Handheld GPS recomendations needed

[ccdhowell]

I've decided I "need" a GPS unit. My wife and I, with our three daughters in tow live a somewhat adventurous lifestyle, i.e. camping, hiking, boating, off-roading, etc. A GPS would make those aforementioned activities a little safer by way of making navigation in unknown terrain a bit surer.

The question: Does anyone have any experience with handheld GPS's? I need the map feature and beyond that I haven't the foggyest idea of what other features are a must and which ones are trivial. I think I'd like some form of terrain topography so I could know the surrounding terrain when we're nowhere near civilization.

Of course, on-road navigation is also wanted.

These little gadgets aren't nearly as pricey as they were a few years ago. I did a quick search on the internet and couldn't find a handheld for more than $500. I was pleasantly surprised.

I'm not concerned with brand, but Garmin and Magellen seem to be the best in my limited observations.

I want to avoid something unusable. A buddy and I were given six GPS coordinates last year at a Land Rover Rally we attended. He inputed the numbers into his handheld, don't remember brand, and then couldn't reliablely use it well enough to reach the points on the ground.(It was an off-road poker run.) MMy buddy is a smart fellow, I blamed the GPS for our navigation troubles.

Thanks.

 

[Crashbox]

As far as brands go, I've found Garmin GPS handhelds to be easy to use and reasonably durable.

When using any unit, you want to make sure you are using compatible coordinate systems when you are entering data; IIRC the WGS84 'system' (ellipsoid) is the current one that most folks use for latitude/longitude projection. VERY strange things happen when mixing geographic/coordinate values and systems!!!!

 

[moribundman]

I was checking out various GPS handhelds a while ago and I liked the Lowrance iFinder series. I own an old Magellan (early 1990s), a Lowrance (~2000) and a Garmin (~2001).

By the way, never rely only on GPS. Always know how to use map and compass.

 

[Auto-Union]

Make sure it has a built-in basemap. I have a basic Garmin, $99 one w/o basemap. I love it, but a basemap is a must-have.

 

[methusaleh]

Check out epinions.com, I have found their GPS reviews to be the easiest to read anywhere...of course I write for the site as well ; )

 

[04SpecV]

I've had a etrex legend for a couple years. I think it was $250 less I never used the features too much tho. It has a map and everything.
Was a bad idea to use the handlebar mount on an atv. Need a cradle for it.

 

[GMGuy]

I prefer Magellans. I have a sportrak map and its a very handy device, and quickly became much more than the toy I had envisioned. Its main limitation is the meager amount of fixed memory. In hindsight, I should have spent an extra 50-100 bucks for a higher end model with more ram. I use it mostly in vehicle these days. If I was to buy a new GPS today, it would have to be equipped with an SD card slot.

Your best bet is to got to an outdoor store that has both Magellans and Garmans, and hold them. Work the buttons. I hate the top buttons on Garmans, so Magellan wins out for me in that regards. You may find just the opposite.

Maps: They are manufacturer specific. You mention on-road navigation. Do you mean the capability to plan a route for you? If so, in Magellans case you'll be looking at Direct Route (routing map software, vs Mapsend which is simply map data). Definately get a unit with SD card capability.

Required purchase: Car power adaptor. Batteries go fast when you spend all day driving. =-)

Once you have a unit, Yahoo groups has an abundance of groups for each manufacturer to get you going.

Alex.

 

[ccdhowell]

Thanks guys, I've sold the wife on the idea. I have until father's day to pick out a unit for me.

 

[road_rascal]

I have a Magellan Gold GPS with the Mapsend DirectRoute turn by turn street mapping software. I've had it for over two years now and it's been great. I have it mounted to my motorcycle most of the time but transfer it to the cars quite a bit. I also use it for Geocaching too.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I've owned Magellans and Garmins.

The one I own currently is a Garmin GPS60CS. Nice unit and with its maps loaded it will give you turn to turn directions. Also works great for Geocaching. Color screen is nice too with maps.

If I was going to do it again, I'd buy just a "C" model over a "CS" model due to not needing the sensors and they cut the battery power from 30 hours to 18-20 hours.

I get indicated error (how close to zero you are) of 6-8 feet all the time.

With my Magellan Gold the best I ever saw was in the 20 foot range. Also the Magellan was terrible when Geocaching as it would take forever to let you know you passed the spot. With the Garmin, you know pretty quick.

As far as button placement, The Garmin 76 has them on the bottom and 60 has them on the top. Other than memory size and button placement, they are the same unit.

Take care, Bill

 

[ccdhowell]

Bill, I was norrowing things down a bit and the Garmin gps60csx was near the top of the list. Knowing nothing about gps, I was thinking that the additional features would be useful. I'll give another look at the c model again, it's quite a bit cheaper.

 

[Auto-Union]

I wish I had a feature that would give an audible warning AS you approah a waypoint (like a speed trap).

 

[Bill in Utah]

quote:

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Originally posted by Auto-Union:
I wish I had a feature that would give an audible warning AS you approah a waypoint (like a speed trap).

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The Garmin GPs60C(and cs) 76c(and cs) and the new 60/76 cx(and CSX) do this.

They beep(more like a alarm) when your approching a turn, waypoint of if you missed a turn.

Take care, bill