GPS purchase - offer your guidance

[Desertdude]

OK so GPS navigation is a very subjective. Based on needs - budget - platform. If money was no object and you wanted as many features as you could get in one unit which one would surface to the top?

must haves;

(1) street navi
(2) voice prompts
(3) inputing of way points
(4) used for streets
(5) used for off highway adventure
(6) color screen
(7) update -able mapping
(8) external anttenna

Remember $$ is not the consideration

is this one the one? > Garmin 2620 (http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-StreetPilot-2620-GPS-Navigation-System.asp)

[Desertdude]

I have read through this site (http://gpsinformation.us/main/gpsauto.htm) Just want real world opinions :)

[Scott Brady]

If I was buying a new model, it would be the Garmin 276c
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-GPSMAP-276C-standard-package.asp (http://)

http://www.thegpsstore.com/images/largeimages/GA00331.jpg

I do know that Chris and Uwe have had good luck with their Magellans too.

My Garmin Vista has been a great unit, but too small for vehicle use.

[Desertdude]

Looks like a winner - data cards - large color screen - accessories. Being an Apple user I guess I will have to get a PC laptop for loading


Thanks for the input!

[BajaTaco]

... I do know that Chris and Uwe have had good luck with their Magellans too.


Yea, they are great for their ability out of the vehicle (hand-held) but for what DD is asking for, they won't cut it.

Unfortunately, I am not up to speed on all of the details of the latest hard-mount units for vehicle-only use. The Garmin unit does look sweet. I am interested in the stuff from Lowrance. They won best-of-show at SEMA with their I-way product, and I am really digging this iWay 800c (http://www.lowrance.com/Automotive/Products/iWAY800C.asp) that they are coming out with - a 10.4" touch-screen! :eek: Here is a PCmag review on the current 500 model (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,,1817854,00.asp). 20gb of storage including MP3's - very cool. You would need to verify, but I think you can also use all of their MMC/SD card software, which would mean topo maps and their world database which looked to me like it had pretty decent detail of Baja on it (from what I saw at SEMA). If I was going for a "full-on" off-road only unit, I would probably go for their "Baja" color GPS which can be mounted in-dash, is fully potted, and made for vibration.

DD - please keep us informed on what you find out! I'm curious to know what you decide on and why.

[Desertdude]

Thanks Chris for your input - I have read and read and re read and I still find that I know very little about the subject -

From what I have gathered it is impossible to have one GPS unit do everything. I will post the purchase here - Back to reading :eek:

[BajaTaco]

I have read and read and re read...

... From what I have gathered it is impossible to have one GPS unit do everything...

Yea, I think you hit the nail on the head there! Good luck with your research. I know when I bought mine, I went through the same thing - information overload!

[Ursidae69]

I just bought the Magellan Explorist 600. Once I get it and test it out, I'll let you know what I think.

Chuck...

[Scott Brady]

Oh my goodness, hide the credit cards... :box:

Garmin 396 (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap396/#)
Real time weather tracking
Situation awareness (radar, forecasts, Jeppensen topographical map overlays)

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap396/gallery/pt-gpsmap396LF-LG.jpg

[Desertdude]

Ah shoot - now this is more like it - As you know, I all ready have the SkyFi XM Radio, so it would nice to tidy up the dashboad. Just wish it would use CF media instead of data cards ( seems dated)

How can one really decide

:archaeolo

[goodtimes]

Garmin 396 (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap396/#)
Real time weather tracking
Situation awareness (radar, forecasts, Jeppensen topographical map overlays)


Yikes. I'm staying out of this thread. :Wow1:

[BajaTaco]

Oh my goodness, hide the credit cards... :box:

Garmin 396 (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap396/#)
Real time weather tracking
Situation awareness (radar, forecasts, Jeppensen topographical map overlays)



I guess the Nevada Trophy got you used to the idea of flying your Tacoma, eh? :D

[mountainpete]

Hi guys,

The 376c is cheaper and does similar things without the Aviation mode... It's the one I'm eyeing as soon as XM is launched in Canada.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap376c/#

Pete

[Desertdude]

Now I am truly dizzy :confused:

How will I be able to decide? - must read the finer print and nail it down

[mountainpete]

Unless you also have a plane, go with the 376c. The savings will pay for you Mapsource maps, etc.

Pete

[Scott Brady]

Hey Pete :luxhello: , nice to see you over here.

The 376c looks nice, and is certainly more practicle (and affordable).

