What Brand Of GPS Do You Own?

spectr17 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2002, 01:23 AM

What model GPS do you own?

Would you buy the same GPS brand again?

What is the best and worst thing about your GPS?

Where did you buy your GPS?

I've got a Garmin GPS III right now and I llike. I can pop in into horizontal mode in my truck or rental vehicle and set it on the dash and go scouting. When I get out to hike I flip the screen to vertical and shazam!. Only drawback is the fragile antenna and small onbard map database. The new version is the Garmin GPS V which has more onboard map memory.

I got my III at http://www.tvnav.com/index.html

EVAN III · #2 (**permalink**) 10-27-2002, 04:06 AM

I've been eyeballing GPS for quite awhile. I was looking at the Etrex, you know the $100 walmart one. My question is is it enough? As far as I know all I want it to do is mark locations and tell me where I'm at. Built in compass would be nice. So what else do I REALLY need. And will the Etrex do it?
Oh ya, I will also be using it inside and outside my truck.
EVAN III

Gun Docc · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2002, 09:10 AM

Howdy folks,

i now have a Garmin Map76 and also a Magellan 315 , the 315 don't see much use anymore since getting the Map76...lol

the Garmin Map76 is my favorite as it has the mapping capabilities with a good quad helix antenna design for great satellite reception and is very easy to use

i use the Map76 just about every time i go anywhere and it sure is nice to have the maps to keep you on track as to where you are or where your headed while either driving or out hunting

i have mine loaded with the Topo maps for the areas i roam and it seems to cover plenty of ground with it's 8 megabytes of memory
if you was looking at a square section of the state i am in(GA.) i have an area that is about 120 miles wide and 180 miles long loaded on the unit now with the Topo maps and it will hold more if needed so the amount of maps it holds is plenty for my use

would i buy the same brand again ? definitely

Good luck on your Ventures,

sven · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2002, 07:59 PM

I have a Garmin 12Map. I would definitely buy another Garmin. The best thing about it is that I can operate it with one hand. The worst thing about it is the limited memory. It only holds 1.44Mb which depending on the terrain can really limit you in the size of a topo map you can upload. I bought my unit at www.gpscity.com. They have an excellent selection and very good prices on the units and accessories.

MCinIL · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2002, 08:20 PM

I have just bought a Garmin76mapS and so far it seems great. Yes I would buy one again, in fact I'm probably going to get my son one for his graduation gift. Works great in my truck or in the woods. MC.

californiacoyotes · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2002, 08:13 AM

i have a lowerance globalmap 100. the GPS has got to be the best piece of gear i've bought in the past 4 years!

cc

pikeman · #7 (**permalink**) 10-29-2002, 03:04 PM

Here's to Garmin. I've got the Garmin 12XL. I've had it for 2 years and recently it started giving me a message that said my memory battery was low. I followed the instructions to replace the AA batteries as they would charge the lithium memory battery. This didn't work so I emailed Garmin asking what to do next and they gave me a return authorization #. On Monday, October 21st I Fed Ex'd the GPS to them and I received it back on Thursday, October 24th via Airborne Express with a new memory battery at no charge to me ! What great customer service. I'm very happy with this unit as its simple to use and has all the features I need. I also believe you can buy it for about $150.00. Their great customer service will keep me referring people to Gamin.

Cheers,
Blair Pike

Passthru · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 06:35 PM

Got the Garmin Camo,Bought it at WalMart,Great item and would buy it agian in a heart beat.Still learning

Mntngoat · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 07:19 PM

I've got a Meridian gold that i keep plugged in my truck still trying to learn all the functions, I agree with CaliforniaCoyotes one of the best tools I bought in the last few years. Got the Topo and Map software on the computer and just input where I want to go and downoad it to the unit.

rusman66 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 08:32 AM

I Have An e-trex legend, I have not had it long but so far so good. I have yet to try any other maps other than the one that came with it.

