iBuy GPS

When I turned fifty, I decided to use all the vacation time I had built up over the years at work and tour the 48 states within the continental United States.  I spent at least an hour or two in each state, even if it was just driving through and stopping at a restaurant for lunch.  I think I spent the most time in Florida, Utah, and the New England states, but with all the adventures I had, it’s kind of hard to remember where I just stopped for lunch or dinner and where I spent one or two days touring.  For the duration of the trip I kept my Garmin handheld GPS with me at all times.  The Garmin handheld GPS helped me to navigate foreign roads, find the quickest routes out of the city, and even find the best places to stop for a meal.  I would have been lost without it.

It took me a little under three months to visit all the states, and at the end, I was ready to head back home.  I think I discovered a lot about myself on my trip and I also met a lot of people who were different from me in the various states.  It was a life altering experience that every American should experience once in their lifetime. 

In my last post I mentioned Batteries but, only talked about their weight. The other features that are important about batteries are battery life and battery type. Battery life is how long the battery can produce enough juice to make the Garmin Handheld GPS work. If you have looked at the specs you know that the typical range for batteries is four to twenty four hours. I can hear you hikers groaning. To get the GPS to last you would turn the GPS on for only a few minutes every hour or so. Let’s do the math. If you turn the GPS on for three minutes every hour for ten hours a day then a battery life of four hours would last you eight days. Next post we will take up battery type.

We all know how enjoyable boating can be, but when boating on ocean or larger lakes, there’s always the danger of becoming lost.  Whether it’s because of adverse weather conditions like fog or rain, or just getting turned around, it’s important to be know your location.  A reliable GPS device is invaluable when you’re out on the water, and the Garmin eTrex GPS is great for all kinds of boating.  This GPS provides accurate information about your location on lakes, rivers, even on the coast.  You can also download some cool features including those that point out fishing hot spots on various bodies of water. You’ll be thankful that you have your GPS device should an emergency ever arise and you need to find your way.  You can also use the Garmin eTrex GPS for all kinds of road activities in addition to boating. 

You’ll be able to find addresses, streets, and locations of interest throughout the area.  For boating trips down the coast to different towns and ports, having a GPS provides an excellent opportunity to explore the local culture.  You might even find some places that you never would have discovered otherwise! 

Weight and Battery life:

This is an important ratio. You want adequate battery life but not at the expense of being weighty. This applies even if you have it in a permanent holder on the dashboard of your car. Also you might find that a power saver options is a good feature. GPS can range from 3 ounces to more than a pound and batteries make up most of that weight.

Most people out there think GPS technology is getting a little dated.  Sure, GPS was cool back in 1999 when we didn’t have iPods, Blackberrys, and LCD televisions, but nowadays, when you say you have a GPS, it kind of lacks a certain punch that it once had.  GPS devices were once thought of as high technology, but now that GPS has been incorporated into cell phones, people are less enthusiastic about it.  However, like all technology, GPS has evolved since the original devices, and newer GPS systems offer a ton of features that their older counterparts do not. 

For example, the Garmin eTrex Vista is a great GPS streamlined for navigation and a host of other services.  You can use it in the car, venturing in the outdoors, or just walking around the city, and with its compact size, it’s practical no matter what the occasion.  Don’t settle for one of those half-GPS attachments for a cell phone, buy the real deal and experience all the cool features! 

When it comes to backpacking, I recognize the importance of eliminating unneeded weight, but I just don’t feel comfortable going without my GPS.  Whether I’m stuck in a dense forest, navigating a canyon, or standing in front of an alpine lake in the middle of nowhere, my Garmin Etrex GPS works like a charm.  I can locate the nearest road, park station, even locate the best place to find water over the next ridge.  While most backpackers prefer a map, if anything, I just can’t put down my GPS; it’s too convenient and it helps me to feel safe in the outdoors. 

I recommend carrying a GPS to all backpackers, though it does weigh more than a map and can become damaged, if you keep care of it, it’s an invaluable asset to have on the trail or in the great outdoors.  In the case of an emergency, though it’s unlikely, you’ll be glad to have it! 

If so, I heartily endorse the books of Bill Bryson.  He has traveled extensively in America, Europe and Africa, and his sense of humor and writing skills make for engrossing reading.

I’m not sure if Mr. Bryson has ever used a GPS device, but I doubt it—he tends to get lost on many of his trips, providing some of the hilarity that ensues.  But if you prefer not to be lost, I Buy GPS has all the handheld Garmin GPS units you may need for any journey you undertake.

Go from North America to Europe without loading more maps with the transatlantic Garmin Nuvi 670. This pocket sized Personal Travel Assistant™ comes with built-in street maps for both continents, making traveling abroad so easy. Similar to the 660, Nuvi 670 includes a colorful widescreen, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and FM transmitter, then takes it to the next level with even more maps.

There are too many horror stories about people going out for a fun day in the water and getting lost for hours or days.  Avoid the dangers of going astray by purchasing a Garmin handheld GPS unit.  In doing so, you’ll have the security of you and your loved ones all in one little electronic apparatus and you won’t have to worry about reading the map upside down.