help buying GPS device

B

bill_G

Joined
Jun 7, 2004
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i'm looking to buy a handheld GPS......color and mapping are important and also the ability to hook it up via usb to my laptop.

but it must function as a handheld by itself for hiking etc.

also, do you think that garmin or magellan has the better mapping software??

it seems that both companies require you to use ONLY their mapping packages..........or am i wrong about this?

one more question :) can the maps provided for the handheld units be loaded onto a laptop so that i can use the handheld connected to the laptop as a vehicle system and see the map on the laptop's screen instead of the handheld's screen?

thanks...........Bill
 
I have an older Garmin Ledgend and love it. The mapping software is great. I have seen the new color ones and they look super. I know Garmin uses proprietary software and am pretty sure that Magellan does too. I have the Garmin Topo and Mapsource software and they work great! They update the maps for free downloads too.
 
it seems that both companies require you to use ONLY their mapping packages..........or am i wrong about this?
Click to expand...
In order to load maps onto the GPS unit, it does have to be that brand of software. Garmin units can only hold Garmin MapSource, and Magellin units can only hold Magellin maps. There are apparantly ways to 'hack' other maps into the units, but I haven't played with that myself.

Most computer map programs can interact directly with brand-name GPS units. For instance you can load waypoints or track files from your GPS directly into the DeLorme programs.

If I were buying a GPS today, I'd go for the GPSMAP76CS. Keep in mind you're paying a bunch extra for the color screens, not worth it to me yet. If you're going to use the GPS for hiking/backpacking where weight is an issue, the eTrex units are pretty nice, and lightweight.

I don't think there's a quality difference between Garmin and Magellin, but Garmin's customer service is fantastic. I initially bought a Garmin unit over Magellin because everyone at work had Garmin units and I wanted my files and software to be compatible.

You should read the forums over at www.geocaching.com . Those folks probably know more about consumer GPSes than anyone else on the planet.

Happy Shopping,
Bob
 
I have a Magellan; when I get a new one it will be a Garmin. I've played with a friend's Map60C, I think, and the interface was much less cumbersome. I've grown accustomed to the Magellan's interface, but the Garmin seems sleeker. The map software is more useful as well.
 
thanks for the replys.......i'm leaning towards buying a garmin 60c.......if you know anyone willing to go half's on their maps with me, let me know

Bill
 
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