G.P.S. units

[llfish]

Need some help in choosing a GPS unit. I think a hand held unit will do me just fine. Will use it boating navigating the back woods and highways. Is there an extra charge to down load maps.<br /><br />Any help would be grateful

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: G.P.S. units

I would go with a Garmin unit. They have different maps that you can load into the unit. Metroguide being the most popular. You will also need a data card(On some models), which can be had on E-Bay pretty cheap. There are also units that already have the base maps and some of the detail(Mapsource)maps already installed. Go to Garmins Website and check them out. Almost all of them have some sort of base map and they all will tell you where you've been and get you back. Depends on what you need to do with it. With Metroguide, you can upload from your computer with a serial cable, routes to almost anywhere in the US. It will also show Lake details and get you out of the woods, even in the dark. <br /><br /> Garmin

 

[Boatist]

Re: G.P.S. units

Yes to down load detailed maps cost big bucks. Garmin GPSMAP 76 has a good base map and also marine Navigation aids. Also has all major hwy. I used mine on the boat, in the car or hicking the woods or to the Beaches.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: G.P.S. units

Yeah, basically you purchase the Mapsource software and load it from there. E-mail me for details and other "interesting" info The GPSMAP 76 is a great unit for what you need. Check E-bay!! <br /><br />rickdb1@earthlink.net

 

[Snailman]

Re: G.P.S. units

I've been shopping around for a new handheld GPS. I'm hoping Santa will bring me a new one. I'm still using my old Garmin GPS38 (sorta similar to the 12 in features and size) There's no mapping feature on it. <br /><br />I've looked at the Garmin GPS76 and GPS76S. I like the 76S for its internal compass (doesn't need to be moving to show correct heading) and its larger memory.<br /><br />After checking that out I think I've now settled on the Magellan Meridian Marine. It does everything the Garmin GPS76S does but it has the added feature of accepting 16MB SD Memory Cards. Since I use a Macintosh Computer I'll rely on friends to upload the maps that I need to cards and I'll be able to switch them out as needed.<br />Did I mention that it FLOATS! They have a color unit too but that's going to be a bit out of my uh.... er.... Santa's price range.

 

[PAkev]

Re: G.P.S. units

You might want to also look at the Lowrance I Finder. It can accept between a 16 and 128 Mb SD or flash card.

 

[llfish]

Re: G.P.S. units

I would like to thannk everyone for all of the good advice. Know I will have to put it to good use.

 

[sloopy]

Re: G.P.S. units

The GPSMAPS also float

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: G.P.S. units

Had a Meridian, returned it and got a Garmin. No comparison! GPSMAP 76S is the way to go. More money, but worth it!

 

[Snailman]

Re: G.P.S. units

Hi Rick,<br /><br />Save me the trouble!<br /><br />What was it about the Meridian that you didn't like? I haven't actually had one in my hands yet, I was going by what I've read.<br /><br />Why did you go with the 76S instead? What about it is superior?<br /><br />I like both units when I read the specs but I was leaning toward the Meridian because of the swappable memory card.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: G.P.S. units

Satellite lock is much better and faster. Ease of use. Detail on the map is MUCH better. Coverage is more extensive. Updates readily available from Garmin. It has almost all the highway maps built in and navigation points, too. You will find that you will need at least a 64 Meg. Card to download much of anything. Also, to detail streets, you will need to get Mapsend. Not cheap and does not even show many current streets! Seems antiquated compared to the Garmin. The Mapsend Topo map would be the one to get for Water and backwoods activity, but it's about $150.00 alone. I guess it's a personal thing, but I sure like the Garmin better. It just has a better map and works more efficiently. Try both out and then make your choice. But I can tell you this. When you first get the Meridian without any other software, you will be dissapointed by the lack of detail. Get it at walmart if you can. They take everything back. Of course, this is all just my personal preference and experience with both. You really have to get your hands on it to make a decision.

 

[Snailman]

Re: G.P.S. units

Hi Rick!<br /><br />I appreciate your opinion and I value it... I asked for it! <br /><br />I haven't held the Meridian in my hand (nor the 76S for that matter) but I have had the Magellan Sportrac to play with (belongs to a friend) for a while and I find it somewhat difficult to use and I find the map that came loaded in it to be wholy insuffiecient. I just assumed that their mapping SW would improve that.<br /><br />I'm going to take your advice and check them both out... I guess the Garmin is looking better now. Thanks!

 

[dbj1953]

Re: G.P.S. units

 

[dbj1953]

Re: G.P.S. units

I have an old garmin 48, still works and I still use it. I bought a Standard Horizon chart plotter with the c-map chip. This lasted 1 1/2 years, spent the money on the cmap chip and the unit is dying. I have a garmin Blue sounder that works great. I have been looking also. I'm gonna go with what I have had luck with, friends as well.<br />I'm going with the Garmin 76s.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: G.P.S. units

Let me post what I put in another one:<br /><br />GPSDISCOUNT has the 76 to your door for $197.45. Or even better, the GPSMAP 76 for $254.24, complete. Or the best,GPSMAP 76 S, shipped, for $315.54. I have dealt with these folks several times and they are prompt and proffesional. Fast shipping is an understatment! Not to say that i-boats is not all of that. But money is money! If it were just a few bucks, I would certainly buy from iboats. I have before and will continue to if they are competative. You will get none better than the GPSMAP 76 S!<br /><br /> web page

 

[spike440]

Re: G.P.S. units

I have a Magellen SporTrak Pro. I use it on the boat to check speed, mark fishing spots, and when I have to, get me back to the ramp.<br /><br />I have never used any other GPS so I can't say if it's better than another type. But I have no complaints.<br /><br />I had a bud with the same unit load mine with detail maps, and they are very detailed and accurate.<br /><br />I find it to aquire sat signals quickly, and hold he signal in the car fine.<br /><br />I dabble in a GPS game called <br />Geocaching, and have had accuracy to one foot.