What GPS to buy??

[Guest Dawn]

Hello. My husband and I are getting ready to join the Geocaching world, but I have a question on what GPS unit to buy.

 

Money really isn't an issue. We want a GPS that we can use when we travel also, so we want one with realtime mapping capabilities. We would also be using this unit for geocaching. What units would you guys recommend or not recommend? Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

Dawn

[Guest arffer]

If money is no object, then the current best is the Garmin V.

 

I say current because in the Magellan Gold just started, or is close to starting shipping. It just may match or exceed the Gramin V, but there are no reports in on it yet.

[Guest Fotogg]

I agree with Arffer.

 

I have a Garmin V and love it!

 

For in the car, just type in an address or select a waypoint/destination and it takes you there. Really fantastic. Got mine from advancedgps.com.

 

Don't know much about the Magellan Gold but it also should be a winner.

[Guest brokenwing]

turn-by-turn" directions like the more expensive navagational fixed-mount GPSR's.

 

Best of luck, and welcome to the sport!

 

brokenwing

 

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http://www.cordianet.com/geocaching

[Guest ClayJar]

I'll be sure to fill everyone in on the Meridians when I get my Gold on Wednesday (according to UPS).

[Guest ClayJar]

I'll be sure to fill everyone in on the Meridians when I get my Gold on Wednesday (according to UPS).

[Guest Dawn]

Thanks for the replies. So, what would be the middle of the road GPS with realtime mapping? Just trying to get a feel for the products without spending more than we really need. I take it that the Garmin V is good under trees?

 

Thanks again!

Dawn

[Guest Iron Chef]

quote:

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Originally posted by Dawn:

Thanks for the replies. So, what would be the middle of the road GPS with realtime mapping? Just trying to get a feel for the products without spending more than we really need. I take it that the Garmin V is good under trees?

 

Thanks again!

Dawn

---

 

Realtime mapping as in what? Street maps or just a map screen with tracking ability and the possibility to upload topos and such? Most units have a map screen to help you see your tracks and waypoints (but thats about it), it just depends on what else you want that map screen to do. If you want a basic basemap of the area then you are looking at the Magellan Map 330, the Meridian Gold (i think, the hardcore Magellanites will know better), Garmin GPS Map76, GPS III+, or the Etrex Legend or Vista. If you want to use the unit for turn by turn directions in street/road travel (auto-routing) then the GPS V is what you may be looking for.

 

And yes, the Garmin GPS V is amazing under tree cover. :~) It works where my Etrex Venture doesn't even try.

 

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-Iron Chef

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

agefive.com/geocache/ ~ Fe-26

Lets Drive Fast and Eat Cheese!

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

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Originally posted by Iron Chef:

If you want a basic basemap of the area then you are looking at the Magellan Map 330, the Meridian Gold (i think, the hardcore Magellanites will know better)

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Okay, I guess this marks me as a "hardcore Magellanite", but I'm okay with that.

 

The Meridian GPS (the low end of the new Meridian line) has a 2MB basemap. The Meridian Gold has a 16MB basemap, as does the Meridian Platinum. All three have the same map upload characteristics and use non-proprietary SD cards (which means you can have as many maps as you care to, and you benefit from the economy of scale due to the increasing use of SD cards in many devices).

 

In other words, the MAP 330 is a great receiver, but if you want the better water protection of the Meridians (IPX7, the same as many Garmins), or if you want to be able to have 64MB of maps in your receiver just in case (like me), go with any of the Meridians.

 

(FYI, my MeriGold arrives Wednesday, and I already have a 64MB SD card waiting. I would have gotten a 128MB card, but since the 128MB cards are still ramping up, they currently cost about 3x the 64MB ones.)

 

[This message has been edited by ClayJar (edited 14 October 2001).]

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

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Originally posted by Iron Chef:

If you want a basic basemap of the area then you are looking at the Magellan Map 330, the Meridian Gold (i think, the hardcore Magellanites will know better)

---

Okay, I guess this marks me as a "hardcore Magellanite", but I'm okay with that.

 

The Meridian GPS (the low end of the new Meridian line) has a 2MB basemap. The Meridian Gold has a 16MB basemap, as does the Meridian Platinum. All three have the same map upload characteristics and use non-proprietary SD cards (which means you can have as many maps as you care to, and you benefit from the economy of scale due to the increasing use of SD cards in many devices).

