wmfisherman

So, it sounds like my decision needs to be based on whether I a) want to print high-quality topo maps (National Geographic) or want to print lower-quality topo AND photo maps (ExpertGPS). Did I get that right? Do both softwares have equivalent functions (viewing routes/tracks overlaid on the contour maps, etc?) Thanks for all of your input.

Hey guys, I apologize if this discussion has already been had, but I've seen posts where people were singing the praises of ExpertGPS (or GSAK(?)), or some other GPS-based mapping software. I've seen others say you can't beat the National Geographic software. I've used Delorme's 3-D Topo software before. I was wondering what most people use for recreational use. What I would mostly be using software for is printing out quad maps prior to geocaching, and maybe mapping hunting areas for myself and friends. The only real difference that I see so far is that National Geographic (or Delorme) would be better if I used a laptop alot while traveling, and wanted to see my location in realtime (since its maps are on CD's), while maybe the ExpertGPS (or GSAK) software would be better for home use since I could get topo maps AND aerial photos of my places of interest. Am I missing something, or is that really it? Thanks for any input!

Garmin Etrex Legend.

Thanks for the direction, guys. I must have always had it set differently on my old one. Time to get out the ol' manual and study up again, I guess. Thanks for explaining the problem!

I took my new Etrex Legend out today for the first time. I have had an old one for a few years, but hadn't used the navigation function very much. Today, I noticed that the head and tail of the course pointer were aligned in the center of the compass, but the "body" or "shaft" (if this were an arrow) was offset to the right on the compass dial. I did not remember this ever happening with my old unit. This Legend has software version 3.60. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, it seemed that for a while this afternoon the arrow was actually leading me AWAY from my intended location. Once I realized my distance and ETA were actually increasing as we walked (and yes, we were following the arrowhead), I just started using the map screen to guide me instead of the course pointer. Anybody have any idea what's going on? Thanks for any suggestions!

To me, the basemap included with the Legend is worth the extra cost. When driving down the interstate, I can find what facilities are at the next few exits by querying the basemap on the Legend - pretty valuable if you do a lot of traveling.

This kind of thing may be common knowledge to you people, but I'm new here and just had to tell a story about my recent experience with Garmin's customer service... I bought an Etrex Legend about 3 years ago. This past summer, while paddling in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast, my Legend got wet briefly when our sea kayak flipped. Since the GPS was zipped up in a pocket on the kayak, it stayed with the boat. We flipped the boat back upright and climbed back on. But the GPS wouldn't act right anymore. I knew that the specs said it was supposed to be waterproof to a meter deep for a certain length of time (longer than this one was underwater). I was disappointed that it had quit working and thought I was going to have to buy another GPS. Well, after browsing the latest models and prices, I thought that before I invested any more, maybe I should just explain my situation to Garmin. I told them that it had gotten wet, was not a meter deep, and was only underwater for about 10 seconds. To my surprise, they said "Send it in, we'll fix it- no charge." I was EXTREMELY pleased. I was hoping that was what they'd say, of course, but I didn't really expect any company to do that these days. Remember, it's 3 years old and out of warranty. I just got my GPS back yesterday and they sent me a BRAND NEW Legend. Of course, they were kind enough to transfer my stored waypoints and saved tracks to the new one! Way to go, Garmin! You've earned my loyalty big-time!