A few drawbacks to GPS receivers that support memory cards

Here are a few drawbacks to GPS receivers that support memory cards:

• Added cost: They add a bit more cost to the receiver price because of the built-in card reader and associated technology.
• Reader: You need a memory card reader connected to your computer to transfer data back and forth between the GPS receiver. However, some computers (notably laptops) have built-in card readers. If your GPS receiver didn’t come with a card reader, any third-party reader will work. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Just plug the reader into a USB port, and Windows treats the memory card like a hard drive or floppy disk. You can then copy data back and forth between your hard drive and the memory card. Card readers are inexpensive, and you can purchase a basic model for under $20.
• Removal: Memory cards can be a little tedious to swap because you need to remove the GPS receiver batteries to access the card slot. Just like digitals cameras, GPS receivers that support memory cards usually come with a card that has a relatively small amount of storage space (8–16MB). In fact, if they both use the same type of memory card, you can swap a card between your digital camera and GPS receiver. You’ll probably want to upgrade to a larger capacity card. Blank memory cards with the GPS receiver manufacturer’s brand name tend to be more expensive than standard MMC and SD cards. I don’t find any difference between the two, and you can save money with third-party memory cards in your GPS receiver.