While lots of devices are limited to in-car usage, a portable GPS system allows for all the mobility you may need. Older GPS designs require cabling and combinations either with Palms or PDAs, relying on this adaptation and on car power. The portable GPS unit is designed according to special standards that allow for outside usage in various applications and sports such as hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing and the like. There are some differences between a portable GPS system and the car GPS unit, and although the functions and the features may be the same, what differs is design.
It is of paramount importance to check the calculation time, the ease of programming, the speed of satellite connection, the performance and detour options. All these make the handheld or portable GPS system models a viable choice with multiple applications. Always buy a waterproof and weather resistant GPS item if you are going to use it in various temperature and outdoor conditions. The same portable device can be used in the car, since the design of new units is adaptable to a larger number of circumstances. You can for instance avoid the much dreaded traffic jams by accessing the traffic information features in the GPS device.
How can one know which is the right portable GPS system to buy? You can try the Internet and search for comparisons between the best rated models. You can find all you need online, from price info and reviews to features comparisons and return policies. The pros and cons of different portable GPS system models are discussed, and {you can also choose from the shopping suggestions|some other people’s suggestions could be really useful. Don’t limit the testing of the portable GPS system to the vocal announcements, but go through all the features.
Keep your personal needs in mind in order to identify the relevance of each feature in the portable gps system. And since we are talking about a portable device, the size is very important. The GPS device should fit your pocket, since any item with a large screen will have a reduced portability range. Then, the price of the portable GPS system should be on your mind. If you are keen on buying a low-priced unit, you risk to buy a poor quality item that will function only sporadically. Last but not least, consider the capacity of the portable gps system to calculate the remaining time and distance to destination, since such a function could be very useful.

