Hatrack River Forum: Any opinions on GPS devices?

This is topic Any opinions on GPS devices? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

So I'm getting info overload going to different websites. I need Hatrack's help.

I'm thinking of getting a relatively cheap (<$200) GPS system for hiking and GeoCaching. Ideally it would be waterproof, and reall accurate. Anything beyond that is a bonus, I think (although the sites I see recommend units with 8MB or greater memory).

Does anyone have experience in this arena? THe relatively low price range is my mechanism to restrain myself from buying expensive stuff that I'll use a couple times.

-Bok

Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :

Cheap, accurate, and water resistant.
Another nice feature is being able to backtrack what you've already trailblazed, especially at twilight or at night. Heading straight back to your starting point is liable to lead to getting stuck, or walking off a cliff.

Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :

I like to use an add-on GPS module for PDAs or notebooks. That way you can use whatever mapping software you want, rather than being stuck with the GPS manufacturer's software.

I like the Emtac Bluetooth GPS. It's the size of a deck of cards, and I can use it with both my PDA and my notebook. It's not waterproof though.

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

I'm staying away from PDA stuff (though I have an old Palm V), since I want to take the thing on hikes, and accidents do happen.

-Bok

Posted by Sweet William (Member # 5212) on :

Here is a page from:

geocaching.com that might be useful.

http://www.geocaching.com/articles/gps_buying.asp

SW

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

That link is fairly out of date.

And true to form, I am looking at the Garmin 60C (or GPSMAP 76), or one of the Magellan top end ones. They all can be found online for 300-400.

Bad me.

I don't think I need built in altimeter or compass; I'll bring a real compass along, and elevation would be solely for entertainment purposes, I think.

Help! Talk sense into me!

-Bok

Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :

GPS devices are really really fun to play with. That's my opinion.

Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :

Yes, especially when you have software that uses GPS device info to help you figure out where certain things are. [Wink]

</devious>

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

Okay John, now I you've made me begg...

More info please!

[Smile]

-Bok