Handheld Marine GPS
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One of the main functions of a GPS device is to accurately track the user's current position in an updated map so it is nearly impossible to get lost. Travelers that explore in distant locations will find it useful.
However, ordinary users like car owners may not find these features very interesting unless they are reasonably priced. Various companies like Garmin and Magellan have brought GPS technologies to the mainstream market and are quite affordable these days.
Features
Being a handheld device, a handheld marine GPS device looks like a traditional GPS unit used by hikers and explorers. This depends on the model and maker, but they usually have small screens and have similar sizes to budget mobile phones. The screens may be colored for added detail, but some people may not find them necessary since there are no roads and streets on the water.
Those units that have basic interfaces and functions are the most affordable. If you need an extra feature such as fishfinding support, you need to make sure that feature is included in the model you are considering.
Many handheld marine GPS models are less stylish because they focus more on the rugged side where durability is important when taking the device out in the open. The models are usually waterproof up to a certain degree making them resistant to splashes and other accidents that may take place on the boat.
The device may also float when accidentally dropped in the water so vital components are not effected since they are not submerged. It also makes it easier to retrieve the device in case it is accidentally dropped in the water.
Popular Handheld Marine GPS Brands and Models
Garmin is a respectable brand famous for making user-friendly car GPS devices under the Garmin nuvi family. It also makes a number of rugged handheld devices that are also easy to use. Aside from the interface, Garmin also focuses on accuracy to avoid too many instances of recalculating the position.
The models the company produces also stand out in quality with the GPSMAP 78sc model leading the way as of July 2010. This device accurately retrieves the bearings using its 3-axis compass and comes with wireless features so waypoints and other data can be shared with other Garmin handheld marine GPS users.
Unlike other marine GPS devices, the maps are highly detailed complete with shorelines, harbors, marinas, and many other useful points. The Garmin Oregon devices are handheld as well and have limited features useful for people on the water, but have more land features for people on the trail and utilize a touchscreen interface.
Magellan also made an impact in the car GPS device when the manufacturer introduced the Maestro and RoadMate series. They do not have a dedicated lineup of marine GPS devices, but the Triton series serve as great low-budget alternatives to the Garmin Oregon. The screen sizes of all the devices are a bit smaller, but all of them present full color displays and are waterproof to cater people that go to distant places.
Lowrance is the company of choice when it comes to serious professionals that need a reliable GPS device. In fact, Lowrance produces very few automotive GPS devices and spends most of its resources in making chartplotters, fishfinders, and other marine products. Several of their high end models are large enough to be mounted on boats, but it manufacturers some versatile handhelds as well.
Most of these handhelds cater to boaters that need small, but reliable fishfinders. There are even some fishfinders that are specially designed for all seasons making them useful in icy environments. Just about all devices use GPS+WAAS technologies like its competitors making them one of the top brands for marine devices.
All of the manufacturers are working hard to add more features to these handheld marine GPS without sacrificing portability. It will take time to select a good model for yourself, but the trick is to take a closer look at the features being offered and buy the device that has the most features that you find most useful.
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