Handheld GPS Systems
Handheld GPS devices, units or systems are a bit unique among GPS product categories. This product category is a bit fuzzy when it comes to defining exactly what it is. We'll attempt to define, clarify, divisionalize (if that's a word) on just what exactly a GPS Handheld Unit is. One thing for sure though is that products in the marketplace have some very specific features and unique features for that matter. Generally speaking Handheld GPS devices can be categorized as follows:
- Pedestrian GPS -Generally units that are used for personal transportation.
- Hiking GPS -Usually used by persons who are navigating through remote areas, wilderness areas. The units typically have additional features that allow them to use more detailed and sophisticated mapping techniques specific to wilderness and remote areas to population centers.
- Camping GPS-Alot of similarities to the above. These units may have more features as far as custom points of interest.
- Running GPS -The GPS Unit allows you to enter custom destinations into the device in order to assist you in travelling to multiple destinations in the shortest time possible during one trip.
- Portable Car GPS -Technically speaking, portable car GPS units can are now small enough in physical size to be classified as a handheld. There can be confusion and the lines are now being crossed over between handheld GPS categories. Portable car GPS is just that category. More on this subject later.
- Portable Fishing GPS -Some GPS units are considered portable handheld units that also share functions of typical marine fishfinders.
2010 Top Rated Handheld GPS Best Seller List
What features are most commonly sold with Handheld GPS devices?
The most common features can be categorized as follows:
- Altimeter -This Handheld GPS has the ability to measure altitude.
- Bluetooth -GPS has the capability to synchronize with compatible bluetooth devices. The most common of which are mobile phones.
- Cell Phone-This Handheld GPS unit has the same basic calling functions as a typical cell phone.
- Custom Points of Interest -The device has the ability for it's user to enter personal locations that are not typically a part of the standard points of interest database of the unit.
- Digital Compass -Pretty straightforward description here. The device includes the ability to give compass functions that you qould find in a traditional compass.
- FM Transmitter -This Handheld GPS device has the ability to produce FM transmissions.
- Heart Rate Monitor -This Handheld GPS device is able to monitor it's users heart rate. Typically GPS units with this feature are able to produce other data analysis as well related to caloric burn, respiration, etc.
- MP3 Player -The GPS Handheld Unit has the ability play MP3 encoded audio, typically associated with music, ebooks and other audio media.
- Photo Viewer -The GPS unit has the ability to view images. Normally the images are readable if they are in JPEG format, although some manufacturers may offer other image format options on the handheld gps units.
- Text To Speech -The GPS unit has the capability to product audio voice that will say "turn left at Peachtree Street" vs. "Turn Left in 100 feet."
- Video Player -The Handheld GPS deice has the ability to replay video encoded media (movies.)
- Voice Command -The unit has the ability to receive voice commands from it's user.
- Water Resistant -The device has some resistance to moisture, although it is not intended to be submersed in water.
- Water Proof -The device will resist damage upon submersion into water. Typically the handheld GPS device will have a depth rating to which the manufacturer guarantees it's performance.
- WAAS Enabled -Stands for Wide Area Augmentation Signal. This is a technology that provides more accurracy, i.e., a device may be accurate to 2.5 meters vs. 4.0 meters.
Top Rated Handheld GPS
BEST SELLER Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
The GPS 60CSx just has been improved over it's prior models. It consists of a extremely sensitive receiver that will track your position in heavy tree cover, steep gorges and terrain. It uses a color display, has a barometric altimeter, compass for land or water use. Aftermarket MicroSD cards from Garmin will provide topographic maps, streets, and body of water charts. This handheld GPS unit works with most all Garmin MapSource products. Out of the box it includes an Americas autoroute basemap for routing capabilities of highways, ramps, and even tidal data. It also will function as a Car GPS by giving you turn-by-turn directions when you're driving. A sure fire performer for the most challenging user.
Average Customer Rating: 4.46 
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BEST SELLER Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx Handheld GPS Navigator
Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx went a recent remake to include a new GPS receiver of high sensitivity. It operates well in the heaviest of forest, canyons and geographic terrain. It comes with a color display and a 64 MB microSD card. The device is compatible with most all Garmin MapSource products. There is a preloaded marine point database included as well, preloaded. It will also operate as a Car GPS device with odometer, time, motion average, total duration average, total time, max speed, and more. Yes, this top rated, bestselling handheld gps has got the goods. With customer ratings that rate as high as this GPS you know yu can;t go wrong if you chosse this one. Happy trails.
