I'd go for the newer varieties that feature SD cards Angela. I've got an older one, yeah it's a whole three years old and it's WAY out of date already. But with mine you had to buy the topo maps on disc, register that AND your computer with the manufacturer, then load and remove the maps as needed from your computer to reflect the amount of memory on the GPS. One more password to remember, another computer program to clog your hard drive, and a royal, stinking PITA in registering a new computer with the manufacturer if you should change. And all that on PC software, even though I use Mac. I repeat, whatapita.
The newer models with cards are a dream. I'm in the process of outfitting my boat with a high end GPS/sounder combo (at $1k+), and yes, even at that level of expense I still have to spend extra for the map card. But I will gleefully do so as an alternative to the "good old" way of doing it. All GPS's come with a "base map" of some sort preloaded, but you need to buy additional if you want topos, marine navigation charts, street maps, or variations. Go for the chip and be proud of your choice.
Screen size and screen brightness are features (or issues, depending on your POV) to think through carefully. Bigger is easier to see and to use, as is brighter, but there are factors of size, weight and cost at work, too.
One thing to consider in a handheld is whether your use includes forests, and in particular, wet ones such as I frequent. Antennae type varies with brand and model, and some work better than others in deep wet forest. I don't remember the details, but I chose mine based on the antenna as much as screen size and brightness. I got the best available at the time, but it's still not great in wet forest. Check that out carefully if you're going to be in similar places.
Posted by David Rogers on February 27, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Last year I bought Garmin's etrex Vista HCx. In talking with the guy at L.L. Bean this was a solid unit. I liked this as it is small. I got a Lowepro point & shoot camera case that has a belt loop. The etrex fits inside perfectly. I didn't need extraneous features, phones, etc.
Side note: Buying from L.L. Bean is good. Return any item at any time. Get your GPS there and try it out. If you need a different one then return it and get something else.
The etrex screen is small, but you can zoom in a lot. And it is clear. People who GPS units with larger screens I think realize that the screen eats power a lot. Yeah - I keep spare AA batteries with me, but they can last a while with the etrex's power-saving mode on.
I can (and did) load National Park topographic maps on this unit via a separate chip (bought separately - it's only a few dollars). Works great.
You may want to check out the forums over at Groundspeak. Good advice and some good deals on some used gear there.
Posted by Keith Bauer on February 27, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I have the Garmin GPS Map 60 CsX. It serves double duty. It is great when hiking. Topo maps are available for separate purchase. It also has nice capabilities for use in the car. It can do routing and provide turn by turn directions. It is a bit larger than the eTrex series, but still very nice. Go in an find some to get your hands on to play with. Some are more intuitive than others. REI is a place that usually stocks quite a few different models.
Posted by Wim Reyns on February 27, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Another vouch for the garmin 60 csx,
its a wonderful device.
As a matter of fact, I have a garmin 60 too, but an older version without cards. I don't know the new one, but if you're on mac and have to connect to the computer to download maps from a disc, pass on it and go for one with maps on a chip. Unless something has changed recently, garmin is definitely NOT mac friendly.
Posted by Brent Reid on February 27, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Some good tips here. Does anyone know if Garmin now offers its GPS computer software for Macintosh OS so that routes may be pre-planned and stored?
Posted by Tom Nevesely on February 27, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I've got the Garmin CSx as well and it is fantastic.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on February 27, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Garmin now supports Macs better than in the past. It's still not perfect, but it works. I have a 2-year old CSX; I love it. As Hank says, Garmin's copy protection displays astonishing levels of paranoia. But once you get it in (I used Parallels on my Intel Mac, running Windows XP) it stays there and works just fine.
I did a pretty careful comparison at REI in Anchorage when I bought the CSX. It acquired satellites for a three-D location much faster than any of the other units. Two years is a very long time in GPS technology. Things may have changed.
The CSX backs up to Mac perfectly using MacGPS from James and Associates, as discussed here a few weeks ago. Not all Garmin units do; Garmin's implementation of the USB interface on earlier units was infamously flaky.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 27, 2009 at 5:06 PM
This is really out of left field, but what the hey--
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a GPS unit, consider the old Garmin 12XL unit.
It doesn't have any maps, has a plain ol' black and white screen and a primitive upload/download capability. What it does well is is collect GPS waypoints and give bearings/distances to those waypoints. I bought a refurbished unit over a year ago and it does an excellent job. You can find good used or refurbished units at anywhere from $75 (eBay) to $100 (Amazon).
Whichever route you decide to go, consider getting a refurbished unit in that brand. Refurbished units run the gamut from a factory overhaul to a unit sent back because someone just didn't like it. Either way, you can save a lot of money going that route. I'm a real cheapskate when it comes to certain items!
