GPS? What's new and good?

Ken C.

Ken C.

Jack of all trades, master of none.
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I'm in the market for a good, dependable, well priced GPS unit. I had a Lowrance years ago but I haven't kept up on the technology. I would prefer something with a color screen but it is not necessary. I would be using it for hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The software must be able to be updated and I want to be able to download and upload from my computer. My price point is about $200. So, what do you guys recommend?
 
I have had an itch for one for a while now, but an upcoming trip to Boston has had me googeling GPS's here lately. In that dollar neighborhood, which happens to be my upper limit also the etrex legend keeps popping up.

I would love to hear someone with actual experience back that up.
 
K.V. Collucci said:
I'm in the market for a good, dependable, well priced GPS unit. I had a Lowrance years ago but I haven't kept up on the technology. I would prefer something with a color screen but it is not necessary. I would be using it for hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The software must be able to be updated and I want to be able to download and upload from my computer. My price point is about $200. So, what do you guys recommend?
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I've been looking at them for geocaching but have formed an opinion yet. I'm leaning towards the Germin Etrex 8mb or the yellow model.

If you don't care about mapping those models are like $140 and $99 and should do the trick. Personally I don't see (pun intended) how you could use any GPS as a city map BUT I haven't tried either.

Also Amazon has many user views of GPS units. I haven't used a GPS yet, but the cost of my advice is very low. Let us know what you decide upon.
 
Did a little research lasat night and I am liking the Magellan eXplorist 400. Pretty much has everything I'll need. I like the fact that it has the option of removable SD memory so I can store maps.
 
I have a Magellan SporTrak Map that I got about 3-4 years ago. If I were doing it again, I'd get a Garmin instead. The mapping software from Magellan is much more cumbersome IMO than the software from Garmin. The units themselves seem pretty comparable (slight edge there to the garmins that I've handled), but the mapping software is no question better from Garmin.
 
If I were shopping on a tight budget, I'd buy the Garmin eTrex yellow Basic, about $100 so you'll have $$ left over. The yellow eTrex is certainly good enough for geocaching (I gave one to my mother), but a little light on "features" for my taste. If you want a few toys without breaking the bank, the Garmin eTrex Legend is a great unit. The Legend is the lowest-end unit that's capable of being loaded with the Garmin MapSource products.

Since it's been out a while and the product line has been upgraded, I wonder if the Garmin GPS76S has come down in price? That's the unit I use, but at the time it was a bit higher than your budget.

If I were buying today, I'd really want the Garmin GPS76CS.

The various GPS60- models are very popular among geocachers too.

Just a quick shopping tip: The color screen is a huge price jump in most GPS model lines. Unless you really need/want color, skip it. You can buy a much better B&W unit for the same price.

Happy Shopping,
-Bob
 
K.V. Collucci said:
Did a little research lasat night and I am liking the Magellan eXplorist 400. Pretty much has everything I'll need. I like the fact that it has the option of removable SD memory so I can store maps.
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Can you get that one for $200? Looks to be around $250.
 
Can you get that one for $200? Looks to be around $250.
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$219 at www.GPScity.com .

If shopping for Garmin units, I find the best prices at www.gpsnow.com .

For Garmin Accessories, I shop at www.gpsgeek.com . They sell OEM accessories and Gilsson products (that are just as good as OEM but much, much less expensive).

$209. A little over but I think I can swing it.
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Good find.
Don't forget you may be able to write off your GPS on taxes too. I was self-employed last year and bought a few things that were business expenses - GPS really helps to locate well locations in the mountains, after dark, on roads that aren't mapped.

-Bob
 
Depending on where you intend to hike, make sure that your GPS can lock onto the signal. I bought a Garmin Vista ($300) a while ago, and it was worthless whenever there were trees around. Someone recommended Magellan with a special antenna, but at the point I soured on a GPS, and while I look on Amazon from time to time reading user opinions, I am still not convinced that the technology is reliable enough. The closest one I found was this one, but the software quirks (read excellent review from Joe Baughman - should be first one at the top) unfortunately defeat some of the important functionality I wanted to use it for.

All in all, I will be watching that model hoping Magellan will fix the software.

Remember, even the fanciest, pocketable GPS with a 16.7 mil color screen is useless if it can't hold the signal.
 
Lived agoard my sailboat for 12 years. Sailed from Annapolis to loive aboard in the Florida Keys (Marathon). I'm a firm believer in the Garmin - it never let me down!
 
Added note - they're all a steal today. Back when I bought my Garmin 50 - a boat show special in '91 - it cost $640.00! The costs are way down and I know many who go to sea that buy a second as a backup (no repair center at sea) because they're become so cheap!
 
MSgt said:
Lived agoard my sailboat for 12 years. Sailed from Annapolis to loive aboard in the Florida Keys (Marathon). I'm a firm believer in the Garmin - it never let me down!
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I take it you didn't have too many trees around?
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Just mangroves and palms and if I ran into them I was in 'big trouble' as I had a 4+ foot draft on my sailboat
 
An external antenna may be necessary if working in heavy tree cover or steep canyons. You simply can't get a good signal, especially if trying to "track" a trail (the signal jumps around creating a zig-zag rather than the actual path). Note though, not all units have an antenna plug.

You'll still be able to perform basic activities (like geocaching) even without a continuous signal or external antenna.
 
Bob W said:
Note though, not all units have an antenna plug.
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Thanks, Bob, I was going to mention it and forgot. I also understand there are different types of built-in antennas. It's a tricky proposition and must be well understood before picking the right item. Perhaps talking to others who are pursuing the same activity would help.
 
I also understand there are different types of built-in antennas.
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The more expensive Garmin units have a "quad helix" antenna, the GPS76 line for example. The cheaper units (the eTrex lineup) have a "patch" antenna. Seriously though, for simple GPS functions such as finding a location or recording a location, I haven't noticed a difference in performance.

-Bob
 
Here's what I have and I've been very happy with it. Lots of features for playing around in the woods and it interfaces well with the MapTech software. You can probably find one in the $200 range these days.

It even floats!

But the best GPS is just another tool. Knowing some basic orienteering skills is also important. I like to set a course on the GPS from home and then go out with my compass and a map and try to find those points. The GPS unit will beep when you come to within 100 feet of the point. It's fun and good exercize. If you get lost, you've got the GPS there to get you out.
 
Here's what I have and I've been very happy with it. Lots of features for playing around in the woods and it interfaces well with the MapTech software. You can probably find one in the $200 range these days.
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The Meridian Platinum came out as "second choice" when shopping. Seemed like a solid unit.

-Bob
 
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