Handheld GPS

How GPS works

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a navigation technology that provides precise time and location data by using 24 NAVSTAR (Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging) satellites. Each satellite completes one Earth orbit every 12 hours. They are positioned at an altitude that allows them to cover the same ground once every 24 hours (minus four minutes).

Each satellite carries an atomic clock, transmitting both its position and a time signal, which is picked up by a GPS receiver. Since a handheld GPS unit can receive data from multiple satellites, and since each satellite provides information that is appropriate to its own location and distance, the GPS unit performs the mathematics and arrives at a position fix to within 50 feet or so. Many factors can have an impact on accuracy, including atmospheric conditions, buildings, tunnels and heavy foliage. However, reviewers say that the latest SiRFstar III chipset all but eliminates those issues.

Most GPS units also use WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). This system is based on a network of 25 ground-reference stations that are widely spread apart. Each station receives GPS satellite signals and checks them for any errors. The corrected data is then forwarded to a Wide Area Master Station, which makes some additional calculations and then uploads the newly corrected data to a satellite. The message is finally broadcast on the same GPS frequency and picked up by GPS receivers, as long as they are within the broadcast coverage area of the WAAS. Not all GPS receivers have the ability to receive this more accurate signal, however. What that difference means to you is significant. A non-WAAS GPS receiver can fix your position to within 50 feet. A WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can fix your position to less than ten feet. While that might not make a big difference if you're driving in a car, it's a big deal if you're on the ground trying to find the turn to base camp.

Handheld GPS vs. Auto GPS

GPS receivers for the outdoors market and for the automotive market are converging in some products, but models in the two categories have features that specifically target their intended audience. Car units have 3.5-inch or larger displays so they can be easily read from a couple of feet away. Some models have slim form factors, but others have three-dimensional triangular shapes. Features are oriented to driving navigation, and they include car-mounting kits. Car units come with more road maps than handheld GPS units do. In many cases, you have to pay for additional maps for handheld GPS units.

Outdoors-oriented GPS receivers are made to resist the elements -- most are rubberized and water resistant either to the IPX-4 or higher IPX-7 waterproofing standard. Handheld GPS receivers are meant to be lightweight and easy to hold with one hand. They have smaller screens than an auto GPS -- since you'll be holding it at arm's length, a huge screen isn't a necessity. Whereas color screens are de rigueur on auto GPS units and are common on handheld GPS, you can save some money by going with a monochrome screen. The smaller screens also help extend battery life.

The majority of handheld GPS units look like large cell-phone walkie-talkies, and they have their own built-in GPS antennae. Most also offer similar features, such as the ability to store up to 1,000 or more waypoints and access to 12 or more satellites. A "waypoint" is simply a coordinate for a selected location. You can program waypoints while you're traveling, or you can preprogram waypoints before you leave home or camp. It's a fundamental marker that aids the unit in plotting the routes that interest you -- sort of a virtual breadcrumb trail.

Most handheld GPS receivers come with a set of North American base maps, but they really shine when you use them with map software, loading more detailed maps as you need them. Some inexpensive handheld GPS receivers don't use maps at all; they rely instead on waypoints and coordinates. Some come with compasses, altimeters and barometers, which add versatility and convenience. Battery life ranges from 15 to 35 hours -- more than you'd get from an auto GPS. Handheld GPS receivers are also the gadgets of choice for geocaching, a hobby that invites participants to use GPS technology to find designated treasure spots, where they can pick up a small souvenir or a clue to a larger puzzle.

Best handheld GPS receivers

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx handheld GPS (*est. $425) gets the most glowing reviews. Performance is first-rate, according to critics. The Garmin 60CSx uses the SiRFstar III chipset, giving it a fast lock onto satellites -- less than 30 seconds from a cold start. In addition to performance, reviewers are impressed with the Garmin handheld GPS unit's feature lineup. For example, the editors at GPSLodge.com give high marks to the 60CSx for its barometric altimeter and electronic compass (accurate while standing still). Rich Owings at GPSTracklog.com says the Garmin 60CSx is the best handheld GPS unit, praising Garmin's manufacturing quality and intuitive interfaces.

