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Handheld GPS: Ratings of Sources
Total of 16 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. GPS Tracklog
Feb. 24, 2009
Handheld GPS Buyers Guide
by Rich Owings
Our Assessment

Rich Owings operates this unusual blog site as a hobby. He posts very detailed information about most major-brand GPS devices, writes reviews of some of them, and provides links to reviews written by others. Site users can add their own opinions and occasionally contribute GPS reviews. Owings recommends a handheld GPS unit for each of three price points. On the low end, he picks the Garmin eTrex Venture HC, while the Garmin Oregon 400t and Delorme PN-40 are the best high-end GPS receivers. The Garmin eTrex Legend HCx is the site's mid-range choice.

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2. GPSMagazine.com
Not dated
GPS Magazine Buyer's Guide -- Editor's Picks
by Editors of GPSmagazine.com
Our Assessment

This website publishes a huge number of incredibly comprehensive reviews for car GPS receivers -- but only a few reviews for handheld GPS units. GPSMagazine.com is still helpful, though, because it tends to review very recent models, sometimes even before they're for sale. The Garmin Edge 705 is named the best GPS receiver for cycling. The Garmin Colorado 400t and older Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx are best for hiking and geocaching, though the former is preferred for most users. The crossover Garmin nuvi 500 is called a winner on the road or off.

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3. ConsumerReports.org
June 2009
Handheld Hiking GPS Ratings
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment ConsumeRreports.org rates seven handheld GPS receivers in its most recent update. Testing is competent and balanced, but discussion is very limited. Two models are recommended as appropriate for most, but a third is called the one to choose for those who want the very best.
4. GoodGearGuide.com
As of June 2009
GPS & Car Entertainment Reviews
by Editors of GoodGearGuide.com
Our Assessment

This Australian website reviews lots of handheld GPS devices, though you will have to pick them out from the mix of auto GPS receivers and entertainment products if you are browsing. Reviews aren't terribly long but do include occasional comparisons and a rating that makes it easier to spot top choices. Among handheld GPS receivers, the Magellan Triton 2000 gets the highest rating despite its relatively high cost. Great features and ease of use set it apart from its less expensive competition.

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5. GPSReview.net
As of June 2009
Recent Reviews
by Tim Flight
Our Assessment

The reviews at this site are wonderfully detailed and based on testing and extensive use in most cases. A sidebar makes it easy to see features. An ethics policy regarding reviews is clearly spelled out and beyond reproach. The only shortcoming is that Tim Flight avoids making specific recommendations as to which GPS receiver is best, preferring instead to inform so that the reader can decide which GPS receiver is best for them. That said, the DeLorme PN-40 is recommended for everyone except those with poor computer skills.

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6. About.com
As of June 2009
Handheld GPS Receivers
by Fred Zahradnik
Our Assessment

Fred Zahradnik's GPS receiver reviews at About.com aren't the longest or most detailed we've seen, but are competently done and usually based on actual use. The Garmin Colorado 400t and Garmin Oregon 400t earn the highest ratings here, each garnering 4.5 of five stars. Zahradnik also has lists of top high-tech handhelds and top low-cost mapping handhelds, however many of these receivers haven't undergone the same level of testing by the author. Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.

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7. GPSLodge.com
May 7, 2009
Handheld GPS Reviews
by Scott Martin
Our Assessment Scott Martin's reviews are wonderfully detailed and expertly written, but he's covered relatively few GPS handheld receivers of late. While GPS receivers are not rated or ranked, the write-ups are fairly comparative. Martin says that the Oregon 400t is easiest to use Gamin model to date. In an earlier review, he is so taken with the Garmin Colorado 400t that he purchased one for his own use.
8. Wired Magazine
As of June 2009
GPS Receiver Reviews
by Editors of Wired
Our Assessment Wired only occasionally reviews handheld GPS receivers, and the reviews themselves are brief. However, they do seem to stay on top of the best technology and provide ratings for all products. Standouts in the handheld GPS category are the Garmin Forerunner 305 and the Garmin Edge 705; each earns a rating of nine out of 10.
9. Amazon.com
As of June 2009
Handheld GPS units
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment

Amazon.com invites customers to submit reviews of products they've used. While the quality of these reports varies widely, they are still useful for learning how happy users are with their GPS receivers. In addition, Amazon.com gets lots of traffic, so some handheld GPS units have hundreds of reviews. Among handheld GPS receivers with considerable feedback, users point to the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx as a top choice. Among crossover GPS devices, contributors like the Garmin nuvi 500 the most, though that's based on less feedback -- just over two dozen reviews at last glance.

