Entry Level pportable GPS

[Nordern]

I am looking to see what a decent entry level GPS would be good. I mainly fish Mille Lacs and I would definetly need to have a detailed map of that lake. I am on a limited budget this year but this is one of the last big ticket items I really want. Maybe the Ice Show has deals? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[MN Mike]

Keep your eyes open for Holiday Specials, Garmin has the Dakota Series, Etrex Legend Hcx, the new Etrex 20 or 30 and the Etrex Legend among others with built in memory to upload maps to via CD Rom or in some cases accept MicroSD Cards.

Right now, on Garmin's site, they are having a closeout on the Lakemaster CD ( They don't label it Lakemaster on their site now but it's the Minnesota CD ) for $50, this is the 2010 version from what I understand, that right there saves you $50 - $60 over the normal price.

Mike

[BobT]

I agree with MN MIke's advice. I would add that if you can fit it in your budget, get the model GPS that includes electronic compass. If you ever use it in the forest it can be much easier to use because you don't have to be moving for the GPS to get a fix on your direction.

[Harp]

If you aiready dumped $ into a smartphone you can download the navionics APP with map GPS feature for less than 10 bucks? Map, tracker, speed, markerpoints etc.

HARP

[Nordern]

Thanks for the help guys. I guess I will look into the Garmin. Unfortunately I have a Blackberry Torch and I could not find a Navionics App for it.

[MN Mike]

I recieved a flyer in the mail the other day, Garmin Etrex HCx - $120 ( thats a color unit that will accept MicroSD Cards ) and a Garmin Oregon 450 for $249 ( Touchscreen ), nice prices on a couple of very handy GPS Units. The Lakemaster CD I talked about will work with either one.

Mike