new gps? opinions

#2
Re: new gps? opinions

We use the previous gen Delorme at work. They are by far the worst GPS's I've ever used. They are not intuitive at all, very slow/glitchy, eat batteries like crazy, even when not being used, and sometimes they do not work at all. Several times when I've turned mine on it freezes in the startup screen. If I haven't used it in a few weeks, it needs new batteries. With 2 new AA batteries it lasts 3-4 hours. We tried rechargeables and they were not any better.

My personal GPS is a Magellan that is about 8 years old now and while dated, still works well enough. If I were to buy a new one today, it would definitely be a Garmin. They have a great reputation and some pretty innovative models. Best of luck.

Regards,
-Dan
 
#5
Re: new gps? opinions

I like the Garmin devices. Not because they don't have issue, but because they seem to be the best available. I like the GPSMap series. I have a GPSMap 60csx, there is a new one GPSMap 62CSX which has some nice additions. My main complaint with the Garmins are the lack of ability to install LARGE mapsets. I want to install all the 24K topo's I buy, but while I can get an SD card that will hold them, all of these have limits on the # of map segments. So, I can only install some of the maps I own. Garmin doesn't seem to think its a big deal, so on the newer version while they improved things somewhat, there is still a software limit (not hardware). So, I found that my current model was doing a good enough job not to buy the more expensive one. I think you can find the 60CSX device for a lot less now that the new one is out. The antenna on these models (GPSMap) is the best a quad helix, and for simple things like getting a location, they are top notch.
 
#6
Re: new gps? opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the feature i was really looking for was the Arial photo view, any other units have that particular feature?

I have an older Magellan too, i just want a new one. </div></div>

Sorry, don't have any experience with any other units so can't recommend them, but what the others mentioned is the same I've heard over the years. Garmin just seems to be the best, and you should be able to get sat. imagery pretty easily. Just steer clear of Delorme and you should be just fine.
-Dan
 
#7
Re: new gps? opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HeroFish</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...My main complaint with the Garmins are the lack of ability to install LARGE mapsets. I want to install all the 24K topo's I buy, but while I can get an SD card that will hold them, all of these have limits on the # of map segments. ... </div></div>

I have a similar complaint—but in my SUV. What kind of offroad "SUV" has a navigation system that won't load topos? I can find Scottsdale Rd. and Las Vegas Blvd. on my own. I'd like having the topos on-screen to help me find that special shooting outcropping, fishing hole, or a warning if I am about to careen off a cliff or miss some scenic site.
 
#8
Re: new gps? opinions

I'm really liking the Garmin eTrex 30 that I purchased a couple of months ago. I got it for the excellent track management capabilities, widely supported map format, and combined GPS/GLONASS receiver. There are tons of no-charge maps available on the web that will load onto Garmin units without a hitch. The receiver will stay locked and give an accurate track even under heavy foliage. I considered several DeLorme and Magellan units but rejected them due to some combination of track management and third-party map support.

—Andreas
 
#9
Re: new gps? opinions

Garmin is probably the best deal on GPS out there. I have the Oregon and the 60cs. Both will work great with topo and street stuff. I tried the birdseye download and was disappointed in the detail and contrast. Although I will admit that most of my terrain around here is desert.
To be honest the best imagery type GPS that I have found is on my Iphone and Ipad. I can download a dozen different types of terrain from Goggle earth to topo and use it when I go camping, hiking etc.
In fact I'm taking my stuff to the Sedonafest this weekend which is a off-road gathering in Arizona. Off course I'll be using my handheld Garmins also.
 
#10
Re: new gps? opinions

I use a Garmin Montana 650t in the field. It may have too many bells and whistles for some, however it is tough as an ox, waterproof, and uses Google's BIrdsEye satellite imagery. There other version Montana's out there that are less expensive with some options missing that aren't necessarily needed.
 
#12
Re: new gps? opinions

I don't think you can go wrong with Garmin. I've a Garmin GPS 72 that's about 8 yrs old and still rockin. I can mark a fence post with it and it will still guide you back right on top of it. I've used it to map a lot of property lines over the years.
 
#13
Re: new gps? opinions

I keep it simple with an eTrex 10. My criteria are:
1. Maximum battery life and unit durability
2. quickly provide a coordinate
3. plug in a destination coordinate.

That's about it for me and I think some of the more expensive units can create a false sense of security i.e. you don't need a traditional map and compass and you don't need to know traditional land nav skills.
 
#15
Re: new gps? opinions

I am quite satisfied with the Garmin products over the last years. I currently use a Rino 655t... as it narrows down the amount of gear and batteries I have to carry to support it.

Li-Ion and alkaline battery power, secure comms, weather, 24k TOPO, LOC reporting, wireless transfer, text, ariel photo/sat imagery and various bells and whistles that I actually do use.

The only limitation is that to keep all (nation-wide) of the US 24k TOPO available for use, it needs to be broken down onto 3-4 separate microSD cards. The device supports 32Gb cards... but the device doesn't like to load from a file that is more than about 2-3 24k TOPO map suites (each suite is 'bout 8-12Gb; 1 suite covers a few states in total, check the site for break down.)

Maybe something to consider...
 
#18
Re: new gps? opinions

Garmin Rino 530HCx. Incredible receiver sensitivity and a good radio if you need that too. These are MD'd. The newer model has touch screen instead of buttons. The 60 series is essentially the same GPS without the radio.

Can't go wrong with Garmin. Go to Garmin's site and download the owner's manual to see all the features.

Kevin
 
#19
Re: new gps? opinions

I have a Garmin Fore-Trex 301. It is worn like a watch and isn't noticable at all while I am hunting/camping/whatever. It doesn't do anything fancy, just tells you where you are. I always carry a good map with me though (which is just good practice). I don't remember how much I paid for it, but I assure you it is worth every penny.
 
#22
Re: new gps? opinions

I have a Magellan 610 it works well batteries last about 13 hours or you can plug it into a USB outlet but for some odd reason they designed it so you could not charge the batteries on the USB But it will run on rechargables but you have to go in and tell it what batteries your using in the programing Lithiums, Alkalines, Ni Cads etc. I have had zero issues with it and like it a lot very happy.

If you do more research on GPS I would try the GPSstore.com for getting the best price and customer service.

Geocaching.com has more info on there forrums about GPS than you will ever want to know. And they will tell you by majority to go with some type of Garmin I'm sure the new models are great but I had a bad experience with one of their older models and prefer the Magellan brand at this point I just kind of stay away from that company. I will tell you to stay away from the radio GPS combos as they are just bad juju for eating batteries and don't really do either function very well.
 
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