Hand held GPS

[jinman]

Here's a picture of our Garmin GPSmap 60Cx this spring on our trip. This was crossing Death Valley. The only issue with it is you'll have to buy a memory chip and extra MapSource maps from Garmin to have any great road details. I have all of North America on ours. I think if we make another trip, I'll buy a new TomTom or Garmin Nuvi for the car instead of staring at this little screen. For offroad or marine, I think it's hard to beat the GPSmap 60Cx

 

[chipsndust]

Thanks for the responses.

I have no experience with the handhelds, but my research was leading me to the Garmin GPSMAP 60CX, so your feedback is reinforcing that.

The only negatives I've heard are:
1. You need to buy additional (expensive?) map software for your areas of interest.
2. The interface software can only be used on one PC.

Within reason, I don't mind the cost, if it will perform the functions i want, but the "one PC" limitation could be a problem.

Any comments on the "negatives" (are they true?)

 

[whistlepig]

Thanks for the responses.

I have no experience with the handhelds, but my research was leading me to the Garmin GPSMAP 60CX, so your feedback is reinforcing that.

The only negatives I've heard are:
1. You need to buy additional (expensive?) map software for your areas of interest.
2. The interface software can only be used on one PC.

Within reason, I don't mind the cost, if it will perform the functions i want, but the "one PC" limitation could be a problem.

Any comments on the "negatives" (are they true?)

It is true that all the mapping software is optional and expensive. I can't say for sure if the interface software is one PC or not. I've only used it on one PC. The interface software isn't that expensive. There is kind of a line between GPS units. For me a hand held is something that is handy, easy to carry in the field, ultra dependable, and instant at what you need it to do in the field. Pull it out of your pocket, punch a couple of buttons, and the coordinates are there. My GPS is full of way points that I have created and these places are not something one could find with software.

 

[wdchyd]

It is true that all the mapping software is optional and expensive.

Not true anymore:thumbsup:.....check out this website.....GPSFileDepot - Custom Maps, Ximage hosting, tutorials, articles and more for your GPSr

I've used this software on 3 different units and it works great.....all I needed was a MicroSD Memory Disc, (9.88 at Wallyworld).....and the file download is free.....

The Garmin Astro, I believe, takes the same software as the other Garmins....including the Garmin GPSMAP60 Series.......

Here's a screen shot of the Garmin Astro Dog Tracker I use.......

 

[jinman]

We bought one copy of Garmin's MapSource software and installed it on our desktop and laptop for travel. It works well on both. I like the ability to build a route on the computer and download it to the GPS. But alas! The little screen and beeps my hearing doesn't hear are two great disadvantages for road navigation. Even so, the ability to pinpoint our location on a map is one of the features we use most.

 

[jimmyj]

I have a Garmin Etrex and it's great except when I'm in the forest under heavy tree cover. It can't find the satellites in those conditions.

 

[chipsndust]

Thanks for all the responses and good ingormation. I ordered a GPSMAP60CX.

wdchyd:
Thanks for the link to GPSfiledepot.

 

[whistlepig]

Not true anymore:thumbsup:.....check out this website.....GPSFileDepot - Custom Maps, Ximage hosting, tutorials, articles and more for your GPSr

I've used this software on 3 different units and it works great.....all I needed was a MicroSD Memory Disc, (9.88 at Wallyworld).....and the file download is free.....

The Garmin Astro, I believe, takes the same software as the other Garmins....including the Garmin GPSMAP60 Series.......

Here's a screen shot of the Garmin Astro Dog Tracker I use.......

Thanks wdchyd. I'll be checking this out when I have the time. I already have the memory disc.

 

[wdchyd]

Whistlepig,

Been meeting up with other guys with Garmin Astro GPS while training the beagles and it's so easy for me to just give up my memory disc preloaded with the Topo Maps instead of showing them how to do it and I just go buy another at Wallyworld on the way home and preload another.......This AM I gave up the third one.....

 

[whistlepig]

Whistlepig,

Been meeting up with other guys with Garmin Astro GPS while training the beagles and it's so easy for me to just give up my memory disc preloaded with the Topo Maps instead of showing them how to do it and I just go buy another at Wallyworld on the way home and preload another.......This AM I gave up the third one.....

Well that is just about as much country kindness as one could ever hope for. Must be the Beagle dog blood in you. My father raised beagles for field trials. He was very good at it. Several field trial champion dogs. I used to work the dogs every night after school. It was one of my chores. Every now and then I think about working some beagles. But it's a serious full time job if done right. Beagle trials are all but gone around here.