Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Handheld GPS Receiver: Technology in your hands

By Alexis Kenne

Thanks to the relentless progress of today's technology, our standard of living has improved dramatically over the years. A perfect example of this is the introduction of GPS handheld receivers. In days gone by, the average person simply couldn't entertain the idea of exploring foreign lands for fear of getting lost. However, armed with a GPS handheld receiver, we can now safely explore any place we wish without ever having to worry about losing our way. Interestingly enough, the very first satellite navigation systems were already developed in the 1960s although at that point they were used solely by the military.

A handheld GPS receiver is a small device which looks like a wrist watch or a radio and is equipped with Global positioning system (GPS) technology. You can use these handheld GPS receivers for almost everything. You can use them for all kinds of sports like fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and a lot more. There are different handheld receivers for different uses such as a hunting handheld GPS receiver comes complete with compass and camouflage. These devices are quite lightweight and have all the modern functions like up to 2000 weight point storage, 10 to 50 retraceable paths and graphics for all the locations.

For those who merely require a GPS handheld receiver in order to find their way home, basic models can be found for about $100 but for those wanting something more, there are of course models offering features such as:

Voice activated GPS WAAS Technology Theft Prevention MP3 Map Database Personalized Icons Non-reflective screen

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting a GPS handheld receiver, some of which are:

1. If you are lost in a place you can do two things, either ask somebody the way or try to call some one to pick you up. However, if you are at a foreign place where no one speaks your language, then this device can tell you where you are and also give you the directions to your destination

2. If you are late for somewhere and you want to reach on time, you need to find the shortest and quickest route available. The handheld GPS receiver can help you to find the best and shortest route possible.

3) You've relocated to a new area or even a different country and all of a sudden, a medical emergency crops up. With a GPS receiver you'll be able locate a doctor or hospital in seconds.

4) The days of getting lost and not being able to find you way are a thing of the past, thanks to the small size of receivers and the fact that you can take them anywhere.

5) Should an emergency take place while you and your family are traveling, searching for a suitable map can waste a huge amount of time, not too mention the fact that you may not be able to make sense of the map in the first place. In such a scenario, a GPS handheld receiver could quite literally be a life saver.

Hence with a handheld GPS receiver, you will always be safe wherever you go!

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