Tuesday 20 September 2011

Things to Look For In a GPS Watch


A GPS watch is a perfect example of several good things that come in little packages. As the term suggests, it is a navigation/GPS receiving device that replicates the look of a wristwatch. Using the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, it aims to promote a more efficient sports and fitness training through giving the user some helpful information about his location as well as the distance he has covered at a certain period of time.

If you are constantly glued to your workout, you may find the GPS tracking watch as an ideal device to tag along. Whether you are preparing for an Iron-man triathlon event or simply planning to get fit, you're going to need a sleek gadget that can help you track your progress while on the road. Since most of the body-worn GPS gadgets today are now equipped with features other than for navigation, searching the right one for your specific needs becomes a challenge in itself; first, there's your budget and then there's a need to find out which one can give you the best value for your money. So to give you a head start, here is a list of presumably important features of a GPS watch that every self-confessed adrenaline junkie would definitely look for:

Strong GPS Signal - You wouldn't want to miss a spot when you're in a bushy part of the trail during a triathlon event. Basically, no GPS tracking wristwatch can claim an accurate mapping of your location. However, it is best to find one that can easily get signals even in the worst of the environment.

Lightweight - Being a watch that doubles as a navigation and training device, a wrist-worn GPS system is generally bigger than the ordinary wristwatch. Even so, you still have the option to choose among the lightest GPS watches in the market, which typically vary by brand. Pick the one that doesn't give much weight on the wrist for a comfortable wear.

Fitness Tracking Features - Another breakthrough in the history of sports watches is the integration of settings that enable the users to measure their heart rate and the amount of calories burned throughout their training. Such features are very helpful especially if you are setting a goal to get fit. Choose the one that can also log your progresses in its memory for assessing your performance later.

Water-Resistant - If you are training for a triathlon event, you will need a tracking device that can still work fine even after being submerged in the water. Just a reminder, though: a GPS wristwatch is not generally endorsed for water sports since it can have a hard time locating signals underwater to measure your laps.

PC Connectivity - Most GPS-enabled watches today now feature either wireless or USB technology for transferring data to the PC. This is included so as to give users an option for analyzing their training history that the device has previously saved.

Long Battery Life - We saved the best for last. More than anything else, a GPS watch must have at least 10 hours worth of juice in order to catch up with your training

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