I need to look at GPS replacements, but I have so many systems under modification right now, I cant even think about it :o

[goodtimes]

What are you talking about Scott? *YOU* have a full plate? I don't believe it.....you never have anything going on. All you ever do is lounge around and watch TV. :D :p

[mountainpete]

Thanks Scott :victory:

[Desertdude]

OK the decision has been made and the money spent - GPS on the way. After way too much reading ( still don't know jack) - and many recommendations - I picked the 276C

Seems like a well rounded unit - combo auto/handheld - large enough screen for the dash board viewing - turn by turn directions, traveling spots.
I will have to get a Windows based machine, since I am a mac user - looking forward to making it all work! :victory:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-gpsmap-276c/276c.htm

along with these items:

Ram mount - http://www.gpscity.com/item-npi-ram-b-166-ga7/ramb166ga7.htm

12v/Speaker adapter - http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-gpsmap-276c-296-cig.-speaker-cable/276cigspeak.htm

Garmin Topo CD - http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-cd-topo-usa/cdtopo.htm


USAStreet Map CD -http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-city-select-cd-usa-v7.0/csusav7.htm

http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-256mb-memory/mg256mb.htm

[Scott Brady]

Pasquale, you've got mail...

Congrats on the unit. I am sure you will be very happy with it. I look forward to seeing it in person soon ;)

[BajaTaco]

Nice! I hope I get to check it out! :cool:

[Desertdude]

Gonna have to parade this unit around once I get back to Sedona :jump:

[Desertdude]

just to follow up:

I now have the 276c for almost two weeks. I like it very much! Since I all ready own three XM units I opted out of the 376c.

The unit is easy to learn and fun to use. The turn by turn helps me out a lot when I am in a strange place looking for a location or need to return a rental car in an unfamiliar place. The unit is very smart in its calcs for routing providing it has the right base info.

I went out on a hike this past weekend and brought along the 276c. I was able to get lost on purpose then find my way back and enjoy all the calculations.

Takes a bit of time to customize - Due to Garmin not offering Mac USB drivers I am now looking into a PC portable to have along with me for way-point and map loading. ( I had a friend with a PC let me use it to load in 200 megs of my favorite spots).

The ram mount is solid and out of the way on my windshield - vibration off road is medium but the mount hold on well. You can unclip it from the garmin clip easy. I am concerned with disconnecting the power/speaker cable fromn the unit time after time - I think that could create issuse down the line. The antenna locks on to the sat. fast. and the screen redraws very fast.

I am still learning the depths of this amazing unit. With the 256 card I can load in nearly 3 states of cities select and topo info. Not too bad -Wish it used the CF memory cards then you could load a gig in...

I have spent the last weekend with the GPS intimately and now have many questions - time to head back to the manual to find answers.

Thanks again to all who chimed in hear, and to you Scott for the pre-research :wavey:

[BajaTaco]

Nice! I can't wait to check it out in November. :lurk:

[Scott Brady]

Great feedback Pasquale! Thanks so much. With all of the expenses focusing on SEMA, I am going to wait a while on my purchase. I have another idea for navigation, that I think everyone will like :box:

[Hltoppr]

I've heard a rumor of a Magellan XL, with a large color display, mucho MB memory for maps and a price of about $375 coming out for 2006...

I'll see if I can find some info!

-H-

[freightdog]

I have two - I have the Garmin 60c which I really like! I got the RAM mount to mount it in either the 40/60

I also have an old backup Garmin Etrex Vista that is great!

But most important in being lost is having a cool bottle opener and good beer!

[BajaTaco]

Cool bottle opener! (beer looks yummy too)

[UncleChris]

I now have the 276c for almost two weeks. I like it very much! Since I all ready own three XM units I opted out of the 376c.



I have the 276c as well and I really like it. One thing you can do with it is to carry multiple memory cards. I have one with the Garmin Topo maps on it and another with the Garmin Street maps on it. That way you can switch to the topos once you hit the trail.

Another sidenote about it is that if you have a ham radio that is APRS capable, you can hook up your 276c to it and transmit your position and/or receive others positions as well.

A pretty cool little piece of machinery.