The Garmin 60CSx handheld GPS is designed to work with Garmin's excellent MapSource software (multiple versions are available), which includes detailed maps of North American highways, roads, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, backwoods trails and shoreline. The device comes with a 64MB blank SD memory card for adding more maps. The Garmin 60CSx can record up to 10,000 automatic tracking points, and the software lets you transfer routes and waypoints back and forth from your computer to the handheld GPS.

The otherwise identical Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx (*est. $325) lacks the compass and barometric altimeter. You can save some money if you won't use those features. The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx (*est. $350) is the boating version; it will float on water. The Garmin 76Cx is preloaded with tidal information. It comes with a 128MB blank SD card.

The DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 handheld GPS (*est. $420) is unique in that it can display aerial photography, USGS topographic maps, DeLorme topographic maps and satellite imagery. GPSReview.net raves about the DeLorme GPS PN-20, saying that it is a Google Earth-type product in a handheld form. Many reviewers comment on the advantages of being able to actually see the terrain ahead on the device's 2.2-inch display. The DeLorme GPS PN-20 can also show trip details, compass headings, tide schedules and sunrise and sunset data.

But the DeLorme GPS PN-20 handheld GPS also has some drawbacks. GPSTracklog.com calls the GPS PN-20 the "most innovative handheld GPS of 2007." But the site's Rich Owings adds that it has an "unintuitive" interface and a "steep" learning curve. In addition, the Garmin GPS PN-20 lacks the SiRFstar III chipset. While reviews say GPS performance is still very good, Owings says the processor can be slow, causing delays of a second or two in navigating menus. GPSReview.net also notes that the unit is sluggish in displaying maps, but adds that this isn't an issue in typical use.

The major disadvantage to most budget handheld GPS units is that they lack the SiRFstar III chipset. Other GPS receivers lose satellite reception in some areas, and are slightly less accurate.

The least expensive handheld GPS units have monochrome displays. These models are rarely seen in reviews. Experts such as GPSLodge.com's Scott Martin suggest skipping monochrome units because color contrast makes a small screen easier to read. However, the Magellan eXplorist 210 (*est. $150) is rated as the best budget unit of 2006 by Outside magazine. It has 22MB of memory and a sharp monochrome screen. The eXplorist 210 is now discontinued, but it is still available from some dealers. The 5.8-ounce unit has a 2.25-inch monochrome display.

The Magellan eXplorist 500 LE (*est. $180) is a very good value in a handheld GPS, according to Larry Leviton at GPSInformation.net. It's a budget version of the eXplorist 500. The higher-end unit has an AC adapter and a lithium-ion battery. The Magellan 500 LE runs on three AAA batteries, but you can upgrade later to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack if you wish. Onboard memory is sparse (16MB), but can be expanded with an SD memory card. The preloaded highway maps are basic, but once memory is expanded, you can download more detailed maps from your computer. This type of modular approach keeps the price down, but allows owners expanded future functionality if needed. The Magellan eXplorist 500 LE has a 2.25-inch display. It weighs 5.4 ounces. The case is impact and water resistant.

In his reviews for GPSLodge.com, Scott Martin chooses the Garmin eTrex Venture Cx (*est. $185) as the best budget handheld GPS, while GPSTracklog.com's Rich Owings does the same with the Garmin eTrex Legend (*est. $120) . The latter has a monochrome display and has been on the market for years. Neither Garmin unit has been recently reviewed elsewhere.

Crossover handheld GPS units

We found favorable reviews for three crossover GPS receivers. These new products have the combined characteristics of car units (such as a larger display and driving directions) and handheld GPS units (such as waterproofing and a durable chassis). Despite that, reviewers concur that crossover GPS units aren't as good for either purpose as the better separate products. Reviews of crossover GPS units often conclude that your best bet is to buy two units.

The Magellan Crossover GPS (*est. $460) uses the SiRFstar III chipset. It has a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display, text-to-speech driving directions, an MP3 player, a photo viewer and real-time traffic capabilities (with optional subscription service). Assets for outdoor use include waterproofing to IPX-4 and an easy-to-hold cell-phone shape.

