which GPS???

[phototom1]

I am looking to buy a GPS soon, need some input. Have thought about the Magellian eXplorist 200 any thoughts or advice? I need to keep around the $150.00 range + or -<br /> Thanks<br /> Tom H

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: which GPS???

Not familiar with the eXplorist. What are you wanting to use it for the most? I'm partial to Garmin and I've had nothing but great products from them. I like to suggest the e-trex series for a good entry level handheld unit. For $150, you can get a full featured model with black and white mapping. Good luck.

 

[Johnnielund]

Re: which GPS???

For what it's worth, I own a garmin gps map 276c and a garmin 240 sonar and am very pleased with both units. Garmin, in my opinion a first class company. Their tech support is great.

 

[JB]

Re: which GPS???

I don't have anything against the Magellan units, but I have had perfect service from every Garmin I ever owned (4), from $100 to $1,000.<br /><br />In your situation I would prefer an E-trex.

 

[Triton II]

Re: which GPS???

Agree that Garmin are good... here's a setting sun for you JB.

 

[BillP]

Re: which GPS???

I had a handheld Magellan (can't remember the model number) about 10-12 yrs ago and remember liking the data base better than other units. The only downside was it seemed to lose signal easy but that was pre "12 channel days". I replaced it with Garmin and replaced the Garmin with an Eagle/Lowrance. All are good and I would buy the one that "feels" the best and gives options you like.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: which GPS???

I am a Garmin person too. One item you really want to pay attention to is the size of the screen. I was going to upgrade to the e-trex or a rino for hunting however... I can't read the screens without my reading glasses (an item I do not carry in the woods). Also pay attention to the backlighting capability. It is very frustrating if you can't read it in the dark. Some models have adjustable backlighting and some do not!<br /><br />If you can borrow one to play with I would highly advise that.<br /><br /><br />Bob

 

[tommays]

Re: which GPS???

in the 150 range the most inportant thing is the abilty to have a mount and DC power cable<br /><br /> many of the new low cost units do not have this and holding a gps in your hand on a boat makes it pretty useless because its not going to track well and you really need to pay 95% of your attention on were your going and other boats and 5% trying to read the GPS<br /><br />tommays

 

[gewf631]

Re: which GPS???

The reviews at Amazon seem pretty favorable (2 of the 3 rated 5 stars). For the $30 more, you get a barometer, altimeter and a compass in the eXplorist 300. Although not the definitive resource, check Amazon's reviews. Another good place (with good prices), is the GPS Store <br /><br />It really depends on how/what you're going to use the unit. If you do a lot of traveling, and you want something with general maps, those built-in ones are OK (just not a lot of detail). If you want detailed maps, and you're willing to do the downloads, get something with the ability to interface to mapping software. I've been very happy with my SporTrak Map - after rebates it comes close to your $150 limit.<br /><br />If you're just looking for something to tell you long/lat, speed, and direction, one of the less expensive Garmin's or Magellan's would be fine.<br /><br />The ability to power off a cigarette lighter is a real plus, especially if you're going to use it for long trips, or with the internal backlight, as you can really go through batteries.<br /><br />Whatever you buy, expect at least another $20 for a mount, and then another $20 for the power cable.

 

[thehermit]

Re: which GPS???

garmin - garmin - garmin....go for the 76-best all around marine handheld

 

[phototom1]

Re: which GPS???

Thanks for all who responded.<br /><br /> I bought a Garmin 72 @ BPS here in Texas they had a 20 percent off coupon it came to $137.27. It seems to be a very good unit and easy to operate the display is large. Feed back welcome.<br /> Thanks again for all the help.<br /><br /> Tom H

 

[mtcamp]

Re: which GPS???

I am an old retired Geographer-Forester with some cartography background, ( maps, aerial photos and such), and never had access to a GPS. So about 3 years ago I had the same question and found no end to the answers. Consider….<br />What are your needs or uses for a GPS? Am assuming for fishing, hunting and hiking.<br />Your use will determine what type of maps you may need to use. The US base-maps that are loaded from the factory are very limited with information. So consider a unit large enough to add more detailed maps later. The two most widely used maps are <br />1. Marine Maps if fishing off shore or very large tracks of water. <br />2. Topographical, topo maps, my choice of maps even when fishing because the lakes, rivers, streams and coastal areas are very well defined and easy to read. Topos, primarily use Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid, that is in 10’s. UTM info at http://mac.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html <br />Unless you have lots of money you need to try to stay with one brand of unit because the maps are not interchangeable between manufactures.<br />I have found the Gramin Map Source topo maps have the quality edge.<br />NOW to answer your question, allowing for a cost of about $150 for the unit and considering the topo map is about an extra $100. <br />Garmin etrex Legend with a black and white screen and enough memory, 8 megs, for a map would fit the bill to start with and usually is packaged with a DC power cable. A mount can be purchased on ebay cheaply. <br />Then you jump to the newer Garmin GPSMAP 60C and Garmin MAP76C which are larger and in color.<br /> http://gpsinformation.net/ is one of the best information sites on the web for Reviews and tutorials that I have found and will be of great help. Good luck!

 

[DJ]

Re: which GPS???

mtcamp,<br /><br />Welcome. That was excellent information.