GPS systems - recommendations

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 06:22 PM

Can anyone recommend an aftermarket GPS? I know Garmin is highly thought of. Any particular models, or pehaps another vendor?

Jon Foster · 07-02-2010, 06:43 PM

I'm a fan of Garmin too. We're still using a eTrex Legend with a black and white display. I taught a GPS class with the Vista color units for a couple of years too. I loved the extra memory they had to download detailed map data.

There are a bunch of great devices on the market now. I think the best thing to do is make a list of the features you really need or want then start shopping for the unit that fits the bill. For the most part all we do with a GPS is go geocaching so mapping is the only thing that I find as a necessity. Additional memory to download extra maps is a plus but not always necessary.

We also use mapping software (I think it's from Garmin too) to create our own maps for Orienteering. I've also used the software in conjunction with the GPS to do our own quick surveys on hunting plots. It's not perfect but gets us close enough to keep everyone from getting into trouble. Basically you use the GPS to set way points then transfer them to the maps and label everything from property lines to favorite hunting spots and dangerous areas to avoid etc. The finished maps are printed and handed out so everyone has something to carry with them. For other GPS users we upload the map to their device and they are good to go too.

Jon.

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Foster

There are a bunch of great devices on the market now. I think the best thing to do is make a list of the features you really need or want then start shopping for the unit that fits the bill.

Thanks. I really have no idea of the features I want. I'd like it to get me where I'm going, without freaking me out all the time by telling me where not to turn, which is what happened with the stupid GPS add-on I tried w/ my BlackBerry once.

Jon Foster · 07-02-2010, 06:52 PM

Ok, so first off you want something for the car right? Not hand held?

Jon.

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Foster

Ok, so first off you want something for the car right? Not hand held?

Jon.

Yes, for the car. I never thought of a handheld device.

highbarger · 07-02-2010, 08:49 PM

I have two Garmin devices. One is an eTrex Legend CX handheld, which is great for geocaching. The other is a Nuvi dashmount. Lots of helpful features for finding your way around in unfamiliar areas. I haven't tried other brands, so I can't compare Garmin with other manufacturers.

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 09:05 PM

I've seen the Nuvis locally. Didn't know whether they were as good as Garmin.

highbarger · 07-02-2010, 09:07 PM

The nuvi is a specific model of Garmin, at least the one that I have is...

Jon Foster · 07-02-2010, 09:47 PM

My buddy has a couple of dash mount Garmin's. He really seems to like them. I'll find out which models they are and which one he likes better with the details as to why...

Jon.

Ken-L · 07-02-2010, 09:48 PM

Magellan Roadmate

07-02-2010, 06:22 PM	#1
JDtech Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 308 Blog Entries: 1	GPS systems - recommendations Can anyone recommend an aftermarket GPS? I know Garmin is highly thought of. Any particular models, or pehaps another vendor? __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on Tech Today Online, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.

07-02-2010, 09:48 PM	#10
Ken-L Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 150	Magellan Roadmate __________________ "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski

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07-02-2010, 06:43 PM	#2
Jon Foster Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: White Lake, MI Posts: 149	I'm a fan of Garmin too. We're still using a eTrex Legend with a black and white display. I taught a GPS class with the Vista color units for a couple of years too. I loved the extra memory they had to download detailed map data. There are a bunch of great devices on the market now. I think the best thing to do is make a list of the features you really need or want then start shopping for the unit that fits the bill. For the most part all we do with a GPS is go geocaching so mapping is the only thing that I find as a necessity. Additional memory to download extra maps is a plus but not always necessary. We also use mapping software (I think it's from Garmin too) to create our own maps for Orienteering. I've also used the software in conjunction with the GPS to do our own quick surveys on hunting plots. It's not perfect but gets us close enough to keep everyone from getting into trouble. Basically you use the GPS to set way points then transfer them to the maps and label everything from property lines to favorite hunting spots and dangerous areas to avoid etc. The finished maps are printed and handed out so everyone has something to carry with them. For other GPS users we upload the map to their device and they are good to go too. Jon.

07-02-2010, 06:52 PM	#4
Jon Foster Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: White Lake, MI Posts: 149	Ok, so first off you want something for the car right? Not hand held? Jon.

07-02-2010, 08:49 PM	#6
highbarger Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Springfield, Missouri, USA Posts: 9	I have two Garmin devices. One is an eTrex Legend CX handheld, which is great for geocaching. The other is a Nuvi dashmount. Lots of helpful features for finding your way around in unfamiliar areas. I haven't tried other brands, so I can't compare Garmin with other manufacturers.

07-02-2010, 09:05 PM	#7
JDtech Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 308 Blog Entries: 1	I've seen the Nuvis locally. Didn't know whether they were as good as Garmin.

07-02-2010, 09:07 PM	#8
highbarger Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Springfield, Missouri, USA Posts: 9	The nuvi is a specific model of Garmin, at least the one that I have is...

07-02-2010, 09:47 PM	#9
Jon Foster Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: White Lake, MI Posts: 149	My buddy has a couple of dash mount Garmin's. He really seems to like them. I'll find out which models they are and which one he likes better with the details as to why... Jon.