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You have sat quietly and patiently in the passenger seat while doing your best to block out or manage the constant din and commotion of fighting children in the backseat. Your husband sits rigid, with a clenched jaw through which he mumbles something about wrong turns and poor signage. He is not angry, so much as stubborn and he knows its coming, its inevitable, really. He knows the time will come where you insist he pull over at some run down gas station and ask for directions. He is not lost; he is taking a short cut. He is not angry, so much as stubborn.

I think that everyone knows that situation all too well and I am sure it is one that sounds familiar to many. Sometimes it seems that men always think they have the answer and they refuse to stop and ask for directions. This is typically where the wife, girlfriend or children come into the picture; they force them to ask someone for directions. An auto Global Positioning System is the perfect gift for this type of man and it comes at a great time with Fathers Day fast approaching.

An auto GPS is a satellite navigation system that is specifically designed for use in automobiles. Sometimes, I actually think this was developed with the average American male in mind, those who can be stubborn when it comes to navigating their way around new areas. The auto GPS generally uses a navigation device to get position data to locate the user on the road and store it in the internal database. This device is so incredible because it can actually store thousands of entries in its internal database, making it so easy for you to look back at old trips you have taken or to find a location you have traveled to in the past.

Many of the auto GPS units have beautifully colored maps that display the surrounding areas as you are traveling; some get as specific as individual street names and local businesses. There is a very large range in different auto GPS units, so it is important to figure out what you need to narrow down your search. Some of the units also offer traffic reports, weather updates and can even play music through your car stereo. Typically, the more advanced you get with more features, the more expensive the auto GPS unit will be. So, figure out exactly what your man needs and give him a present he will actually be happy to get.

Sure, when most people think of a handheld GPS system, they think of their car, maybe of using one for two family cars and moving it from one car to the other as they need it. But there are many other uses for a handheld GPS that range from the surprisingly practical to the downright silly.

One of the first places the general public started seeing the handheld units was on the television show The Amazing Race, when contestants were required to operate a handheld GPS to find a location on a remote glacier and dig for their next clue. The units were also used on another game show in which the participants had to use coordinates to determine the location of a treasure chest. While fun to watch, it also brings to mind other ways in which a GPS would assist someone who was on foot.

For example, those who own large amounts of acreage sometimes need to be able to locate the property markers bounding their land. This could be because they need to build a fence, or just to ensure that a neighbor is not mistakenly encroaching on their property. With larger pieces of land, a handheld GPS can mean the difference between spending all weekend looking for that property marker or spending a couple of hours because the approximate location is narrowed down for them.

Another use on foot for this type of system is during long camping or hiking trips. It is handy to be able to pinpoint your location in case of emergency, and a cellular phone will not be operative in the wilderness. You may also be communicating with fellow campers, hikers, or climbers, and need to describe where you are in a way that does not include the phrase that tree over there.

What about for dogs? Hunting dogs can wear a transmitter that allows their owner to find them easily on an expedition, or maybe your dog just gets out of the yard a lot and you are tired of driving up and down every street in the neighborhood looking for him. Whatever the reason, the canine transmitter for your handheld GPS is available for purchase.

The great thing about these portable units is that there is no incorrect use for them. Even the mundane purpose of being able to share a unit between two cars is a great way to use your handheld GPS system.

Whether hiking on foot, traveling on a motorcycle, or a bicycle, consider a handheld GPS system to help you navigate your way. An increasing amount of motorcyclists, hikers and bicyclists depend on GPS technology aide in making their trips more efficient and stress free. It is easy to get confused when trying to determine which unit is best for you. After all, there are numerous makes and models to choose from.

How do they work?

GPS or Global Positioning Systems consist of a group of satellites that produce low frequency radio waves. These radio waves are sent down to Earth and picked up by your handheld GPS system. Once received, those waves in conjunction with your GPS unit help determine your location, speed, and estimated time of arrival.

Handheld GPS systems can be developed to adapt for use on your motorcycle, however they are primarily intended for use during outdoor recreational activities such as hiking. They may not be able to withstand harsh weather condition that you may experience while riding your motorcycle. There are several units that have been created specifically for motorcycle use. These may be a better option.

What should I look for?

One of the major factors you should consider is weather resistance. Seek out a unit that has been sealed against moisture, to prevent damp conditions from destroying your screen. Sealed units will also protect against dirt and dust.

If you are planning to use this unit on your motorcycle you may want to look for a unit that offers shock resistance. You would not want to worry about cracking your screen every time you went over a bump. Look for motorcycle specified mounts which will support the unit from all off the jerks and jostles provided by the road.

Another factor to consider is the sensitivity of the chip. The more sensitive the chip, the more likely you will be to receiving low radio waves. This may come in handy while navigating dense woods or in areas where there are tall buildings.

Also, ease of use, should be taken into consideration. You will find that the best Handheld GPS systems are touch screen operated. Which brings me to my next point, screen size. The larger the screen, the easier it will be, not only to view, but also navigate, especially for those of us with larger fingers. When testing screen quality, look at them in the daylight and from different angles. Some screens may be hard to read in bright daylight.

While you may feel overwhelmed with all of the functions that you will have to consider, you may want to shop around and ask a lot of questions. Handheld GPS systems are a bit of an investment and you want to know that you are getting what you pay for.