GPS
Which handheld GPS system to buy?
We have a GPS program on our laptop, but want a smaller portable system for using in our vehicles, as well as when snowmobiling. We enjoy traveling in some places where the roads aren't even on the map.
Public Comments
- FIRST
- If you are looking for mostly offroad, look for a handheld GPS from Garmin: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145
- I've been using Magellan's for 15 years. They've proven tough, easy to use, economical. Seen some horror shows and heard bad stories from people using Garmins, but you might ask around and try some in the stores to see what suits you best.
- I just bought a GPS with very similar requirements as yours (mostly hiking, but also occasional car use). I chose the Garmin because among professional and personal reviews, they seem to have the best "hardware" (best reception of satellite signals, great battery life, waterproof, etc.). I picked the GPSMap 76CSX. This is their top model and was about $350 from Amazon. I added a Topographical map 2008 for another $60. That's the "gotcha" about the handheld units ...the built-in basemaps aren't the greatest. (My top model's basemaps only showed Interstates and major major roads.) This unit has an altimeter and compass built-in too. However, if you don't want to spend that much money, even the Legend and Vista models are great and are much beloved by hikers and other outdoors-oriented people. Just be sure to get a unit that contains either a large memory built-in, or that accepts SD or MicroSD cards for memory expansion. The Topo map I added used another 700k of a 2GB microSD card that I bought, and that only covered NewEngland and mid-Atlantic states. (The product contained the whole US, but I only downloaded a portion.) While the Topo map added all secondary roads, though, the unit can't autoroute with this map. In other words, it just shows roads, it can't give you turn-by-turn directions. You have to buy ANOTHER map to do this. I will add a City Navigator map in the future that provides turn-by-turn directions. Magellan also makes good GPSs, but I just did not like their product features. I don't believe TomTom makes any handheld units, the all seem to be oriented toward car use. I don't believe any of the other brands I have seen are for handheld use either.
- I have TomTom ONE and an older Magellan SportTrak Map. I use the Magellan in my boat. It floats and has a completely waterproof case, as opposed to "water resistant". Well, it was water proof until the case developed several hairline cracks where the screws join the two halves. Turns out that it's a common issue with the SportTrak Map. It's out of warranty, so I will probably replace it with a colour screen Garmin 76-series (I like the ability to load marine charts - not just marine maps). For snowmobiling you will definitely want a rugged device and one that uses "breadcrumb trails", and maybe even the ability to load Topo maps. CNET.com is a good place for GPS reviews.
