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MtSpaz

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Everything posted by MtSpaz

  1. I used the USB cable with the GPSr off to charge the battery. It worked but took a while. I'm now looking for a AC adapter. This FAQ http://www.mtgc.org/robertlipe/exploristwiki/index.php from embra's sig line covers batteries & power pretty well. I'm looking for a universal AC-DC adapter. Something like this http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?Page...amp;ProdID=1406
  2. That and the magellan deal is on backorder. When I tried with NiMH I got a couple hours, 3-4 maybe (never really measured it so am keeping the numbers on the low side). I used a fast charger, so I'm not convinced they were optimally charged, or that these are the greatest batteries. These were 700mAH batteries where the pack I just got is 1100 and the Magellan pack is 1300 I think.
  3. I just got the batteries and am charging one. They are the SNN5595B. Specifically this store: http://stores.ebay.com/Unlimited-Cellular Search on SNN5595 and look for the ones that mention the T720 with the $3.99 buy it now price.
  4. I ordered two of those last week; the ones just listed as "SNN5595". I asked the seller if the picture was accurate. They said they weren't sure; that it was a 'stock' photo. They are listed as T720 1100 mAH batteries, so I figure they should be the ones. For ~$20 I figured it was worth a shot. I'll let you know when they get here; hopefully this week.
  5. Thanks. I've been doing research on the LiIon batteries and have found that FAQ to be quite helpful. At first I though I'd be content swapping batteries. Not so. I orderd the $20 kit from Mageallan (battery & AC charger), but it's on back order with no timeline. My dad will be opening his kit for Christmas. I hope to have a plan by then. ;-) Thanks
  6. How does the GPSr know when the batteries are charged and stop charging them? I have a 500LE and am using the battery adapter with NiMH batteries. If I use the USB cable to recharge them, how does the unit know when to stop? Does it work the same as the LiIon battery? And to confirm, a standard PSP (Play Station Portable) AC or DC adapter will work OK? It's annoying to take the batteries out to recharge, so it would be nice if I could charge them through USB or AC/DC adapter. Thanks
  7. Many thanks to those who replied here and on my thread http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...98&hl=500LE I've ordered the gear from Costco and both sets should be here on Tuesday. I plan to return the Garmin gear and just consider the return & restocking fees to be part of the deal. Write it off as part of the birthday & Christmas presents they are for me and dad. It would be nice to have a compass, but not being an avid outdoorsman, I figure I'll spring for a separate magnetic compass if the need arises; well, hopefully before... ;-) If anyone wants specific info on the 500LE from Costco I'll be happy to take a shot at it once I get my hands on it.
  8. The 500LE at Costco uses AAA batteries rather than a battery pack & charger; part of the lower cost. A good stock of NiMH rechargables would be handy. That's my plan at this point.
  9. My first post was a bit longer, and has a bit of info that might be helpful. http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=149198 I'm likely going to eat the return fees on the Garmin gear and go with the Magellan at Costco. Our local Costco stores don't seem to ever carry handheld GPSr. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...av=&browse= It's not a Garmin vs Magellan thing, but value for the $$. Even with the return fees we'll end up with a better unit & maps for the money; best I can tell anyway.... Someone please speakup if that's not actually a good deal. If you're not a Costco member it's another 5%. I'm new at this too, so take my advice/info appropriately.
  10. I realize that they may not be comparable units and had I done more looking around I would have done things differently. Would you suggest eating the cost of returning the Garmin units and going with the Magellan? Or, if we return the Garmin gear, is there another one that you'd recommend in the same price range? The bundle of the GPSr wtih the maps at Costco seems compelling. I'll look around for Venture Cx deals & that rebate. Thanks
  11. Let me start off by saying that I'm new to the handheld GPS thing. I pulled the trigger a bit early and ordered this: Amazon Order (Search on Garmin vista 24 if the URL doesn't work) Then I found this at Costco (I'm a member) Costco GPS It's more than Garmin vs Magellan. These are the key points I'm considering: 14 vs 12 Channels * Color vs B&W USB vs Serial * (Dad's laptop needs a USB to Serial converter) Included Maps vs Not * SD Slot vs 24MB * Costco Return policy vs AntOnline Based on the reviews on Amazon, Garmin has a better bicycle mount, which I ordered with it. (* features of most concern) I ordered 2 units. One for me & one for my dad. Dad will use his primarily for gold mine & claim hunting in the desert of AZ. I'll use mine for cycling, hiking, and general gadgetry, maybe some geocaching in WA We both have and may use laptops for additional mapping, etc. on our outings Amazon didn't have them in stock, so my Amazon order went through ANTOnline. Their return policy includes a 15% restocking fee. The cost of the Topo Maps (considering 2 copies) more than covers the fee & return shipping, but that's IF we were to get the Garmin maps down the road. I hadn't considered buying the Topo maps until I saw that deal at Costco. It's not completely about the money either. I'd like to get the best setup for the two of us. If it costs a little extra to do that, then I'm willing. I've read a bit about Garmin vs Magellan and best I can tell it's a lot about personal preference. Not having used either, I'm open to either. Dad had a Garmin 12XL but lost it. I don't think he's tied to a brand/model either. Admittedly, I pulled the trigger a bit early, but I have a chance to 'fix' it if the benefits are compelling. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks
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