Which GPS?

[90Xjay]

I am looking at a portable, hand held GPS unit.
DO any of you use them?

I have a budget of about $150
I want good battery life, at least 14 hrs
I want maps, and the ability to upate them(if possible)
And multiple screens.

So far I have looked at the Magellen Explorist 200
and the Garmin GPS 72

also, what the heck is WAAS ?

 

[TwistedCU]

I have the Garmin Legend and love it. It does all that. For batteries it uses regular AA's, I also have a 12V adapter for the Jeep. Good thing about regular dry cells is you can bring spares easily enough, but they do last a long, long, time.

 

[geopig]

wanted handheld police scanner

I second TC's recommendation. I've been using GPS for >10 years and I swear by the Garmin units. The Legend is a nice one, have one myself and a Venture.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Yuppers, can't go wrong with the Garmin Legend. Don't worry too much about WAAS, unless you're on the far east or west coasts. Even then, studies have shown that it doesn't help that much. When you get one, just disable the WAAS reception and it will run faster and smoother.

 

[southtj]

I'll fourth the Garmin recommendation. I've got the Garmin 60cs and love it. It uses the AA batteries and they probably last 10-15 hours. I've never timed it but it usually lasts "there and back". I did buy the adapter for the cig lighter to save batteries. I also bought a cell phone holder from Radio Shack that clips to the AC vent that the Garmin fits in perfectly. I clip it to the one on the left of the steering wheel.

Oh, and the WAAS, I can't tell the difference with it on or off.

 

[TwistedCU]

I bought the Mapsource program with it. It calculates routes, tells you where things are like stores, gas/service stations, parks, what have you.

In addition, it's nice to know how fast you are going when your speedo is off, but I think they all pretty much do that

 

[jps4jeep]

I like the Tom Tom. Got it free from wifes work.

 

[AZjeepn]

RE: Re: RE: just got her muddy for the first time! pics and

I'll fifth that Garmin recommendation. I also have a Legend and love that thing.

 

[90Xjay]

What Power Sterring box to go with.

Well for me, it came down to two units.
The Magellen Explorist 200 and Garmin Legend

I have priced the heck out the Garmin and it sold for mostly 159-168
I just bought one on Circuit City.com for 147 and I am headed to the store to pick it up

I might be asking you guys more questions as I start figuring this thing out.

Thanks for the suggestions

90

 

[TwistedCU]

Good software available, check out there website to look them over.

Like I mentioned earlier, I really like Mapsource and use it often (on my GPS and also on my PC istead of mapquest).

 

[mud4feet]

Well, I'm a little late, but I was going to suggest Meridian (although I'm not too familiar with the Explorist series). Just personal preference, I guess - they're both excellent manufacturers and their units do pretty much the same thing. I've got a Meridian Map which has MapSend Topo available for downloading maps (although I haven't purchased it yet). Got mine off eBay for a really good price.........If I could have got a Garmin cheap, I'd own a Garmin. I think you'll be happy, they are really great tools!

 

[90Xjay]

one of the deciding factors for me was also that the Magellen was made in China

But the Garmin was made in Taiwan which is at least not Communist!

 

[Sparky-Watts]

one of the deciding factors for me was also that the Magellen was made in China

But the Garmin was made in Taiwan which is at least not Communist!

Ah, but at least Garmin International is based in Olathe, KS!!! That's where my sis lives, and my bro-in-law does contract work for them (or at least he did at one time).

 

[mud4feet]

RE: YJ ticking

one of the deciding factors for me was also that the Magellen was made in China

But the Garmin was made in Taiwan which is at least not Communist!

Mine came from Ebay!!!

 

[90Xjay]

Well you guys did not steer me wrong!!

I love the Garmin unit you recommended. I took it out of town today and checked it against my odometer. Incredible accuracy. I did not notice much difference when the WAAS was on or off though.

Thanks guys!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[graewulf]

On the WAAS isue.. i'm on the east coast and I can tell you that it helps a whole heck of alot. WAAS uses ground-based stations to transmit a correction signal to 2 additional satellites each in the atlantic & pacific. It corrects for atmospheric distortion of the signal. I have seen the accuracy go to as little as 3 feet with WAAS - the best I can get without it is 10 feet on a good day. I would definitely leave it on if you are near either coast.

I use my Magellan Sportrak Pro in my Jeep, on my motorcycle, and on foot and can tell you it is worth every penny i paid for it.

 

[90Xjay]

that explains why I don't see much difference with WAAS here in Texas..

good info

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Yeah, WAAS in the middle of the continent will do nothing except slow your GPS down and actually use the batteries faster. I've heard many on the east and west coast relating the same type of success as graewulf did. I've seen accuracy on mine without WAAS as low as 7 feet on several occasions, but it usually averages 12. Did you get additional map software for it? Two good ones are MapSource MetroGuide USA and MapSource Topo. The MetroGuide is excellent for finding pretty much any road on the continent, as well as pretty much any business no matter how small. The Topo software is great for finding hiking trails and such, giving more detailed info on terrain, altitude, streams and rivers as well. I don't have the Topo yet (can't believe I've had my GPS for two years and haven't gotten it yet!). Anyway, I'm sure you'll love it. Once you learn what all it can do, it's a really valuable piece of equipment.....and loads of fun!!

 

[geopig]

Re: RE: Re: RE: HAS ANYONE NOTICED RUBICON REAR BRAKES DO NO

The WAAS definitely does help out here in the west where there are tons of DGPS stations. I routinely get down to 3-4 m accuracy (~7-10 ft) when mapping in the Sierra Nevada.

 

[LBR]

No Mingez, GPS doesn't mean "Girl Position Sensor!" Shame on you! :shock: :lol: LBR