Handheld GPS Units

Jordansrealm · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2005, 07:04 PM

I am wondering who out there is using a handheld GPS unit? What model? How do you like it? I was going to put a Lowrance 3300C in my old prerunner because of the amount of offroading I would do around race coursed but with my new truck not running courses as much and also offroading on bikes and quads I would like something I can move from vehicle to vehicle. Something that works well offroad as well as onroad. Waterproof would be good and right now I am leaning towards something that uses MMC cards to be able to download updates versus a unit with only built in memory. I am looking for some pros and cons to buying either and some specific models you are using. The Lowrance handheld units seem to have the MMC where Garmins mostly do not. The Garmin is also waterproof where the Lowrance comes with a waterproof bag you have to put over the unit.

Any experiences you can share with me and your handheld GPS would be great.

Thanks

Geodude · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2005, 07:20 PM

I got a Garmin Quest autorouting, WAAS enabled handheld about a month ago. I'm thriilled with it. It came with City Select North America v6, USB cable, home charger, car charger/windshield mount/speaker kit.

It's small enough for hiking, great for in-car navigation and portable from car to car. It automatically computes sunrise/sunset and changes the colour scheme automatically. The database is chock full of most things I'll ever need to find in North America. A very nice female voice gives driving instructions, tells you when you're off course and recalculates a route to get you to your destination.

I find it a great unit, lots of features, and above all, useful!

Jordansrealm · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2005, 08:01 PM

Thank you. That unit is a little big for what I want I am looking for something I can also carry around in my hand if need be. Right now my top choice would be the Garmin 60C. Seems like a great unit but not sure if the 56mb built in memory is good enough. Also, unsure of its performance on unmarked trails offroad setting waypoints.

Anyone else?

TundraTRX · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2005, 09:48 PM

There are many different GPS units, but I'm not familiar with the heavy duty types. One option you have is actually two units. You could get a PDA with bluetooth (like a used Palm Tungsten T1 or T2) and a bluetooth GPS system. Sure you have two units, but in those two units you can do more with than with a GPS unit alone. You can keep the bluetooth GPS antenna in a back pocket, on the handle bars, or wherever and mount the PDA in one of many durable play-through cases that adds water-proofing. I wish I had the website to send you to, but do a search for either Otterbox or Otter cases. I believe they make weather proof cases for various GPS units and PDAs that aren't otherwise water friendly.

TwinStop · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2005, 10:08 PM

I have a Garmin Etrex Legend C. And couldnt be happier with it. So far I have only used it on road. I'll try it off road this spring. The only thing is you have to buy the map also. I bought the package with the bean bag mount map and car adapter for about $130.00 on top of the price of the GPS street price of $300-$350

REDEYE6 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 05:42 AM

I needed some thing that I can easy move from my rig to a rental when I'm on company business. I use the garmin 3600 gps/pda with the universal car kit or winsheild mount it's around $589. the great thing about the pda/gps models are the user forums these guy write programs to enhance the system and most of the time there free. I never go to DC with out mine. here is a http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/foru...s=&forumid=108 to one of the forums. the system uses both topo and street maps I highly recommend it

mandzach · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 08:19 AM

i've been using my Garmin Rino 130 for almost a month now and love it - i use it in my truck for nav, but most of the time i use it on my 4 wheeler mounted to the bars. its waterproof and probably the most durable gps ive seen w/tons of features...
2way radio w/tracking of other rino users (really cool when riding trails with buddys),scanner,compass,altimeter,barometer,elevat ion,odometer,speed, and tons more. its small so its screen is small but can be seen with ease.

Pwoon · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 12:27 PM

Does anyone use the Megellan and Garmin, have any preference?

Pylesinflorida · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 01:58 PM

I use the palm Ique. It is a PDA with built in GPS. The best part is it has a color screen, fits in your shirt pocket and has voice navigation. It's the best deal out there if you want voice nav. $500.

kymatt · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 02:50 PM

Mandzach --

That Rino 130 looks like a pretty cool device. Does it have the ability to load many street level maps for metro areas?

fooddude · #11 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 04:41 PM

That Garmin 60C looks like very nice!

Matador98 · #12 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 05:36 PM

I just finished a bunch of research and reading reviews as I was going to buy a GPS with some left over X-mas cash.

Anyways, the first decision I made was to go with Magellan because they flat out have more features across the board for the price. As for durability and quality, they are both excellent. Magellan owners love theirs, and Garmin owners love theirs. I choose the Magellan Meridian Gold for myself. The thing is freaking awesome.

Anyways, my two sense. make sure you use shopping.com to help you find the best price. They were formerly known as pricegrabber. Anyways, I got mine for 171, when it was listed elsewhere for 300+.