GPS

[RobertN]

I am thinking about a GPS unit. Is there a particular model I should look at? Right now, I know little about them or their features, besides they can pick up long/lat, can save a route, or a route can be programmed.

My parameters are:
1 - I'm and assistant scoutmaster in the local Boy Scout troop. We do hikes and backpacking fairly often. It would be nice to have in addition to map/compass.

2 - There are a couple places I would like to check out that have coordinates. For example,
Crash Site of the B-17C near Tells Peak, CA

3 - Would like to occasionally use it in the car/truck on trips

4 - Briefly looked at the REI web site, and Amazon.com. Do not want to spend $500-700. Would prefer something in the $250 range, +/- $25 or so.

Any recommendations on where to start? What to look at?

[ronjhall]

I have the Delorme Earthmate PN-20. It is a great unit. But has limitations. If route is long it takes forever to calculate it. If at all. It came with Topo 7.0 software and sold for $300. I use it for Geochacing. Works good for this hobby. I also use it for going on hikes in areas that I am not familiar with. Last week Costco had it for $200. But did not see it there this morning. Saw some EBay prices at $200. Here is a link. Delorme]Earthmate GPS PN-20 with Topo USA 7.0 & 1-GB SD Card & Reader - BUNDLE - DeLorme.
Some Garmin units have higher ratings than the PN-20. But cost much more.

[wrangler6831]

Check out the GHARMIN Rhino series. I have the 210 and they are great. They can be linked with other Rhino's and it pin pionts there location on your screen and can also guide you to the other GPS/Radio's location.

Rich

[Travelover]

Check out this site for reviews and recommendations:

GPS Receiver Information, Software, and Hardware Reviews of Garmin, Lowrance, Magellan and other GPS Receivers

It is pretty exhaustive, but thorough.

[RonMar]

I have a Garmin Etrex that I just love. They now make it with a slightly larger color screen. It also incorporates a magnetic compass and a couple interesting features that might help you to teach young scouts how to land navigate. It also has a display screen that will show you your cross track error at the same time as the compass display(either magnetic or true) commonly known to aviators as a CDI, along with 2 user selectible data windows...

I use it in vehicles from time to time also by wedging it at a viewable angle between dashboard and windshield. If it is out under the glass, it can get a pretty good view of the sky and this so far has worked well for me.

[mjarrels]

Shucks... real men don't ask for directions!

mark

[jdbower]

Depending on your phone and service provider you may also want to look into getting their GPS service. The price seems high, then I calculated out how much a new fairly high-end GPS costs, divided by the monthly service charge, and figured out that there's a strong possibility that I'd end up replacing the physical GPS before I spent more on the GPS service. Plus the service has tighter integration into data services like traffic, construction, and weather, it's one less thing to carry, and you don't have to worry about getting an update when they finish that new off ramp. Another cheaper alternative (again, depending on your phone type) is a Bluetooth GPS and Google Maps Mobile. No service fee and a Bluetooth GPS is dirt cheap, but again it assumes that you've got a phone with a screen you can read while driving.

[RobertN]

Originally Posted by jdbower

Depending on your phone and service provider you may also want to look into getting their GPS service.

I have this on my Verizon/LG-Chocolate phone. It has come in handy a few times. But, it is my understanding it works off cell towers. When we're out hiking, we're often out of cell phone range. That's why I was thinking about a sattelite gps system.

[jdbower]

You can confirm with Verizon, but many newer phones have an integrated GPS as well. The cell-based triangulation isn't all that accurate, people without the GPS service can also use Google Maps Mobile on some devices (Blackberry, for example) to see, but typically I can only get to within several hundred feet of my location as opposed to within 10's of feet for a GPS. Now smart software that assumes you're on a road can make even cell-based triangulation seem much more accurate so the only way to know for sure is to go someplace without cell service. Of course the other issue is that I have no idea what Verizon will give you if there are no roads nearby, I'm hoping there's a breadcrumb feature or at least lat/long display.

[buckeyefarmer]

I love my garmin nuvi 660, however it is a car one, so it does not save your tracks like a portable one.

I also have an older garmin etrex legend, which does save tracks,etc. I have the map software for the computer, and you can download your tracks and review your trip,etc...