snakyjake

Another option is Delorme Earthmate for Mobile Outdoor.

The weather radar data and forecast info is received through a Bluetooth connection with your phone OR through WiFi. I often put my phone, connected to a small battery pack, in a ziplock and put it in my backpack. This way I can receive notifications and run a Live Track (and now weather) through the GPS on my pack strap. I think I'll simply use a Phone App for the weather. Rather save battery from the Bluetooth. I use my smart-phone for weather info during everyday life as well. But, when I'm hiking/hunting/geocaching, I have my GPS, not my phone, on my pack strap. I guess the usefulness of the weather data feature will largely depend on how and when you use your GPS. You won't get the Active Weather without your phone. And I assume that also means you need to have a mobile internet connection too. Where I go hiking, I don't get cell phone reception.

The weather radar data and forecast info is received through a Bluetooth connection with your phone OR through WiFi. I often put my phone, connected to a small battery pack, in a ziplock and put it in my backpack. This way I can receive notifications and run a Live Track (and now weather) through the GPS on my pack strap. I think I'll simply use a Phone App for the weather. Rather save battery from the Bluetooth.

How does it get Active Weather info? What did they do to improve the antenna?

Creating notes is what my PC is for. Before a trip I research and plan. Pre/Post trip I add notes, add photos or landmarks. PC software is the most important feature for me.

Can you please share your information and/or source that supports the 64 has better reception?

I can't imagine buying a GPS without considering the software. I do a lot of pre-trip planning and research, and I follow up after with photos and notes.

The way I remember Helix antenna advantages is within the marine environment locating satellites on the horizon and omnidirectional, and depends on which way the antenna is oriented. Also, the 62/64 has the option of an external antenna. The patch is more directional and optimized for facing up towards the sky. I think in practical use under tree cover you have a few satellites, weak signals, coming through the trees directly overhead. I gather from Garmin's statement the weak link is no longer the antenna nor the GPS receiver. I am now more focuses on more satellites, and hopefully higher power transmission of a signal or different frequency.

I don't think this has been proven in Garmin's handheld line, and I don't think Garmin has made the claim either. I think the 64 gives you an option of an external antenna, which I'm curious of high gain antennas.

My concern with the touchscreens is usage with gloves and rain.

Kolenka, when you've had a chance to use the 64s more in the mountains, can you let us know if you found any differences in GPS reception between the two units? I've been curious how much a difference the quad helix antenna makes. Your experience with wet weather and the touch screen has been helpful too. Thanks. Jake.

Could you please explain more how Delorme Topo is more powerful than Garmin Basecamp? I have the Delorme PN-40, but have been considering Garmin because of the GLONASS, better antenna on the 62/64, turn-by-turn for driving to a trailhead, nd a few minor features. But the software for planning and logging my adventures is very important to me, so it is going to come down to software. Thanks. Jake.

The quad helix antenna advantage is the reduction of multipath errors (canyons, tall buildings); and may receive better if you have the GPS under the car's roof. I like the 62 because of a GPS camera. But I have another camera that I can use to perform that function. I like the etrex for being small, excellent battery, and GLONASS. I typically plan my trip in advance using large maps, and simply transfer reference data to a portable device. If I want a large map, I simply print one and carry it with me.

Here's what I was reading from Garmin's website: "GLONASS is a system developed by the Russian Federation that will be fully operational in 2012." Maybe it's partially available to civilians/consumers? Maybe Garmin doesn't have full licensing yet? Or maybe Garmin's website is incorrect?

Some of my information may be outdated (I read something regarding full operation by 2012). Just read Wikipedia and it said 23 are operational, and "24 satellites to provide services worldwide". But 20 or 23 should be good enough to provide advantages where signals are tough to get. I doubt more satellites are going to help under tree cover. Probably will help if in a canyon/valley or don't have access to the full sky. Need something that can receive weak signals. Also was reading with the latest GPS chips antenna types aren't significant.

eTrex has GLONASS. More satellites. But what good are more satellites going to be if you don't get their signals? GPSMap has quad helix antenna. Better in tree cover. Multi-directional, good if carried in pack/pocket. Can either of them recharge the batteries via USB? My Delorme can be recharged via USB, which is real nice when I travel or know I'll have my computer with me (also have the option of AA batteries).

Besides for geocaching features, I'm mostly interested how the devices perform in the backcountry, mapping (including custom maps), and any features that assist in helping me get where I want to go when no roads or directions exist. I have the PN-40 and have been mostly happy with the device. However, I wouldn't mind something that makes custom maps more intuitive, streamlined, and integrated. For example, I'd like to include off road vehicle parks on the GPS. Or perhaps ski trails. And I'd prefer good user supported custom maps so I don't have to create my own custom maps if someone else already did all the work...and if I do the work I can share my maps too. Can anyone add comments comparing: Screen Quality Size Resolution Sunlight Brightness I'm concerned that the Garmin touchscreen reflects too much sun or perhaps the touchscreen is too sensitive, or too slow, or something not as good as real buttons. Usability Intuitive Quick I don't want to be spending too much time navigating interfaces when I'd rather be viewing what I intended to see while on a trail. Maps Detail Accuracy Need 1:24000 detail, aerial, satellite, more info the better. Delorme provides a lot of map detail for $30 per year. However, much of the maps are available for free online. Does Garmin offer free maps with equal or better quality...and as well integrated without much effort? Battery Nothing like having a dead GPS when you want it. I typically have to turn the device on/off to preserve power for long trips. GPS Performance And of course the devices need to be highly accurate, have WAAS, connect to GPS signal quickly, and maintain lock. Desktop Software Intuitive Rich features Custom maps Delorme Topo has been okay, however it can be clunky and not streamlined. Maybe there's something better. I also like to add a lot of notes and pictures to my points of interest with the desktop software. I typically like to link a POI with a word document. Or better yet, create a link to a Google Word Document that can be shared to others. Thanks, Jake

With so many manufacturer choices, should I only decide based on storage vs. value? Are there other factors to consider?

