About Handheld GPS Systems Part II

Some standards with regards to handheld GPS systems: they should be waterproof and quite rugged, with a backlit screen (color preferably).  They'll all have a given amount of electronic memory for storing waypoints, maps, routes and other information.  How much you'll need is up to you.  Larger screens, more memory, etc will all come with the tradeoff of higher price, and in some cases decreased portability since they may be larger.

You'll also be choosing between external and internal antennae.  Some will have the quadrifilar helix antenna which will be a huge benefit if you plan on being in dense forest or wooded areas.  Bluetooth is another feature you'll see on a lot of the more expensive models, but not something I find myself particularly concerned with.

There are some addons you'll most likely end up buying separately anyway, unless you are purchasing some sort of package or promotional deal.  Chords, software, etc are generally all sold separately, or if included inflate the price more than they should in my opinion. (primarily speaking of software here, you can generally do a better job targeting what you want and buying seperately)

While a handheld GPS system can be an invaluable tool for remote hiking and biking, you do not want it to be your only tool, but rather as one piece of a larger puzzle.  You will want to have printed maps of your locations, a cell phone, and a compass at a bare minimum.  No electronic device is infallible, and GPS are no exception to this rule.  Always bring battery backups as well, its one thing to lose your receiver to a malfunction which is beyond your control, but quite another to lose it to poor planning and a dead battery!

Another thing to bear in mind is that other handheld devices, like the Blackberry Storm 2, pictured below, are starting to incorporate GPS technology along with their other applications! (Although some say that these "smart" devices will supplant handheld GPS systems, I think that's farfetched.  They will be an attractive alternative for some, but will never have the ergonomic layout or screen real estate of a dedicated unit)

Another trend that bodes well for handheld GPS systems is just how many industries in which they are starting to be used.  Everything from farming to hunting to marine biology is finding that the combination of tagging precise locations while in the field to provide data to integrate with their other software is producing magnificent businesses.