A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a navigation system. It provides accurate time and location information via a satellite service maintained by the government. There are many systems on the market. If you are in the market for this device you should conduct a GPS comparison before making your purchase. As you will see from the GPS reviews, while every unit is very similar each one will have slightly different features and specifications. For example Garmin and Tom Tom are two very well known manufacturers of GPS systems so how do you know which make or model is the right one for you?

Having a read through the various comparisons on each GPS unit will assist you in making sure that you buy the one most suitable for your personal requirements. To make it easier for you, as there are so many models on the market, we have classified them into various types including automotive, handheld, marine, sports and fitness GPS and mobile GPS navigation.

Automotive GPS units come in two different systems. You can have ones linked to PC/PDA systems or stand alone auto navigation systems. The stand alone systems work on preinstalled information. They are programmed with maps of the relevant area i.e. the United States or the USA and Europe depending on the model you buy. As you are traveling the system will tell you where to go next without having to access a computer. The PDA system uses your PDA as a power source to show your current location. They do other things as well and are most suitable for those who travel a lot and use a PDA regularly.

Handheld GPS units are about the size of a cell phone so are popular with those that love to travel. You can use it to guide you anywhere provided the area you are traveling through is covered via its mapping system. These units can be very useful for tracking employees if security is an issue. For example female real estate agents generally carry a GPS system so that their office can track their location when out meeting new clients. This additional security was introduced following a number of kidnappings and murders. These devices are extremely flexible and convenient.

Marine GPS units are vital if you are traveling on a large lake or the sea. These units not only allow you to map your route but they will also keep you up to date on the weather conditions. If you get stuck and need rescuing they can be used to provide your rescuers with your exact location. They come in two types i.e. a chart plotter GPS and a fish finder.

Then there are sports and fitness GPS devices. Regardless of whether you are into golf, running or cycling there is an appropriate model of GPS suitable for your sport. You can find these devices in watches which also measure speed and distance, perfect for the competitive runner or cyclist. You can purchase specific gps for running and a gps for cycling. Speed isn’t as much of an issue in golf but shot length is. Most golfers like to know exactly how well they are playing and some golf GPS units will store that information for you for each course you play on. This allows you to compare your current performance with the last time you appeared on that particular green.

Finally the GPS comparison must also include the mobile gps navigation devices some of which will be included in smart phones and other similar devices. If you are looking for a gps review then make sure you are comparing like with like. It is fairly pointless comparing a marine GPS unit to a mobile gps system although some people do try!