Chris

[MaddBaggins]

Sounds like a good unit. When I got mine, size and weight were the primary concerns with $$ coming in a close 3rd.
I'm a map and compass kinda guy and I got the gps to help me prove I know where I am :wavey:
I have been a huge backpacker and more recently a hunter, so traveling light has usually been my main concern. In that spirit I picked up a Garmin Geko2. This unit is tiny, smaller than most cell phones, can store 500 waypoints and a track log, compass, altimeter, can interface with my computer and even has a couple of games.
So far, though, I have only really used it for my first purpose, to prove I know where I am on my map. :wavey:

[datrupr]

My Magellen Meridian was a christmas gift from my better half. I know it is not the best unit out there but it does get the job done when needed.

[Ursidae69]

I just bought the Magellan Explorist 600. Once I get it and test it out, I'll let you know what I think.

Chuck...

Thought I'd post a little follow up on the Magellen I have been using.

Here is some background info on the unit. (http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1073)

It retails for > 450, but I found one for about 350 online. The main reasons that I got this unit are the small size, bright color screen, less than 6 ounces, internal SD memory cards, rechargeable lithium ion battery, 14 parallel channels supported by WAAS and EGNOS, and the electronic 3-axis compass.

Using it for days on end never turning it off, it has not once frozen up or stopped working. It is easy to save routes, tracks, and waypoints. You can also save text with each waypoint similar to metadata in a GIS (Like the species of critter I'm collecting the waypoint for).

Problems I don't like are: the mapSend software isn't that great, it's difficult to transfer files to and from the unit, the street to street navigation is not that great, and the track log or "cookie crumbles" are not customizable, as far as I can tell anyway.

On a scale of 1-5, for me and my needs, I give it a 4. For others here that have posted in this thread and what your needs are, this unit might be a 3 or 3.5.

[GeoRoss]

My view on GPS units is greatly swayed for how I use it. This may be long and bit thrown together (disjointed).

I need something that has a good antenna, simple, weather proof, run on alkaline batteries, b/w screen, WAAS (for when those stations come online in the continental interior), at least 500 waypoint memory and last price.

For hand held GPS, I prefer the quadrapole antenna vs. the patch. Over the years I have found that they give a bit better performance, especially with issues seeing the sat. constellation (canyons, trees, etc). For general use it is less of an issue.

I like alkaline batteries because you can pick them up anywhere. In cold conditions you can keep a set in your pocket as well. When I am working, I transfer batteries out of the unit once it reaches ~50%. Power in the unit does effect performance. I then use those batteries for flashlights, iPod, etc.

I prefer b/w screens. They use less power and are easier to see in direct sunlight.

I like a portable handheld for collecting data in the field. I don't need a big screen or loaded maps for navigation in the field as I always have a paper map for that that.

For in the vehicle navigation I use a laptop. The screen size on the handhelds are just too small to navigate, especially as the driver (I don't do this in traffic). I use an old Mac G3 Powerbook "bronze" laptop. I am not happy with this set up as the laptop takes up too much room if there is a passenger. I am looking into getting a ~7" touch screen LCD monitor (like the Lilliput). They range in price from $150-$250. I can then operate the laptop mounted under the DS seat (maybe) in clamshell mode with an integrated trackball&keyboard (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1272612&Sku=T70-2814&SRCCODE=WEBGOOAUT&CMP=KNC-GOOGL). If I were getting a dedicated computer for the car, I would make sure I was WiFi and bluetooth enabled in order to give greater mounting options.

Those are some of my thoughts on this topic. I have thought alot about this and been researching it though my presentation is a bit goofy.

Ross

[Boston Mangler]

If I was buying a new model, it would be the Garmin 276c
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-GPSMAP-276C-standard-package.asp (http://)

http://www.thegpsstore.com/images/largeimages/GA00331.jpg

I do know that Chris and Uwe have had good luck with their Magellans too.

My Garmin Vista has been a great unit, but too small for vehicle use.

I know i am a little late here, but i will chime in anyway!

Thats the unit i got and i LOVE it!

It can be used for turn by turn voice directions, or simply shut that feature off and use it offroad.

Dont have a single complaint about this unit, other then the awkward size which makes it kind of hard to install in my FZJ

I highly recommend this!

Unit costs around $550 then the street kit $200 then the sunction mount $50 then the Baja maps $100 and it is STILL very much worth the $

The more i use it, the more i like it!

I looked at the 376C with the weather and such, but decided it wasnt for me. Very happy with my decision!

Only thing that i cant figure out that is driving me nuts is the automatic zooming out feature! I like to use it @ the 300ft scale and it has a habit of zooming out to like 1.2mile or something each time a prompt comes up! Kind of annoying! Anyone know a cure?

