Author Topic: Looking for GPS brand/model recommendations.... (Read 4604 times)

SwampSinger · « **on:** August 23, 2006, 09:35:46 PM »

I'm looking to buy a GPS...

I like the idea of beeing able to see topographic maps on it and I like the WAAS corrections also (Wide Area Augmentation System). I've reseach some GPS and I came up with these as my favorites....

I was told that Garmin is the better brand....

- Garmin Legends CX
- Garmin Venture Cx
- Garmin GPSMAP 60 (not too sure if i can have the topo map option w/ this one)

I'll use it in my Heep and when I go hiking.. that's about it. I know technology is crazy but i don't want to have one that will be outdated real quick either. :roll:

Any inputs and opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

Stocky · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:28:48 AM »

Got a Garmin eTrex on order, was kind of curious myself. Like you my research has shown that Garmin is a good quality choice.

calltrex · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2006, 07:25:46 AM »

I got the GPSmap 60cs

Its pretty loaded and color. Has Topo

Joel · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2006, 07:50:48 AM »

I've got the Garmin 76cs, it's loaded with all the features. The screen is a good size so you can use it in the Jeep and small enough that I can take it with me on hiking trips.

Here's a link to the newer model: http://www.gpscentral.ca/products/garmin/76csx.htm

Give me a shout if you want to play with it over a weekend.

-Joel

cjsteve · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2006, 09:19:00 AM »

Yep you guys are right. As a surveyor I use a handheld gps everyday. Garmin is by far the best for the money. Accuracy is bang on. If you got a cable with it, and you have a handheld pc or laptop you can upload arial photo's and have a roving map. Zoom in and out. Pretty cool stuff. Be in the map.

fony3 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2006, 10:27:40 AM »

My dad has a 76c, i am going to okanogan this weekend, and i am thinking of asking if i can take it. Kind of a test run, since he only uses on long trips. I'll let you know how it goes, and how i like it if i do.

From what i have seen so far from playing around with it, the unit is super easy to use, and the display is very nice. I am planning on trying out the trip recorder, cause it sounds like that is what a lot of guys use to map trials.

Jaguar · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2006, 11:01:58 AM »

WOW! only CAD$249.95 for a Venture Cx.... Thats almost getting into my price range

JohnB · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2006, 11:34:24 AM »

If you get a 60 series, you'll want a 60Cx.

Until the end of the year there is a $50 USD mail in rebate on all "X" series Garmin handhelds.

For purchasing, go to GPSCentral, http://www.gpscentral.ca/

When looking at prices, add in the cost of a power cord, auto mount and maps (Topo Canada is what you want). Note GPS Central sells Topo Canada $20 less if purchased with the unit.

WAAS is not required, but all units have it, so it is a moot point.

Comparing the 60Cx with the Legend Cx. The 60Cx has better reception due to the newer (better) GPS chipset (SirfIII). The 60Cx also allows for an external antenna which is handy sometimes (although not necessary).

IMO, the Venture Cx is the absolute best bang for the buck at the moment (for a handheld). It is a Legend Cx shipped without a memory card or cable. Get it and the buy the cable and card separately.

So say:
Venture Cx: $250
Mail in rebate: -$55
Topo Canada: $120
256 MB microSD card: $25
mini-B USB cable: $10
Auto mount: $30
12V power cable: $20
Invisible shield screen protector: $10

Say $410

SwampSinger · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:27:52 PM »

Thanks for the help guys ...

I got the Legends CX (colour) .... it's the best bang for da box for what I need it for.

I'll get the topo maps later for an extra $120

I can't wait to play with it...

Cheers

Jaguar · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:40:33 PM »

Right on! Any reason you chose the Legends over the Venture?

JohnB · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:59:54 PM »

I guess he wanted to pay $50 for a $5 card and $10 cable?

?

Well there is the pretty colour....

To be nice, you can get some useful maps here:
http://www.calgarycachers.ca/%7Etrailmaps/maps.htm

and here:

http://www.cnpquadsquad.com/gps_maps.htm

JohnB · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2006, 02:06:04 PM »

Oh, tip #7, update the firmware....

Garmin likes to use us as beta tester and tend to release units with buggy firmware. Most issues have been resolved in the newest firmware. The newest update allows the micro-SD card to be shown as a drive on the puter which can be handy. It also allows for saving the track logs to the card. With that feature, you can keep a record of all your travels.

SwampSinger · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:56:09 PM »

Quote from: "Jaguar"

Right on! Any reason you chose the Legends over the Venture?

It came in with more accesory and memory for an extra $50...

It would have cost me more $$ to get the acessory seperatly....

It's the way to go if you don't want to go with the 60 series ...

calltrex · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2006, 08:52:46 PM »

The GPS Map 76 went on sale today for 1/2 price at canadian tire.

JohnB · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2006, 10:26:42 PM »

Quote from: "SwampSinger"

It came in with more accesory and memory for an extra $50...

It would have cost me more $$ to get the acessory seperatly....

It's the way to go if you don't want to go with the 60 series ...

Actually as mentioned above the only difference is the 64 MB microSD card and the mini-B USB cable which can be purchased for a lot less than $50. For that you could have had a 256 or 512 MB card and some change.....

Author Topic: Looking for GPS brand/model recommendations.... (Read 4604 times)

Stocky

Jaguar

Jaguar