There are many advantages and disadvantages to purchasing the cheapest GPS handheld unit possible. The most obvious advantage lies in the fact that you can get many of the benefits of a GPS unit at the lowest possible price.
This allows you to purchase other things, ranging from accessories and upgrades to whatever else you would like to purchase.
However, with this advantage, there are numerous disadvantages.
The most notable is the fact that many of the cheap GPS systems are not accurate, do not possess many features, and do not have the durability of the more expensive units. Some of these features can be overcome with patience and good handling of the unit, but some flaws can present a great deal of difficulties, which is what results in their price being so low.
Before you purchase the cheapest GPS handheld unit that you can find, you must be able to identify what makes a good GPS unit and how to compare that unit with the one you are considering purchasing.
The Garmin Street Pilot III and the Magellan Road Mate are both good standard GPS units to compare against, for all they are not technically hand helds. The Meridian color handheld GPS is currently the top rated Handheld GPS, and should be researched in order to make certain that you are making the best decision possible.
Purchasing GPS receivers, whether expensive or cheap, is a decision that you should not take lightly, as the unit can help you find your way safely. The cheap systems are more likely to fail you at the worst possible time than the more reliable and expensive ones.