Upgrading! What to buy!

[huntin_4_cache]

I am upgrading from my old yeller, and have the opportunity to choose from 1 of the following:

 

Lowrance Ifinder Expedition

Lowrance iFinder Hunt GPS

 

Magellan eXplorist 200 GPS Receiver

Magellan eXplorist 210 GPS Receiver

 

Lowrance iWay Portable Navigation System

 

We use our gps for caching, 4wheeler trail riding, and hunting.

 

Thanks for any help!!

Edited February 25, 2007 by huntin_4_cache

[+Steel City Seekers]

We use our gps for caching, 4wheeler trail riding, and hunting.

 

In my opinion, the Expedition would be a perfect match for these activities, especially with the MapCreate software.

 

Expedition = ultra-sensitive receiver (for reception in dense cover), color screen, lots of memory with SD card expandability.

 

Hunt = a little less sensitive (but still good) receiver, b/w screen, lots of memory.

 

Explorist 210 = still less sensitive that the Lowrances, b/w screen, limited onboard memory. Maybe a pro that it is smaller in overall size than the Lowrances; maybe a con that it has a smaller resolution screen; that's up to you.

 

Explorist 200 = same receiver chip as the 210, no expandable memory for additional maps.

 

iWay = not an option for your cited purposes, I don't think, especially since they are all off-road activities and the iWay is for on-the-road.

 

Mapping software for the Expedition (or Hunt or Explorist 210) is much cheaper if you buy it as a package with the receiver.

[huntin_4_cache]

Mapping software for the Expedition (or Hunt or Explorist 210) is much cheaper if you buy it as a package with the receiver.

 

Thank you so much for the info! One more question! This is the description I have of the Expedition:

 

You won't believe what fits behind this 2.83"-diagonal color screen. A built-in continental U.S. and Hawaii background map with interstate exit services, Scout Mode to mark area perimeters and create borders, a compass, weather predictions, even a microphone to add voice notes to waypoints. It's watertight with a sure-grip rubber seal. The high-brightness TFT display features 320V x 240H pixel resolution. Excellent for viewing even in direct sunlight or at night. GPS and mapping capabilities are extraordinary. A precision 16-channel GPS+WAAS receiver offers 1,000 waypoints, 1,000 event markers and 100 routes. Features 40 map zoom ranges to let you get the angle you desire. It will even play MP3 files from an MMC/SD card (not included)

 

Would I need something more than the map that is included? (I am probably being naive to think that it would include what I need, but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask!)

Edited February 25, 2007 by huntin_4_cache

[+Steel City Seekers]

You don't NEED more than the included map for simple navigating, etc. However, the built-in map only has major U.S. routes and interstates. MapCreate adds minor roads, exceptional water detail including small streams, topographical lines, public lands and hunting areas, and some other features. I can't say for sure, but I'd think you would want to get the software eventually and it would cost more if you buy it afterwards. Plus, it makes less sense, I think, to have the color screen without the mapping detail.

 

There is a way to create your own maps using freely-available Govt mapping data and some software designed to create them, but the process is not for the faint of heart and I've not spent much time trying it. These maps have better information, or at least more topographical lines, than MapCreate.