Which Unit To Buy?

[nod]

Hi,

 

I searched the forums real quick, but didnt really see this topic, which surprised me (of course, I didnt spend a lot of time searching, so if this has been asked before, please forgive me).

 

I'm wanting to buy a new GPS but I don't have a lot of $$$.

 

So, I've kind of narrowed it down to the Garmin eTrex LEgend or the Magellan Sportrac Map.

 

They both seem like nice units. I like magellan a lot, but I really like the shape of the garmin etrex series.

 

Does one really perform better than the other? How's the UI on the garmin? I've used the Sportrac Pro before and it seemed simple to understand.

 

Anyways,

thanks!!

 

jeremy

[+Renegade Knight]

The Garmin UI is easier in general but if you have used the Sport Track Pro you might find magellan easier.

 

The legend has better graphics, should hold more waypoints and displays those waypoints better.

 

The Magellan map will have a better antanea for use under tree cover and that's it's sole advantage.

[+BlueDeuce]

Check to see if there are any local clubs, someone will probably be more than happy to meet and let you try their gps. While I haven't tried a Magellan, you certainly won't be disappointed with the Garmin.

[nod]

i have another neighbor that we've gotten hooked on geocaching, and friday he went and bought the garmin etrex vista.

 

Very Nice. So anyways, shortly after I saw and played with that one, I placed my order for the garmin etrex. Magellan support had been so great and helpful in the past, and I hated to leave them, but I was just impressed with the size of the garin and the nice screen. The clicky little joystick on the front was pretty handy too.

 

I think if I were buying one for a boat or car, I'd go Magellan because all the buttons are on the front. But, I'm caching dangit! The garmin was really nice and just felt like it was designed with 1 hand use in mind, which is nice when I'm climbing through serious underbrush up a steep incline to find something.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice.

 

-nod

[+Willapa]

I used my Legend to find over 200 caches. If you make the Legend your choice you won't be disappointed! I've never used a Magellan, but their owners seem happy with them.

[+GOT GPS?]

Another idea is that you can buy a used Magellan Meridian. Cheap to start with and you can buy memory cards for it as you have the money for them.

[nod]

I went with the Garmin etrex Legend, and figure I'll start saving and in about a year, get a newer/nicer model.

 

Thanks again for all the input!!! What a great sport!

[+Tahoe Skier5000]

I'd go for the Legend. Very precise little unit that is easy to upgrade from when you're ready. Keep in mind though that Garmin eTrex's are not as durable as Magellan units when it comes to long-term operation. They have lots of known reliability issues.

 

As long as you take care of it though, you shouldn't have a problem.

Edited May 18, 2004 by vw_ev

[+DBC FOR LIFE]

Legend is a great unit