Navigation & GPS Systems: Need guidance on first GPS

I'd look at the following

Magellan Meridian Marine
Magellan SporTrak Pro Marine
Garmin GPSMAP 76S
Garmin Rino 120

TC


"madi" <com> wrote in message
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I'd 
with 

The believe the only Garmin units that float are the GPS 72, GPS 76,
GPSMAP 76 and GPSMAP 76S.
--


Darrel Goheen
com
http://www.tvnav.com




"madi" <com> wrote in message
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I'd 
with 

Don't the RINOs float?

TC


"Darrel Goheen" <com> wrote in message
news:bqp8ul$nm6$126.64.38... 

I don't believe that I have ever heard that. I'll cc this to Garmin for
an answer as I won't be testing it.
--


Darrel Goheen
com
http://www.tvnav.com




"Tony Clark" <com> wrote in message
newsPWzb.15$news.pas.earthlink.net... 
floats. 
direction 

I see an add for Magellan SprorTrak Pro and it says its waterproof and
floats. But does it show tide information? Do all GPS units give tidal
info? Thanks I know nothing about GPS. Radio shak has sportTrak Pro for
$269 and Magellan Platinum for $349. Should I spend $100 dollars more?
What more would i get for that money?

Darrel Goheen wrote: 

madi wrote: 

No, only a few GPS units, like the Garmin 76 series, provide information on
tides. However, as a kayaker I don't find it too useful anyway since I'm
mainly interested in the currents due to tides and the Garmins only provide
tide heights, not currents. Plenty of websites give complete tide
information and there are usually inexpensive booklets available in local
stores as well (in the SF bay area these cost $1-2 and are sold at
canoe/kayak stores and outdoor retailers like REI).
I'd also recommend putting any GPS unit in a clear waterproof pouch like
those by AquaPac and Voyageur. Yes, most units specify IPX7 waterproofness
but 1) a wave crashing down can exceed that specification, and 2) there
have been reports of failures of the waterproofness of some units by all
the major manufacturers. When inside such a pouch, all units will easily
float in addition to having much greater security from water intrusion.
 

The Meridian units have a slot for an SD memory card so you can load much
larger maps. But you need to buy at least one memory card whereas the
SporTrak Pro has 23 MB available internally for detailed maps. The
Meridians are larger and have a slightly larger screen. The Mer. Platinum
also includes a barometer for tracking air pressure changes and a magnetic
compass. BTW, I'd suggest checking prices at some of the better internet
retailers like www.tvnav.com (for Garmin only), www.gpscity.com, etc. 

All GPS units do not show tide info. The SporTrak Marine has tide
information but as near as I can tell the SporTrak Pro and Meridian series
of GPS do not.

The Platinum can use SD memory cards which allows for more maps to be
carried with the unit. It also has an electronic compass which does not
reply on the GPS and a barometer. If you have a Costco in your area you
might want to call or visit them. Also take a look at Costco's online page
for additional GPS units you may not find in the warehouse. They have the
SporTrak Pro for $229 and the Meridian Platinum for $279. They also have the
Meridian Gold Travellers Pack for $399 which includes an SD memory card, a
car mounting bracket, MapSend Direct mapping SW and a car power adapter/PC
cable.

Cheers
TC


"madi" <com> wrote in message
news:Nb2Ab.65990$news.prodigy.com... 

Peter wrote: 

Thank you for the help on the tide charts and the waterproof pouch. I'm
looking at Garmin etrex vista now cost $300 at REI. But at GPScity $249.
Is there anything negative I should know about this GPS or will it do the
job?