 

In other words, the MAP 330 is a great receiver, but if you want the better water protection of the Meridians (IPX7, the same as many Garmins), or if you want to be able to have 64MB of maps in your receiver just in case (like me), go with any of the Meridians.

 

(FYI, my MeriGold arrives Wednesday, and I already have a 64MB SD card waiting. I would have gotten a 128MB card, but since the 128MB cards are still ramping up, they currently cost about 3x the 64MB ones.)

 

[This message has been edited by ClayJar (edited 14 October 2001).]

[Guest c_oflynn]

Hey Dawn,

 

I guess since you are just starting you figured this would be an innocent little thread But I have to warn you its like asking "Which is better, Chevy or Ford?". Now its Garmin or Magellan. By the way, Magellan rocks

 

-Colin

[Guest c_oflynn]

Hey Dawn,

 

I guess since you are just starting you figured this would be an innocent little thread But I have to warn you its like asking "Which is better, Chevy or Ford?". Now its Garmin or Magellan. By the way, Magellan rocks

 

-Colin

[Guest Dawn]

Hi Colin. I understand that. I'm a Chevy lady, but the hubby is a Ford driver. Go figure. Can you tell me more about the Magellan Gold? Does it do turn by turn directions? What are the prices? Thanks.

 

Dawn

[Guest Dawn]

Hi Iron Chef,

 

I don't know what else to call it. We are wanting a GPS that will show us on a map where we are going as we go there. Anotherwords, one that moves with us. Does that make sense? Does the Garmin III do this? I've been reading on some of the units, but the options listed don't list much about the maps. Thanks.

 

Dawn

[Guest ClayJar]

The Magellan Meridian series receivers (GPS, Gold, and Platinum) do not do your turn-by-turn directions for you. I'm assuming that without having received my MeriGold, but if they did have that capability, I have a feeling Thales Navigation would have mentioned it somewhere.

 

Now, being a good Magellanite, I'll have to add that having a good, rugged receiver with a plentitude of map data uploaded is Good Enough. I've been out on the hunt and marked out a road route to a cache with no problems. While turn-by-turn may have saved me the five minutes I spent relaxing and routing between hunts, I'd rank it below memory cards and look-and-feel (but that's why I ordered a Meridian; you could easily have differing priorities).

 

All mapping GPS receivers show your current position and direction on their maps. As far as I've seen, all mapping GPS receivers can also be set to have up mean either north or forward (i.e. they will let you choose to either rotate the "you are here" arrow or the map).

[Guest ClayJar]

The Magellan Meridian series receivers (GPS, Gold, and Platinum) do not do your turn-by-turn directions for you. I'm assuming that without having received my MeriGold, but if they did have that capability, I have a feeling Thales Navigation would have mentioned it somewhere.

 

Now, being a good Magellanite, I'll have to add that having a good, rugged receiver with a plentitude of map data uploaded is Good Enough. I've been out on the hunt and marked out a road route to a cache with no problems. While turn-by-turn may have saved me the five minutes I spent relaxing and routing between hunts, I'd rank it below memory cards and look-and-feel (but that's why I ordered a Meridian; you could easily have differing priorities).

 

All mapping GPS receivers show your current position and direction on their maps. As far as I've seen, all mapping GPS receivers can also be set to have up mean either north or forward (i.e. they will let you choose to either rotate the "you are here" arrow or the map).

[Guest Dawn]

Hi Everyone

What is with the All Region Unlock code for the Garmin V???? Do all GPS's only work in certin regions???

[Guest Iron Chef]

quote:

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Originally posted by Dawn:

Hi Everyone

What is with the All Region Unlock code for the Garmin V???? Do all GPS's only work in certin regions??? j/k Clayjar

 

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-Iron Chef

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

agefive.com/geocache/ ~ Fe-26

Lets Drive Fast and Eat Cheese!

 

[This message has been edited by Iron Chef (edited 15 October 2001).]

[Guest Iron Chef]

quote:

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Originally posted by Dawn:

Hi Everyone

What is with the All Region Unlock code for the Garmin V???? Do all GPS's only work in certin regions??? j/k Clayjar

 

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-Iron Chef

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

agefive.com/geocache/ ~ Fe-26

Lets Drive Fast and Eat Cheese!

 

[This message has been edited by Iron Chef (edited 15 October 2001).]

