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"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Mark Twain

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Featured Outdoors Articles

Favorite Hobbies - Camping
One very popular hobby for many people is camping. I have gone camping many times throughout my life, in rain or snow, desert or forest. I have also camped on the banks of rivers, in snow caves, and in cabins. No matter where you go camping, your camping ...

Responsible Recreation In The Backcountry
Having a good time is pretty high on everyone’s to do list, especially when surrounded by awesome views and super-awesome friends. We hike, bike, climb, camp, raft, fish, hunt, four-wheel, sleep and eat - among other things - in the backcountry. If not ...

What To Know When Buying A GPS
Why are GPS units showing up everywhere? You might find one in your rental car, on your wristwatch or even built into your wireless phone. Anti-theft systems use one, heavy construction equipment might use one and having one on your boat now seems to be a ...





Tips On Buying Your First GPS Unit
 
Anyone that enjoys the great outdoors has probably heard of GPS devices. They can come in handy when you are hiking, boating, biking, or doing just about anything else in the great outdoors. Twenty years ago, you had to rely on a compass the position of the sun and stars and your own common sense. Not anymore! Now you can have a handy little device that can pinpoint your exact location at any given time of day.

If you are in the market for a GPS device, it is important that you understand how it works. Since the GPS devices rely on air signals, you must have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky for them to work. When your device is turned on it is actually linking up with 27 orbital satellites in place around the planet. Four of the nearest satellites are located and the distance from them to you is calculated via the hand held device. The process is called trilateration. Based on that, the GPS device can determine where you are on the planet. Pretty neat huh?

When you look at the different types of GPS devices out there, you may wonder which one is right for you. Prices can range from $100- 5000 dollars, so it is important to do your homework. Find out what features each device has, and determine whether you need them or not. The following is a list of tips to get you started when you are shopping.

- Research the name brand. Though GPS technology is fairly new, the manufacturer should have a long track record


of creating quality electronics.

- Don’t buy the cheapest or the most expensive GPS device out there. The cheapest may not meet your expectations and the most expensive one probably has too much extra stuff you will never use.

- Look for a large display, lighted if you are going to be traveling at night.

- If you plan on traveling by foot look for a model that is lightweight, and water resistant.

Once you decide on a model that you are interested in, head over to your local sports supply store. Get prices on the model above and below it for a good range. You can also try to look at auction sites like Ebay.com to find a good deal. If you are lucky enough to find one that is used, make sure to test it out first to make sure that it works properly.

Deciding to buy a GPS system is a personal one, so make sure that you understand the ins and outs of the technology. If you do a variety of different activities a good basic, waterproof model will do the trick. If you have friends or family members that own a GPS system, ask them if they are happy with their purchase. That way you can get an honest opinion on the different brands out there. An online opinion site like epinions.com is also a great place for honest answers.

About the Author
Adrienne MacDonald is a freelance author and contributing writer to http://www.gpsresource.info - site that provides free information on global positioning systems.


Outdoors News



Outdoor Illinois magazine to publish final issue
The State Journal-Register
By CHRIS YOUNG The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will discontinue publication of its Outdoor Illinois magazine after the March issue. Outdoor Illinois, a full-color, slick-paper monthly magazine with a circulation of more than 26000, ...

and more »

Outdoors: Castle Rock is worthy of its name
Merced Sun-Star
By Adam Blauert A place with a name like Castle Rock State Park inspires the imagination. Names aren't always a guarantee, but Castle Rock certainly lives up to its evocative title. The "Rock" is a fortresslike sandstone landmark at the top of the ...


On Outdoors: Living the RV life
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Sales of recreational vehicles are booming, with the biggest growth among families with kids, and of lighter models that can be towed by more vehicles. Rick and Brenda Allanson of Edina are longtime RVers. They are on a trip to the Black Hills of South ...

and more »

California Outdoors for the week of 2/8/2012
Plumas County Newspapers
Question: I have been searching for any regulations specifically regarding slingshots but have found no clear reference to them within the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) hunting regulations. As written, slingshots are not a legal method of take for ...

and more »

Virginia gathers input for Outdoors Plan
Tasley Eastern Shore News
16 in Accomac to gather regional input for the 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan. Meetings will be at 3 and 7 pm at the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, 23372 Front St., Accomac. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the area's ...

and more »