+GroundClutter Posted March 16, 2003 Share Posted March 16, 2003 I would like some "expert" opinions on what GPS to choose. What are you all using out there? I think I've narrowed my choices down to (no order) 1- eTrex Legend 2- eTrex Venture 3- Magellan SporTrack 4- Magellan SporTrack Map I can't make up my mind if I want/need the detailed mapping features. I'm leaning toward the Magellan line because the have alarms. Their drawback is acquisition time. Don't know much else about GPS, so I'm asking for help. Thanks! Quote Link to comment
+mrcpu Posted March 16, 2003 Share Posted March 16, 2003 I have one of each. Venture: -no real map unless you count the display of your track and waypoints on a blank "map" -AWSOME database of Canadian towns but no other POI -Great GUI -Sometimes difficult to keep signal -Nice plug in back for cable, easy to use -Service was great when I had to send it back BUT it wasn't completely fixed -click stick is difficult in mitts Sportrak Map -Base Map sucks but for $150... -Map Software is actually quite good. -Base Unit POI is all american -Purchased map's POI is limited -GUI is difficult compared to Garmin -Doesn't do everything garman can do for fancy calculations etc -Better Signal lock then Garmin -Screw on Cable on back is pain in the butt -Cool Dual Datum/Format feature lets you view your location in two different ways at the same time. Overall, I am pretty happy with my Sportrak because the MAIN thing I want out of a GPS is accuracy and signal lock and the Sportrak is THE best for these two points. If you have any other questions feel free to ask away! Rob Mobile Cache Command Quote Link to comment
+GroundClutter Posted March 16, 2003 Author Share Posted March 16, 2003 Thanks Rob! I've done some further research and looked at some consumer reviews. I'm leaning toward the eTrex Legend. There is a US rebate that makes it only about $20 more than the Venture. The acquisition time is much better than the Magellan too. Unless anyone has any horror stories, I think I'll go with that one. Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted March 17, 2003 Share Posted March 17, 2003 Another consideration - there's a lot bigger selection of third party or aftermarket accessories and software made for Garmins. PDOP's GPS Pages Quote Link to comment
KimAndMollie Posted March 17, 2003 Share Posted March 17, 2003 We (MarinerBC and I) have 2 Legends and a Venture. Each has their own merits. If you want mapping capabilities and ease of use, then Legend is the way to go. Magellan is good at keeping signals, but I found it difficult to learn to use. Mind you, with my limited brain capacity, that's not surprising. MBC loves the Legend. He can give you the technical reasons why he likes it-I'm surprised he hasn't piped in yet! Good luck in your search! Have you looked at this site It has some really good deals-that's where we got one of the Legends. Have fun! Peace. Quote Link to comment
+Zartimus Posted March 17, 2003 Share Posted March 17, 2003 Maps are the greatest. I had a magellan 315 before, No maps. No fun. Quote Link to comment
+mrcpu Posted March 17, 2003 Share Posted March 17, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Zartimus:Maps are the greatest. I had a magellan 315 before, No maps. No fun. Please God oooohhh Pllleeeassseee tell me you don't Geocache in that get up!!!! Rob Mobile Cache Command Quote Link to comment
+GroundClutter Posted March 18, 2003 Author Share Posted March 18, 2003 As Homer would say, "Ohhhhhhhkayyyyyyy...." Holy cosmic costumes Batman! Thank you all for your help. I have a Garmin Legend on the way (not soon enough!!!) I did go with GPSCentral. $344 and a $50US rebate. Don't think it gets better than that. Well....it did get BRIGHTER tonight! Quote Link to comment
+Zartimus Posted March 19, 2003 Share Posted March 19, 2003 quote:Originally posted by mrcpu:Please God oooohhh Pllleeeassseee tell me you don't Geocache in that get up!!!! Rob Mobile Cache Command Uhh.. Mmmm, No, not ALL the time.. Just at night! Quote Link to comment
+Couparangus Posted March 19, 2003 Share Posted March 19, 2003 Oh my goodness.......I think the only thing that would startle me more at night would be Bigfoot! That costume reminds me of an old urban legend involving an unfaithful husband and a wife seeking revenge. Haha!! I've used only the Garmin eMap. I couldn't imagine having a GPS without detailed maps. As for third-party accessories for Garmin, I've not seen much myself so please tell me what's available! Coupar-Angus Quote Link to comment
+Binrat Posted March 20, 2003 Share Posted March 20, 2003 Uhhh, Zartimus, why not regale us with your tales of going through Police Ride Checks with the Bat suit in plain site....... "Blood is thicker than water.......Unless the water is frozen!" Quote Link to comment
Dave Lucas Posted March 20, 2003 Share Posted March 20, 2003 You can tell how cool some one is, by just how stupid they are willing to act... I once went to work (Royal Military College) dressed as Spaceman Spiff, but that was Halloween. Zartimus, you are the coolest. Who needs dates, anyway? :-) Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted March 20, 2003 Share Posted March 20, 2003 quote: As for third-party accessories for Garmin, I've not seen much myself so please tell me what's available! Coupar-Angus Checkout Pfranc for connectors and cables, Ebay for power and data cables, and Dale DePriest's website for Garmin Specific PDA Programs and a Garmin Users Manual in plain language. Also for making your own maps to upload to Garmin GPSr's have a look at this web page PDOP's GPS Pages [This message was edited by PDOP's on March 20, 2003 at 10:05 PM.] Quote Link to comment
bluecapricorn Posted March 26, 2003 Share Posted March 26, 2003 I love my Vista, The Map is Excelent. comperining to my friends magellant, I always win findding all ours Geacaches Cheers BlueCapricorn Quote Link to comment
+Solar Max Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Ever since Ah have got mah Legenary Legend, I have failt to find a gocash only abowt fiteen or twenny tams. It werks gud in bush, and bad in th' ocean. Seriously, I am pleased that you went with the Legend, GC. I have nothing but good things to say about our pair. I WILL, however, get a SportMap soon, just to try it. Oh yes, ROCK ON, Zartimus! Quote Link to comment
+Dagg Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 http://www.trimble.com/pathfinderproxrs.html Grab one for me too [] Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.