Now, back to your regularly scheduled endorsements.
Posted by James Fillip on February 28, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Well, since you mentioned Delorme in your post, I'll put my 2 cents in. For Christmas, I got the new Delorme PN-40. The unit is great. I am real hard on stuff, and this thing can take a beating. It's completely waterproof (I have submerged it many times, once for over an hour). Start up time is way faster then anything I've used before, If it's not the fastest on the market, it's close. You can toggle map views between their standard base map, USGS 7.5 topo quads, as well as color aerial images.
However... The software it comes with is not mac friendly. I've been told you can get away with running parallels. The topo and aerial maps must be purchased separately. And the user interface leaves a lot to be desired. The hand held it's self is not to bad to get along with, but the software has a huge learning curve(think the first time you opened PS)
Like any other unit it has it's ups and downs. If I had to do it again I would purchase the same unit. I like the software a lot now that I have gotten used to it. And I like having the color aerial views on the hand held.
Jim
Posted by Ed Cordes on February 28, 2009 at 8:15 PM
I have an older Delorme PN-20 and like it a lot for hiking etc. However, it is very cumbersome for auto navigation. I just ordered a Tomtom 730 for the car but will still use the Delorme for hiking. Yes, it comes with Topo maps, but I would get the newer PN-40. While it is better it was not worth the $$ to upgrade.
Discussion
11 repliesI know next to nothing about GPS devices and am overwhelmed with all the choices and options available.
Do all devices come with topographic maps, or must those be purchased separately? Must the device have an SD card to be able to download extra maps?
Anyone have any opinions about DeLorme or Magellan devices? It seems the Garmin brand is most popular, but is it the best?
Thanks for any suggestions.
The newer models with cards are a dream. I'm in the process of outfitting my boat with a high end GPS/sounder combo (at $1k+), and yes, even at that level of expense I still have to spend extra for the map card. But I will gleefully do so as an alternative to the "good old" way of doing it. All GPS's come with a "base map" of some sort preloaded, but you need to buy additional if you want topos, marine navigation charts, street maps, or variations. Go for the chip and be proud of your choice.
Screen size and screen brightness are features (or issues, depending on your POV) to think through carefully. Bigger is easier to see and to use, as is brighter, but there are factors of size, weight and cost at work, too.
One thing to consider in a handheld is whether your use includes forests, and in particular, wet ones such as I frequent. Antennae type varies with brand and model, and some work better than others in deep wet forest. I don't remember the details, but I chose mine based on the antenna as much as screen size and brightness. I got the best available at the time, but it's still not great in wet forest. Check that out carefully if you're going to be in similar places.
Side note: Buying from L.L. Bean is good. Return any item at any time. Get your GPS there and try it out. If you need a different one then return it and get something else.
The etrex screen is small, but you can zoom in a lot. And it is clear. People who GPS units with larger screens I think realize that the screen eats power a lot. Yeah - I keep spare AA batteries with me, but they can last a while with the etrex's power-saving mode on.
I can (and did) load National Park topographic maps on this unit via a separate chip (bought separately - it's only a few dollars). Works great.
You may want to check out the forums over at Groundspeak. Good advice and some good deals on some used gear there.
its a wonderful device.
Wim
I did a pretty careful comparison at REI in Anchorage when I bought the CSX. It acquired satellites for a three-D location much faster than any of the other units. Two years is a very long time in GPS technology. Things may have changed.
The CSX backs up to Mac perfectly using MacGPS from James and Associates, as discussed here a few weeks ago. Not all Garmin units do; Garmin's implementation of the USB interface on earlier units was infamously flaky.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a GPS unit, consider the old Garmin 12XL unit.
It doesn't have any maps, has a plain ol' black and white screen and a primitive upload/download capability. What it does well is is collect GPS waypoints and give bearings/distances to those waypoints. I bought a refurbished unit over a year ago and it does an excellent job. You can find good used or refurbished units at anywhere from $75 (eBay) to $100 (Amazon).
Whichever route you decide to go, consider getting a refurbished unit in that brand. Refurbished units run the gamut from a factory overhaul to a unit sent back because someone just didn't like it. Either way, you can save a lot of money going that route. I'm a real cheapskate when it comes to certain items!
Now, back to your regularly scheduled endorsements.
However... The software it comes with is not mac friendly. I've been told you can get away with running parallels. The topo and aerial maps must be purchased separately. And the user interface leaves a lot to be desired. The hand held it's self is not to bad to get along with, but the software has a huge learning curve(think the first time you opened PS)
Like any other unit it has it's ups and downs. If I had to do it again I would purchase the same unit. I like the software a lot now that I have gotten used to it. And I like having the color aerial views on the hand held.
Jim