+parker313 Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 Hi, I think I've finally decided that I'm going to get my mom a GPSr for Christmas. I know that I want to get her the full map software as well - I had a unit without maps before and now have one with maps and it makes such a big difference (for me). I can sort out the Magellan and Lowrance units but there are so many different Garmin units that it kinda makes my head spin. Any help would be most appreciated Right now, I'm leaning towards the Lowrance iFinder Pro or H20. Quote Link to comment
ArtMan Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 You can get the Magellan eXplorist 210 for $133 at Amazon. For less than $20 more (after a $50 mail-in rebate) you can get the Garmin Venture cx. The Magellan has a black and white screen; the Garmin screen is color. The Magellan has 22 mb of available memory; the Garmin accepts microSD cards, which allow you to add a gig or two, if you need it. Both units come with basemaps with major highways. If you are looking for the "cheapest," I think it's the Magellan. However, the Garmin may be a better value. Disclosure: I just bought a Venture cx after considerable research. But my choice is not necessarily right for you. -ArtMan- Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted October 30, 2006 Author Share Posted October 30, 2006 Thank you ArtMan I know most models come with basemaps - I'm interested in the most bang for my buck to include the FULL mapping software, like MapSource, MapCreate, etc. I can find the Lowrance iFinder Pro Plus (Plus meaning including the card reader and MapCreate) for $200 at a couple of different online stores. Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted October 30, 2006 Author Share Posted October 30, 2006 OK, follow up question... What Garmin units have at least a base map or are compatible with MapSource? I can't tell from their website if their "basic handhelds" have any kind of a basemap or are compatible with MapSource or if I need to get a "Mapping Handheld" for that. I don't need autorouting, just maps. Thanks! --Kristin PS - Right now, the leading contender is the Lowrance iFinder Pro Plus at Salesource for $163. Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 Never mind, I found a like new iFinder Pro Plus for $135 on Amazon. I knew I wasn't going to beat that with anything else and I already know that I like the GPSr very much. Quote Link to comment
+Scoobmaster Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Hi parker. If you didn't already "pull the trigger" at Amazon, there are two other Lowrance deals that you may want to consider (I was looking for the best deal on a Lowrance with mapping software recently too!) Cabelas has the iFinder PHD plus for $199 www.cabels.com The other deal (the one I bought) is the discontinued iWay 100M for $139 + FREE shipping at shipdog.com: Direct link to iWay 100M at Shipdog I love the 100M so far - the autorouting and turn-by-turn is a GREAT bonus. Excellent unit *WITH* mapping software for $139 was my "best-bang-for-the-buck" Quote Link to comment
GreatCanadian Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 To answer the question that you asked, the cheapest Garmin mapping unit would be the Etrex Legend (not color). You'd easily pick one up on ebay now for less than 100 bucks. Quote Link to comment
minorIntrusion Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 (edited) Cabelas has the iFinder PHD plus for $199 www.cabels.com I would question this deal! Cabelas asks - Have you used this product? Be the first to write a review! I don't think many people have had the chance to use this unit... Edited October 31, 2006 by minorIntrusion Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 Thanks y'all, I have already purchased the iFinder. It was one of their used product options, which explains the deep discount. It's not normal Amazon price. minorIntrusion - The iFinder Pro, PHD and Map and Music are actually older versions. They're basically the same as the iFinder H20, but aren't waterproof to IPX7, just to IPX2. No biggy b/c it comes with a clear waterproof pouch. I already have the iFinder Pro and have been very pleased with it Quote Link to comment
FlagFinder Posted November 2, 2006 Share Posted November 2, 2006 get the 210 its a good deal a little hard to get the street maps on there because you have to save it on your computer hard drive first but i love my explorist its my most prized posetion Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted November 3, 2006 Author Share Posted November 3, 2006 I had a 210, but lost it. I replaced it with the iFinder Pro, which, IMO blows the 210 out of the water The bigger display is probably my favorite part, and I find the menus much more intuitive. Quote Link to comment
SandyGarrity Posted November 3, 2006 Share Posted November 3, 2006 What does your Mum/Mom need the unit for? That must drive to ultimate choice. How does SHE like the menus. You are buying this for her not you! Quote Link to comment
+parker313 Posted November 3, 2006 Author Share Posted November 3, 2006 She'll be using it for geocaching - she's been out with me a few times. She's never used a GPSr before, so she doesn't have any preference. I'll show her how to use it and if I can show her on a GPSr I'm familiar with and am comfortable with, then that will make me that much more of an effective teacher Quote Link to comment
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