Getting a new GPS and wondering what rechargeable batteries are best? From my reading on the forum I’ve gathered this info: • Li-Ion if weight is a priority. • Li-Ion if temperature is a priority. • Li-Ion if battery storage is an issue. • NiMH standard if you want the most mAh, but sacrifice self-discharge. • NiMH hybrid if you want storage, sacrifice mAh when compared to NiMH high capacity. Capacity Li-Ion mAh : 1600 mAh NiMH standard mAh: 2700 mAh NiMH hybrid mAh : 2300 mAh Voltage Li-Ion volts : 3.0v NiMH (1.2vx2): 2.4v Questions 1. What are the runtimes for each battery chemistry? Can I judge by mAh, or do I need to account voltage? Example: The device may stop working at 2.0v. A Li-Ion has 1v to go, but with less mAh. A NiMh has .4v to go, but more mAh capacity. Which one will last longer until 2.0v is reached? 2. Will the device act differently between 2.4v and 3.0v? 3. At what point in time do the NiMH low self-discharge become an advantage? A few days, weeks, months? The last report I saw was on flashlights, and I concluded for LED lights the advantages were at approx 6 months. 4. What happens to the device when the voltage (capacity) drops? Will the GPS/compass stop working? Or will it become erroneous and lose accuracy? Or just notice the screen fading? Thanks, Jake

I'm getting the Delorme PN-40 and wondering what the fastest memory card would be? If it can be answered, how much faster is the #1 fastest vs. #2 fastest. Is the difference between the top place and second place a noticeable difference, or is it only a blink of an eye difference? Or would it be worth the higher cost for the #1. I'm also thinking a memory card holding > 16 gb, unless 8 gb is good enough for a 1/3 size of Washington State. Thank you, Jake

I was thinking the same thing...holding off. I hate supporting lazy innovation. But, I wonder if the reason they don't move to a larger screen is because of speed and battery. More information on the screen means more processing. More processing and larger screen means more battery drain. Maybe Garmin made a less than desirable screen on the Colorado/Oregon in order to save battery drain? I think these GPS manufacturers will have to do something soon. Phones with integrated GPS, fast processors, large screens, and high resolution are going to start kicking some of these devices out of the market. After working in software R&D, one thing I noticed is the lack of concern for something cool and innovative. People were too easily paying a lot of money for junk, so the incentive for quality and innovative wasn't there. Perhaps with the economy, designers and R&D will start producing something to get more people to buy. But then again, I think a lot of R&D departments need to be gutted out and restructured. I see too many people hired who just don't have what it takes. Or maybe my expectations are too high.

Can someone post the screen (width/pixels/resolution) specs of the PN-40? Thanks.

Garmin may have the contour at a 24k resolution, but will it have the detail of a 24k quad? The one thing I liked about quads is the detail, including building, roads, streams, etc. The only thing 24k vector maps ever gave me was more contour lines. And many times the roads on vector maps were not accurate.

Here's what I would like to do... I want to use raster maps for topographic, nautical, aerial, satellite maps. Vector maps are fine for streets and nautical. The problem with Garmin maps is they are the inferior vector topographic maps, and I haven't seen aerial or satellite maps. The problem with Delorme Topo maps is that I can get great topo quad maps, but have to download and pay for nautical, aerial, and satellite maps. So what I want is to download free maps from the Internet, and use them on a GPS device. To accomplish this, I've considered: Delorme Xmap Mapwel Mapwel or Xmap raster images on Garmin Colorado, or Delorme PN-20, or Magellan Triton. My second consideration is that I want to create my own trail maps. I know some map software uploads tracks, but not sure what that looks like or how it is used. What I want is my custom created trails to appear on the map and use them as reference points. A good example of this are parks. There's lots of trails, and I want to see the multiple trails for reference points, and for dead-reckoning. Also good for theme parks or ski areas. But I am not familiar with Xmap or Mapwel, and haven't yet purchased a mapping GPS to trial any of the software. For hardware, I'm considering Garmin Colorado, Delorme PN-20, or perhaps the Magellan Triton. I'm open minded. From what I can tell Mapwel looks great. I can download an image, and it appears I can upload it to a GPS. But I'm not sure if the image will be a raster image on the Garmin Colorado since the Garmin can only do vector. Not sure about the PN-20 or Triton either. Xmap appears more for GIS, and the description and sample maps suggest this is not the product for me. I also heard of some extremely customized products to produce custom maps. I found the steps more cumbersome and not worth the effort. Rather stay with paper maps. Can someone please help me with some example and experiences with Mapwel or Xmap (or other solutions)? Thank you, Jake

I totally agree. Well said. Jake