dmehak

Most of this advice has been pretty useful in making a decision, and it looks like I’m going to be giving him the eXplorist 500. Looking at just the basic features it offers (mapping, colour screen, SD expandable, mapping software, computer connectivity), these all seem like they would be important to a first time handheld user. Being able to see your position on an actual map (rather than a trackplotter), the ability to add more detailed maps for different activities (along with expandable storage space for tracks and waypoints), and the ability to connect the device to a computer for uploading/downloading, were all things that attracted me to handhelds in the first place (and are all things the Magellan offers over the eTrex H). The eTrex Legend does add some of the features the eTrex H leaves out, but it’s right at the top of my $100 limit, and doesn’t leave room for any other accessories (case, compass, etc). So looking at the potential negatives he could be facing with the eXplorist 500 (Magellan’s customer service reputation and no high-sensitivity chipset), I think it’s worth the risk for someone to “get their feet wet with handheld experience” (nicely put embra). Thanks for your help guys, I’ll be sure to point him in this direction. Also, could anyone recommend the best Yahoo! user group for the eXplorist 500’s? Thanks again.

What about the chipset of the eTrex H vs. the eXplorist 500? Is it possible to compare chipsets from two different manufacturers?

Thanks for the excellent feedback guys. I think my real concern at this point is reception. But I’m not sure how to compare the three receivers? eXplorist 500: 14 Parallel Channel, WAAS/EGNOS eTrex Legend: 12 Channel Parallel, WAAS eTrex h: 12 Parallel Channel, WAAS, High-Sensitivity (Is this receiver better than the Legend?) The eTrex H doesn’t have mapping, so I think it’s in last place right now - unless it has superior reception to the other two? I’m bias towards Garmin myself, but it seems like there’s a lot of bang for the buck with the eXplorist bundle? Is the only real downside to the eXplorist Magellan's customer service? I'm pretty sure if he has any problems with it I can (read: the Groundspeak Forums can) help him with it.

I’m buying a GPSr as a gift for my brother-in-law. He has an automotive GPS receiver in his car, but he’ll be new to using GPS outdoors (for camping and geocaching). Now I’m trying to decide between three models: Garmin eTrex H ($84.97 CAD) Magellan eXplorist 500 Traveler Bundle ($70.00 CAD) Garmin eTrex Legend ($99.99 CAD regular $149.99 CAD) I think the eTrex H might be confusing for a first time user because there is no map screen (and that’s what he’s used to in his car). The eXplorist has a colour screen, mapping ability, expandable SD memory – but I don’t know how good its reception is? I hadn’t even considered the eTrex Legend, until it went on sale ($100 gift limit). I’m leaning towards the eXplorist 500 bundle right now, which includes the MapSend DirectRoute software, car mount, and cigarette lighter adapter. And for $70.00 it seems like a pretty good deal (unless there’s any reason to avoid the 500?). Also, I’d like to avoid turning this into a Magellan vs. Garmin debate (if possible). I have a 60CSx myself, and it’s been really good to me. Just seems like the eXplorist bundle would be the best option for a first time GPS user. Any thoughts? Thanks guys.

What brand of GPS? Garmin 60CSx.

This is really what I'm aiming to do, and willing to put in the work, but not sure where to start.

I have some paper maps that have a canoe route shown on them, and I’d like to be able to view these on my GPSr. Is there any way to scan these and upload them to my receiver? Also, would it be any easier if I recreated them in Adobe Illustrator first to have the vector information? What do you guys think? What would you recommend? Thanks.

Wanted to ask something: what are cutlines? Also, Red90 mentioned that the Ibycus maps have 'up to date road data'. Are they more current than MapSource TOPO Canada?

Is there websites for the provincial (and federal) topographic maps?

Actually the GPS already knowing the current position makes perfect sense, thanks for clarifying that. You're right about the auto-routing too, as my GPSr really won't be used primarily for driving. I just thought it was an added bonus for driving to the trail location. This is actually turning out to be a harder decision than 60CSx vs. Colorado. So these are really the only two options for topographic maps for Canada, it sounds like?

So if TOPO Canada supports auto-routing, but doesn't support address searching - how do you auto-route between two places?

Red90, Thanks for all of your help with this - I really appreciate it. I'm very new to GPS, and there is SO much to cover... I have a 60CSx on the way from GPS Central. They offer a discounted price for MapSource software if you purchase a Garmin receiver, so I ordered TOPO Canada to go along with my new receiver. (I was told the basemap is pretty useless on the 60CSx?). So I ordered MapSource TOPO Canada for $89.95 (the regular price is $119.95). And now I'm trying to decide if I should return the TOPO Canada software and use the Ibycus maps. The Ibycus maps look really good, and I like the attention to detail, but I don't know if there will come a time in the future when I wish I had a map with street names. Another question: Auto-routing allows me to enter two addresses, and the GPSr will tell me how to get from point A to point B - correct? So if the Ibycus maps don't support auto-routing, I can plug in point B and the display will show my current position in relation to B, but how I choose to get there is up to me. If I understand this correctly? Would it be possible to auto-route using the basemap, than switch to the Ibycus maps once I reach my destination? Sorry for all of these questions, but I really appreciate all of this help. I just can't seem to make up my mind on TOPO Canada vs. Ibycus...

Any difference in how they would appear on the screen of a 60CSx? In terms of clarity and quality.

Wow. Exactly what I was looking for (and talk about response time!) Thanks!

Does anyone have (or know where I can find) an image of a map displayed in MapSource TOPO Canada, and another image of the same map displayed in Ibycus? Thanks guys.

Wow, looks interesting. How do these compare with MapSource TOPO Canada? Better or worse?

I ordered a 60CSx last night, it will be the first GPSr that I’ve ever owned. I’ll be using it for kayaking and snowshoeing, so I’d like to get some topographic maps to go with it. What software would you guys recommend for Canadian topographic maps? Thanks!