birchfinch

Sigh... Here's the ebay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=3094039277 I've only had it for a couple of months and it's been lovingly used. This is a lot of GPS and accessories for the money. This package has everything you need to get going. With this GPS and all the softward that goes with it, you can track mileage, speed, top speed, average speed, time to destination, distanct to destination, etc. You can also program the route you want to take, you can follow a cookie crumb trail to retrace your path, it shows topographic information right on the GPS. When you get home, you can download your trip onto your computer and make trail maps of your favorite runs/rides/etc. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

I dont' remember the name of the online retailer, but it was being sold for use with cell phones. A google search of 'wall wart' should turn something up. I saw a lot being sold for way more than $10, so keep looking.

I've listed this item on ebay at the following address: ebay listing of GPS I've only had it for a couple of months and it's been lovingly used. This is a lot of GPS and accessories for the money. If you have any questions, drop me a line! Bryan

I just listed this on ebay, along with some pictures: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...MESSE%3AIT&rd=1

Thanks for the plug, sbphishy. It is a great unit. I've had fun with it, but circumstances change, you know? I took some pictures and would be happy to email them. If I could figure out how to upload them here, I would.

I've come to the realization that for my uses, the Magellan Gold Traveler Pack I bought was just more GPS than I actually need (My wife helped me come to this realization). Here's some info about it from the Magellan website: The Gold Traveler Pack includes: Meridian Gold handheld GPS receiver Accurate to within 3 meters, Meridian Gold features easy operation with backlit keypad and a large high-contrast, backlit screen for optimal viewing day or night. A built-in 16 MB mapping database, includes major highways, waterways and points of interest throughout the U.S. Rugged and waterproof, Meridian Gold is ready for any outdoor adventure. MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM Adding turn-by-turn guidance with audio prompts and clear visual indicators to your Meridian Series GPS receiver, MapSend DirectRoute includes detailed street-level maps of the U.S. and Canada1. 64 MB SD memory card Download additional highly detailed, street-level maps from your PC using MapSend DirectRoute software and a data cable. Vehicle mounting bracket Providing easy viewing and operation in your car, truck or RV, strong suction cups conveniently secure this rugged plastic bracket to the windshield or dashboard. PC data cable with cigarette lighter adapter Use this combination cable to power your GPS receiver in your car or boat and download detailed mapping information from your PC using Magellan MapSend software. User Manual This complete manual makes it easy to become skilled in GPS navigation. Quick reference guide Get started with your GPS receiver right away and use this reference to quickly access key features. Two AA batteries Two AA batteries provide up to 13 hours of continuous use. Plus, I bought Mapsend Topo: MapSend Topo in the US The most advanced GPS topographic software available, Magellan® MapSend® Topo in the United States maximizes the navigation capabilities of your Meridian® series, SporTrak® Pro, SporTrak Pro Marine, SporTrak Map, MAP 330 or MAP 330M handheld receiver. So here's what's I've got: Gold Traveler Pack - retail $400 Mapsend Topo - retail $80 'Wall Wart' cigarette lighter plug to wall socket adapter - retail $10 Total = +/- $500 (including shipping, etc) Also, I was able to take advantage of a $50 rebate for the Gold Traveler Pack and $10 for Mapsend Topo. So, the adjusted total = $440 I'd like to get what I paid, but will settle for $400 and I'll pay for shipping. I've had it for about two months and everything is in 'like new' shape. I've used it for runs and bike rides and it does a good job of distance, average speed, etc. Plus the whole 'map' thing has been pretty cool. I've made maps of my training routes, which has helped my find new ones. I haven't dropped it, dunked it or fallen off a cliff with it. I was figuring I'd list it on ebay, but I thought I'd let you all know first. Sound fair? I can take pics of everything if you like. Bryan

Time and Distance for workouts - am I faster today than last week? Specifically on XC ski loops, bike circuits (same) and I still haven't figured out a good way to bring it along for those 1 Mile Lake Superior training swims... Any ideas? When XC skiing, I keep it in my zipped jacket pocket for warmth. I breathe on the back of the battery case every time I bring it out, trying to stretch the cold batteries a little farther... Unfortuantely, at -20 F ambient, they don't last, no matter what I do.

So, for $269 (at Harmony), is this the one? Includes: Sportrak Topo unit Magellan Topo Software Shipping Whaddya think? If you're getting your first one, is this the best way to spend $269?

How worthwhile have people found having the ability to load topo maps into their GPS unit? Which leads to the corollary questions: What is a better, more flexible long-term strategy? - Get a non-map-loadable GPS and get the Nat'l Geographic Topo (seems to be considered one of the best) for the state? OR - Get a map-loadable GPS and just make do with the manufacturer's topo program? This, of course, assumes that one is only willing to afford a single topo program and a single GPS. Any thoughts?

The Sportrak Topo has been out a while now and I've been waiting for more reviews. Anyone? Anyone?