GPS Fever!!

[wizard]

Well, after some consideration and some finacial commitment, I invested in 2 new GPS units!
I have been wanting a Geko 201 for the lightweight, small size and WAAS feature to improve accuracy over my older ETrex basic, non-WAAS model. So, I ordered one and just recieved it today. I was impressed with the tiny size and feather weight of the thing. One feature I don't care for is you have to do a waypoint "mark" to get your present location. I may just need to play with the setup menu more to overcome that. It does sort of force you into actually navigating with it. That was something I have never done, just used the location feature to verify my location.
Number 2 unit is a Garmin GPSMap60C. I looked at a friend's 60CS and loved all the features and the color display. It was not one I had considered before due to the weight and size, although it is just 7 ounces. The antenna is way better than a patch type and the features are mind boggling. That one will surely take some training to realize all the capabilities and utilize them efficiently.
I never go out without my trusty old Silva Ranger, a map and some plotters and still prefer to rely on the old fashioned method of navigation. It has no battery dependecies! I sure like where GPS has evolved in the past 10 years. My next vehicle will have one even though I have never considered it before. The problem is, I will not need another vehicle for a long time. The Map60C will be my nav tool for the road until then.
Just thought I would share my overspending with you all

 

[peds8045]

Sounds good...i use a Garmin Etrex Legend (the blue one) and have been very happy with that one. The only downside i have with it, and its my own fault, i chose to buy the legend based on a mixture of its features and my budget. What i should have done is spend a bit more money and buy the next version up (the Etrex Summit i think) which includes a digital compass.

That aside i always take my map and compass, and the one golden rule i have reference GPS batteries is... always take a spare set and NEVER use them for anything but the GPS.

Pete

 

[stovie]

That aside i always take my map and compass, and the one golden rule i have reference GPS batteries is... always take a spare set and NEVER use them for anything but the GPS.

Pete

I don't own a GPS (yet) and I am as interested in technology (despite the impression I might give sometimes) as the next person. But I have a "genuine question"...

If you own a map and compass (and can use them) what do you gain from having a GPS?

 

[redflex]

I having been looking for awhile now but cannot work out if it is worth paying extra for mapping, if anyone has used both map and non map GPS it would be great to hear is the map is worth it.

Is colour mapping better?

I looking to use the GPS for tree surveying, the etrax Vista has a feature which can calculate the the area but then the price for the extra feature is very high compared to summit.

 

[soa_uk]

I looking to use the GPS for tree surveying, the etrax Vista has a feature which can calculate the the area but then the price for the extra feature is very high compared to summit.

... haven't tried it, but the legend has area calculation

My wife got mine here .

 

[Surveyor]

Stovie,
The GPS is good at one thing only - telling you where you are!
The map and compass, are the essentials.

Jed

 

[Platypus]

Stovie,
The GPS is good at one thing only - telling you where you are!

Not True!
A GPS can tell you;

Where you are;
Where you have been;
Where you are heading;
How to retrace your steps;
Your average speed;
An estimated time of arrival;
When sunset/sunrise will be;
Etc, Etc, Etc.....

 

[Cairodel]

Sounds good...i use a Garmin Etrex Legend (the blue one) and have been very happy with that one. The only downside i have with it, and its my own fault, i chose to buy the legend based on a mixture of its features and my budget. What i should have done is spend a bit more money and buy the next version up (the Etrex Summit i think) which includes a digital compass.

That aside i always take my map and compass, and the one golden rule i have reference GPS batteries is... always take a spare set and NEVER use them for anything but the GPS.

Pete

My E-trex Legend has a digital compass. Maybe a later model??

 

[oetzi]

The most important piece of equipment to take along woith either map/compass or GPS is THE BRAIN!
And also the ability not to blame anyone but oneself if something goes wrong

 

[BorderReiver]

Stovie,
The GPS is good at one thing only - telling you where you are!
The map and compass, are the essentials.

Jed

That "one thing only" can be very usefull in some situations

 

[redflex]

A new versions of the Etrex Vista & Lengend are being released soon they now have 32 MB microSD cards which means you can download maps etc and just swap depending where you going etc they maps are meant to be much clearer and higher quality. The claim the battery life has been extend as well just shame about the price

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistacx/

 

[wizard]

So, the Garmin GPSMAP60C that I ordered turned out on backorder After a few days consideration, I decided to call the place I ordered it from and change to a GPSMAP60Cx which is the brand new baby with removable MicroSD memory. It comes with a 64MB card but I am going to order a 256 for $40 US so I will quadruple the amount of maps I can load into it. I should get the GPS unit by Monday and it shipped already, for sure! I will let everyone know how it is when I get it and play with it a bit. BTY, since I first bought a GPS in 1991, I have only used the "where am I" function and still prefer to navigate via map and Silva compass. I am going to finally try out the nav by GPS realm and learn how to use all the bells and whistles. I will still always be a map and compass person but now will include the GPS into the nav. I have too, it cost me a bunch Cheers!