Finding honest and reliable ratings for GPS equipment can really be a problem. Using ratings to compare GPS units makes a lot of sense if done correctly. Problems are the result of several factors. One of which is related to all the many different features and options that each manufacture offers. Many times you will find yourself comparing apples to oranges.
It is important to really focus on the GPS features that you really need or want before reviewing each rating. It is really easy to begin to look at all the latest features that have recently entered the market and forget that you really only need the basics. If you are an off trail hunter that is going to hunt the big woods of the far North or the Rock Mountains of the west then you will most likely want some of the latest satellite mapping capabilities. However most GPS users will never have the need to use all of these high end features. Again do a good job of researching all the features that you are going to need and stick with them.
One of the GPS rating factors that many people become focused on is unit price. This is of course an important factor however along with unit price one must consider the cost of needed accessories. While the unit price is relatively low the cost of the software and hardware needed to run the GPS unit to its full capacity will more than make up the savings you thought you had acquired by purchasing the lower priced unit. Just make sure to spend time on the manufactures website to review the operators manual before making your purchase.
Problems with the accuracy and validity of GPS rating are very common. Many online shopping websites allow their customers to rate the products that they have purchased. This can be a great source of information or it can be source of misinformation. Some manufactures representatives will log on to these sites to give their products a glowing review. Any time that you see a product that does not have any negative comments then you should spend the extra effort on line searching the many outdoor blogs or bulletin boards to review the comments located there.
Again using GPS ratings to help you find the unit that will meet your needs is wise. However you need to do a good job of research beyond the GPS rating that are offered by various retail outlets found on the Internet. With all the many features now available it is a great time to purchase a GPS.