Handheld/Sport Archives - Page 2 of 41

Simplifying Buying a Handheld GPS

January 2, 2017 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

When you star researching to buy your first handheld GPS, it can be a little daunting. There are so many different options, plenty of advanced features (including some like a camera which seem kind of useless at first) and often multiple versions of the same unit with different numbers, slightly different features, and a huge difference in price. So how do you pick?

Turns out, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think. Obviously you have an idea of about what you want to spend, and that’s the simplest way to narrow down your choices. Then, there are really only three things you need to decide: read more

Filed Under: Featured, GPS News, Handheld/Sport

4 Reasons Why Handheld GPS is Better Than a Phone

December 29, 2016 By Liz E. 4 Comments

For every job or hobby, the most important thing is to have the right tool. Surprisingly, most people seem to gravitate more towards what is convenient than what is best, and this can lead to some serious problems. Sure, your phone can do a lot of things including GPS, but that doesn’t mean that it’s good at all of those things. One of the things that I am constantly arguing is that auto GPS devices are better than smartphones, no matter what anyone says. And, unsurprisingly, I think that handheld GPS devices can also trump smartphones.

Handheld GPS devices are some of the most versatile GPS devices on the market. They can be used for hiking, backpacking, geocaching, kayaking, or any activity that takes you to the Great Outdoors. While many phone apps mimic the functionality of dedicated GPS devices, there are some things that a dedicated handheld GPS device does which a phone cannot, really.

Filed Under: Handheld/Sport

Runkeeper Adds GPS Support to Apple Watch Series 2

December 26, 2016 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

When the Apple Watch was introduced in 2015, many people wondered if it was the beginning of the end for running watches. We predicted that it wouldn’t push out Garmin at all, mostly because it didn’t even come with GPS capabilities, meaning that anyone looking to use it for workouts would also have to bring along a phone for any kind of tracking. Well, it looks like more than a year later, Apple will finally be getting the GPS capabilities.

Earlier this month, Runkeeper announced new update for the Apple Watch Series 2 devices that will finally take advantage of the GPS chips inside the Apple Watches. With this new functionality, the app will not only track things like distance and heart rate, but also mark your tracks via GPS. I personally haven’t had much experience with it, but the reviews have been a little sketchy. Some users reported that the GPS signal was a little variable, but the app does feature GPS bars to help show where the signals are low. read more

Filed Under: Handheld/Sport, iPhone

Garmin Fitness Trackers Get New Safety Feature

December 15, 2016 By Liz E. 1 Comment

Whether you’re into biking or jogging, going out for a morning run or an afternoon ride can be one of the best times of the day. Just you and the road as you push yourself to get a little further, go a little faster, or try out a new route. However, for loved ones at home and your own peace of mind, it’s important to make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’ll be back.

Recently, Strava’s safety feature Beacon was integrated with Garmin’s LiveTrack so riders and runners can share their location with up to three trusted contacts. First launched as part of the Strava app, the Beacon feature is compatible with the following devices: read more

Filed Under: GPS News, Handheld/Sport

Garmin Introduces GPSMAP 64sc

November 28, 2016 By Liz E. 2 Comments

Earlier this month, Garmin announced an addition to its popular GPSMAP devices. The GPSMAP 64sc might look very similar to other GPSMAP units, but it packs quite a few additional features that are sure to make it a win with hunters, geocachers, and hikers alike. Unlike previous editions. the GPSMAP has added an 8MP camera with flash and geotagging, so users can take pictures of the breathtaking views they see on their journeys. The unit also features a dual GPS and GLONASS receiver, allowing it to acquire and maintain signals better even under heavy foliage and in canyons.

Of course, the unit also features a range of features that are similar to other devices in the lineup. Here’s a list of just a few of the perks of Garmin’s newest device: read more

Filed Under: Garmin handheld GPS, Handheld/Sport

5 Reasons Why You Need a GPS Bike Computer

November 26, 2016 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

As the fight to help reduce the use of fossil fuels heats up around the world, more and more people are walking, taking public transportation, and riding bicycles. And, while the average smartphone can definitely do a lot of the same tracking and such that a dedicated GPS bike computer can, there are also some major benefits to having a separate device for your bike. read more

Filed Under: GPS Tracking, Handheld/Sport, Mobile

Garmin Adds JOIN Cycling Platform to Edge 820, 1000

November 22, 2016 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

Garmin announced recently that it has partnered with the cycling platform JOIN to provide some additional features to its popular Garmin Edge 820 and Edge 1000 products.

Available through the Garmin Connect IQ Store and the App Store, cyclists can use the app to find routes across the world, invite others to join them, share experiences, and even create their own routes. read more

Filed Under: Garmin, Handheld/Sport

Garmin Announces vivofit jr. for Kids

November 20, 2016 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

The sport and fitness tracker is expanding at a rapid rate, and with automotive GPS starting to taper in recent years, it’s no surprise. However, most trackers are basically more of the same—designed for adults who are looking to either track their fitness, or simply get reminders to stay active. But, Garmin announced recently that it has released its first fitness tracker for kids: the vivofir jr.

This device is designed completely with children in mind from the waterproofing to the bright fun bands suitable for any child. The stretchy band comes in a variety of colors including black, broken lava, digi camo, purple strike, and a flower pattern. The tracker is designed for children ages four to eight, and there are two sizes of bands to fit every kid. read more

Filed Under: Garmin, Handheld/Sport, Sport Fitness Trackers

REI Portland Offers GPS Basics Class

November 17, 2016 By Liz E. Leave a Comment

While GPS is definitely not a new technology, it is surprisingly specialized. I am constantly shocked at how many of my friends and even my family are either completely oblivious, or else have absolutely ridiculous (and definitely incorrect) assumptions about how GPS works, how much it costs, how it can be used, and who uses it. It seems to be one of those technologies that, for most people, simply works.

So, if you have someone in your life who has been trying to understand your GPS device unsuccessfully, then Portland’s REI company has a solution. On February 22, REI will be hosting a beginner class titled GPS Navigation Basics, which anyone can sign up for. In this class, which lasts two hours, participants will learn the basics of how to use a handheld GPS device including use, marking waypoints, navigation, tracklogs, and other basic information. read more

Filed Under: GPS News, GPS Tracking, Handheld/Sport

Polar Introduces M200, New GPS Running Watch

November 15, 2016 By Mary G. Leave a Comment

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Polar Electro, a company that focuses on manufacturing sports training computers, recently unveiled a new GPS-enabled running watch called the Polar M200. The Polar M200 is currently available for purchase in the United States at $149.95, as well as a few other countries, and will be available globally toward the beginning of 2017.

The concept behind the Polar M200 was an easy-to-use fitness device that still boasted the latest technology. Polar wanted this watch to be good for new runners, but appealing to those who are advanced as well. read more