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

[Bob/Mn]

I have had real good service from Garmin a Etrax and GPS-V.
Point your browser at http://www.gpstom.de/GPS/index.htm for some gps info.

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[kjgmh]

I have a Lowrance Ifinder and the map 6 softwarea and it works really good. Battery life could be better but that is my only complaint. One nice feature is that I can download updates online.

[LuckBites]

Lowrance Ifinder is the way to go. It's the only handheld on the market which accepts the hot spots and reel bottom map chips, not to mention they are affordably priced @ $200. Unfortunately there are no lakes in NW WI available yet!

[Bodyman]

You should take a look at the Garmin line. I've had the Etrex for 4 years now and have had nothing but good luck with it. First off it's one of the easiest units to use, which is a plus in my book. I have friends that have more expensive units but have a hard time learning how to use it to it's full potential. The tracking feature is nice to have. It tracks your movement and stores it on the map screen. If your ever on a big lake when visiblity is poor,white out,fog or darkness you'll be able to follow your tracks back safely. If your intention is to use this for hunting and fishing you really don't need one with mapping capabilites.If you want the mapping other units in the etrex line do have that.

The Etrex sells for around $100 and is as accurate as any unit out there. It will hold up to 500 way points and can interface with your pc. With that option you can go to Garmin web site and update your units software for free. Garmin also works well with the LakeMaster software, the best maps I've seen. I have the software on my pc and plan out my fishing trips to winnie right here at home. Marking spots with waypoints that I want to check out then transfering them to the Etrex then heading to the lake.

If your looking for a unit that has mapping software, you can spend a pretty penny. The software that comes with the unit is basicly a roadmap, but you pay a premium price for that map. If you wish to add maps to your unit then you have to buy the chip or software which ever your unit calls for and if you check out the prices of the software you can double the cost of the unit to get it the way you want it.

I know that Garmin GPS with mapping will take the hotspots map and LakeMaster. The LakeMaster has just been recently added by Garmin and is in my opinion the best mapping software out there. If I ever step up from the Etrex I will go with Garmin because of the good luck I've had with their Etrex.
Good luck with what ever unit you buy.

Fishing is Life.

[littletroublemaker]

Bodyman is right on his(her) comments. I have the GPSmap 76S, and it took me a month to figure out what I can do with it. The etrex line is the way to go, if you are starting out. Try and get WAAS enable, because you can really zero in on a spot. A friend of mine has the Magellan (however you spell it) and it is more difficult. Question for you GPS'rs - Has anyone researched on making your own maps? I have started contour mapping lakes of NW WI, and just looking for easier softwares.