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

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Originally posted by Iron Chef:

If the Garmin V were an metal, it'd be Titanium j/k ClayJar

---

Okay, I'll give you the point for detachable/external antenna, but you'll have to concede the point for memory, since even the one SD card I already own is 64MB. The GPS V has finally caught up in number of buttons, so that one's a draw, and of course, the point for ruggedness will be decided in the field.

 

Now, as for the metallic representation of the Garmin GPS V, it would obviously not be titanium (Ti). V is the symbol for the next element over:vanadium.

quote:

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A bright white, soft, ductile metallic element found in several minerals, notably vanadinite and carnotite, having good structural strength and used in rust-resistant high-speed tools, as a carbon stabilizer in some steels, as a titanium-steel bonding agent, and as a catalyst. Atomic number 23; atomic weight 50.942; melting point 1,890°C; boiling point 3,000°C; specific gravity 6.11; valence 2, 3, 4, 5.

---

(By the way, it's the chemical engineering degree that did this to me. )

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Iron Chef:

If the Garmin V were an metal, it'd be Titanium j/k ClayJar

---

Okay, I'll give you the point for detachable/external antenna, but you'll have to concede the point for memory, since even the one SD card I already own is 64MB. The GPS V has finally caught up in number of buttons, so that one's a draw, and of course, the point for ruggedness will be decided in the field.

 

Now, as for the metallic representation of the Garmin GPS V, it would obviously not be titanium (Ti). V is the symbol for the next element over:vanadium.

quote:

---

A bright white, soft, ductile metallic element found in several minerals, notably vanadinite and carnotite, having good structural strength and used in rust-resistant high-speed tools, as a carbon stabilizer in some steels, as a titanium-steel bonding agent, and as a catalyst. Atomic number 23; atomic weight 50.942; melting point 1,890°C; boiling point 3,000°C; specific gravity 6.11; valence 2, 3, 4, 5.

---

(By the way, it's the chemical engineering degree that did this to me. )

[Guest CaptHawke]

quote:

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Now, as for the metallic representation of the Garmin GPS V, it would obviously not be titanium (Ti). V is the symbol for the next element over: vanadium.

---

 

Sure, vanadium, a substance that is toxic, mildly reactive with air and $100 a gram! I think I'd rather have a Magellan Meridian Gold in the real thing, Au.

 

Cephas 'Bring Back the Gold Standard' Hawke

Bedford, NH

[Guest Iron Chef]

I'll admit that I'm jelous of the fact that Magellan has a better memory system now (more space and Im guessing a faster record time onto the SDs via USB or such), but 19MBs is still a pretty decent amout of space considering the jump from 1.44 in the III+. :~) The removable antenna is nice... but only if you have the dough to spend on an external one and then all the extra batteries you'll need. If only Garmin and Magellan would learn from each other faster then we would all have killer units.

 

Anyways, it will be interesting to see what we new GPSR purchase we are attempting to rationalize to ourselves (and our Sig.Other in some cases) this time next year.

[Guest Iron Chef]

I'll admit that I'm jelous of the fact that Magellan has a better memory system now (more space and Im guessing a faster record time onto the SDs via USB or such), but 19MBs is still a pretty decent amout of space considering the jump from 1.44 in the III+. :~) The removable antenna is nice... but only if you have the dough to spend on an external one and then all the extra batteries you'll need. If only Garmin and Magellan would learn from each other faster then we would all have killer units.

 

Anyways, it will be interesting to see what we new GPSR purchase we are attempting to rationalize to ourselves (and our Sig.Other in some cases) this time next year.

[Guest Iron Chef]

Or the Garmin V could be interpreted as Boron 5, but that just sounds bad :~P

 

"Who are the ad wizards that came up with this one?" -Adam Sandler

[Guest c_oflynn]

LOL!!!!!!!

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

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Originally posted by Iron Chef:

Or the Garmin V could be interpreted as Boron 5

---

Bzzzt! No, I don't think I've ever seen isotopes marked with Roman numerals.

 

Now, on the other hand, valences are often depicted as Roman numerals, which would make it the 5+ ion of Garmin, but I don't think Garmin is an element. Of course, if it becomes one, it would be a high-number radioactive man-made one, and I don't think they'd want to imply that their receivers have a half life that can only be expressed with very cool sounding SI prefixes.

[Guest ClayJar]

quote:

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Originally posted by Iron Chef:

Or the Garmin V could be interpreted as Boron 5

---

Bzzzt! No, I don't think I've ever seen isotopes marked with Roman numerals.

