Navigation & GPS Systems: Need guidance on first GPS

For travel purposes the Magellan Meridian Gold, Platnium or Color would
probably be my choice. The simple reason is the SD card allows for alot more
map data to be carried without the need for a laptop or PC.

Another option, just to cloud the issue, would be to carry a PDA and the
appropriate mapping SW for the countries you intend to visit. Then you can
load up whatever memory cards the PDA takes and have virtually unlimited
maps. This would require extra map SW, but there are many low cost
alternatives available.

Cheers
TC

"madi" <com> wrote in message
news:Yf4Ab.66024$news.prodigy.com... 

The Vista is not a "bad" gps but I think there are better choices. It's nice
because it's small but that also means that you can see less data on the
screen without having to scroll around. The eTrex line also uses a Patch
style antenna which may have reception problems under heavy tree cover or in
"Urban canyons". The Magellan units and the Garmin GPSMAP 76S use a Quad
Helix antenna which has been shown to provide better satellite reception.
You'll still need mapping SW which will run you about $80-100 more so at
~$350 I think there are better deals.

TC


"madi" <com> wrote in message
news:244Ab.66018$news.prodigy.com... 

Tony Clark wrote: 

I've settled on the Magellan Meridan Platinum at Costco for $279. I think
this will be the most versatile for City/Country use. And it Floats! (I
think I'll still invest int he waterproof Case LOL)

Thanks all for the great tips. There's nothing better then hearing from the
experts with personal experience (and Usenet).





" <com> wrote in message 

"Tony Clark" <com> wrote in
news:eJ7Ab.543$news.pas.earthlink.net:
 

That sort of statement should be 'taken with a grain of salt'.
See the GPS page on my website.

--
Dave Patton
Canadian Coordinator, the Degree Confluence Project
http://www.confluence.org dpatton at confluence dot org
My website: http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/
Vancouver/Whistler - host of the 2010 Winter Olympics

Madi,

I like the memory card capability of the Meridian. However, I think the
operating software of the Garmins is much better. The Vista is good, but
for kayaking there is a problem. I suggest that you used a dry bag to
protect the GPS even if it is advertised as waterproof. The click stick and
side buttons of the eTrex Vista, while being a good overall design are not
good for operating in a dry bag.

In spite of the memory size (8 mb), I would recommend the Garmin GPS Map 76
with the MetroGuide software. However, the Magellan from Costco would also
work.

I have a book online that started as an explanation of using GPS for
kayaking. Have a copy printed at Kinko's and sign my guestbook or drop me a
line if it is of any use.

John Bell
www.smallboatgps.com


"madi" <com> wrote in message
news:Yf4Ab.66024$news.prodigy.com... 

I'll add, too, that the type of antenna usually dictates how it's
held. While I think the 76S would be a great overall unit for
kayaking, its helix antenna orientation means it needs to be held
vertically.

Which seems to be in the face of how I'd want to "mount" it to a
kayak's deck (without another antenna).

What's the orientation of the Magellan types?


On Fri, 05 Dec 2003 23:26:40 GMT, Dave Patton
<confluence.org> wrote:
 

LOL, I did say "may have problems"

TC

"Dave Patton" <confluence.org> wrote in message
news:71.223.159... 

Now Dave, here is what you said, right from your web page


"There were a few times when it reported a loss of
signal, but in each case I found that if I moved
a short distance(less than 20 feet) to where I though
that the built-in antenna might get a better signal
through the forest canopy, the signal was re-acquired,
typically within 30 seconds, although sometimes to get
at least 3 signals, I had to either move around a bit,
or change the direction the Venture was pointing.

As a tip, I noticed that when there was a loss of signal,
moving to the closest spot where the sunshine was reaching
the forest floor often enabled the signals to be received"


Sounds like my statement might be salt-free? LOL

TC




"Dave Patton" <confluence.org> wrote in message
news:71.223.159...