Handheld GPS

SouthernDZ · 09-01-2010, 15:55

I'm finally moving into the new millenium and need to buy a handheld GPS that I can use here in the U.S. and over in Europe. My job requires me to travel all over frequently and I think this is the way to go but I'm pretty clueless here:

What is a good commercial handheld GPS that accepts software with German streets (going to Grafenwoehr later this month).

Thanks in advance!

lksteve · 09-01-2010, 16:06

What's your budget?

I'd check Magellan out...the Explorist with their World Edition software...I've used their hand held GPS units with no issues and have also used their survey grade (Ashtech) companion products.

JJ_BPK · 09-01-2010, 17:20

Besides budjet.
What will you use it for??

You need to develop a list of requirements.

Driving? with Verbal directions?
Altimeter?
Southern Hemisphere?
Iphone application?
Water depth and tide charts?
Long Battery life?
Solar Powered?
WiFi to get map updates?
Micro SD card to store and archive routes?

These guys have been in the GPS business for years, at least 15. They have a simple site,, full of good info.

http://gpsinformation.net/

Good Luck..
Let us know what you find..

**Ambush Master** · 09-01-2010, 17:58

I've been dealing with these folks and they're very good also (http://www.offroute.com/). I've got a Garmin 60CSx and I can get Sat-Lock in my living room!! There is at least one thread in here where this was discussed Search using 60CSx. Several guys said that once they got Lock, they could get into up-armored vehicles and not loose it. I've used the suction cup mount on the gas cap of my Bonneville and it's plenty easy to read (with a Dummy Cord tie off).

Good Luck!!
Martin

SouthernDZ · 09-02-2010, 04:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

Besides budjet.
What will you use it for??

You need to develop a list of requirements.

Driving? with Verbal directions?
Altimeter?
Southern Hemisphere?
Iphone application?
Water depth and tide charts?
Long Battery life?
Solar Powered?
WiFi to get map updates?
Micro SD card to store and archive routes?

These guys have been in the GPS business for years, at least 15. They have a simple site,, full of good info.

http://gpsinformation.net/

Good Luck..
Let us know what you find..

Under $300, basically verbal driving directions in U.S. and Europe. 3-4 hour battery life and plug-in capability in a rental car.

Water depth?

I don't think I need to archive as they never seem to send me to the same place twice.

I'll check the sites ya'll mentioned, thanks, I obviously came to the right place.

JJ_BPK · 09-02-2010, 04:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernDZ

Water depth?

Boating & Fishing & Diving..

craigepo · 09-02-2010, 08:37

Some friends and I are planning a drop-camp hunt, and I had been looking at this unit. Of course, broadcasting in the clear is no longer an issue for me.

http://www.offroute.com/product/view...39&CatID=14347

**Pete** · 09-02-2010, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigepo

Some friends and I are planning a drop-camp hunt, and I had been looking at this unit. Of course, broadcasting in the clear is no longer an issue for me.

http://www.offroute.com/product/view...39&CatID=14347

SouthernDZ - just quoting craigepo

I got the GARMIN Etrex on sale a couple of months ago - the real bargin basement model. It works well for what I need it for and is simple.

With that said - all the higher models have many, many more features that can be used.

Almost all brands now days have up-loadable maping features through your PC - and somebody posted a link a while back to a site that has better maps than GARMIN.

The GARMIN works well in the left hand using the thumb and first two fingers to change pages. I don't have to shift it around much to hit all the buttons. I like the one handed operation. I think most of the GARMINs are set up similarly.

BUT - the buttons are on the side. The unit has a bike mount that you can use while riding. I find it a little hard when riding to work side mounted buttons.

So for hand use side buttons are fine for me but if mounted I'd prefer front mounted buttons.

A lot of the different brands are real similar. You really need to check the extra features on each to find what your looking for.

Edited to add the Map Link. http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/