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The first step to choosing a unit is looking at all of the different categories that are available. The six basic categories of units are automotive, handheld, PDA, laptop, aviation and marine. The most important thing you need to do is decide which one you need based on where and when you are going to use it.

Basic handheld GPS units are generally less expensive and can even be as low as one hundred dollars. They are just as accurate as the more expensive handheld units, but they do not have as many specialized features. Most basic handheld GPS units have or can display your location, usually in the format of your choice, a compass heading, the elevation above sea level, the accurate time, typically in both twelve and twenty four hour formats, satellite location and signal strength, the ability to calculate the distance traveled, the ability to record your path as a set of waypoints, the ability to navigate routes, and the ability to retrace your steps. The main thing you will find in the most advanced handheld GPS units that you will not find with a basic one is the mapping capabilities.

Handheld units are great because they can vary so much in size, which makes them very easy to customize them for whatever your needs may be. Some of the smallest ones are as tiny as a basic cell phone and this can make them very easy to travel with you, whether you are walking around a new town or camping on a backpacking trip. Also, handheld GPS units are completely self contained, which means that there are no external attachments. However there are some exceptions like the ones that have receivers that run on external power, like from a car. Also, some units have are built with a jack for an optional external antennae and other units can be connected to a laptop or a PDA for expanded uses.

There is another group of units known as handheld mapping GPS receivers. These units display maps that are pre loaded onto the device, but have been uploaded from a PC. These units are typically larger than the ones that do not have mapping capabilities, but they are still fairly inexpensive. Regardless of which one of the handheld GPS units you choose, you will be happy that you got one, especially the first time you find yourself lost in the woods.

It seems that one of the top three GPS runners watch at the moment is the latest Timex Speed-Distance. The watch seems to be used widely by athletes as it provides them with precise measurements during workouts. This particular GPS watch offers benefits such as speed measurement and distance as well as altitude measurement. It has an auto pause feature along with a lap and target speed, and even pace alarms. The Indiglo night-light uniformly lights the surface of the watch dial .There is also target distance alerts and navigation. . GPS transceiver calculates speed and distance data and transmits to watch with synchronized Digital FM Signal for display

The Timex has a speed measurement, which displays your speed in various formats, such as kph, etc. The auto lap is a programmed log of each lap you travel during running time and you can use this feature to work on your speed. Auto pause is a good facet because if, for example, you have to stop running for some reason or another you can hit the pause tab. You can cease timing your run and it will pick up where you left off when you resume.

Another of the top three GPS runners watch is the SUUNTO X9M/I GPS watch. Some of it’s interesting deatures are : 360 Degree Compass, 6400 MILS bearing display , Black on Black coloring, Red Backlight for safe use at night . One can head out into the field without a preset route, and use X9M/i to keep track of position, speed, and distance traveled. It will record progression, which can be saved for later analysis, as well as use as a guide to return to original position. This particular watch will track the waypoints along the runner’s route and has software included for digital mapping. It also tracks the speed, altitude and distance as well as the weather while you ski, climb or hike through trials. There are uploadable preplan routes.

It is obvious the second choice has a few more points and capabilities, which makes it one of the top GPS watches for runners.

However, The Garmin’s forerunner 305 appears to be the best option. It weighs about 2.7 oz, 2.1 in wide and tracks your last step since a map is available. The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS receiver with heart rate monitor is great when it comes to connecting it with a PC through a USB connector for saving your records and data. The best part is that there is no issues with the GPS signals as other brands have. Compared to Timex’s Body link this watch is much more affordable and has been fully tested and competed against Timex. You can strap the watch to your arm and it will monitor your heart rate.

Each of the top three GPS runners watch has something unique to offer, yet buyers should always compare each product closely.