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10. Pocket-lint.com
As of June 2009
Car and GPS
by Editors of Pocket-lint.com
Our Assessment

Pocket-lint.com is a British gadget news and reviews site. The reviews are good and include some product comparison, but give all the devices high scores and do not recommend one over another. The only handheld GPS devices reviewed in the past year are the Garmin Oregon 400t and the Garmin Forerunner 405, both of which receive very high scores. The only thing keeping the Oregon 400t from getting a higher score is its dim screen. Not all reviewed products are available in the U.S.

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11. PCMag.com
As of June 2009
GPS Navigation
by Editors of PCMag.com
Our Assessment

PCMag.com usually does not cover non-crossover handheld GPS units, but, when they do, you can count on the review to contain in-depth analysis and solid recommendations. The Garmin Oregon 400t is one of the few current handheld GPS receivers to have received a review, but the editors are sufficiently impressed to award it an Editors' Choice selection and a rating of four stars out of five. Reviewer Craig Ellison says that despite being "pricey," the Oregon 400t is "an excellent hiking companion."

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12. CNet.com
Aug. 14, 2008
Garmin nuvi 500 Review
by Bonnie Cha
Our Assessment

CNET does a decent job reviewing GPS receivers for the car, but has dropped the ball a bit of late when it comes to handheld GPS receivers. Bonnie Cha discusses the nuvi 500, a crossover GPS receiver that's suitable for use in a car or when traveling by foot, bike or boat -- sort of. Car functionality is good, but Cha says that most users would likely be better served by purchasing a dedicated GPS receiver for their outdoor adventures. She awards the nuvi 500 a lukewarm rating of three stars out of five.

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13. Singletracks.com
As of June 2009
GPS Unit Reviews
by Jeff Barber
Our Assessment

This blog devoted to mountain biking also covers some portable GPS units. Reviews are short but balanced -- aside from a plea to purchase your GPS receiver from their favored vendor. Not all GPS receivers listed are reviewed, and all derive their rating from user input -- which is relatively skimpy compared to Amazon.com -- rather than expert testing. For those who are serious about mountain biking, or those that can afford its added functionality, the Garmin Edge 305 is recommended. However, the Garmin Edge 205 is said to offer nearly all of the functionality most will ever need but at a more palatable price.

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14. REI.com
As of June 2009
Top-Rated Gear
by Contributors to REI.com
Our Assessment

REI, an outdoor equipment retailer, lets its customers rate and review GPS receivers. Navigation is easy, and ratings are clearly displayed on the main page. Considering both the rating and the number of reviews it receives, the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx shapes up as a favorite. As is always the case with review sites, the quality of the individual posts varies, but most tend to be thoughtful and full of details that a consumer would want to know.

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15. GPSInformation.net
As of June 2009
GPS Reviews
by Editors of GPSInformation.net
Our Assessment

This website is an excellent source for lengthy, detailed reviews of handheld GPS devices, auto GPS receivers and GPS software. However, the site layout makes reviews difficult to find, and reports on handheld GPS receivers are becoming more infrequent. Reviews of tons of discontinued GPS receivers remain listed, cluttering the site. While the reviews indicate thorough testing, products aren't rated or ranked. Comparisons with competing products are rare enough that readers have no way to distinguish among units.

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16. PC World
As of June 2009
GPS Receivers
by Editors of PC World
Our Assessment PC World occasionally reviews handheld GPS products. Reviews are usually short and not directly comparative. The DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 earns the highest rating among still-available handheld GPS models. PC World reports that it works very well, but it's expensive and you have to buy and download maps as you go.

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