GPS - Magellan or Garmin?

S

Spadeworx

Joined
Feb 28, 2001
Messages
24
I am looking at getting a GPS unit when I pass through LAX in a couple of days. I have basically narrowed it down to either the Garmin Etrex or the Magellan Sportrak. They are both pretty much bottom of the range (and both a nice shade of yellow) but they will, I think, do everything I need. I have no requirements for maps etc.

Any thoughts on which model performs better, or anything I should know before purchasing either?

Thanks.

Andy
 
No first-hand experience with the Magellan line. I have owned and used a Garmin for several years and it is wonderful! Light, small, accurate... what more could one ask for in a GPS unit. Just make sure to carry a compass with you if you attempt to get away from civilization for a while, as batteries do not last as long as one would wish. :)

AJ
 
I have a Garmin unit and choose it because I liked the LCD display better (better resolution and contrast) and the "ergonomics"/"ease of use" were superior. This is very subjective so, you and others may feel totally different about the ergonomics, ease of use and, quality of the display.
 
I like the eTrex for it's ease of use. One handed operation is a snap. I'll probably end up with that Garmin unit that has the walkie talkie integrated with the GPS.

Bow Huntin' Buddy has an eTrex in camo. I could just see myself wandering around the woods trying to find where I dropped it, so I opted for the delightfully VISIBLE shade of yellow.
 
Is this model worth the extra cash?

The boy is an E4 in the Navy and up for E5 (when the Navy will help him pay for an apartment!!!).

What do you guys think?

jmx
 
I have the yellow Garmin eTrex and it does the job for what I use it for- GeoCaching. Now that I have it and used it for geocaching, mountain biking, etc. I now want the model with maps and the ability to download the waypoints, coordinates from computer to GPS unit. Sorry no experience with Magellan unit.
 
I have an Garmin Etrex Legend, which I have been thrilled with.

I think the more premium models (Legend, Vista) are well worth the extra cash if you need the ability to upload additional maps. The base map is OK, but it's nice to have a street/site map of a particular city or detailed topographical map of a region uploaded into the device when on vacation, backpacking, etc.
 
I purchased my Magellan (315 I think) a few years ago and have had no problems with it. At the time, it was waterproof whereas the equivalent Garmin was not. I'm sure you would be happy with either but it seems that Garmins are more popular.
 
I have had my GPS 2+ for years now and would recomend this unit for the fact that you can see towns and citys on the screen. The towns show up as dots with the name next to them, a cool feture!
 
I bought the Garmin Vista and love the thing! After a week I decided I really wanted the downloadable map CD and it's cool. I like being able to load in the area I'm going to be in and have every street, including every address available.

Not to mention that it's extremely accurate measuring your speed, as well as other interesting items as well!
 
Unless Garmin has made changes of which I'm unaware, I'd steer clear of the base model Garmin Etrex. IIRC this cheapest model doesn't give you the ability to input waypoints unless you're physically located at that point. For me, not being able to input waypoints ahead of time is a major inconvenience. I don't believe this limitation exists on any of the other higher model Etrex GPSs such as the Vista, Summit, etc.
 
My lady and I just bought a Magellan Meridian Platinum for Christmas, along with the MapSend Topo CD and SD card. So far this thing simply amazes me!:D :cool: It is totally cool. We have not done a lot with it yet, but what we have played with, feature wise is totally kickin!! The Meridian line of Magellans seem like a good place to look if you are interested in great features. YMMV
 
I like my Magellan 315- when I bought it 2 years ago I picked it over the Garmin eTrex, but now I don't remember exactly why. It works flawlessly, and the reception is excellent, even in automobiles.

JK
 
Originally posted by Bronco
Unless Garmin has made changes of which I'm unaware, I'd steer clear of the base model Garmin Etrex. IIRC this cheapest model doesn't give you the ability to input waypoints unless you're physically located at that point.
Click to expand...

The cheapy Etrex does have manual input for waypoints. It's just a bit slow to do.
 
Thanks for the update, CK. I'm glad they finally made that change.
 
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