+tirediron Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 I know this is off-topic, but I am hoping to get some input from fellow Canadians, and I figured it was more likely here than in the GPS forum (where I have also posted). Anyway.. As a newcomer to Geocaching (new as in I have yet to buy a GPS!) I am looking for some help from more experienced users. Firstly, are there any models that stand out as "Don't buy these even on a dare" or likewise, ones that you think are the cat's @$$? Right now, I am thinking about the Magellan Meridian Platinum. Has anyone used that model, any pro's or con's with it or the Meridian line? Are there any "must have features"? Thanks all, appreciate the help! Quote Link to comment
+cyber-hunter Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 Well I have a Magellan 315 which I have had for years. I like it and it has done well for me. Keep on caching. Ken Quote Link to comment
+cyber-hunter Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 Well I have a Magellan 315 which I have had for years. I like it and it has done well for me. Keep on caching. Ken Well I like my unit so much I must have sent the message twice. Sorry about that. System won't let me delete the extra one. [This message was edited by Cyber-Hunter on February 15, 2003 at 07:29 PM.] Quote Link to comment
+Hard Oiler Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 Me too - Mag 315 - all you need for caching - and the price is right Quote Link to comment
+MercRocks Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 it's a great unit rough and tough and a great price... Platinum would be nice, but lot's of dough Without your brain, a map is a piece of coloured paper, a compass is a glorified magnet, and a GPS is a waterproof battery case." " FSAR " Quote Link to comment
Cache Canucks Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 ...I think my eTrex Vista is "...the cat's @$$...". Quote Link to comment
+Solar Max Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 Gotta go with Cache Canucks, Vista. If ya want a little less cash outlay, Etrex Legend. It has mapping capability, like the Vista, but less RAM, 8MB vs. 24. It's really great to have the extra functions, especially while driving on a logging road somewhere, with the map already in the GPSr. Sorry magellan Quote Link to comment
+canadazuuk Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 I have both a Magellan 315 and a Garmin Vista. Comparing reception in moderate tree cover, I would select the Magellan 315. Simply because of the different antenna style. I cannot give you a personal recommendation for a higher end Magellan; I have never used one. The Garmin Vista has superb features, and I am using it more and more, but I still prefer the Magellan when it comes time to hiding caches. I have not used the Garmin yet when hiding. canadazuuk Quote Link to comment
+Couparangus Posted February 16, 2003 Share Posted February 16, 2003 My only suggestion is to get a GPS with Mapping capabilities. This is what makes the unit. I use the eMap, which I think may be discontinued now, but love it. There are many advantages to having the maps built in and enough, in my opinion, to justify the premium in price. C-A Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted February 16, 2003 Share Posted February 16, 2003 Tirediron When your shopping around be sure to check whats included with the units. Sometimes a more expensive model includes cables that you'd end up having to buy if you go for a entry level GPSr. I don't know if a mapping unit is going to help much in Canada for geocaching in the bush. Neither Garmi or Magellan has topomaps for Canada that can be uploaded to a GPSr. Some of the road maps are OK. Quote Link to comment
+Decodoppler Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 quote:Originally posted by tirediron:...I am thinking about the Magellan Meridian Platinum. Has anyone used that model, any pro's or con's with it or the Meridian line? Are there any "must have features"? Thanks all, appreciate the help! Hey Tired: I have a 315 (YEA!!!) and a Magellan SportTrak Map... I have also used a Meridian Platinum... The biggest advantage of both the Sport and Plat over the 315 is maps... these are a true help navigating around... especially in urban and suburban areas -- no topos yet as someone has already mentioned. The downside is price of course. I have seen magellans on special at one branch of Best Buy... you might wanna check that out. The screen on the plat is larger than on the sport and it has a much larger memory. As far as function, most of the modern units offer very similar performance. Some eat batteries a little faster than others. Some have slightly different ways to display the same information... If you are going for a mid-range handheld, shop around for the best price and make sure extras like map software and cables are easily avaiable in your area. DD "Either that wallpaper goes or I do!" Quote Link to comment
+tirediron Posted February 17, 2003 Author Share Posted February 17, 2003 Thanks all, appreciate the info and experience of those who answered. Still not sure what I am going to buy, but, being a guy am I going to go for the low end model? Better to have features I will never use than to let my neighbour have a better one.... (Quondo Omni Flunkus Moritati) You know how it is.... Thanks again!! Quote Link to comment
+canadazuuk Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 There was a Magellan Map 330 on eBay last night for BIN $189.99 USD and it had loads of extras, great deal, that's what you want!!!! Okay, maybe not. Quote Link to comment
+mrcpu Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 I bought a sportrak map... I played with it for a while at a radioshack before buying it (at a Best Buy!). I knew going in that the base map would suck eggs. In Southern Ontario (not Sarnia!) there is just the 401 and 400 and a lake Ontario that shows my office in the water! HOWEVER... now that I picked up Mapsource Canada... it is FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I also FEEL that my Garmin Venture doesn't do as good a job at holding sat lock or picking it up with a lot of cover. On the other hand, my Venture came with an awsome database of Towns and Cities for Canada. I was blown away by some of the little towns it has in it. My Sportrak sucks in comparison were the town database is concerned unless you live in the US of A Cheers, Rob Mobile Cache Command Quote Link to comment
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