There is No One Perfect Handheld GPS

Thats right, there is no one perfect handheld GPS for everyone. There may be one that you consider perfect for yourself, but probably not everyone has the same needs you do. However, overall there are highly recommended handheld GPS out there, and they are all listed below. These are considered the top rated handheld GPS. A reliable community of assorted handheld GPS users has rated these as the most popular/satisfactory handheld GPS out there. However, choosing a good handheld GPS for yourself depends on what and how you, personally, plan on using your GPS. I can't tell you the one single handheld GPS that has been proven to be the best, simply becauce there hasn't been one. Though I have put together a list of the most qualified and top rated handheld GPS. So I encourage you to look into each of these GPS and find what exactly it is that you are looking for and choose which GPS is best suited for you. GPS technology is constantly changing so check back often for updates.

Features of the Top Rated Handheld GPS:

-Long battery life (between 15-25 hours)

-Plenty of memory to hold waypoints (14-25 MB should be good)

-Easily portable/light weight (hand held)

-Easily readable screen (mapping)

-WAAS capability (allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters)

-Water proof/resistant

Top Rated Handheld GPS

-Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

-Garmin Etrex Legend

-Magellan Explorist 200

-Garmin GPS 60

Long Battery Life for a Portable Handheld GPS

Portable GPS should be just that, portable. When you are out and about with your handheld GPS you won't always have the opportunity to charge up. And you don't want to be confined on how far you can go with your handheld GPS by its batter life. So make sure when you are looking to buy one of these top rated portable handheld GPS that it has a long battery life.

The Best Portable Handheld GPS Should Have Plenty of Memory

Because portable handheld GPS units are generally smaller manufactures try to cut costs by not putting in the more expensive more compact memory. So if you buy a GPS that is to your liking in size it might not have nearly enough memory for you to be happy with. So be sure when you are buying your handheld GPS that it has a satisfactory amount of memory to hold waypoints.

The Top Rated Portable Handheld GPS Should be Light Weight

Bigger is not always better. Especially when dealing with portable handheld GPS. No one wants a massive break of a GPS that basically can only be mount, thus taking about from the "portable" aspect. Some handheld GPS weigh up to 3.5 pounds, which for most people would be much to heavy. When looking for portable handheld GPS try and stay under 2 pounds.

The Best Portable Handheld GPS Should Have WAAS Capability

In order to be considered the "best" or "top rated" portable handheld GPS it must have WAAS capability. Most GPS have no idea what WAAS is. Basically WAAS is technology in the GPS that allows for accuracy of up to 3 meters. WAAS might not be the deciding factor on your handheld GPS, it all depends on how you want to us the GPS. So think about how you plan on using your handheld GPS and if you need more accuracy then go with WAAS, otherwise save your money.

The Top Rated Handheld GPS Needs to be Water Resistant/Water Proof

When it comes to a $100+ piece of equipment that's primary use is outdoors you don't want a little water to ruin it. So be sure your portable handheld GPS is some what water resistant, particularly if you use your GPS out in the open.