Any info on GPS'?

[Doop]

Hi guys,
I'm saving my dimes and quarters and looking to buy a quality GPS. I want to be able to download maps onto it...mark spots on a lake...and get me out of the woods. Does anyone have any knowledge on these units?
Thanks,
Mitch

[PerchJerker]

I bought a Garmin GPS V Deluxe about a year ago. Has the features you mention - a base map, plus you can buy and download more detailed maps. Has about 20 MB of memory. Works with various software packages to allow mapping, uploading and downloading of software, etc.

The menus on my Garmin are pretty useful and easy to figure out, especially if you have any experience with or knowledge of GPS.

At the time I bought mine they were going for about $500. Several places on line were selling them as low as $400, which is what I paid for mine with a bunch of accessories including a much more detailed map CD. If you're willing to take a bit of a chance buying on-line you can save some money. I wouldn't buy a camera or camcorder on-line, but the GPS purchase seemed safe enough and worked out great.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Long Gray Line]

I bought an E-trex Vista on HSOList a little over a year ago and saved about $80 off retail ($350 then). Has 32 mg of memory and comes with mapping software you can download and the pc interface cable you'll need. I've downloaded street maps for the areas I travel. It comes with a bunch of info preloaded like businesses at interstate exits, etc. I've downloaded waypoints from the LakeMaster software for fishing too. It only uses 2 AA batteries which will last all day (I know for a fact) or it has a AC and car adaptor for it too. You can upload the waypoints/routes you record in the field and then print out maps back at your pc. Been VERY happy with it.

[This message has been edited by Long Gray Line (edited 02-15-2004).]

[Swamp Scooter]

I have a Garmin gps 3 plus that is a couple years old. I like the Garmin. It has taken the weather and outdoors handling without any problems. You can download maps in high detail and plot your own points and routes. The customer service has been good when I have called with questions.

My biggest advice is to not get one that is barely able to meet your uses now. Go for one that will handle everything.

[M.T. Bucket]

Are the maps getting better? I have a Garmin 3+ with the background map, and it never matches what I am experiencing on the ground. I'll be on a lake, and the point will show me a quarter mile south of the lake, that kind of thing. I've never really found the background map useful at all--in fact it gets in the way if I display tracks. If I could do it all over again I would have gotten the much less expensive Garmin 72. The 3+ is more of a streets and highways GPS for figuring gas mileage and all of that stuff. The 76 is very nice as well.

[PerchJerker]

The maps that came with my GPS V are very good to excellent. Used it on a western hunting trip and it was dead on the whole way there -- even accurately marked all the farmer's 2-track lanes running through the middle of nowhere. One of the features of the GPS V that probably pushes the price up is that it gives you turn by turn driving directions, and has a database of points of interest like rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, etc. I don't use those features very much, but I like maps for driving.

I've used software packages to download a bunch of waypoints, but haven't tried topo maps or lake contour maps yet. Not sure if I ever will try those maps - I just like the accuracy and being able to interface with the computer at home.

Good luck.

[Hotspotter]

There are several online buying guides to help you make the decision yourself. I work with GPS units for a living, and trust Garmin products. Not to say others don't do well, but I haven't had a Garmin fail me yet.

REI has a GPS buying guide that's pretty good too. It compares the common units on the market for features. If near the cities, stop by the one in Bloomington or Roseville. Otherwise, I bet they'd be happy to mail you one.

Joel