Average Customer Rating: 4.35
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Garmin GPSMAP 76 with English and French manual/packaging
The Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a massively featured handheld GPS unit. It will record and map your movements off-road, on road and on the water. It has personal computer (PC) connectivity and map options in a package about the size of a small paper back book, it will fit comfortably in your hand, but a little large to slip into a shirt pocket. It operates on two double A batteries. Three meters is its accuracy due to the fact that it uses WAAS. This purpose built Handheld GPS uses a backlit display with an integrated basemap that includes major roadways, railways, waterways, and lakes for the US and CN. It also contains a worldwide map.
Average Customer Rating: 4.33 
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BEST SELLER Garmin GPS 76CSX Handheld GPS with Barometric Altimeter and Electronic Compass
Garmin's GPS 76CSx is purposely built for boaters, marine and waterway enthusisats. It weighs a mere 7.6-ounces and includes a very high-sensitivity handheld GPS receiver. It has a color TFT display, 128 megabyte microSD card if yu choose to store additional map detail. Also a part of this handheld GPS device's package is the barometric altimeter, compass that's electronic. Those on land will also like it's features, when considering the small package this powerful device packs. So for one of the best gps values for the money this is a handheld gps that can't be beat. Make your purchase of this unit a confident one.
Average Customer Rating: 4.30
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BEST SELLER Garmin Oregon 450 Handheld GPS Navigator
Garmin's Oregon 450 handheld GPS is all about the wilderness. This is the recent redo of an old favorite. A durable touchscreen, built-in basemap that uses shade relief are favorites. Expect top performance with the altimeter, 3-axis compass, microSD slot, picture viewer as well. Even network with others to share routes, waypoints and geocaches between like handheld GPS units. A color touchscreen display shows clear, high-resolution images. Known for it's intuitive user interface you will spend even less time looking for information. You can customize the appearance of the display as well. Expect durability and know it's waterproof. You can't gp wrong with the long time GPS handheld favorite.
Average Customer Rating: 4.29
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GARMIN 010-00564-01 Rino 530HCx 2-Way Radio With GPS/FRS/GMRS
The Garmin Rhino 530 HCx has ruggedness written all over it. It features a two-way radio with a waterproof chassis. Twenty two transmission channels and 5 watts of power will give you the confidence knowing you can contact friends or rescue crews from up to fourteen miles over GMRS or up to 2 miles over FRS channels. These radio and nav features make this handheld GPS device great for mountaineering, alpine tracking and camping, back-country skiing, and many other outdoor events. When you compare handheld gps units with one another, you'll see why this is one of the top rated around. Know that in the world of handheld gps devices that you can really be comforted that the price is right.
Average Customer Rating: 4.27
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Magellan eXplorist GC Handheld Geocaching GPS Navigator
Magellan eXplorist GC is 100% dedicated and intended for geocaching. It features geocaching out of the box, ready to in a paper less gfashion. A bright color screen, quality graphics, and an intuitive user interface are all wrapped around this durable, waterproof handheld GPS unit. Operating on a mere two AA batteries it can reach fifteen hours of use at up to three meter accuracy. The device is purposely design for a simple interface that enables it's user to sort and search thousands of geocaches. Push logging data to geocaching.com after your data is recorded. Of course expect all the other common GPS features, i.e., create waypoints, has a worldwide basemap, active tracking, and odometer.
Average Customer Rating: 4.25
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BEST SELLER Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator
Garmin eTrex Legend HCx, oh yes, it's got the goods. WAAS-enabled GPS receiver for precise GPS locations in dense cover. Count on this handheld unit when you need it. The Legend HCx got better with a microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and the Legend HCx will provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Plus, the card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you needn't worry about it getting wet. Be assured, this is a best of class performer that cannot be challenged.