Performance reviews for the Magellan Crossover GPS are mixed. GPS Magazine praises the Crossover GPS's excellent turn-by-turn vehicle navigation, value, features and versatility. However, they add that the unit is sluggish and slow to respond to inputs, a point that's echoed by CNet.com's Bonnie Cha. At GPSTracklog.com, Rich Owings says that the Crossover GPS is a good idea that needs improvement. For example, if you're playing MP3s, you can't also navigate or look at map screens. Also, the Crossover GPS has half as many points of interest in memory as good dedicated car units. PC Magazine is more enthusiastic, with reviewer Craig Ellison praising the Magellan GPS unit's versatility.

The very similar Mio DigiWalker H610 (*est. $325) looks like a PDA and weighs half as much as the Magellan Crossover GPS. PC Magazine rates the Mio H610 higher than the Magellan Crossover GPS. Craig Ellison cites the H610's small screen size (2.7 inches) as its biggest disadvantage, but he loves the features and ease of use. CNet.com's Bonnie Cha agrees that the H610 is better for field than car use because of the screen size. Pocket-lint.co.uk and Laptop magazine also recommend the Mio DigiWalker H610, but GPSLodge.com is the most enthusiastic about it. Scott Martin concludes, "If you want the ultra-portability and the PDA type functionality, you're golden with this unit." He especially likes the quality of the graphics.

If you really want a crossover GPS device, the choice between the Magellan Crossover GPS and the Mio DigiWalker H610 could boil down to your primary use. The Magellan Crossover GPS is more practical for driving, with the larger display, while the Mio H610 is more easily carried and better for hiking or the outdoors.

The Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N100 (*est. $500) is the third major option in this category. It is more like the Mio H610 in size and weight, and has a just slightly larger 2.8-inch screen, but is more expensive. Reviewers generally like the LOOX N100, but all that have also reviewed either the Magellan Crossover GPS or the Mio H610 like those units more. In addition some reviewers, including CNet.com's Bonnie Cha, say the LOOX N100 is slow.

GPS units for runners and cyclists

Garmin markets the Forerunner line for runners. These multifunction GPS units strap onto your wrist like a watch, but they are as wide or wider than a typical arm. Most reviewers give the nod to the top-of-the-line Garmin Forerunner 305 (*est. $300) . Scott Martin at GPSLodge.com prefers the 305 over the Garmin Forerunner 205 for its extra features. These include a wireless heart-rate monitor and an optional cadence sensor. Martin recommends either unit over earlier (but still available) Forerunner models because the 205 and 305 both use the SiRFstar III chipset.

BusinessWeek.com's Matt Vella gives the Garmin GPS watch a rave review. He says that among all of the Forerunner units, the Garmin Forerunner 305 "is by far the most innovative and usable of the bunch." Gear Digest recommends the Forerunner 305 GPS watch in two articles. Bruce Gain conducts a side-by-side comparison with the Timex Bodylink (*est. $270) . Both are good, but he favors the Garmin because it's easier to use. In the article "Buying a Portable GPS," Calvin Chu recommends both the 205 and 305 for runners and walkers. A mixed review by

TheFinalSprint.com says the Forerunner 305 has great features, but battery life is short, coverage can be spotty, and it's expensive.

The Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305 each weigh 2.72 ounces, and are waterproofed to the IPX-7 standard. The Garmin Forerunner GPS watch units continuously monitor a runner's speed, distance, pace and calories burned, as well as providing a post-workout analysis via the included Garmin Training Center software. They come with an AC charger and dock and a USB cable. The cadence sensor is an optional add-on for the 305. The 305 is also covered in the ConsumerSearch report on heart-rate monitors .

The older Garmin Forerunner 201 (*est. $120) is a budget alternative. The Competitive Runner says the Forerunner 201 is a great tool, with flaws. Accuracy is good on open roads, but not on wooded trails and roads. The 201 doesn't measure altitude and incline well. It is much bulkier than the newer units, and the display has lower resolution.

GPSLodge.com recommends the Garmin Edge 305 (*est. $280) for cyclists. It's very similar to the Forerunner 305 but has specific biking features, including a bicycle mount.