My .02

Here is a pic of the unit using the RAM suction mount (which vibrates a little too much for my liking):

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/IMG_0422.jpg

And here is a pic of my hard mount using an external antenna (this actual pic was for fitment only and still shows the old antenna! This mounting setup is not as easy to see, but no vibration and its out of the way of everything):
http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/IMG_0423.jpg

[Boston Mangler]

I have one with the Garmin Topo maps on it and another with the Garmin Street maps on it. That way you can switch to the topos once you hit the trail.

If you have both the Street and the Topos maps loaded on one card you EASILY can switch between them in the unit itself.

In The Navigation Screen
-Choose Map Information
-Highlight and use the check boxes to Check and Uncheck what you want and dont want to see.

That way you can do it all on one card! I use this going between the maps for the US and Mexico, if i dont unselect the US maps when i am in Mexico, things get kinda funky!

I got everything loaded on my 256mb card and just switch it in the unit. Pretty cool!

[Boston Mangler]

I am concerned with disconnecting the power/speaker cable fromn the unit time after time - I think that could create issuse down the line.

The speaker in the power cable drove me nuts! I bought a $12 power cable from GPScity without the speaker and it works awesome!

[gjackson]

I use and love the older GPSMap 176, which has the same appearence, but a B&W screen and no USB hook-up. Have found it very easy to read while driving. Here's an old pic:

http://www.deertracktraders.com/GImage/GPS-1.jpg

As a note, the Garmin mount base you see in the picture lasted about 2000km in the Sahara before breaking. The nut you can see welded to the plate just to the right of the GPS was my backup mount and has worked flawlessly since the other one broke. I have also mounted an external antenna since I got back. The data and power cables are both wired into the truck, with the data cable going to the laptop stand for more advanced navigation.

The one complaint I have is that the unit has no memory as it comes. In order to load maps into it you need to buy a memory stick. Not a big deal, but a bit of a pain.

I like your low down mount. Keeps the GPS pretty well hidden.

cheers

[Desertdude]

The speaker in the power cable drove me nuts! I bought a $12 power cable from GPScity without the speaker and it works awesome!


I am addicted to the turn by turn directions in the city :D

Through a stroke of luck I aquired the Baja Topos you spoke about on mud - I will load these as well as the other maps I have previously loaded in.

[GeoRoss]

Hey desertdude,
I wanted to update you on the new version of MacGPS Pro. It is a vast improvement over previous versions. I just got an update that allows for the stitching of maps. I don't know how well this works yet, but that would fix my last complaint w/ the software.

The new GUI interface will work really well with a touch screen. I just need to pony up the cash for one.

The new 'auto map open' fxn works great and simplifies things. It is great software for the price. I now just need to get ahold of a good Mac street atlas software. The only time I think this will be most useful for me in Utah as I have been joking with friends about developing a GIS database of all the state liquor stores w/ locations and times of operation.

***EDIT*** The auto stitch seals the deal on this for me, it works very well. I will not go with OZI explorer in the short term.

Ross

[gjackson]

Geoross,

MacGPS Pro just announced a package of USGS topo maps for their software. Supposed to include all scales! I just got the software update as well and am planning on getting the topos before Xmas.

cheers

Graham

[Desertdude]

Thanks Ross and Graham - Just ordered it along with a few maps - It says it works with the USB and 276c - I look forward to messing around with this and learning more about the technology. :luxhello:

[Desertdude]

GIS database of all the state liquor stores w/ locations and times of operation.

This could be quite useful :chowtime:

[Boston Mangler]

I am addicted to the turn by turn directions in the city :D

Through a stroke of luck I aquired the Baja Topos you spoke about on mud - I will load these as well as the other maps I have previously loaded in.

Which ones? There are a few different versions?

Let me know if ya got any questions on them!

[Desertdude]

Thanks Kevin - they are being mailed to me from AZ - should have those next week.

Thanks to Ursidae69 Navigation Winner, 2005 Expedition Trophy for the donation :sunny:

[xcmountain80]

If I was buying a new model, it would be the Garmin 276c
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-GPSMAP-276C-standard-package.asp (http://)

http://www.thegpsstore.com/images/largeimages/GA00331.jpg

I do know that Chris and Uwe have had good luck with their Magellans too.

My Garmin Vista has been a great unit, but too small for vehicle use.


