Global positioning devices are currently used and loved by drivers who would like to navigate safely through tangled and congested cities. Although, if you learn about the earliest applications of global positioning devices, you will learn that GPS devices were most commonly used by hikers and other people wandering the great outdoors who want to avoid losing their way. As companies went about advancing the technology in the latest GPS devices for road warriors, the same advances were put to use in the handheld GPS models as well. These next generation handheld GPS devices are designed more like mobile phones as a result of their profile and LCD screen. Another great model to consider is TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Quite a few of the GPS devices made for autos may also be used by pedestrians if they are comfortable with the interface. Quite a few of the products marketed by TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan are small enough to cradle in an adult’s hand or slip into your pocket. However when it comes to employing the GPS unit while climbing or using only one hand, more appropriate interface might be useful. What follows is a list of a few products to consider.

Magellan Triton Series

The Magellan Triton series is an interesting collection to look at because each of the models from the starter model to the top of the line all appear the same. The most affordable models have a very suitable 2.2” QVGA color monitor while a few of the higher end models come with a marginally bigger screen of 2.7”. All of the Magellan units benefit from a resilient design which is waterproof, so you can safely carry them with you while crossing rivers or during downpours.

Some of the Magellan models have a special AdventurePack label on them which basically says that the devices include some specific software called the TOPO! Explorer. Genuine explorers should sincerely take a closer look at these packages. The nice thing about Magellan’s array of products is that there will be a Triton device that works with your budget with such a range of products to choose from. Another nice option to consider is the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.

Garmin Series

Garmin offers a large collection of handheld products and each individual series accommodates various forms of navigation. For instance, the GPSMAP 7X series units are all saltwater-friendly and intended for sailing on the open ocean, while the GPSMAP 6X series units benefit from a more resilient construction for heavy duty navigation, even though they are still reasonably priced and contain a useful set of applications including microSD support and effective navigation.

The eTrex series are handheld GPS devices consumers should look for when the price is a serious concern. They are easy to carry with quite a few of them offering a monitor large enough to read with ease.

If you consider yourself an accomplished traveler in need of a device made to be really tough and equipped with powerful applications, the Colorado or Oregon series might live up to your expectations. Both series come with a multifunctional touch-screen display, an option not provided in other Garmin series, and they also display different maps particular for the precise model you get.

Keep in mind that these handheld GPS devices shouldn’t be used as you are driving unless a non-driving navigator is using it. If you won’t require all of the more powerful applications and want a single device that is able to help you on either the highway or the trail, it could be very practical to use an all-in-one device that you can transport in an automobile or in your pocket. Another good item to consider is the TomTom GO 740 Live GPS Navigator.