PDAs with GPS and Bluetooth

If you already own a Bluetooth-enabled Palm or Pocket PC PDA, you can turn your PDA into a handheld GPS with a Bluetooth GPS plug-in. These are extremely compact and lightweight. Since screens on PDAs are larger than those on handheld GPS receivers, they are more adaptable for use in a car. You could also choose a PDA that has built-in GPS. This solution is a better choice for business travelers rather than outdoor enthusiasts, however, since PDAs have poor battery life compared to a regular handheld GPS receiver. Moreover, PDAs are not water resistant, and they rarely have features like an altimeter or electronic compass -- both of which are useful when camping or hiking. A PDA/GPS combo is probably better adapted for use in a car than on the trail. We didn't find any reviews that recommend those units for outdoor activities.

Unlike PDAs with GPS capability, the HP iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion (*est. $450) is a true hybrid GPS unit/PDA. It also plays MP3s and other media. The iPAQ rx5900 is top-rated by several review sources. Stephen Patrick of Pocket-lint.co.uk calls it "the best hybrid device we've used." HP markets it to people who want one portable device instead of three or more. We cover the HP rx5900 more fully in our report about auto GPS units because it comes with a car-mounting kit. Conversely, it has no features for outdoor activities, and no protection for field use. Because of the way HP markets its products, changing model numbers to track sales by retail outlet, this system is typically sold at retail stores and websites as the HP rx5915.

Another option is the Mio DigiWalker H610, a handheld GPS which is covered above in the Crossover GPS section. The Mio H610 plays MP3s and has some PDA features, such as WorldMate digital assistant software, and you can import your contact list from Microsoft Outlook. It's smaller than most PDAs and has a smaller screen. It comes with a lanyard and a wrist strap, which gives you carrying options.

GPS cell phones

Many cell phones and most smartphones now come with GPS receivers. Cellular service is required to use any of these phones, and each phone only works with one or several specific services. GPS smartphones can be inexpensive when purchased with a cell-phone contract, but very expensive otherwise. Various functions and features have additional charges. They can come from the service provider or another source. For example, software or maps can be downloaded for a fee on some smartphones.

The Nokia N95 (*est. $790 without a cell service contract) earns InfoSyncWorld.com's highest rating. Reviewer Philip Berne says "GPS is best in class." Other reviews are mixed. Pocket-lint.co.uk gives it a high score for its versatility, but calls it "a jack-of-all-trades… a master of none." Gizmodo.com agrees with InfoSyncWorld about GPS performance, saying, "The GPS is really GPS, not some assisted-GPS that Sprint and Verizon have in their phones." Gizmodo says call quality is good, but battery life is awful, the phone is sluggish and build quality is flimsy. CNet.com's Bonnie Cha notes that the poor battery life and sluggish performance make it hard to justify the Nokia N95's high price tag.

All agree, however, that the Nokia N95 is feature-packed. It includes a 5-megapixel camera, moving video capture and a multiformat music player with stereo speakers, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared connectivity and productivity software. It has a 2.6-inch color screen, 160MB of memory and a microSD card slot. It provides text-to-speech navigation for driving directions. While the price is high, some say it isn't absurd if you own a Nokia N95 instead of another cell phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a car GPS unit and a handheld GPS unit.

Editors at InfoSyncWorld.com also give high ratings to the Samsung SCH-A930 3G (*est. $400 without service or free with Verizon service) and the Samsung SCH-A990 (*est. $200 without service or free with Verizon service) . Other reviews conclude that these phones are undistinguished. The Samsung SCH-A990 is primarily geared to being a camera, according to reviews. None of these reviews evaluate GPS performance or features.

Prior to the release of the Nokia N95, InfoSyncWorld.com said the Pharos GPS Phone 600 (*est. $630) has the "best GPS tracking we've seen on a phone." Gear Digest also likes the Pharos GPS Phone. The otherwise unimpressive LG VX8700 (*est. $500 without service or $15 with Verizon service) also gets very good GPS reception, even indoors.

GPS-equipped smartphones -- which also have most if not all of the functionality of a PDA -- receive mixed reviews, with no model emerging as a favorite among reviewers. Laptop magazine selects the Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition 2 as an Editor's Choice. GPS Navigator is a software and hardware add-on that brings GPS capability to a number of Palm Treo smartphones. It features TomTom GPS software, which is highly regarded by reviewers. Laptop magazine's Troy Dreier says, "GPS navigation works well on the [Palm] Treo's small screen." PC Magazine's Craig Ellison disagrees. He thinks the unit works well, but that the small screen size is a limitation for car GPS use.

