Posted: 7/19/2005 9:58:19 AM EDT
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good afternoon. i got to thinking that maybe i want a gps. don't have any real 'need', but maybe it would be a good toy. problem is i don't know anything about gps. do i want one with the maps? can anyone point me to some knowledge? thank you. peace. billr |
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Magellan has a better receiver than Garmin...Magellan works better in the deep forest than Garmins. Garmin makes a nice Vista C....color screen, it does road routing, nice small unit. I got a screaming deal on a Magellan Sportrac Color at Costco...$200...so thats what I have. But it doesn't do road routing, so I have been looking at the new Gamins. Road routing is a must anymore for highway travel. |
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In my experience, get one with AA batteries over AAA, they last longer. Don't bother getting one without mapping. Pick up a cheap Silva compass with base to use with it for bearing, as the electronic compass isn't as accurate and on some models only works while moving. I like the Garmins, they seem a bit more evolved than the Magellans. I've got a Garmin Geko 201.. The cute intro model which essentially breaks every suggestion offered above. It's a good unit for some applications, but with mapping and more battery life it'd be fantastic. Oh yea, the batteries always die when you really really need them not to. There's something to be said for a topo map, a decent compass, and the skill to use both together  GPS or no, if you've never taken a basic orienteering course, you really should.ETA- just about anything can hook up to a laptop with the right cables. Using both together is possible, but I find it cumbersome and kludgy to actually get anything done on. |
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"Magellan has a better receiver than Garmin...Magellan works better in the deep forest than Garmins." Where is your data to support these claims? Are you comparing apples to oranges? Keep in mind that you are supporting the FRENCH economy by buying Magellan (Thales). 
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gpsinformation.net/ www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/ This one is cool for high and low level user. redhensystems.com/terraserver-usa.com/ www.gpsy.com/gpsinfo/ I use it for work, we use Trimble and Garmin both are tough. I have a home unit but I never use it. These links should help get you started. |
What are you going to use it for? driving? hiking/hunting? I have the Garmin Rino's ... GPS with a built-in radio that actually broadcast your position to your buddies. They show up on your moving map. |
I don't recommend discarding map and compass and relying solely on GPS, though. |
I have the 2004 offering, and it is great for road trips. It is almost useless for woods work though. The little GPS receiver they use is accurate, but very sensitive to overhead obstacles. Trying to use it in the woods is very frustrating. |