tubemonkey

It's kinda hard to upload new maps when you don't have a computer with you on a 3-week trip covering the western US. A handheld with AA, SD, TFT color, and USB is certainly feasible. So until someone does it, I'll continue to use old technology (Legend and AAA maps).

Sorry, but the Legend does NOT have games; and I don't believe you can add them either. I have a Legend myself and prefer it over the Geko for several reasons: mapping ability, larger screen, and the use of AA batteries (Geko uses AAA). The Geko uses the same cables as the Legend. They're proprietary Garmin cables that will only fit the eTrex/Geko series. The PC cable is an RS232 serial. If you can afford it, get both and make everyone happy. Sharing one GPSr amongst several people is not as fun as each having their own. If you do get both, the PC cable supplied with the Legend could also be used for the Geko 201. Besides, it doesn't hurt to have a backup GPSr and the Geko would be an excellent choice for that role.

Another thing to keep in mind is the power source. The 600 uses an expensive proprietary rechargeable lithium battery, whereas the 60CS uses 2x AA batteries just like your Platinum. That may or may not be important to you, but for me, it was a deal breaker, since trees don't come equipped with electrical outlets. It's a shame too, because I was all set to get a 500, until Magellan switched from AAs in the 100-300s and went with a rechargeable battery for the 400-600s. As to maps, keep in mind that the 600 will only work with newer maps like DirectRoute and Topo 3D. It is not backwards compatible with older maps like Topo v4.20 and Streets & Destinations. So if you only have the older maps, then you'll be stuck buying new maps anyway. But, if you do get the 600 and decide to keep your Platinum as a backup; the good news is that the Platinum will work with the newer maps. Weird; the newer GPS units are not backwards compatible, but the older units are forwards compatible. Go figure. BTW, the newer Garmins are backwards compatible with their older maps. I'm still waiting to buy my ideal GPSr -- AA, SD, TFT color, USB. So until Magellan adds AA batteries to the 500 or Garmin adds an SD slot to the Legend C, I'll continue using my Legend.

Here's another one to add: Magellan SporTrak Color -- can still be found at a few Costco's for $200. This unit has 22 MB of free memory and a 10 MB basemap. Contrast that to the Mer Gold's 16 MB basemap and the ST Map's 2 MB basemap. It uses the same mapping software as the Gold & ST Map. Other features include a 3-axis compass, a barometer, a thermometer, and a color screen (160 x 240 pixels). But since this unit is older technology, it has a serial interface for much slower downloads, a slower processor, and the display is mediocre when compared to that of the eXplorists and newer Garmins (Vista C, 60CS, 76CS, etc).

The eXplorist also uses a proprietary lithium battery and that's a deal breaker for me. If I ever need color, then I'd get a Legend C with its AA power supply.

I have the Topo for the older Magellan units -- SporTrak and Meridian series. The entire state of Washington takes about 21 MB of memory and from the Cascades to the Pacific coast and the Canadian border to Mt St Helens takes about 12 MB and about 13 MB if you continue south to the Columbia River. I have no experience with Topo 3D or with the BlueNav Charts, so I can't help you out there.

For those interested in the ST Color, check out your local Costco. A few of them are still selling the ST Color (w/ serial cable) for $200. I saw quite a few of them at a Costco in the Portland area this past weekend.

It's called a Legend C. It's smaller, cheaper, and has twice the battery life (36 hours) of an eXplorist 500 (17 hours); and all accomplished with 2x AA batteries. Go figure. Actually, I'm a big fan of rechargeables -- NiMH AAs that is. I have nothing against Li Ion batteries for city use, but I'm talking about applications where electrical outlets are non-existent. In those instances, I can substitute alkalines for my NiMH. The same can't be said for Li Ion. In that case, these folks don't need an SD slot for expanded memory either. So Magellan wasted their efforts on these units. Actually, the Legend C would be great for my outdoor needs, but it lacks an SD slot. I wanted one unit to pull double duty -- hiking and car navigation. So I'm willing to wait until either Garmin adds an SD slot to the Legend C or Magellan adds AA batteries to the eXplorist 500. Garmin did it (Legend C w/ 2x AA = 36 hours battery life) ..... what's Magellan's excuse (eXplorist 500 w/ LiI = 17 hours battery life)?

Hey, to each his own. I choose not to use AAAs in my ventures away from civilization, since weight isn't a factor in most of my outings. I like the idea that I can cannibalize the power source from one device for use in another if needed (which I've done a few times). When it comes down to it, a mapping GPSr doesn't have the detail required for backpacking anyway. So it's pretty much useless in that respect and a non-mapping unit is just as good as a mapping unit. Besides, a map and a compass should be a backpacker's primary navigational tools to begin with. Electronic devices can and do fail. If I ever were to take a more minimalist approach to backpacking, then I'd ditch my AA devices in favor of AAA devices. I'd get a AAA LED headlamp and either a Foretrex 101 or a Geko 201.

Not good enough. And just how many hours can we expect from 3 AAAs?

