Top GPS Accessories
Owning a GPS unit, you quickly find that there are accessories for GPS units that you absolutely must have. Here are some of them and why they are so handy:
USB Cable - A USB cable enables you to download waypoints to your GPS unit via your computer which makes this one of the tools that you can't live without. Instead of manual entering them by hand, the computer transfer saves time, and removes the chance of human errors with manual inputs.
Windshield/Dash Mount - This is a must for hand held units without question. These devices allow you to move your GPS wherever you want it so you can see it at a glance, and use its buttons one-handed. The windshield mount with a suction cup gives allows you to move your GPS and mount between vehicles of your choice, but semi-permanent ones are also available. A dash mount provides you the ability to keep it out of the windshield, but still provide access.
Covershield - As a whole, your hand held GPS unit will likely be used for multiple purposes. The best way to keep the screen free of scratches and marks is to buy a good covershield. It will protect your screen from scratches that occur just from daily use that make the screen harder to read as it ages. Are you really tough on your screen? Maybe you should purchase several covershields at once and change them frequently as they wear out. It only takes once trying to read a screen through the scratches and you will realize that this accessory will absolutely be worth it.
Bike Mount - Whatever kind of biker you are, recreational, serious competitor, exercise biker, or any other biker, this is one of the accessories for GPS that was designed for you. Bike mounts are mounted right on the handle bars, keeping screens and buttons right where you need them to access all pertinent information like your speed, distance biked, saved routes, and many others.
Auto Power Cable -Most handheld GPS units are powered by AA batteries. An auto power cable that plugs into a standard auto cigarette lighter is an accessory that will pay off in the long run. Once the cable is plugged into the cigarrette lighter, and then to the back of your GPS, it runs off the power of the vehicle instead of the batteries in the GPS unit. It does not charge the batteries, but will definitely extend the life of them. Certainly one of the must-have accessories for GPS.
Carry Case - While similar to a covershield, this item will help protect your entire GPS from the wear of your day to day use. Available in nylon or neoprene to best adapt to your usage.
Memory Cards - Memory cards for GPS add storage for your maps when you are loading your maps from your computer. Of course some maps actually come installed on a memory card so you will always have all the maps you need on your GPS without having to update them from the computer.
Any or all of these accessories combined are ideal to accompany any GPS unit, and will best serve to enhance your enjoyment and functionality of your favorite GPS. Some will help your GPS last longer, and others will just make them more easier to use. You will find that most of these are worth it in the long run.