Average Customer Rating: 4.25
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BEST SELLER Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is made for heavy terrain, Canyon walls, canyons, gorges and heavy forest will not win out. Equipped WAAS, a high sensitivity handheld GPS receiver, it maintains its GPS location in heavy cover. Count on the Vista HCx with a it's electronic compass to show you the way. It will provide bearing information even if not in motion and it has an altimeter that will track changes in pressure to hone in on altitude. A must consider device for any outdoor enthusiast. So, once again Garmin nails the enthusiast that the handheld is intended for. You won't be disappointed with the top rated best selling GPS unit.
Average Customer Rating: 4.20
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Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver
If you don't know, the Garmin eTrex Summit HC is popular by the outdoor enthusiast's need for quality. This handheld GPS device is simple to navigate with on land or water. The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver which means it's accurate. Expect the eTrex Summit HC to help you when you need it the most. It's simple, easy to use menu lets you create up to 500 waypoints, save and/or view ten track logs, and alot more. Loading waypoints and routes from the included MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software is a snap as well. This is one high performing handheld device. make this purchase and you'll be blazing trails in no time.
Average Customer Rating: 4.19
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Garmin Colorado 400i Portable GPS System with Preloaded U.S. Inland Lake Maps
From waterways to forest trails, the Colorado 400i performs. It contains US lakes, a high-sensitivity Rx, barometric altimeter, compass thats electronic, SD card slot, color screen, and an image viewer as well. Transfer recorded tracks, waypoints, data routes and marked geocaches wirelessly to other like units. Small, light in weight and waterproof, this handheld GPS device has it covered. WAAS-enabled, the GPS receiver boasts the latest accuracy available and it locates your position fast in dense conditions. Heavy forest or skyscraper buildings expect the Colorado show you the way. Buy the handheld gps unit and you won't be disappointed.
Average Customer Rating: 4.17
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BEST SELLER Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex H is cool for outdoor sport and fitness and enthusiast of all finds on a budget. It'll takso it can wite you through the toughest terrain and has that highly-sensitive, WAAS receiver that we all know is the next big thing. Whether you're strolling through a heavy forest or near a big building, know that the eTrex H handheld GPS unit will find the way if your in a crunch. The four stepped gray LCD display makes it simple to use in light or dark conditions. It's waterproof too. Garmin has a redone hit once again with this top handheld GPS performer. It deserves the applause it has received over the years and it still does the job.
Average Customer Rating: 4.12
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Garmin Oregon 400T 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS Unit with Preloaded Topographic Maps
Using a modern tech (3)-D elevation view in perspective and with preloaded topographic map data of the U.S. included, the robust Garmin Oregon 400t gives you all the features you want for intense climbing, hiking or hunting. A hi-sensitive receiver has topographic maps included with a high-resolution, three-inch color touch screen that delivers when you contact the screen and navigate through screen menu options. The high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver uses HotFix satellite prediction. So the Oregon 400t will pinpoint your location fast with and precision. The device will maintain its GPS location in heavy cover, deep canyons and coarse terrain as well. Also included is a barometric altimeter, electronic compasc. Garmin heart-rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors are compatible as well. The preloaded United States topo maps, 3D map view and worldwide basemap gives you all the tools for climbing and hiking. Map details include national, state and local parks as well as forests. Terrain contours, elevation info, trails, rivers, lakes and points of interest (POI's) are in the package as well. The Oregon's 3D map view helps you visualize your surroundings as well which will give you a better perspective of the elevation. With five customizable profiles (auto, marine, recreation, fitness and geocaching)you'll make the most of each activity by accessing through quick shortcuts. The 3-inch color touchscreen display will be easy to see even in direct sun glare and the Oregon's easy use user interface means you'll enjoy the outdoors more and you'll spend less time searching for information.
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Average Customer Rating: 3.79
BEST SELLER Garmin eTrex Venture HC GPS Receiver
Garmin eTrex Venture HC is a top performer for the ourdoors person. WAAS intergration means it's fast and accurate to give you the information when you need it. Heavy woods, steep canyons or in the city, know the Venture HC handheld GPS unit will navigate all obstacles. A simple user interface is a joy when you enter in up too 500 waypoints. Plus it uses software from Garmin's entire line of optional MapSource mapping products. Check this one out, buy with confidence with this Handheld GPS unit. Of course, Garmin backs this one up like all their other broad range of handheld devices, so you can be assured of another quality device from the largest supplier.
Average Customer Rating: 4.11
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