 

Now, on the other hand, valences are often depicted as Roman numerals, which would make it the 5+ ion of Garmin, but I don't think Garmin is an element. Of course, if it becomes one, it would be a high-number radioactive man-made one, and I don't think they'd want to imply that their receivers have a half life that can only be expressed with very cool sounding SI prefixes.

[Guest Iron Chef]

Now, on the other hand, valences are often depicted as Roman numerals, which would make it the 5+ ion of Garmin, but I don't think Garmin is an element. Of course, if it becomes one, it would be a high-number radioactive man-made one, and I don't think they'd want to imply that their receivers have a half life that can only be expressed with very cool sounding SI prefixes.

---

 

Errrrr....yeaaaa....

[Guest Iron Chef]

Now, on the other hand, valences are often depicted as Roman numerals, which would make it the 5+ ion of Garmin, but I don't think Garmin is an element. Of course, if it becomes one, it would be a high-number radioactive man-made one, and I don't think they'd want to imply that their receivers have a half life that can only be expressed with very cool sounding SI prefixes.

---

 

Errrrr....yeaaaa....

[Guest GPSteve]

If you have made up your mind about which unit to purchase (I have a Garmin eTrex Vista), you may want to check out Eastern Mountain Sports web site. They are having a club day on October 26th.

 

On club day, anyone that can demonstrate membership in an outdoor oriented club receives a 20% discount.

 

Regards,

GPSteve

[Guest ClayJar]

Just in case you didn't catch it yet, my writeup of the new Meridians is in the GPS Units and Software forum here.

[Guest crusso]

quote:

---

Originally posted by GPSteve:

If you have made up your mind about which unit to purchase (I have a Garmin eTrex Vista), you may want to check out Eastern Mountain Sports web site. They are having a club day on October 26th.

 

On club day, anyone that can demonstrate membership in an outdoor oriented club receives a 20% discount.

 

Regards,

GPSteve

---

[Guest crusso]

How do I get the above qoute into my message to respond to?

My question is does being a registered Geocacher count as membership in an outdoor club to qualify for the EMS discount & how do you prove it?

Chris

imf16@aol.com

[Guest Dawn]

Hi again.

 

Think we've decided on the Garmin V. Next question. Is there anything else I need with the unit or is the unit good by itself?

Is 19 mb enough or do we need more? How many maps will 19 mb hold? Thanks again guys!

 

Dawn

[Guest Iron Chef]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dawn:

Hi again.

 

Think we've decided on the Garmin V. Next question. Is there anything else I need with the unit or is the unit good by itself?

Is 19 mb enough or do we need more? How many maps will 19 mb hold? Thanks again guys!

 

Dawn

---

 

The Garmin GPS V should have everything that you need in the box. There is a stylish case that Garmin sells for it, but that is just extra silly stuff. The GPS comes with the PC cable, a car cigarette-lighter power adapter, a car mounting thingy, and the CD for the maps.

 

19 MB is a fixed amount for the Garmin V, you can't add more memory or get less. But it does hold a large amount of data. 19 MB is enough to hold most of Northern California's City Select Maps, a relatively large area of data. Since your back east, it should be easy to have a few states in the V. Good luck, you picked a great GPS!

 

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-Iron Chef

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

agefive.com/geocache/ ~ Fe-26

Lets Drive Fast and Eat Cheese!

 

[This message has been edited by Iron Chef (edited 18 October 2001).]

[Guest GPSteve]

quote:

---

Originally posted by crusso:

How do I get the above qoute into my message to respond to?

My question is does being a registered Geocacher count as membership in an outdoor club to qualify for the EMS discount & how do you prove it?

Chris

imf16@aol.com

---

 

When you register for club day on the EMS web site, they offer serveral choices of outdoor clubs:

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sierra Club , etc. There is also a place for "other". You could try entering Geocaching.com and then let us know what happens.

 

Regards,

GPSteve

[Guest Dawn]

Hi. Got our toy, errr GPS. Got the Garmin V. Very neat little guy. Looking forward to playing with it this weekend.

 

Dawn

 

Thanks for all the help.

[Guest flyupdown]

I just purchased an overhauled GPS III Plus and really like it.

 

I found it for $199 at gps world supply.

 

Their website is http://www.gpsworldsupply.com.