Finding your way to GPS
Choosing right one requires navigating through features, price levels, your needs
John Stanley
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 7, 2005 12:00 AM
Like most electronic gadgets, global positioning systems have evolved from big, clunky, high-dollar items with limited functions to small, sleek, inexpensive gizmos loaded with fancy features.
The users of the systems have evolved, too, from hikers, hunters and outdoor types to runners, drivers and cellphone owners.
The hottest item this year is Garmin's nüiv 350, a multipurpose instrument that includes an MP3 player, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, calculator that gives audible navigational directions, and comes pre-loaded with detailed maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The nüiv 350, designed for frequent travelers, is about the size of a deck of cards and retails for about $900. advertisement
"It's really cool," says Paul Tanton, of Wide World of Maps in Phoenix.
But for those who just want a GPS unit to find their way along a hike, there are plenty of less expensive models that will serve their needs.
"A lower priced $100 model basically performs the same function as a $500 unit," said Dustin Ewald, an experienced hiker and REI employee. "More expensive units have more features, but the bare bones function is to find coordinates."
GPS units have come a long way since they were introduced in the years following the Gulf War. Not only do they have more functions, display screens are larger and more detailed, often with color graphics.
"Color gives you a brighter and more vibrant screen," Ewald said, "making it easier to see in both bright light and low light environments."
As with all outdoor equipment, there are several things to keep in mind when shopping for a GPS unit. The most important things to know before you buy are what you plan to use your unit for and how often you plan to use it. There's no sense in paying for more functions than you really need.
The five things you should ask about a system before you buy are:
• Channels: 12 is standard.
• Waypoints: You'll want to be able to mark at least several hundred points.
• WAAS-enabled: Increases the accuracy of the unit. Casual hikers may not need it, but the additional cost is fairly small.
• Color display: Tanton and Ewald recommend a color screen if you plan to read or download maps on your GPS.
• Battery life: Even the best last only 15 to 20 hours.
REI offers introductory classes on GPS units, as well as four-hour field training sessions. Introductory classes are free; advanced classes are $80. Call (602) 996-5400 or (480) 967-5494 for details.
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