How about the Garmin 376c so that no matter where you are you can be subscribed to the xm sattelite imagery right on your GPS. Seeing as how Money is no object the unit runs $999 and the Starup for xm Weather service is $200 and $100 per month. But I think this would be the cats *** in terms of Navigation.

Aaron

[asteffes]

UncleChris and I were talking about this today. It's definitely cool technology, but $1200 a year in service fees saps a lot of the expedition budget. The 276c with his APRS rig is pretty awesome!

[Boston Mangler]

UncleChris and I were talking about this today. It's definitely cool technology, but $1200 a year in service fees saps a lot of the expedition budget. The 276c with his APRS rig is pretty awesome!

Yeah, those fees are nuts! I use my 276c all the time and my only complaint is the track log truncating, other then that, the thing is awesome!

[xcmountain80]

UncleChris and I were talking about this today. It's definitely cool technology, but $1200 a year in service fees saps a lot of the expedition budget. The 276c with his APRS rig is pretty awesome!


Wait a sec I thought money was no object? Well your obviously right the 276 is a much better "financial choice"

Aaron

[BajaTaco]

Aaron, thanks for the tip on the XM WX (http://www.xmradio.com/weather/), I had no idea that was out there. Pretty cool!

[BajaTaco]

Garmin FINALLY came out with a handheld GPSR series that uses removeable memory cards (not proprietary by the looks of it). It is actually their existing lineup of handhelds, made into an "X" series (for "xtreme"). The main difference is that they use removeable memory cards AND the 60 and 76 models will also have the SiRFstar III (http://www.sirf.com/products-ss3.html) receiver chip which has been getting some rave reviews as far as acquisition times and performance goes. The antenna is a quad-helix. These should do really well. I might just have to get a 60CSx :D It would be sweet to have a hand-held that is color TFT, removable memory, and does auto-routing and topos (or marine maps for that matter).

Garmin News Release (http://www.garmin.com/pressroom/outdoor/010306b.html)

[Super Doody]

just to follow up:

I now have the 276c for almost two weeks. I like it very much! Since I all ready own three XM units I opted out of the 376c.

The unit is easy to learn and fun to use. The turn by turn helps me out a lot when I am in a strange place looking for a location or need to return a rental car in an unfamiliar place. The unit is very smart in its calcs for routing providing it has the right base info.

I went out on a hike this past weekend and brought along the 276c. I was able to get lost on purpose then find my way back and enjoy all the calculations.

Takes a bit of time to customize - Due to Garmin not offering Mac USB drivers I am now looking into a PC portable to have along with me for way-point and map loading. ( I had a friend with a PC let me use it to load in 200 megs of my favorite spots).

The ram mount is solid and out of the way on my windshield - vibration off road is medium but the mount hold on well. You can unclip it from the garmin clip easy. I am concerned with disconnecting the power/speaker cable fromn the unit time after time - I think that could create issuse down the line. The antenna locks on to the sat. fast. and the screen redraws very fast.

I am still learning the depths of this amazing unit. With the 256 card I can load in nearly 3 states of cities select and topo info. Not too bad -Wish it used the CF memory cards then you could load a gig in...

I have spent the last weekend with the GPS intimately and now have many questions - time to head back to the manual to find answers.

Thanks again to all who chimed in hear, and to you Scott for the pre-research :wavey:

After some research, I think I'm going to buy the same thing. Now does this thing talk to you? Or do you really need that for city driving? I'm hopping that sirius will work with this unit.

[Desertdude]

After loading in Garmins Cities Select for North America maps - using the turn by turn directions to located any address works great (not for offroading) - It talks to you in many different languages. You will need the cig lighter power adapter/speaker to hear the voice.

The 276C does not include XM or Sirius sat radio

[GeoRoss]

I don't know if anyone has posted about this, but there is a relatively new OSX native GPS navigation software out.

http://www.routebuddy.com (http://www.routebuddy.com/news/index.html)


I haven't used it or bought it yet, but from what I gather they are quite serious about developing a Apple OSX based navigation program. They seem to be actively updating it and making it better.

It is still far behind in features from PC programs like iGuidance, but it seems the only real complaints I find are from those who want better on the go route finding and people outside the US due to map availability.

For those of us who really would like to keep to one operating system platform, I think this may be the first real navigation software that can compete the Tom Tom units, PC navi software, etc.

I don't think it will supplant MacGPSPro for off road travel, using custom maps and whatnot, but I do think it make eventually become a great option for "in town" navigation.


There is a forum on their site and more information can be found on MP3car.com.