GPS devices come in many different shapes and sizes. Some devices are intended for a very particular use while others are designed to perform a variety of tasks. With such great variety of options, it is important to ask the right questions when looking to purchase a GPS.
The very first thing that should be considered is the GPS devices primary purpose. In almost every case this will be the ability of the device to pinpoint your location. Determining whether or not the particular GPS you are interested in buying can do this well should be your first task. GPS devices pinpoint your location using satellites. This creates a couple of issues that should be addressed. When searching for satellites certain obstructions, such as trees, can increase the difficulty in obtaining signals. When looking for a GPS device, try to determine how well it works in the field. Another aspect of pinpointing your location is the number of satellites that it can track and lock onto. Some devices can do this better than others and this should be considered when purchasing a GPS.
Related to the idea of pinpointing your location, the speed at which it can track movement is also important. If the device is particularly slow in determining how quickly you are going or changes in direction, then the directions that the device gives will not be as adequate.
Lastly, the accessories and other features of the device should be considered and compared. Many handheld GPS devices allow for an expandable memory card slot. This allows for different maps to be loaded onto different memory cards and inserted when needed. Other devices allow for accessories such as temperature sensors for people who use their GPS with their boat. These functions are more subjective to each particular user, but having an understanding of how they work and that they do exist, will help in purchasing any GPS.
