GPS makes navigation much easier. When you have a GPS device and a clear view of the sky, you'll never end up lost again. There are a large assortment of GPS units out there, and buying the right one for your needs will guarantee that you get the most from your GPS unit. A unit that does not work well for your requirements tends to sit on the shelf and not be used. This guide will help you pick out the correct type of GPS for you so that you will get years of utilization from your GPS.

Step 1: Selecting the correct type of device

Before you get a GPS, you need to understand the various types of GPS units that are available and how each can meet your specific needs. The primary types of GPS devices are: vehicle, handheld, and PDA attachments. The type of GPS unit you purchase will vary dependent upon your requirements, and the features you should look for will vary based on the type of device you are getting.

Vehicle GPS units are a lifesaver if you drive for a living or visit lots of different places with which you are not familiar. Vehicle GPS systems often come with features that help make using them in a car much easier: features such as automatic route finding which tell you when and where to make turns so that you don't need to take your eyes off the road. Some vehicle GPS systems feature technology that makes them aware of real-time traffic-reports and they can re-map your route based on the existing traffic. If you plan on using your GPS mainly in your vehicle, you should look at a unit designed specifically for this kind of usage since these units usually have bigger, easier-to-read, screens than most handheld systems.

Handheld GPS units tend to be the most versatile type of GPS systems for sale. They can be used when driving, camping, walking, really any place you can go. But, this versatility normally comes at the cost of advanced features. Since the device needs to be portable, the screen size is often limited and this can make many features of a GPS (such as map visuals, route marking, breadcrumb trails, etc) more difficult to use than in a device that is fixed in a vehicle or that makes use of a larger screen on a PDA or computer. If you plan on using your GPS principally for driving, the small screen may make it less safe to use. If you plan on using your GPS when walking, camping, or fishing, this is probably the best type of GPS for you.

GPS units that link up directly to a PDA or laptop commonly depend on the PDA or computer for all of the advanced GPS functionality except for the gathering of the positioning data from the GPS satellites. Because a lot of the functionality is transferred to the computer or PDA, the GPS device itself is often much cheaper than a free-standing GPS device. But if you plan on using your GPS for hiking, backpacking, camping, or in a marine environment, taking your PDA or laptop may make the use of your GPS system rather inconvenient. Because of this, GPS systems that connect to other devices are most often used in cars and for people who navigate by foot in cities. If you are searching for the cheapest GPS system available and you already have a GPS-compatible PDA or computer, this may be the best option for you.

Step 2: Selecting GPS Features

Depending on the type of GPS device your are looking for, here are some features you will want to consider.

Accuracy -- In general, GPS systems are accurate to within 50 feet. If accuracy is important to you (perhaps you are laying out a course for a race and you really want to make sure you get the 5K distance correct), consider a device with WAAS (wide area augmentation system) since this doubles the accuracy of a GPS system. This feature is usually most useful in handheld units.

Address Finding -- Some GPS systems let you to enter a specific street address. This is very useful when driving and is a feature most often used in vehicle GPS systems or systems used in vehicles.

Automatic Route Finding -- This is often used in tandem with address finding. This feature configures the GPS so that it will tell you where to turn to get to a pre-programmed final destination. This is a very useful feature for vehicle units, or systems used in vehicles, as it allows you to use the system without having to try and read the GPS while you are driving.

Built-in Maps -- Many GPS units come with maps that are built-in; for example, all of Europe. If plan to buying a unit with a pre-installed map, make sure you get a GPS for your area, especially if you are purchasing on-line. Also, make sure that the map can be upgraded. If you plan on having your GPS for several years, you can count on roads changing during that time.

Compass -- It seems counter-intuitive, but there are lots of GPS systems that do not include a compass except for when you are moving above some minimum speed (usually faster than a walking speed). But there are GPS systems that provide true compass functionality even when you are not moving. This feature is usually most useful in handheld GPS devices.

Computer Compatibility -- If you are considering a GPS unit that gets updated maps via a computer (which is most of them), and you are using a non-Windows computer (like a Linux machine or a Mac) be sure that the GPS unit is compatible with the type of computer you have. Every GPS device that connects to a computer will support a Windows computer. But compatibility with other operating system varies.

Downloadable Maps -- Many GPS devices allow maps to be downloaded into them. This is very convenient for users who travel far-and-wide. It also makes it easier to purchase a GPS with less memory since you can easily swap out the map to fit the area you will be in.

Expandable Memory -- If you are using your GPS unit with maps, you'll want to make sure you have enough memory to support the number of maps you will wanted loaded in your GPS. As it is with computers, the same is true with GPS devices: the more memory the better.

Extended Battery Life -- If you are going to be getting a PDA attached or handheld GPS unit, pay particular attention to the battery life as this may be the limiting factor in using your GPS.

External Antennas -- Some GPS systems allow an external antenna to be used. This is very useful in vehicle systems where the satellite signal may be impeded by the system being in a car. It can also be helpful in portable units as it allows you to keep the device in your backpack but still be operational for things like creating trails.

Traffic Alerts -- Some GPS devices come with the capability to download real-time traffic information. If you reside in an urban area, this can be an incredibly useful feature even if you know the area you are in. This feature is most often available in vehicle devices and in computer/PDA attached devices.

Water-Resistant/Proof -- If you are purchasing a handheld GPS device and you plan on going hiking, camping, fishing, boating, or doing anything outdoors with your GPS device, think about getting a unit that is resistant to water. Also, be aware of the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant means that the unit can be exposed to small amounts of water but it typically can't be completely submerged. If there is a chance your GPS will be submerged, you should consider a waterproof GPS, not one that is water-resistant.

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Francis is a gadget freak. She has been using GPS receivers for more than 10 years. You can read her GPS reviews at eDistiller.