Altimeters, Memory on Garmin GPS Units? Trying to make a choice...

Woodtroll

Woodtroll

Joined
Oct 15, 2001
Messages
193
Hello, folks,

I am being drug, kicking and screaming, into the hand-held GPS age by my work (but still am clinging to my trusty old Silva Ranger and 1:24,000 topo maps!). I have decided on one of the Garmin Etrex series, and will probably spring for the color version as I already have a Garmin topo SD card for my area.

I am confused by the choices and feature charts on the Garmin website, and was hoping someone here could help. First, some models have a barometric altimeter. Doesn't the satellite establish altitude pretty closely- is the barometric feature worthwhile for semi-casual use, or just an unnecessary expense?

Also, some of the newer (and more expensive) versions have built-in memory, while the older versions do not. Does built-in memory mean I will be able to download my topo card into the machine, and not have to leave it in the slot to use it (and thus be able to still use the card in my mobile GPS)? Otherwise, what is the advantage of the built-in memory?

Lastly, some show they are compatible for geocaching, which I understand, but then they list a separate feature category for "Outdoor GPS games". What the heck is that (just curious)?

Can anyone point me to some good, basic tutorials on using handheld GPS units (in the outdoors for hiking, etc)?

Thanks very much!
 
You can download the maps right into the GPS unit through a computer. You have to have their map downloading program which only comes with their maps. However, there are a few ways to download it for free if your map didn't come with it or if you're using free ones.
 
The more expensive models should have the slot for the card, where as the older ones have the built in memory. The units with built in memory are limited to what you can put in them, they just won't hold the maps that the ones with the memory cards will. I started out with the Etrex Vista and quickly moved up to probably what most would vote is the best hand held unit Garmin has made, the 60csx. I have a 2 gig micro sd card (cheap) in it, and it will hold the entire US road maps on it, where the Etrex versions may hold your specific area.

Most of the hand held units only come with a basic base map (major interstates), so you'll have to buy the maps that you want either way you go.
 
LostSoul said:
Most of the hand held units only come with a basic base map (major interstates), so you'll have to buy the maps that you want either way you go.
Click to expand...

You can get maps for free off the internet. There's ways of getting the program to download the maps onto the GPS unit for free too, it usually only comes with Garmin's GPS map software.
 
GWashington1732 said:
You can get maps for free off the internet. There's ways of getting the program to download the maps onto the GPS unit for free too, it usually only comes with Garmin's GPS map software.
Click to expand...

Do tell. I have had to buy mine in the past, although it has been 2-3 years since I last updated mine. If you want to do it via pm or email, that would work as well.

Thanks,

Tommy
 
Thanks for the help, friends,

LostSoul, if I buy a model without an internal memory, then I can put whatever size card I want in it and it will function the same? I have about settled on an Etrex 20 I think, but they are new and full price right now and don't have a compass or altimeter. The Etrex Vista has all that, but no internal memory, and can be had pretty cheaply. I'm probably looking at a budget of $200 or so right now, but don't mind spending a little time scrounging around for a bargain.

Thanks again!
 
Woodtroll said:
Thanks for the help, friends,

LostSoul, if I buy a model without an internal memory, then I can put whatever size card I want in it and it will function the same? I have about settled on an Etrex 20 I think, but they are new and full price right now and don't have a compass or altimeter. The Etrex Vista has all that, but no internal memory, and can be had pretty cheaply. I'm probably looking at a budget of $200 or so right now, but don't mind spending a little time scrounging around for a bargain.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

It looks like the internal memory capacity has increased greatly. The Etrex 20 has 107 gb of internal memory so that will hold most if not all of the US road maps, and it has a slot for the card like your topo card, so you should be set. It doesn't have a compass or altimeter though so if that is a big deal, I would spring for a 60cx or 60csx. They can be found for $250-$275.

I wouldn't buy the Vista, it is old and black and white screen. You will definitely want a color screen. The compass feature is ok on GPS's, but on a lot of them you have to be moving for them to work and honestly I have found that a regular compass works better.
 
I got my E-trex Legend H for about $50 on clearance. Go to the store and see if they've got any discontinued models they're trying to get rid of. Mine has both a compass and an altimeter.
 
I've got the garmin legend and love it. Got it for 150 about 2 years ago and used it in iraq. I now use it mostly for hiking but I also have a wisconsin lake map pack in it that I use for fishing. I know cabelas just had them on sale for about 130 I believe for the whole kit. I like it best because it works on AA batteries so you can change them out in the field if they die.
 
I have an Etrex Vista HCx. The models with the "H" contain the high-sensitivity (3rd gen) GPS antennas, so they're a must. C is for colour screen... I don't remember what the 'x' is for.

My model has GPS games. I never use the games, but they're simple games like virtual mazes that require you to walk (with your GPS) on a path that the GPS unit traces out for you on the screen. Geocaching ability is not affected by whether the unit has GPS games.
 
flybri said:
I have an Etrex Vista HCx. The models with the "H" contain the high-sensitivity (3rd gen) GPS antennas, so they're a must. C is for colour screen... I don't remember what the 'x' is for.
Click to expand...


The "X" is for expandable memory, i.e. you can put a memory card in it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top