Palm has recently released Edition 3 of the package (*est. $250). Differences include upgraded TomTom software, compatibility with a wider range of Treo smartphones, and a redesigned and less bulky mounting cradle. Edition 3's GPS receiver uses the SiRFstar III chipset.

The RIM BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone (*est. $400 without service or $100 with AT&T/Cingular service) earns a high rating from CNet.com, but that's for its text messaging abilities. GPS performance is not mentioned as a virtue. Pocket-lint.co.uk says the BlackBerry is inadequate for GPS navigation.

Still another option is to subscribe to a GPS service that works with select cell phones. The major competitors are TeleNav GPS Navigator service (*est. $10 per month or $3 per day) and VZ Navigator service (*est. $10 per month or $3 per day). TeleNav GPS Navigator works with Cingular Wireless, AT&T and BellSouth services. VZ Navigator is Verizon Wireless's offering. Other cellular services are in the process of implementing their own GPS services.

Editors at InfoSyncWorld.com compare the two services, preferring the TeleNav system, but adding that it is far from perfect. Positives include an intuitive interface and accurate navigation while driving or on foot. However, the system did not always find the reviewer's "favorite shortcuts." CNet.com also reviews both services, but doesn't compare them or reach helpful conclusions. Both CNet.com editors and readers are generally satisfied with the services. In the end, however, your cell-phone carrier is what determines which service you use. The good news is that reviews indicate that if you have a compatible cell phone, each service is a viable alternative to owning a dedicated GPS product.

Important Features: Handheld GPS

Here's what experts say to look for when considering a handheld GPS unit. Keep in mind that your considerations will vary depending on whether you are looking for a unit for camping and hiking, running, boating, bicycling or car navigation. Also see our companion report on auto GPS.

• Look for a mapping screen as opposed to just a numerical longitude/latitude position fix. This makes it much easier to see where you are relative to reference waypoints. Reviews say they're worth the extra money.

• Look for a waterproof or water-resistant handheld GPS. GPSReview.net explains, "The IPX-4 standard means that the device will stand up to water splashed on it from any angle. However, this does not mean you can drop it in a stream. For that you want a device that is IPX-7 waterproof."

• Twenty-route memory is standard, and some models have as many as 50. Make sure you get one with at least 20 routes. See our Comparison Chart for how units stack up. Keep in mind that GPS receivers with a memory-card slot offer expandable route memory.

• Look for at least 500 user-entered waypoints. Some units can store many more.

• Check size and weight. This is a very personal thing, but you should consider it if you are thinking about hauling a unit around in the wilderness. Lighter units come at the expense of screen size. Weights are listed in our Comparison Chart.

• Make sure the unit you are considering points the direction to the next waypoint. This feature is almost universal and is essential for hiking use.

• Look for a unit that uses a 12-channel parallel receiver system. This will give you the best reception in wooded areas. Some now have 15 channels, with three reserved for WAAS.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx (*est. $425)	details
3	Garmin Forerunner 305 (*est. $300)	details
3	HP iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion (*est. $450)	-
2	Garmin Edge 305 (*est. $280)	details
2	DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 (*est. $420)	details
1 each	Garmin eTrex Vista Cx , Garmin eTrex Venture Cx , Magellan Crossover GPS , Samsung SCH-A930 3G, Garmin eTrex Legend , Garmin eTrex Legend Cx , Nokia N95, Mio DigiWalker H610 , Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition 2 , RIM BlackBerry 8800 , Magellan eXplorist 210

Garmin and Magellan make the majority of handheld GPS receivers for outdoor use. Garmin products are also most favored in GPS reviews, but units with the SiRFstar III chipset from any brand are better choices overall according to critics. The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is in a class by itself according to most sources that have reviewed it. DeLorme's Earthmate GPS PN-20 is unique because it can display aerial photographs of the terrain.

The Garmin Forerunner 305 (and simpler Garmin Forerunner 205) is the top unit made for runners. The similar Garmin Edge 305 and Edge 205 are best for cyclists.

Among hybrid products, no product is widely favored over another. The HP iPAQ rx5900/rx5915 Travel Companion with GPS is a hybrid GPS unit/PDA. It's top-rated by three review sources. We cover it in our report about auto GPS because it comes with a car mounting kit.

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