LiI batteries are good for city use, but worthless for extended backpacking trips. My cell phone has a LiI battery (as if I had a realistic choice in the matter), as does my Forerunner 201. But then again, these two items are strictly for city use so I don't care. When I venture out into the field, my devices must use AA batteries -- GPSr, digital camera, flashlight, and 2-way radio. I absolutely refuse to buy any of these devices if they won't. In addition, my digital camera must also have an SD slot. I won't own one that doesn't. I want interchangeability with my other SD devices -- MP3 player, camcorder, and future PDA.

SPF ..... hmmm ..... Sasakawa Peace Foundation Savills Private Finance Scottish Photographic Federation Scottish Police Federation Secours Populaire Francais Sender Permitted From Sender Policy Framework Shoreline Preservation Fund Singapore Police Force Southern Photographic Federation Spastic Paraplegia Foundation Special Pædagogisk Forlag Spring Processor Forum Statens Pædagogiske Forsøgscenter Summer Play Festival Sun Protection Factor Survey of Professional Forecasters Sygate Personal Firewall ..... beats me

The Forerunner is a fitness (running, walking, jogging, etc) tool; and it's very good for that use, since it has features the Foretrex does not have. I picked up three Forerunner 201s (myself and two sons) just before Thanksgiving when Target had them on clearance for $70 and we've been quite pleased with them.

Let me add my endorsement for the Legend also. It's definitely within your $200 window; even after adding in the mapping software (MetroGuide or Topo). BTW, I read your profile (to see where you lived) and it sounds like you need a GPS transplant. In that case, I'd get a Geko; it's much smaller and easier to implant. Make sure the surgeon connects the leads from the Geko's display screen to your optic nerves in the correct sequence. If he inverts the wires, you'll have to stand in front of a mirror to read it properly.

The Vista C is $270 after rebate. Also on sale are the National Geographic Topo state series (USGS 1:24,000) for $75 each.

REI will be selling the Garmin Vista C for $319.99 before rebate during their Anniversary Sale: May 6-15, 2005. That's 20% off their retail price of $400. As a reminder, sale items are ineligible for REI's ~10% Member Refund. The final price will be $269.99 after applying Garmin's $50 rebate. If you order online, remember that REI.com does charge for shipping. You can avoid shipping charges if you have your order delivered to the REI store of your choice for pick up at a later date. I especially like this method for sale items. The stores in the Seattle area can get rather crowded and the lines fairly long during their sales. REI has an excellent return policy and doesn't limit your returns to a 14 or 30 day window like the vast majority of other retailers do. So when prices are reasonably comparable, I'll always go with REI.

Sorry, but sale items are not eligible for the dividend, and the eXplorists are all on sale. Every year, we strive to pay you back 10% of your eligible REI purchases with a dividend voucher good for more REI gear. The more you buy, the bigger the refund! This is mailed to you each March as part of your dividend notice. To ensure you receive credit for your purchases, present your REI member number with every purchase. (Purchases not eligible: sale/clearance items (prices ending in $._9 or $._3), gift cards, certificates, services, fees and travel. Purchases made with credit cards other than the REI Visa card earn a refund of 2% less.) Learn more about the member refund.

Did I mention that I like my Legend?

Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it. I've seen these devices and I have no intention of lugging along extra bulk and weight, and having to wait for the battery to charge, etc. Too much hassle; but thanks anyway. Besides, I'm quite pleased with my Legend.

True; just as SD capability is (witness all the Garmin users). Still, both features would've made these units more versatile. Remember, not everyone using a GPSr is a geocacher. A lot of us are hikers, backpackers, kayakers, hunters, etc. BTW, I always take map and compass whenever I hit the trail. I never leave home without the 10+ essentials.

There's something to be said for having a power source that uses readily available AA batteries for extended excursions in the woods where charging stations are non-existent. Maybe Magellan will figure this out someday.

Here's a thought; and I have no idea if it's even feasible, because I've never opened up a GPSr before. But maybe you could do a "screen swap" with another damaged unit. Like I said, I have no idea if this would work, but it may be worth a try. Good luck.

And here I wasn't going to get one of these just because they wouldn't take AA batteries. Man, these units have more problems and flaws than I'd be willing to put up with, especially considering their cost. The lack of backwards compatibility with their older maps is now another deal breaker for me. Oh well, it looks like I'll be wedded to my Legend and AAA maps for quite awhile now.

I have a Forerunner 201 which I use for urban walks. So, I don't mind the Li-Ion battery for this use, because my walks will never outlast the battery charge. The one drawback to this unit is the sealed battery. I most thoroughly hate that. That's why I don't own an iPod. The only reason I went with this unit, was because it was on clearance at Target for $76.69 after taxes. I picked up three of them (myself and my two sons). I'll get at least two years use out of this unit (1 yr Garmin warranty and 1 yr credit card warranty). Anything after that is a bonus, as I have no intention of paying some outrageous price to have the battery replaced when it finally dies. If I had to pay full price for these units, I never would've gotten them. In this instance, I can live with a sealed battery and feel that I've gotten my money's worth.

I will give Magellan credit for using a user replaceable battery instead of sealing it inside the unit like Garmin did with the Quest (and Apple with the iPod). Imagine not being able to carry a spare battery or having to pay $100 to have a dead battery replaced?