Best GPS

[hochung]

My 276C stays hard-wired for the most part. That means that when I do disconnect the GPS for hand-held use, I pretty much always have a full battery.

Chris, that was my plan too, until the GPS battery went bad. I think the continuous non-stop charging killed it. I don't think the 276 has a smart charging system.

Another concern you should have: if your garmin battery is bad, then the 276 will continue to suck juice out of your vehicle's battery, thinking it needs to recharge. That might kill your vehicle's battery too.

[orangeTJ]

Here's what a 276c looks like mounted in my Jeep:

[Ron B]

an old topic for sure...but my 276c has been giving me issues and is a bit long in the tooth...so are my old-fart eyes, I want a bigger screen! I was wondering if anyone has experience with/uses the Lowrance baja units?

Looks like their latest version is the Elite-5m Baja:
http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Out...pecifications/

Being waterproof and made to get banged around is a plus in my book but wanted to get some opinions from some of the pros on this forum who have experience with similar units, their software etc...

thanks,

Ron

[RobRed]

an old topic for sure...but my 276c has been giving me issues and is a bit long in the tooth...so are my old-fart eyes, I want a bigger screen! I was wondering if anyone has experience with/uses the Lowrance baja units?

Looks like their latest version is the Elite-5m Baja:
http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Out...pecifications/

Being waterproof and made to get banged around is a plus in my book but wanted to get some opinions from some of the pros on this forum who have experience with similar units, their software etc...

thanks,

Ron

iPad: 10" screen. Can be ruggedized. Constant updates for maps and os. Waaaay less than a Baja 5.

IMG_0439.jpg

[YukonRob]

I was wondering if anyone has experience with/uses the Lowrance baja units?

I have the older 480C on a RAM mount. It has worked well for me, but the support is minimal to nonexistant. When it finally gives up the ghost I will move to a tablet based solution.

[Rock_Wagon]

I was really happy with my Lowrance Baja, I sold it with my last truck and I am considering buying another. But what are the tablet options? I would like to go android but the apps don't look as good as some of the PC and Mac software packages. What is working for others?

[Ron B]

I was originally interested in the ipad, but I am not so sure it would be the best solution for my truck -- a lot of vibration, dust, occasional water (if I can't get the top on fast enough). Not sure how the touch screen will handle very dusty environments or if the screen will be viewable on sunny days -- I have seen some of the cases (the Griffin is really cool) but can they be mounted while in the case?

The ipad may actually be too big, in the griffin case it is more than twice the size of the Lowrance. Does it need an external antenna/software to work like a gps?

[Ron B]

...It has worked well for me, but the support is minimal to nonexistant.

I have heard this too -- I hear it's a great product but what you see is what you get...no help or upgrading.

[RobRed]

Ron

My Land Cruiser isn't topless so I dont have to worry about the water factor or extreme dust so I'm able to run it with out heavy protection. I do run with my windows down quite a bit and it does get dusty but not like running topless. I have the Otter Box case and the Griffin case and they add about 1.5lbs to the unit but in my opinion dont make it too large, just heavier. It's certainly bigger than the Lowrance. I have been running the iPad for 2 years as nav and been more than satisfied. The software vendors keep adding features and updating their apps which makes it a way more attractive long term and the screen size and touch capability will win you over. Check out my blog and forum this might help answer some questions on the iPad: http://forum.tlcfaq.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26

[Ron B]

I never doubted the ability of the ipad, just it's durability, viewing it, and how to mount it with the protection on. Thanks for the info, I will read your blog!