GPS

[mitch]

I'm starting to look for a GPS. I want something that I can use on the road and outdoors. Are there any models that are durable enough for the lake or woods and good in the car too?

I also don't want to break the bank. Thanks for any suggestions.

[delcecchi]

I don't have one but the Garmin Nuvi 500 might be what you are looking for.

[itchmesir]

I have a Garmin eTrex and love it.. its waterproof.. and as long as you know how to read a map you don't have to worry about it not having navigation.. they cost around $100

[deadeye]

I don't have one but the Garmin Nuvi 500 might be what you are looking for.

Bingo

[BobT]

Isn't the Nuvi a little combersome to hand carry? I know they are small but not really very well designed to be carried by hand afield are they?

I would second the Etrex for an affordable handheld with mapping capability. The screen might be a little smaller than you like though so I'd check them out before buying to be sure that would be okay. Larger screens and color screens come with higher price though so that's a sacrifice you might have to make for cost.

[delcecchi]

If you want something that can be used in the car and boat and on a bicycle it looks like the nuvi 500 is a good choice. I have an etrex and the screen is pretty hard to see when mounted on the handlebars.

The nuvi also talks and tells you the street names. Overall, it looks like a pretty cool unit. Downside is the battery life "up to 8 hours" while the etrex is like 14 and runs off aaa batteries.

The etrex models are in general less expensive as well.

As for carrying, I bet that Nuvi fits in a shirt pocket just fine.

[CJH]

Just a general note: go with the biggest screen you can afford. The bigger the screen, the easier it is to read.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Check out this thread from the expert info forum:

Hand-held GPS

Also, I would think battery life is a non-issue since the "car" type units will plug into a cigarette lighter outlet.

[Valv]

Just a general note: go with the biggest screen you can afford. The bigger the screen, the easier it is to read.

I actually disagree with this. I use GPS for daily driving anywhere in the country and I like the standard smaller 3" screen over a 4" or larger. It will cover less windshield area. They all talk to you and you can listen to the directions while glancing at the screen once in a while, it's easier for me than having a large 4" with too much info you don't actually want. After using many brands and models, I now have a simple Magellan 3" I paid $ 50 at Walmart. It's dead on the spot, fits next to the rearview mirror of any vehicle and has all the info you need including waypoints etc.

Beware if you use the automotive type like the Nuvis if you use to hunt, it would be very bad if you are in your blind, the deer shows up and you hear a loud " GPS signal lost" from the pocket of your coat. This happened to my cheapo brother in law in S.Dakota, true story.

[CJH]

I was more referring to the fishing aspect of it. Its very difficult to read a detailed Lakemaster map on a small screen, like the H20 I have. Most of the time I don't even bother pulling it out anymore and just use my Droid X/Navionics app combo. I only pull out the H20 when Navionics doesn't have data for the lake I am on.

So two different purposes, two different preferences. Guess it really depends on how the poster is going to use it.

[Valv]

CJH, I wasn't trying to dispute your issue, I was just pointing out my opinion, sorry if it did appear that way.

I agree on boating/fishing or other purpose different than driving, I rather have the larger screen too.

[CJH]

No problem, didn't take it the wrong way. Just wanted to explain why I prefer it!