SunCat Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 Ok, I'm down to these choices, I've listed the best prices I can find: 1. Magellan Meridian GPS + Mapsend Topo = $165 after rebate 2. Magellan Gold $180 AR 3. Magellan Sportrak Pro + Mapsend Street & Destination = $210 AR 4. Garmin Etrex Legend $150 AR My price limit is $200 (the sportrak Pro was close enough), so I can't go for the Garmin Vista or the Magellan Platinum. I was planning on choosing the first one, the Magellan Meridian GPS as it is the cheapest, even including the Topo software. I have a 128 MB SD, so I'm not worried about space and I'm assuming the Topo Maps make up for the 2MB Base maps in the unit. I was thinking by adding the 128 SD this unit is at least equivalent to the other ones, but I'm afraid I'm missing something that the others have as this seems to be too good of deal. Does anyone have the Meridian GPS or if it is significally worse that the more expensive units? Thanks. I have a 128MB SD card already if I choose the Meridian Line. Quote Link to comment
+Marky Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 Option 1 seems to be a great deal for you, since you already have a 128mb SD card. If Option 3 is the Costco bundle, then the data cable, belt clip case, windshield mount and car power cord make it a very attractive choice (this is what I have). Of all rebates, I've had the best luck with Costco rebates (I've heard of people having trouble with others). I think you are right in thinking that once you load in the maps for a particular area, the size of the basemap is a non-issue. Having a very large basemap is good for people who do a *lot* of traveling and want to be able to navigate around on major city streets. Just my thoughts. --Marky "All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer with a backlit GPSr" Quote Link to comment
+pizzachef Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 If you've already got an SD card, the Meridian is probably your best choice. It's the same as the gold but with less memory, which you're compensating for with the memory card. Other than that, it does everything that the others do..I have one and it's great. There is one limitation to the base meridian that's really not all that significant if you know about it. Read here: http://gpsinformation.net/mgoldreview/magellanbasemap.htm Basically, you have to make sure the batteries don't go dead on you before you do a manual shutdown, or you can lose the waypoint data that you've entered since the last shutdown. Anyway, I'd recommend the base Meridian, it's the most mapping for the money. -pizzachef Quote Link to comment
+embra Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 I concur with my Magellanic colleagues. The 2 MB basemap does have some drawbacks relative to the larger basemap on the Gold, but they are minor and largely offset by the detail maps. Most of my use is with the detail maps, anyway. If your funds are limited, the base Meridian and MS Topo are a wonderful value. Max Often wrong but seldom in doubt Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 8, 2003 Author Share Posted May 8, 2003 Yes, Option 3 is the Costco bundle. It looks good, but you can't expand with a SD card. Is there anything that the Sportrak Pro has that the Meridian GPS doesn't (other than a larger base map and internal memory)? Quote Link to comment
+Marky Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 quote:Originally posted by mmpoole:Yes, Option 3 is the Costco bundle. It looks good, but you can't expand with a SD card. Is there anything that the Sportrak Pro has that the Meridian GPS doesn't (other than a larger base map and internal memory)? Nope, nothing really. I have a Meridian Plat and a Sportrak Pro and the Plat never gets used because I prefer the form factor of the Sportrak (with the beltclip case in the costco bundle) over the Meridian. Plus, I couldn't live without the windshield mount and auto power cable. Those are the only real benefits I see. On the trail, I doubt you'd notice much difference between the two. Oh, one last thing, I *much* prefer the topo over the Streets & Dest software, so that's another argument that #1 has going for it. --Marky "All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer with a backlit GPSr" Quote Link to comment
Eeyore and Shadow Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 #1 and #3 are the best values in my opinion. It basically boils down to the size. If you can carry the larger unit I would go with the meridian. But if you need somethign smaller with the best clip or ability to fit in something sesigned for an item cell phone sized get the sportrak Eeyore I'm one sat short of triangulation. Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 8, 2003 Author Share Posted May 8, 2003 Thanks everyone. I decided to go with #1, the Meridian. It should be here tomorrow, so I can do my first cache hunt this weekend. :-) Quote Link to comment
+EScout Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 #1 is the best value. The Meridian GPS Green is $99.99 at Frys this week. It is a full featured unit. Larger than the others, it has the largest screen and is best used vertical, especially in a vehicle/boat. You will like it. Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 8, 2003 Author Share Posted May 8, 2003 Its too bad I don't have Frys around here. I ordered it from outpost.com, which is Frys online site, but it is $140 + shipping on there. Quote Link to comment
dhrusis Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 The merigreen was a wise choice indeed. I just purchased the Meridian Yellow, 64mb SD card and reader from Outpost.com A wonderful deal en total, costing somewhre around 160. I love it thus far, and have loaded many multitudes of maps. You will be pleased with your purchase. Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 10, 2003 Author Share Posted May 10, 2003 I received it yesterday. Haven't had a chance to go out with it yet. I am waiting on the Mapsend Topo maps as the 2MB base map isn't very detailed. I also ordered a 256 MB Secure Digital card (took back the 128 as the 256 was a better deal) for about $48 after rebate so I'll be able to put lots of maps in there. Quote Link to comment
+EtrexRose Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 well, you may have wanted to keep the 128mb card, because 256 is A LOT of memory for mapping-thats like half the US basically. If you really feel you need that much then thats fine but your really only need 64 mbs to be happy. Have fun I do what I gotta do, when I GOTTA do it. Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 10, 2003 Author Share Posted May 10, 2003 Well, the 128MB was about $45 after rebate while the 256MB was about $48 after rebate. I probably don't need that much, but for only $3 more it is worth it. Also, I have a PDA that takes SD cards so I can share. Quote Link to comment
SergZak Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 quote:Originally posted by mmpoole:Its too bad I don't have Frys around here. Having multiple Fry's stores around you (here in the Los Angeles area) is fine...but having one 2 miles away from you (City of Industry location) is murder on your wallet! Quote Link to comment
SunCat Posted May 12, 2003 Author Share Posted May 12, 2003 I have best buy, circuit city, but not much else in terms of electronic stores. Quote Link to comment
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