which GPS system do I buy?
 

I've been looking at GPS systems and there are a bunch. It looks like Garmin and magellan are the two leaders for handheld GPS. Garmin has like 10 different kinds of handhelds and I can't see much of a difference between the most expensive and least expensive one they got. Does anybody know much about what would be a sufficient GPS. I would like to have one that is interactive with computer software (delorme topo). But other than that is there anything that great that is worth paying the big bucks for on one of the top end models?
Also, is the topo software that comes packaged with garmin any good?
Is magellan better than garmin/vice versa?

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I went thru this and got the etrex legend. But when I downloaded the topos, I couldn't make them out, and state parks were blacked out (on software they are green), so I took it back and got the etrex legend Cx and very happy now and can make out the topos real nice. Bass pro had them on sale over Christmas for 250 dollars plus you send in for a 50 dollar rebate. Do yourself a favor and get the color.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I have the Garmin etrex cx and I love it. The mapping software I have for it is Mapsource and has topo for the entire US. You can put 2 area maps onto the GPS and transfer waypoints to and from GPS to computer w/USB. I would shop around for the GPS....BPS had it for $279. I shopped around and got it online for $209. I can't remember which site I went to, but try something like Nextag or any price comparison website.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Garmin RINO 530. Most of the guys in my hunting group bought them this year and it is top notch. The color screen is big, the radios work and it is very easy to use. Plus there are a ton of other features on it.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

A few years back I bought a Garmin E-trex and Delorme Topo software. This combo has worked great for scouting and locating hunting spots, as well as helping me find my way out of the woods a couple of times.

The only feature I wish I had on my GPS is the electronic compass. This helps get your bearings while standing still, where normally you need to be moving in order for the GPS to show direction.

You can spend $99 - >$400 for aGPS, but you really need to ask yourself what you are using it for and if you need all the bells and whistles or just the basics.

-Rick C.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I started out 15 years ago with a Garmin Gps 45 , I now use the Garmin GPS 72. It is a great unit but it does not have the memory capabilities think you are looking for. But something in that series would work. Really anything as long as it is a Garmin.


MET

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

It seems like the big difference between the ones I'm interested in are the number of waypoints (some 500 and some 1000) and the amount of built in memory (24 mb to 128 mb). How much memory do you need?

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Well, 8Meg wasn't enough for me, but the 32M I got now is just right.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I am in the same boat and looking for a hand held GPS

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Garmin. Like BC I'd suggest a colour display for the mapping feature and better detail. For hunting or fishing I suggest you look at the models that have an electronic compass feature.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I use the Garmin Rhino's...everyone in our party uses them and LOVE them.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Can you make maps of your property on the computer from points on the GPS? A friend of mine has one and I think it is a 76CX or CS. He cut a field of hay for me and then we rode all the way around the field and it told us how many acres there were. Can all GPS's do this?

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

I just got a Garmin GPSMAP 60cx. I haven't fiddled around with it too much but I have used it to map some deer trails while shed hunting yesterday. I've used garmins before and have always liked them. I'm sure once i've had a chance to explore the machine and software a bit it will end up being a very useful tool for scouting.

It is possible to make maps using gps waypoints or to overlay tracks onto a digital topo or sat image. However, I only have experience using Arcmap for that so I can't really suggest an easier way to do it yet.

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Yesthey can, When used properly. I use the Garmin GPS 72. I hunt 162 acres as a lease. I went to each 40 acre corner of the lease and marked them with separate waypoints. I then went through the 2 main trails ( rough roads ), and marked them every so often. I then went through and marked every feeder site or food plot and then marked every stand site. You can use different icons for the different items, and you can make short names to identify each one. The gps now has a lat. and long. for each point.

I then got on my laptop and using the lat/long for each point, marked it on my Delorme topo USA 5.0 program. I made the roads using the points saved for them. I now have a full map of my lease with the roads, feeders, food plots, all stands, every 40 acre corner, and creeks or water sources marked. I saved it on my laptop and printed it out. It was on a 8 1/2 by 11 " piece of paper. I took it to work and enlarged it , then laminated it. I also made the 4 compass directions actual at the top for orientation. Now I can give a copy to anyvisitor of the lease and they cannot get lost or accidently go off my lease. I can also use it to find new stand sites, and to measure distances between any existing or proposed stand sites.

It is an invaluable tool to me.

Hope this helps you.

MET

RE: which GPS system do I buy?
 

Thanks.