Looking for a new GPS

[rob85635]

I have the Garmin 700. It works but does not have all the features I want, a $99 upgrade dvd is available but I don't want to buy it so I'm looking for a new one.

Here is what I need it to do.

1. Give me Lat/Long (duh) and elevation
2. Have the ability to mark a place my vehicle is sitting and give it a name. I ghost town hunt and occassionally I come across a neat old broken down home, a cool photography spot, etc.
3. If possible, not sure they make it, a GPS that will chart the dirt roads I am on and remember them. For instance I can turn on the "mapping" or whatever and drive. Then when I am done I will have a line (much like a new road) on my gps that I could name whatever I want, say "dirt road to the old well".
4. The rest of the normal stuff.

Recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If #3 is not possible I must have the ability to add my own points of interest.

Thanks,

Rob

[deserth3]

Take a look at the Garmin 60csx. I just bought one and haven't figured out all it will do yet. You will have to buy the topo and street chips or software depending on you preference.

[Agriv8r]

a notepad and pencil work well...

[HUMMJAY]

analog GPS,, buy a map

[Field Scout]

magellan crossover came out this year I think its exactly what your looking for(its what I want just havent spent the 499.00 yet) if you get it post your thoughts. I'd like someone else to be the guiennie pig (spelling?)

[rob85635]

I will look up that crossover model and the other one thanks. And to those who suggest a map and pencil, whatever, I would do that if I wanted. But I am lazy, I would like to purchase a new unit.

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by deserth3

Take a look at the Garmin 60csx. I just bought one and haven't figured out all it will do yet. You will have to buy the topo and street chips or software depending on you preference.

That's the one to get, along with the Mapsource Topographic software. Best GPS I have ever owned, and it replaced a Magellan Sportopo that literally fell apart after three years. (I was a Magellan fan for years, having a few different Magellan's, but after the guts of the Topo came out with the battery tray, along with the fact Magellan has no customer service, I jumped to Garmin. You might wait twenty minutes if you have a question with Garmin, but dang, they answer and help, and from what I have read, from other people if there is a problem, Garmin exchanges fast.)
The 60csx has the Sirf III chip, and locks onto sats faster than I have ever seen for a consumer GPSr. Great upload/download via the computer. Plot your trip on the computer and download to the GPSr, then link to Google Earth and see you route. Mark a route you are driving and download that route to the laptop to keep for future reference.

If the Garmin is too expensive, the Lowrance iFinder Expedition Series is highly rated.

Good website where you can ask questions and get some great informative answers.
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/

[MUD4ME]

Just a note; Radio Shack is having there big sale on GPS units. All GPS is employee priced! I just got the Mag. 2000 for 299.00 minus the 20% employee discount. Not a bad deal.

[bobopotato]

This is what I use and I highly recommend it... www.teletype.com
Get their receiver (sirf III) and their software - I then run the receiver off my dell axim pda via bluetooth...

The beauty of the system is that I can download aerial photos and topo maps off the terra server (free) via the software and navigate on those maps (on the trails, street maps are useless since there are no streets). I usually run off the aerial photos because I can often estimate when a trail is too narrow or when I want to know what's that clear patch east of me... best thing I've ever got. And because its on a pda, I can load a ton of maps onto it, and in high definition too (for the aerial photos and topo maps)...

I highly recommend it...

[Urban Ops]

I see what you want it to do.... The question is how much do you want to spend?

[rob85635]

I prefer to spend $800 or less, but might spend up to $1200 if it is necessary.

[BigBill]

I posted this in an older thread and for that I apologize!

Anyway, I am looking at the Garmin 376c or 378c. Any ideas on these units? They have more functionality and can move between marine and land.

Bill

[Huck BB62]

I've been eyeing the Garmin 7200 with a backup camera and XM radio for our Roadtrek and to be used in the H3. Nice big scren, less than a grand.

[blindzebra]

garmin 478 fo sho. I has all streets and saltwater preloaded. Now all you need is topos and parks maps instead of everything. you can get one for 819 with 89 for topos and 89 for natl parks maps, or find a friend with some of the maps already.

Also how readily available are the extra maps online for free download. shareware etc?

[BigBill]

The 378c and the 478c are identical with the only difference being the 378 is loaded with inland lakes and the 478 is loaded with coastal areas. Being near the Lake of the Ozarks, it would make sense for me to have the 378c. Both have the capability of using it a vehicle with the GXM30 external, XM antenna.

On the other hand, the 7200 is a nice unit. I guess what would matter is how much versatility one would like.

Bill

[PA-H3]

Bought the Crossover by Magellan. Used for about a month now I really like it. plus if you have a boat you can use it on the water ways. I like useing the topographically map when I am out forgeing new trails with the track feature on. I don't know if you can name each road you find but I know you can save the route and locations you find. Hope this helps!! I bought mine through cabella points and when they were running a sale I do allot of shopping there so the points added up quick. If your around Allentown Pa PM me and I'll show you it.