GPS - Orchid Board

Marty · #1 05-04-2007, 09:03 AM

Does anyone have any recommendations for a portable GPS unit? I'd like it to work in the car, but I'd also have it portable enough to work on trails and maybe on a mountain bike. Just starting to do the research on this, so any tips would be greatly appreciated

Ross · #2 05-04-2007, 12:43 PM

Marty I use the Garmin GPSmap 60C with Topo USA software. It's tremendously accurate and very portable. While it will work in car just fine (will accept remote antenna) the screen is smaller than car units. I also have the Garmin StreetPilot 2720 for use in a vehicle. It works better for driving than any hand held will. Let me know what you decide. Any other specific questions, just ask.

Tindomul · #3 05-04-2007, 12:58 PM

Why do you need a GPS?

Ross · #4 05-04-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Why do you need a GPS?

GPSs are cool

I use my StreetPilot in the truck to follow predesignated trip routes as well as to monitor my speed. The GPS speed is accurate to tenths of a mile-per-hour. The speedometer reads 6-7 MPH low. Pretty gross (and has led to tickets.) The Garmin handheld will store routes that I can later download to AutoCad as a map. So if I walk a certain route (I used it to map property boundaries) then I can create an accurate map later on.

Marty · #5 05-04-2007, 01:36 PM

Thanks Ross. I've been thinking about the nuvi 350. a bit steep though

hm...actually even better would be the widescreen nuvi 660

nuvi 660

justatypn · #6 05-04-2007, 01:44 PM

I use Garmin StreetPilot, has a battery back-up, lack of off road or marine features make it unsuitable for hiking or boating use. Not suitable for your requirements Marty, but if you look into the Garmin "OFF ROAD" G-60C can be used for hiking and marine use. But suggestively...On the Trail

Ross · #7 05-04-2007, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty

Thanks Ross. I've been thinking about the nuvi 350. a bit steep though

hm...actually even better would be the widescreen nuvi 660

nuvi 660

Somewhere I saw this got bad reviews. Garmin is still the standard, even with professional surveyors. Mine does heads up displays like that, talks to me (you can switch the voice from that irritating female to an irratating male

) does 3d like that, etc. It has rather large screen as well. But software is the most important thing - how will you get your map updates into the GPS? Will there be annual updates? Will you have to pay for these? Support? Just a few things to ponder.

Ross · #8 05-04-2007, 01:54 PM

Oh, yeah, I got mine in the $300 US range from Costco on special Costco $100 Off Garmin StreetPilot 2720

Ross · #9 05-04-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justatypn

I use Garmin StreetPilot, has a battery back-up, lack of off road or marine features make it unsuitable for hiking or boating use. Not suitable for your requirements Marty, but if you look into the Garmin "OFF ROAD" G-60C can be used for hiking and marine use. But suggestively...On the Trail

Cheryl, that's the handheld I use except it doesn't have the compass feature when off-line, thus the 60C designation, and is much cheaper, but now discontinued. It has been replaced with the 60Cx which has more bells and whistles, most of which are unnecessary

Tindomul · #10 05-04-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsfrid

GPSs are cool

The Garmin handheld will store routes that I can later download to AutoCad as a map. So if I walk a certain route (I used it to map property boundaries) then I can create an accurate map later on.

Now that sounds cool!!!! Hmmmm. Will that work in hiking trails?