GPS Receivers

You've seen them in newer automobiles, advertisements in the paper, and/or displays at your local big-box retailer. Known as GPS units or GPS receivers, these devices are becoming more popular as prices continue to drop. Besides price, the utility of GPS receivers also contributes to their popularity. This post is mostly about handheld units, but many points apply to both handheld and dashboard receivers. With a GPS receiver, you can:

• Go geocaching
  
• Have a virtual assistant guide you to your driving destination
• Mark locations for later reference
• Recording trip information (average speed, current altitude, maximum speed, etc)

A couple of months ago, I bought a Garmin eTrex Venture Cx to get into the sport of geocaching. Since then, I have used it for each of the bulleted items above. The ability to record trip information has become handy, both for recording auto trips, and while running or hiking.

Since I bought this GPS receiver, I have also purchased the following list of accessories:

• Windshield mount
• MapSource Topo US 2008
• 1GB MicroSD Card (required to add the topo map above)
  

When I was deciding which GPS receiver to purchase, I didn't realize that I would need to buy so many accessories. Soon after my GPS receiver showed up in the mail, though, I realized that I would need to spend more on the unit to get the functionality I wanted. Each accessory has added to this functionality.

Here are a couple of tips for using your GPS, items not mentioned in the owner's manual:

• Waypoints (a waypoint is a location on a map) can be entered into the GPS either manually or with a computer
  
• Garmin devices can receive waypoints directly from the web browser with a free browser plugin
• GPS units ship with basic maps (in the Salt Lake area, I see major city names and interstate roads), but if you want more detailed maps, you will need to buy specific mapping software from the manufacturer of your unit

Do you have a GPS? If so, how often do you use it? If you have used both handheld and auto GPS receivers, which do you prefer? Enter your comments below.