Calling all GPS Experts

[Paulyester]

It seems like about 6-7 years ago there was a guy on here that was either a GPS salesman or something like that; he knew his stuff. Anyways, I've had a Magellan Meridian forever and am looking at upgrading. From what I've read, most new GPS units have been plagued with all sorts of problems.

Are there any new units worth looking at? I've been looking at the Oregon 400t, but way back when, the Garmin units didn't do a very good job of satellite acquistion, is that still a problem?

Question #2, what's the best mapping software out there, the National Geographic maps, or DeLorme Topo USA?

Discuss...

 

[Ex-Member]

Get a Garmin. Hands down, best consumer GPS on the market right now. Trimble's still got my vote for best overall, but they only do commercial/industrial/military stuff now. Their newer quad-helix antennas lock on better than the patch antennas on the older models.

I have an older Garmin (GPS12), so no mapping/topo functionality. I dump the tracks into my computer then drop that into Google Earth. Follow the blue line to see where you were

 

[X-it]

I understand your concern, everbody yapping on here that garmins are the best. When in reality magellan had them beat in every aspect. But times change and garmin has come a long way. I think your pick of the Oregon is a good one.

 

[OntRider]

Make sure you get a good hands-on with the Oregon before you commit to it. The screen is awfully dim and will be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

The other, less minor thing, is the need for USB power if you don't want to run it on batteries all day. The upside is that it can use a cell phone USB power adapter, the downside is this is not a waterproof/water resistant connection.

With that said, the touchscreen interface is awesome! I wish all GPSes were like this.

Also, have a look at the Garmin 60CSx if you want a handheld unit. It's older technology but a favourite among sledders.

 

[Paulyester]

Is there a GPS unit other than the Bushnell that will let you turn the screen off but will still actively save your track? Did anyone ever use that Bushnell, it must have had problems because feature wise it looked good.

 

[Ex-Member]

Is there a GPS unit other than the Bushnell that will let you turn the screen off but will still actively save your track? Did anyone ever use that Bushnell, it must have had problems because feature wise it looked good.

LCD and associated driver IC's use next to no power compared to everything else. Even the EL backlight on mine is only about 15mA.

When on and tracking, no backlight, mine draws about 110mA.

The ability to turn off the screen really wouldn't gain any noticeable battery savings, which is likely why you don't see that feature on any other units.