayer.commercial-3.1.5.swf”, cachebusting: true}, { key: ‘#$450d1f2cfdf440be091′, clip: { url: “http:www.intheholegolf.comvideosexpresso-ag1-golf-gpsexpresso-ag1-golf-gps.flv”, autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: true } } ; Features: Expresso AG1 Navigation Golf GPS – GOLF FEATURES &#8226 Preloaded with Front, Center, Back of the green distances and custom points for every mapped course in North America &#8226 Ready to use out of the box without downloading any additional software &#8226 Instant course recognition Turn on the device, it automatically knows the course that you’re on &#8226 Auto hole advance &#8226 Shot distance measurement &#8226 Scorekeeping and handicapstatistic tracking &#8226 Register at iGolf.com to receive free course updates for one year &#8226 Premium maps display the exact distance to pin locations, hazards, lay up points and any other target on the course &#8226 10 to 12 hours of battery life &#8226 Bright 3.6″ MobileHD color touch screen with anti-glare polarized film &#8226 Water resistant &#8226 Sleek and durable rubberized coating made from recycled tires Features: Expresso AG1 Navigation Golf GPS – Dimensions &#8226Dimensions: Width: 2.5 inches 67mm Height: 4.5 inches 114mm Height unfolded: 8 inches 203mm Weight: 6.2oz &#8226 Automatic Portrait and Landscape function for user interface &#8226 3.6″ wide screen format TFT LCD touch screen with MobileHD 480×320 HVGA resolution &

Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS $199.95 Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS Give your game a boost of confidence with the Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS, a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf device packed with thousands of preloaded golf course maps. Approach uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact yardage to fairways, hazards and greens. $f “player”, {src: “videosflowplayerflowplayer.commercial-3.1.5.swf”, cachebusting: true}, { key: ‘#$450d1f2cfdf440be091′, clip: { url: “http:www.intheholegolf.comvideosgarmin-approach-g5garmin-approach-g5.flv”, autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: true } } ; A bit smaller and lighter than the Approach G5, Approach G3 is ideal if you prefer to walk the course. Still as rough and rugged as its big brother, Approach G3 lightens your load no matter how you get around the course. The Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS has a highly sensitive GPS receiver that pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move, Approach automatically updates your position, so you’ll always know your yardage. There’s no subscriptions or setup fees, and the Approach G3 Golf GPS System is compliant with USGA rules. Features: Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS Eliminate the Guesswork – Approach displays and updates your exact position on stunningly detailed, preloaded course maps throughout the United States and Canada. Approach?s highly sensitive GPS receiver pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move, Approach automatically updates your position, so you?ll always know your yardage. There are no subscriptions or setup fees, and Approach is compliant with USGA rules. Additionally, we are enhancing our courses with tree line features. Trouble may lie ahead with the trees for some players or others will use the tree line features as a strategic place to focus their aim on a drive or approach. Look for this feature to be added to more U.S. and Canada courses during our regular updates. Touch Your Target – Need to measure distances for your next shot? Touch any point on the sunlight-readable display, and Approach shows the precise distance to that exact spot?fairway, hazard, landing area, or the front, middle and back of the green. Get on the Green – Approach helps you zero in on the pin with Approach’s Green View. Just tap the flag on the map to zoom in on the green  then you can drag the flag to position it where you see it, giving you more accurate yardage. Keep Score Digitally – Approach doubles as a digital scorecard for your

Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS $299.99 Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS The Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS is a sleek, thin glove friendly golf gps system weighing just over three ounces and comes preloaded with over 25,000 worldwide course maps and is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery giving golfers the opportunity for an entire weekend worth of use on one charge. The Garmin Approach G6 has a 2.6? screen which is readable even in sunlight. The display on the G6 provides large, bright, high contrast graphics and numbers so that it easy to read in all conditions, and for everyones eyes. The Approach G6 now has layup arcs that are drawn directly on the course map and offers perfect references to 100, 150, 200 and when applicable 250 yards for layup decisions. A player can even touch the place on the course map that they want to measure, judge layups or focus in on hazards or obstacles that may affect their shot, and zoom in for an even closer look at the landing areas. The Garmin Approach G6 has an internal rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours, which will allow a player to play an entire weekend of golf without recharging. Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS Features Touchscreen: yes Touch-targeting touch target on display to see the distance to any point : yes Manual pin positioning tap and drag flag on green for precise yardage : yes Course preview see detailed, hole-by-hole preview : yes Digital scorecard keep score for up to four players : yes Computer scorecard review save and review scores on computer : yes USGA and RA compliant legal under the Rules of Golf : yes Physical Performance: Garmin Approach G6 GPS Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 2.1 x 3.7 x 0.8 5.4 x 9.3 x 1.9 cm Display size, WxH: 1.4 x 2.2 3.6 x 5.5 cm ; 2.6 diag 6.6 cm Display resolution, WxH: 160 x 240 pixels Display type: Transflective color TFT touchscreen Weight: 3.37 oz 95.6 g Battery: internal rechargeable lithium polymer

SkyGolf SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS $299.95 SkyGolf SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS The SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS is packed with the latest features and technology by SkyGolf. Features such as a new design with a brilliant color display, dual navigation, TruePoint, Interactive HoleVue with Zoom, and storage of up to 30,000 courses pre-loaded. And as always with SkyGolf, all course maps are ground verified for accuracy $f “player”, {src: “videosflowplayerflowplayer.commercial-3.1.5.swf”, cachebusting: true}, { key: ‘#$450d1f2cfdf440be091′, clip: { url: “http:www.intheholegolf.comvideosskygolf-sgxskygolf-sgx.flv”, autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: true } } ; Only SkyCaddie walks every course to make sure you have the information you can trust. Tour Players don’t use course books made from satellite images, neither should you. You’ll get unlimited access to the most complete, most reliable, and accurate ground verified course maps in the game with a simple annual plan with no hidden fees or variable charges. For the ultimate in convenience and reliability, the SkyCaddie SGX can store up to 30,000 pre-loaded, ground-verified course maps making it ready-to-play out of the box with Basic Green information. The SGX boasts a durable, sleek design with a large 3-inch, easy-to-read, transflective TFT-LCD screen that provides brilliant color images even in the brightest sunlight. The SGX uses an innovative dual navigation option to provide golfer friendly, one-handed operation and enhanced precision positioning without blocking critical screen information with fingers and smudges. With its new, intuitive user interface, the SkyCaddie SGX offers everything found in competitive rangefinders plus higher quality, better reliability and several proprietary stroke-saving essentials that have kept SkyCaddie the #1 Rangefinder in Golf for the entire decade. SkyGolf Trade In Program Take advantage of the new SkyCaddie Trade-In Program today by upgrading to the new SkyCaddie SGX and receive a mail-in rebate form for your used model. Click Here to download the Trade-InRebate Form Key Features: SkyGolf SkyCaddie SGX Preloaded Courses Up to 30,000 course maps are preloaded and ready to play right out of the box with basic green information. You can store up to 50 full featured courses through a SkyCaddie membership plan. Hazards, Carries, & Layups SkyCaddie records thousands of points on each golf course. Distance to hazards, carries and layups are displayed automatically as you move down the course. Knowing these critical distances lets you manage your game and eliminate the big numbers from your scorecard. Interactive H

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