Advice between 2 GPS units

[+Tacodoctor]

Hello all-

I am new to the GeoCaching world and am looking at 2 different GPS units for me and my 8 yr-old-son to use as we begin our adventures. There is about a $100 price difference between these 2 and am willing to pay the extra IF it is worth it.

 

Garmin eTrex Legend CX $225

-or-

Magellan eXplorist 210 $125

 

I like the color display and 22mb memory with the Garmin but am unsure of any other differences that would push me either way.

I am specific to these 2 models because I am using a particular store account to purchase and these are 2 of the best mid-level units offered.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks folks.

[+bigdog999]

Pretty much 50/50. I like Garmin's software better, but the magellan will get a better signal. The newer etrexes has a better chipset which I don't think are out yet.

[+luckybobb]

we have an etrex legendCX and we love the color screen and the maps.

 

The Legend CX has a removeable memory card so you can upgrade it to what ever size you want.

[+bassmig]

For the same price as the Legend you could actually pick up one of the 500 series(400-500) which also has the upgradeable memory and a nice color screen.

[nXtIak]

Yeah, Magellan eXplorist 500LE = $199 retail expandble memory, color screen, and compass.

[+Chuy!]

Your're mistaken about the Cx' 22mb memory - the Legend Cx has no internal memory. It comes with a 64mb card as it supports external memory. For about $30 you can pick up a 2GB card which is what I did for my Venture Cx. The discontinued Legend C had 24mb; maybe you're confusing that one ??

 

Both the Legend Cx and HCx are priced $210 at offroute.com and other online retailers. The HCx has the new hyped sensitivity chip and 1K waypoints; the Cx comes with the aforementioned 64mb card. For an additional $25 you can get the Vista HCx which adds an electronic compass and barometer.

 

These Etrex' have color screen; calculator; alarm; Sun/Moon phases; hunt/fish calendar; support auto-routing with optional mapping software; and advertise 32 hours of battery life (for Legend Cx; 25 for HCx'); among other features ...

Edited June 22, 2007 by Chuy!

[+ergomaniac]

If you are looking at the Legend CX you should check out the Venture CX instead. If you plan on adding mapping, the 64 mb card that comes with the Legend will probably end up on a shelf anyway and that's the only difference between the two GPS's (the Venture is the same unit as the Legend but doesn't come with the media card or a USB cable... you have to supply those youself but the price difference allows you to buy a bigger card).

 

I wouldn't go with the Magellan, the Venture is a really good GPS and Mapsource is far superior to Mapsend. We have two Magellan GPS's and Two Garmin's in the family and we are slowly replacing the Magellan's with Garmins. If nothing else, as mentioned by others above, buy a color screen!

[+jkersh]

I am taking my 210 back to the store today. I received a Legend cx for fathers day and couldn't be happier. Customer service for Magellan is one of the worst I have ever dealt with. My unit stopped being recognized by my pc and I cant get it to work. The base map on the Magellan was better but I will stick with other companies. Go with the Garmin. I got mine for $200 at Wal-Mart.

[jdwest32]

go with the Garmin. shop around. I reccommend you spend a little bit more and go for the 76CSx. If you have a Cabelas hear by, try the bargin Cove. people return GPS' all the time.

[+dochummer]

I went with the 210 and the outdoor bundle (topo USA map) for $159 plus tax. For the price... couldn't be beat. I just need to to find caches...If I decide I want something better later...then I can purchase a new unit without feeling bad...

[coldwaterconch]

For the record, the Magellan 500 does not have a compass...the 600 does.

 

And I'm really starting to wonder if Magellan has any legs in the handheld GPS niche.

[imaroon]

Go with Garmin, the only thing that Magellan has over the garmin is a better signal strength and that is about to change because of new e trex systems from garmin. If you need radio functionality, Garmin are about to start shipping their new Rino 520Hcx and 530Hcx units

[+Thrak]

Magellan is well known to have absolutely horrible customer service. Garmin has consistently been shown to have some of the best customer service anywhere for any industry. That alone should help you to make your choice between Garmin and Magellan.