elkhorn98

The compass calibration is simple and takes about 30 seconds. It is no big deal.

Is the new software out yet? Thanks.

I have had mine for a few weeks. I was considering a Vista but the Platinum has unlimited memory (as many SD cards as you want to buy), better antenna, it floats, its waterproof, etc. The only thing I liked about the vista was the size. I also like the buttons better on the platinum.

You can buy them from anyone as long as they are SD cards. Amazon.com has 64 mb cards for $31 and I was at Costco the other day and 128 mb cards were $49.

I see that on the computer but once a cache is downloaded onto my GPS all the caches start with GC*****. I think it would be helpful to able able to look at a cache ID on your GPS and know what type of cache it is.

I read through a lot of the older treads on rechargeable batteries but I didn't see a lot about rechargeable akaline batteries. Seems like most people use Nimh batteries. What is the story with rechargeable akalines?

Seems like cache IDs should have enough information in them so you could tell if your going to a virtual, micro, or traditional cache. I have been writing all this information down. Am I missing something?

I got the Platinum and now I have figured it out and it works great. I was considering a Vista or the platinum but the waterproofness, expandable SD memory cards, and feel of the unit sold me. The gold is the same as the platinum other than the barometer, thermometer, and compass. I went geocaching today for the first time and had a blast.

I just order a GPS and thought I wanted a Vista but the Platinum is priced the same as the Vista and I my opinion you get more for your money. So it should arrive on Tuesday. I can't wait. The Platinum has a better antenna than the Vista and unlimited memory (SD cards). The Platinum is also $100 less than the 76S.

Thanks. Sorry guess I shoul dhave said Datum. Are UTM coordinates used in the U.S.? Or are most people against metric stuff?

What Datum or projection is the most common to use in the U.S.

What is the most commom Projection? Coordinates? thanks.

The SD cards are great but it all cost extra. I am going to get a meridan but in order to upload maps it WILL cost more than a Vista because I'll have to by a card. But I can add extra cards so that is a big plus. I just think it should come with a 16 or 32 mb card.

Really the only negative of the Megellan is that the 16 mb of memory is NOT available to upload any maps it is for the basemap that comes with the unit. The vista has 24 mb that you CAN upload to. I am leaning toward a Magellan. I also like how if you upload maps you can choose the shape of the map to upload. For Garmin you have to select regions and most of the region may be of no interest to you. I like the buttons better on the Magellan and the expandable memory.

Vista is a little cheaper but Platinum seems to have more features, expandable memory, alarms, helix antenna, etc. What does everyone think is a better unit? I have never used a Magellan product. What antenna (Vista=patch, Platinum=helix) is really better I have read different reviews saying the other is better. This is my first GPS and it will be used for hiking, fishing, geocaching, mapping, etc. Any comments would be appreicated.

I think I have narrowed it down one of these 2 units. Vista is a little cheaper with $50 rebate. I have used Garmins in the past but this is my first GPS unit. The Meridan seems to have more features (expandable memory, Helix antenna, alarms, better compass, better buttons). But I have never used a Magellan product before. What topo maps are better? Garmin or Magellan? What antenna is really better in wooded areas? I have read info saying the other kind is better. I will use the unit for hiking, fishing, mapping, geocaching, etc. Any comments on these units would be appreciated.

I think I have narrowed it down one of these 2 units. Vista is a little cheaper with $50 rebate. I have used Garmins in the past but this is my first GPS unit. The Meridan seems to have more features (expandable memory, Helix antenna, alarms, better compass, better buttons). But I have never used a Magellan product before. What topo maps are better? Garmin or Magellan? What antenna is really better in wooded areas? I have read info saying the other kind is better. I will use the unit for hiking, fishing, mapping, geocaching, etc. Any comments would be appreciated.

I think I have narrowed it down one of these 2 units. Vista is a little cheaper. I have used Garmins in the past but this is my first GPS unit. The Meridan seems to have more features (expandable memory, Helix antenna, alarms, better compass, better buttons). But I have never used a Magellan product before. What topo maps are better? Garmin or Magellan? What antenna is really better in wooded areas? I have read info saying the other kind is better. I will use the unit for hiking, fishing, mapping, geocaching, etc. Any comments would be appreciated.

About the same price. Any comments about either unit would be appreciated. I have used Garmin products before but never used Magellan.

Sorry I should have made it more clear. Vista is 349 and then a $50 dollar rebate. 76 MapS is 449 at cabelas then I have $165 dollars of cabelas points (I have a cabelas credit card). So that how I can get them for $135 vista and $285 for the 76 MapS. This is my first GPS and I am worried about the vista and its antenna? And is Garmin going to discontinuethe Etrex series? That is a rumor I have heard with all the rebates.

I can get Etrex Vista for $135 from Cabelas. I like the GPS Map76S but it is $285 (with my cabelas points). I am new to GPS but i have done some research. What does eveyone think is the better deal? Sbrady