Goodtimes · #11 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 09:53 AM

I see I'm in good company. A couple GPSmap76 owners have already weighed in. I love mine. Bought it 9 months ago after much research. Held out for a good buy and finally hit the right "BUY IT NOW" item on Ebay and saved 50 bucks. Never been sorry and have used the heck out of it Geocaching and on other adventures.

I use the TOPO MapSource software and find it accurate and very helpful. I will buy Garmin again and have never been sorry I chose the map76.

Happy travels!

Goodtimes

Tinhorn · #12 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 04:21 PM

In 1995 I bought the Magellan 4000 when it came out, I thought it was pretty good but it's Old Technology now. Last year I got the little brother to the Etrex Legend, the Etrex venture, same thing as the Legend but no maps.

I really like it; it's small and light and faster to lock on than my Magellan (which would not lock on when moving, the etrex will lock on, even at 60 MPH!) The display is very clear (but a little small for my old eyes) and when I get to about a thousand yards, the distance changes from miles to yards then eventually to feet, kind of nice.

I do wish it had the Helix Antenna tho, instead of the Patch, my Old Magellan would lock on even in the house but forget that with the Etrex Venture! But, really, I don't have much of a lock-on problem in the outdoors, even in woods.....

I got it from Cabella's for $170 .....

Tinhorn

californiacoyotes · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 04:51 PM

yeah i use my globalmap with maptech's software.

cc

fpscabs · #14 (**permalink**) 11-12-2002, 12:48 AM

got the Legend and really can't compare only one I have used. Don't like the Mapsource softwear. Really like being able to download topo maps on to the unit. helps in the field. I was within 30" of a corner marker I came across while hunting.

butchigan · #15 (**permalink**) 11-18-2002, 03:03 PM

WENT TO WALLY -MART TODAY PICKED UP A MERIDIAN MAGELLAN, DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE IT YET SO THE JURY'S STILL OUT? I GET BACK WITH YA.
ANYBODY KNOW IF THIS UNIT IS ANY GOOD ? I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT LOOKS DURABLE COMPARED TO THE ONES I'VE SEEN.

deerguide · #16 (**permalink**) 11-20-2002, 01:32 PM

I've used a Trimble in the past. It was OK, not great, just the basic features. More recently, I've moved to a Lowrance GlobleNav 212 and a Lowrance GlobleMap 100. Both great systems, the map being the only real difference. Not too excited about the map part as not too many of the back roads I travel are listed.

In my capacity as a guide I've taken the 212 and been able to create tracks and routs off-line on my PC, upload them and then use them in the black of night to find my way to places that I've not been to in a year. Pretty good when what you are trying to find is that camouflaged deer stand you built last summer.

Most recently, I've had the honor to try out the new Garmin Rino 120. This is one sweet little gizmo. Not only is it a great GPS with mapping capability, not only does it have WAAS, but they integrated it with a FRS/GMRS radio.

My buddy and I were out yesterday, both with a 120. Every time he keyed his mike, my 120 would update his position on my GPS map window along with my position. I know exactly where I was, and where he was. The sucker even told my how far he was and what direction to take to his location. Sweet. Not trying to sell anyone anything ($149.95 retail), but check out the specs on the Garmin site.
Garmin Rino 120

martin · #17 (**permalink**) 11-20-2002, 02:41 PM

I got the Etrex Camo version and really like it--I'm still learning how to use it, but so far so good.

vermonsta · #18 (**permalink**) 11-26-2002, 08:11 PM

I've had a garmin legend for about a year now and love it . I bought this unit with more features than most of my buddies as I plan on keeping it a while. I don't upgrade every time there's something new out there . I am still learning all the features and fiddling with my own prefrences on some of the pages. I'm using easygps to download my waypoints to the computer and for getting maps. I have played with some of the maptech programs and not 100% sold on them. I would buy garmin again for the ease of use , features ,and durability only reservation is maptech.

MNHNTR · #19 (**permalink**) 11-29-2002, 10:21 PM

Had a GArmin 12XL for the last 4 years. Simple to use. I will probably buy another.

