Depending on the model, a Magellan Handheld GPS unit can give you the basics, or can give you the most recent technological advancements available in global positioning devices. As time goes on, new and more exciting innovations and improvements in the GPS receivers are sure to make the future of handheld units more attractive to even the most casual consumer.
Handheld units are the most common portable unit, although many other units have portability features. Conversely, most handheld units can technically be used as vehicle based GPS systems. But handhelds are structurally designed for the rigors of the great outdoors. Most of the true handheld units have a common look, similar in size, shape, and design. They may come in different colors, but the insides are essentially the same. The biggest difference between models is usually the available features, which range from stripped down in the earlier models to info overload in the newer ones. The portable units are lightweight and small enough to fit in your pocket.
Power is usually left to AA batteries that give users anywhere from 10 to about 17 hours of continuous use, depending on the GPS unit. Disposable batteries tend to be a good idea, since hikers may find electricity difficult to come by in the rugged outdoors. Some of the newer Magellan portable GPS units went from standard AA batteries to a Li-Ion battery pack, which offers extended service time – the high end of that 10 to 17 hour range. However, battery packs still require recharging, which for some users may prove impractical.
Magellan Portable GPS units have also made advancements in display technology. The earliest models offered minimal information on grayscale screens with backlighting for dark conditions. While this was sufficient at the time, it didn’t take long for consumers to start wanting more, and color screens were made available. This may have been facilitated by the increasing detail offered in some of the newer software that was being developed that would have been tough to disseminate on those earlier models with grayscale displays.
Magellan Handheld GPS units have the ability to interface with personal computers. This ability makes it easy for users to download geocache information as well as those wishing to buy information downloads for their GPS units. Depending on the unit, software, and compatibility, all that is needed for the loading of information is a USB or other date cable. Newer models can handle more information than older units, and as time goes on, there will probably be newer and better downloads. The Magellan is well on its way to becoming a mini handheld computer that offers many features of small computers and adds real time trip routing and compass options.
Regardless of whether the user has a basic older unit or a fancy tricked-out new model, the primary function is the same. Getting from point A to point B without having to check a map or stop for directions. This function is available in all handheld GPS units, from the cheapest to the most expensive. So it may come down what the user wants to spend, or what he need from his device. Some of the really ancient models can be found on different internet sights at fairly reasonable prices. The newer or more advanced units seem to attract a lot more attention, but have a bigger price tag too. Users need to take their time before choosing a GPS unit, learning as much as possible about the variances between units.
Tagged with: Backlighting • Battery Packs • Color Screens • Display Technology • Disposable Batteries • Global Positioning Devices • Gps Receivers • Handheld Gps Unit • Handheld Units • Hikers • Li Ion Battery • Magellan Gps • Magellan Handheld Gps • Portable Gps Units
Filed under: GPS Navigation Friday, November 6th, 2009
