The Why, What, Which, and Where of buying your first GPS receiver unit.

Why?

First and foremost, decide the purposes for which you are going to use the GPS.

It may sound obvious, but if you're hiking or hunting and want a unit that displays your position on a digital map then the lower-end units can be ignored. Similarly, if all you want to do is get into geocaching as cheaply as possible then a model like the yellow Garmin Etrex or Gecko may be exactly what you need.

This article focuses on GPS units for land-based handheld usage. For advice on marine and aviation units refer to the manufacturer websites such as Garmin and Magellan.

What?

Any basic GPS that you get should have at least the following functions:

• Storage of at least 100 waypoints
• Computer Interface (who wants to enter 100+ waypoints manually)
• Good battery life: 15 hours at least
• Waterproof. Of course it's going to get dropped into that creek!
• A wrist strap helps - see above
• Just about all units nowadays have 12 channels for satellite reception

Next level up should include:

• 500+ waypoint storage
• A tracklog of where you've been (so you can get back!)
• Map storage and display (at least 8Mb of memory for this)

And more advanced features:

• Altimeter: an accurate measurement rather than just the low accuracy display most units have
• An electronic compass
• Auto-route Navigation
• Note storage (geocaching functions)

Of course the more functions and features, the more money will be required.

PDA systems such as the Palm range or the Pocket PC range can also have GPS functionality via add-on units. Remember though, they may not be designed for sustained use in the great outdoors with the water, mud, and rocks that tend to be encountered.

Which?

OK, now that you have decided the why and the what, have a look at the GPSReference.net page for the all-important which. A number of articles have already been written that cover model comparisons as well as anything else you might like to know about GPS.

Popular handheld models are manufactured by: Garmin, Magellan, and Lowrance.

Where?

Finally, the question of where to buy. There are three primary ways of buying a GPS unit:

• New Zealand retailer
• overseas retailer
• on-line auction (local or overseas)

Buying from a New Zealand retailer will let you see and examine the unit prior to purchase. You will also get a measure of local after-sales service in case something goes wrong. This supports the local economy but is probably the most expensive method. Some retailers may also have second-hand units available that may be perfectly adequate. The links page has a list of New Zealand retailers.

More often, overseas retailers can offer better deals: the same units at a lower cost and often a greater range of models. The cost of shipping and insurance will add to the cost of the unit before it gets to you, as will any GST added on by Customs. Normally, this is on any package with a declared value of $400 or more including shipping and will be levied by Customs before you can collect it. However, if something goes wrong with your new techo-toy, it may be difficult or costly to get the level of support that a local retailer is willing to provide.

If you do choose to buy from overseas, be it retailer or by auction, always take the option for shipping insurance.

The on-line auctions such as Trademe in New Zealand and Ebay in the United States often have new and second-hand units at comparitively low prices. Great bargains can be obtained here, but again it's a case of buyer beware.

Ebay.com.au are slightly closer and more likely to ship to New Zealand, but on the parent site Ebay many do not ship overseas. Check at the bottom of the auction page to see if the vendor ships internationally. Alternatively, go to the advanced search option on Ebay and select the 'Items available to...[New Zealand]' option. Use search term gps, or manufacturer and model, e.g. garmin etrex to narrow your search.

When buying via auction, here are some useful tips from the NZ GPS forum:

• Always study the vendor's feedback from other buyers
• Look for items that have an accessory included. A GPS to PC cable is often included and can be expensive to buy locally at a later date. Don't be in a hurry - there's always another one coming up.
• Look at recent completed sales to see what the going prices are.
• In the case of GPS12's ask the software version and memory battery status
• Be very sure of the condition and bid accordingly. Many e-bay sellers say "US Shipping Only" in their ads. Write a polite letter asking if you can bid and assure them of your intention to pay promptly. Include a link to your name in the White Pages - it all helps. The reply has been usually Yes with a few enthusiastic replies as a result of happy holidays here or other good dealings with Kiwis. The US, being such a huge market, means they do not have to be bothered offering their goods offshore.
• Remember this is an auction: decide your top bid and stick to it. There will be another along shortly if you miss this one.
• PayPal is a convenient way of paying individuals but offer to pay the extra 1% commission paypal charges the seller for International deals. A few $ or even cents (like rounding up to nearest $) spent making it easy and pleasurable for the seller produces in most cases rapid despatch and a reason for them to go-the-extra-mile for you.
• Never do a money order suich as Western Union. Always use paypal and your credit card. That way if the gps doesn't turn up due to an nasty US seller, you can dispute the transaction with your credit card company and get your money refunded. (From Dave)
• Keep every e-mail in case of delayed delivery, insurance claims etc. Have the transaction number in the subject line + a sequential numbering to help both parties keep track of things.
• Use USPS (US Postal Service) as they are reliable, much cheaper than anyone else and have a very nice on-line calculator their express service is quick and allows tracking - even in and out of NZ Customs! Normal airmail is 7-10 days - depending on which side of the States it comes from.
• Get insurance too via USPS.
• Always follow through with feedback regardless of the supplier as some have had bad experiences with international shipping (especially Asia) so every good sale makes it easier for other Kiwis in the future.
• Keep cost of item (INCLUDING shipping) below a figure that when converted to NZ$ and multiplied by 12.5% (GST figure) is under $50. If under, no GST will be charged. Currently that equals a $400 ceiling. If paying GST it can be done with credit card over the phone to the Auckland branch.
• Request the batteries be left out (effect on total weight depends on the model) in order to keep shipping weight under 1lb. (Shipping is calculated in 1lb steps)
• GPS receivers are robust so gently encourage the seller to not over do the packing - in order to keep under 1lb.
• Try for multiple items from the same seller to reduce shipping cost per item, although this may attract more GST if the cost goes over $400.

A good, friendly deal has often resulted in future offers beneficial to both parties. It boils down to doing your homework and simply treating people well.

Final thoughts

This can be a considerable sum to spend so it's worth doing your homework beforehand. Read through the forums; check through the various manufacturer websites; decide on what will best suit your needs now and in six months time; how much you are willing to spend; then choose where and how to buy.