TmKarren · #20 (**permalink**) 12-02-2002, 09:47 AM

I bought a Garmin eTrex Legend 10/2002. I like it I'm glad I got it. It is very easy to use. If you can run a computer with Windows (who don't have windows) you can run this. It has everything I need then some. I think I bought it for the size. I have never used one, or tried anyother one out before.

JJW · #21 (**permalink**) 12-31-2002, 08:41 AM

Howdy,
I have had my Garmin Vista for about a year now and still love it!
Hunting, Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Snowsheing etc....
Great small waterproof unit, that records downloadable tracklogs.
See-Ya,
John

Borebutter · #22 (**permalink**) 01-03-2003, 12:14 AM

I got a Garmin Rino 120 for Christmas. So far I love it. It's an e-Trex legend for the GPS and it has a FRS and GMRS radio built in so it can transmit it's location to another Rino as long as they are in range. Now all I gotta do is talk my hunting buddy into buying one... The GPS features are wonderful - more features than I'll probably ever use, but better to have too many than not enough I suppose...

New Pig Hunter · #23 (**permalink**) 01-13-2003, 12:01 PM

I bought the bottom-of-the-line Garmin eTrex. It is perfect for everything I need, which is not getting lost. Very very simple to use.

In contrast, my pal Tim just got a Garmin Legend for Christmas and it has so many menu choices..... I couldn't figure it out. I was plenty impressed with all those features, but 2 weeks later the little "mouse" button quit working properly. Oh well.

muley4me · #24 (**permalink**) 01-14-2003, 06:25 PM

I have the e-trex Venture with Map Source software and LOVE it. If I were to buy another one I would go with the Vista. The Vista shows map detail witch would be really nice.Shane

1SoCalHunter · #25 (**permalink**) 01-19-2003, 09:11 AM

I got the Magellan Meridian Gold, but I still don't know how to use it

Anybody can point a few easy steps on how to use it? I got the instructions, manuals and all, but I still don't get it...

Repete · #26 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 11:24 AM

I have two Etrex basic yellow, and I just bought a new legend. They accuracy seems to be about the same on both. Although the legend will get down to about 5 feet if I am receiving waas signals.

stuffed · #27 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 09:58 AM

Greetings,
I bought the Garmin GPS 76 (The non-mapping one)
I've only had it a week and so far I like it. The screen size the resolution is very good. I feel its better than the Magellan's screens. It has a nice hand size to it. And it can be operated with one hand.

I haven't been able to do in the woods testing, so I don't know how well it will work under trees.
I did have the chance to use a friend’s GPS 12 in the woods. It worked quite nicely even under trees. So I probably assume the GPS 76 is better.
The only reason I didn't buy the GPS 12 is its not currently technology, WAAS ready, the screens to small, and resolution is to low.

One thing I don't like about the GPS 76 is you can't adjust the screen back light. And if you hold the Enter/Mark button to long it will mark two waypoints instead of one. But you can always delete it later.

What I really like is you can Add, Edit, and even drag waypoints using the map screen.

I bought mine online at Dick's Sporting Goods for $219.

Would I buy another Garmin? Absolutely.

- stuffed

Don · #28 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 12:24 PM

Well I guess I have the dinosaur here.

Mine is the old Eagle Accunav. Had it for about for about 8 years now. It has 5 parallel channels which at the time was top of the line.

It has served me well but after listening to you guys I guess I need to start looking again.

Ifly · #29 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 11:31 AM

I've got the Garmin 12..had it for quiet a few yrs. and it's worked perfect. Good under heavy canopy. But it's time for a new model. I have been trying to decide between Garmin GPSMAP 76-S and Magellan Meridian Platinum. I'm pretty sure it's going to be the Garmin. Main reason I'm upgrading is the electronic compass. WAAS won't do me any good in the woods, but will be nice to have when we get more than two WASS satilites.

jayber · #30 (**permalink**) 09-19-2003, 11:02 AM

I just got an eTrex Vista and from what little I've used it, it looks to be all I need (and then some). I had been watching some on eBay, but happened upon a site on the internet (CompUSA I believe) that was giving $109 discount off retail. I wound up getting it cheaper, incl. warranty, than I saw used ones go for on eBay. So, I'm happy!!