GPS Unit

[3-Fan]

I am in the market for a handheld GPS unit. I don't need all the bells and whistles like telling me when and where to turn in order to get to the closet Chinese resurant in downtown BFE. Just something I can use to go hiking or to play around with. I will adventaully use it to go snowmobiling and 4-wheeler riding out west when I get some free time. Not looking to spend an arm and a leg.

Just curious what you guys and girls have and what features ar nice and which aren't needed.

Thanks!!

[Kennedy]

Here is a copy/pste of the response that I received from a customer who is affiliated with a MAJOR GPS systems company that works with these systems as applied to the US gov't:

"I've seen and used most of them and I still prefer the Garmins.
Good customer service, great user interface on their units, good price.
Since the Govt. turned off Selective Availability last year (or before?),
almost every handheld unit out there is more accurate than the speedos they
put in vehicles. That's what I used to calibrate (find out how far off it
is now) my speedo after I put on slightly larger tires. I've checked it on
the highway averaging mile markers with a stop watch and have used my local
speedo shop's "measured mile" and the GPS is always dead nuts on.
The new Garmin E-trex units are nice and compact. I don't have one (I have
a older 12XL and a GPS II+) but if I "needed" a new one, I get one of the
E-trex models.
It's also useful if you're going to hunt or fish with the unit, to get some
type of waypoint software for your PC. You can store and recall waypoints
you've saved and plot them on a PC. You can also transfer them to another
GPS unit so you and your hunting buddies can all be on the same page."

[FisHn2DMax]

I have the E-Trex Legend and Venture by Garmin.
You can find them on E-bay for approx. $120-$199.
Very easy to use with built in North America base maps with major road detail. You can download to your PC or upload very detailed maps of the area you plan to visit. I use them for snowmobiling and have used them to get back to home during complete white out conditions. I would never go into the mountains with out a GPS.

Recently we started using a pair of Garmin Rhino 120 GPS with built in FRS/GRMS radios. These are really cool because it tells you exactly where the other person is relative to you and the area. I found them to be accurate to within a few feet. They can transmit up to 5 miles and have all the same GPS and download features as the E-Trex models. However the cost is approx $240, but in my opinion, well worth the extra money for the ability to locate people in your party should they ever get lost or hurt.

You can't go wrong with any of the newer 12 channel GPS units. Stay clear of the older GPS units with less than 12 channels.

Good Luck!

[Professor]

I

[LarryM]

Garmin is my preference.

My old GPS12XL just went toes up and I replaced it with a Garmin eMap unit. The eMap is listed on the Garmin web site under "automotive". It is priced a little more than the cheaper eTrex units but has the advantage that the LCD is easier to read in a vehicle and you can add memory to include topo maps and detailed road maps.

Many mounting brackets are avialiable for it including handle bar types for Quads and snowmobiles.

[3-Fan]

My parents got me a Magellan GPS 315 for my birthday last week. They got it for a pretty good deal on closeout at Sears. I just wanted to see if it was worth upgrading to a new, better model before I couldn't return this one. Or if this one is worth keeping hold of.

[SoCalDMAX]

I've got 2 different Garmin units, love them both. One is an older GPS ?? that looks exactly like the GPS 12, but it's the model before it.

Works great, looks new. I've got the PC cable to interface with a laptop and 3 different map software titles. I could let it go REALLY cheap if one were to email me...

socaldmax@cox.net

Regards, Steve

[SmokeyB]

I have the Rino 120. It is a great unit that I use while out hiking. The wife has the Rino 110. As mentioned, it will give me her location at flea markets if we get seperated. It can also be used while geo chaching. Another advantage is the ability to hook to the laptop and using Microsoft Streets and Trips will give me a "moving" map display.

Smokey

[3-Fan]

SoCalDMAX,

U have mail.

[sonofagun]

3-Fan

I use a Garmin ETREX Vista and Legend. They are good units. Take a look at 4x4books.com for some great prices.

Good luck,

Bob

[Stoner]

More info on GPS'S than a guy needs here.......

http://www.gpsinformation.net

Lotsa good info.......links to suppliers, etc. Check out TEAMGPS for good prices.

Been looking to buy a gps myself, almost worse than deciding which "BOX" or exhaust system to buy!!

[ 01-27-2003: Message edited by: Stoner ]</p>

[Kennedy]

One thing to keep in mind, use it and familiarize BEFORE you get lost! We had a large ATV expedition and one guy had a GPS. Problem was, unfamiliarity with the unit made it pretty much useless...

[3-Fan]

Another quick question on the Garmin units. Is the software usable in all of their models, or do you have to buy different software for each model. My parents have an E-map and if I were to get another model of Garmin say the Vista, could we share the software?

Thanks!!

[Big O]

Smokey
Another advantage with the rino is the built-in GRMS radio!

:D :D

[Rebel_Horseman]

I love my Magellan Sport-Trak Map. It gives me the luxury of topo maps in my hand for anywhere I"m at. Highly detailed and very useful when you'e driving around in a strange place. Extremely accurate and a great deal. Not sure of the price because I traded in an old GPS unit I had for it. Customer service and support from Magellan is top notch...they gave me $100 credit for an old first generation unit I had.

Reb [&gt;&lt;]

[SoCalDMAX]

3-Fan,

All of the Garmin software will work on Garmin units. Some of the older units may not be able to up/download waypoints or tracks, but they'll at least provide the input to move the "bug" onscreen.

Regards, Steve