If you'd like more versatility than a plotting type GPS receiver, the Magellan SporTrak Pro is a good choice. This handheld is easy to take anywhere and with its internal memory, you can add maps of your choice to the one already built in.

It's a common feature of GPS receivers that you don't have to get the most expensive receiver for accurate position readings. The Magellan SporTrak Pro can determine your position within seven meters without using the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and less than three meters by using it. The receiver is also Differential GPS (DGPS) ready with similar accuracy as when using WAAS.

Even if you've never used a GPS receiver before, the SporTrak Pro isn't difficult to operate. Only nine keys control all its functions. There are a variety of screen displays to let you choose how your trip information is shown. You can see your position on a map or see the text display of the coordinates. Likewise, you have a choice of seeing your speed and direction as graphic images or text. There's also a screen for checking the status of the GPS satellites in the area. And most screens have customizable areas to show the trip data of your choice. You even have a choice of nine languages for the text displays.

An accurate and easy-to-use GPS receiver is only half of what you get with the Magellan SporTrak Pro. It comes with a built-in North American map for traveling to any city or recreation area. The receiver also has 23 MB of memory for saving other maps. This lets you add city street maps or off-road topographic details. The receiver has zoom and pan controls to vary the map area and detail shown. And it gives you the choice of 12 coordinate systems and 76 map datums. In addition to the map data there's a database of sunrise/sunset times, moon phases, and the best times for hunting and fishing for any area and date.

As with other features, the SporTrak Pro gives you several options for creating your routes. You can pick existing points on a map, mark a new map point, enter a location's coordinates, use your present position, or choose a point at a certain distance and direction from your present position. Then one by one, any two points are connected to form each leg of the route. It's also possible to save the path of an unplanned trip you took. The receiver's track log records your movement and saves it as track points with up to 2,000 per track. Using the track-to-route feature, these track points can be converted to a route. There's enough memory to save up to 20 routes.