Most people become confused when trying to decide which GPS unit will fit their need and price range. One of the first things to decide is which brand to purchase? I recommend Garmin devices, because they are not only the most popular but generally are the most technologically advanced units on the market. For most applications Garmin offers the broadest range of available units and mapping available. Of course there can always be an exception with the many applications for GPS.

You should decide which application you will be using your GPS device for. If you will be using the GPS unit for finding directions in your car you should purchase a different unit than you would for Geocaching. If you are interested in a GPS unit primarily for boating, that will be a different GPS also.

Most GPS units are flexible in use but like airplanes, each model is more adapted to specific usage. It will be difficult, if not impossible to find a GPS unit that fits all of the different uses GPS is capable of.

Garmin manufactures and sells GPS units for airplanes, automotive use, motorcycles, boats, bicycles, runners, fishing, hunting, and the list goes on. Some of these units are very flexible and some are quite usage specific.

Garmin manufactures handheld GPS units that are very flexible in usage. Handheld units are great for carrying with you on outdoor activities. You can purchase handheld GPS units that have worldwide cities mapping included with other features. Some units come with preloaded mapping of USA inland lakes. Units are available with marine mapping preloaded and the list goes on.

Most Garmin handheld GPS units allow you to share data with other Garmin users wirelessly. Most Garmin units have the Tracback feature. Tracback shows with a line, your exact route and you can follow it back to where you began. Trackback is exclusive Garmin. Some of the Garmin units float in water and many are waterproof.

All of Garmin’s latest handheld GPS units can be connected to your PC to upload or download data. Most Garmin units are WAAS enabled giving you greater accuracy in the data you receive from GPS satellites.

Garmin manufactures handheld GPS units that are Geocaching friendly, allowing you to download and upload to and from the internet, or other users, GPX files that give the coordinates of the secret stash.

When purchasing a GPS unit you should consider all the elements I have given before deciding which GPS unit to purchase. Of course in the end you may purchase more than one unit for you different activities.