Affortable GPS

[black_phantom95]

I am wondering what a cheap handheld GPS for a beginner.

 

Thanks.

Edited March 20, 2010 by black_phantom95

[GermanSailor]

I am wondering what a cheap handheld GPS for a beginner.

 

Thanks.

The Etrex H is really good and quite cheap. Also the retail value on ebay is just amazing.

 

It would be nice if you could offer more details:

 

- What do you want? (maps, routing, USB-connection, paperless caching)

- Were do you live? (USA, Europe, ???) prices differ

- What is "cheap" for you? Are you the sultan of Brunei or living of welfare?

 

GermanSailor

[black_phantom95]

I am wondering what a cheap handheld GPS for a beginner.

 

Thanks.

The Etrex H is really good and quite cheap. Also the retail value on ebay is just amazing.

 

It would be nice if you could offer more details:

 

- What do you want? (maps, routing, USB-connection, paperless caching)

I am just starting out and want to find some caches locally. Basically I just want something that I can download coordinates onto and take with me to find caches.

 

- Were do you live? (USA, Europe, ???) prices differ

I live in the USA

 

- What is "cheap" for you? Are you the sultan of Brunei or living of welfare?

I am 14, so it would have to be something my parents would buy me.

 

GermanSailor

[jmundinger]

I am wondering what a cheap handheld GPS for a beginner.

 

Thanks.

 

I'd recommend the Garmin eTrex Venture HC. It is a few dollars more than the eTrex H, but comes with MapSource and a USB cable. The eTrex H comes with neither. It doesn't work with MapSource. You can purchase a cable, but it uses a serial port, not a USB port and the cost for the eTrex H plus the serial cable would just about pay for the Venture HC.

 

The Venture HC would cost about $130 at OffRoute.com

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

I agree that the Venture HC is a much better unit than the eTrex H. $120 at Amazon this a.m., which is a good price.

[+BlueDeuce]

If you are a tighter budget you could purchase a used Legend Blue for around $50.

[+VinylHanger]

Wally World is a good place to look for the Triton 400 right now. I just paid 109 bucks with the Nat. Geo Topo. Once you get past the lack of users manuals, it is a good unit and you can put maps on it, which some of the other lower priced units can't, as well as having an expandable memory for more storage.

[+Scaber]

In April, Magellan is introducing the eXploreist GC. It is billed as the first GPS unit dedicated to geocaching. The cost is listed at $199. Here are my opinions so far.

 

Positives

-paperless caching on the GPSr, including pictures

-accepts GPX files

-holds 10,000 caches

-includes base road maps

-AA batteries

-low price

 

Negatives

-no built in compass

-no memory storage cards

-no routing on maps

-no POI's, points of interest

-no current ability to update maps

 

This looks like it will be a great beginning unit for the price. It is not feature rich like the Garmin Colorado and Oregon series but then again it is less than half the price. I will be interested to see how this new GPSr is received but for the price it looks great.