Entry level GPS

[ae708]

What is a good inexpensive GPS to get started with? Do they have them that have land and water charting and mapping? I know nothing about them but would like to get a fairly functional one to learn on... thanks.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Entry level GPS

GPS is pretty solid technology now. And whatever unit you end up with, it’s likely going to be with you for several years…so you might as well think about your application and what you want from the unit. For all GPS there is a learning curve but it’s no big deal. There really isn’t an entry level GPS.<br /><br />Once you decide what you want the GPS to do, there will be pros and cons to every option and feature. You can run from your GPS, but you cannot hide. <br /><br />The two biggest things I look for when I evaluation GPS is 1) the ability to view of the display screen, and 2) the ease of use. Inevitably, they all have features I won’t use.<br /><br />GPS is like cars…everyone thinks they own the best one made. If you post back here with an idea of what you would like the GPS to do…applications stuff, you will get some good, hands-on recommendation from people here with experience with all kinds of units.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Entry level GPS

In the sense that any one of them is a starter because it is easier or harder to use than another there is no such thing as a starter GPS. Each manufacturer has their own operating systems (though they are all similar) and its really just a matter of learning it. Generally Garmin is though of as having the most intuitive system. I personally think a person would have to be brain dead not to be able to use one, but I've been using them for quite some time now.<br /><br />The deal with GPS units, be they hand held or fixed mount, is to decide which of the very few optional capabilitys you feel you despirately need and then shop for price. You said mapping and that is going to cost you, the other thing that will cost you would be a color screen. Beyond that, despite the crap you will see in advertising, they really are all about the same. There is hardly a single added feature on the most expensive one that doesn't also exist on the least expensive one. You can pay more for memory, if you feel you need it and a larger or higher resolution screen, but that's really abut it. A great inexpensive unit is the Garmin GPS-72. No mapping but a fine unit. If you want mapping take a look at the Garmin GPSMap-76. There is also a Map-76S that has some features that you probably don't need at all, but can certainly buy if you like.<br /><br />Thom

 

[Prospector]

Re: Entry level GPS

EDIT: Sounds a bit too much like commercial promotion, Prospector.<br /><br />If you have advice, share it with us all. If you have something to sell, use the Thrifties or the Classifieds.<br /><br />Thanks, JB

 

[Prospector]

Re: Entry level GPS

I once bought an entry level GPS (Magellan 310) and within a month I found out I needed (wanted) more features. My advice is to buy the most features you can afford up front. A GPS doesn't take long to learn and all too soon you wish you had the next best model. I prefer Garmin or Magellan because you can get accessories, software, etc. almost anywhere. I also prefer a handheld because I do a lot of hunting (armed hiking) along with fishing and boating and have found my way back many times when I surely would have been lost without the GPS.

 

[Troy_from _Oz]

Re: Entry level GPS

ae708 - most of the low-cost receiver have similar features so you can't really go too wrong. As 18rabbit mentioned, id suggest looking things like screen size and (importantly) the number/layout of the buttons. Some models (eg etrex) have few buttons, which i would think makes it more difficult to operate. I have recently purchased a garmin72 and havent regretted it. I would love to have mapping functions, but couldnt justify the extra $$$. <br /><br />You could also start up a little spreadsheet and list the features that each unit has (#waypoints, # routes, # tracks etc.). You may notice something that you really want that some of the cheaper units do or do not have. Anchor drag alarm was one that I personally wanted, which helped narrow down which unit was best for me. Just a thought.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Troy