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Recommended GPS Receivers?

Posted by Cliff on from the post-xmas-electronic-purchases dept.

vergere asks: "Christmas has come and gone and I've got the go-ahead from the SO to make one of those big once-a-year electronic purchases. I've decided to get a handheld GPS receiver, so I'd like to draw on the collective knowledge of Slashdot and ask for recommendations. I'd like a good set of features (nothing too basic) and mapping capability - the more bells and whistles I can get for my budget of $350 the better. I'm currently looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 76S - any user experiences with this particular model would be welcomed."

3 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. www.gpsnow.com seems to be where to buy it by jcwren · · Score: 3, Informative

    I've not checked every possible nook and cranny on the 'net, but GPSNow.com has the cheapest price I've managed to find anywhere.

    --jc

  2. GPS units by Tandoori+Haggis · · Score: 3, Informative

    Another contender is the Silva Navigator.
    This unit features GPS, barometer and electronic compass. Check the description and tech spec at
    http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod171.html

    Battery life with the suggested strategy is perfectly adequate for 2 weeks from to AA cells.

    Note the low minimum operating temperatute.

    Built in maps sound like a nice idea but some units have functions specific to certain areas only(North America) which you pay for. Some places you might visit may not be that well served by maps.

    Personally I'd either go for this or one of the Magellan GPS receivers.

    Good luck.

    --
    My hyperlinks aren't worth the paper they're printed on.
  3. Garmin 60CS by Tricot · · Score: 3, Informative
    If you can wait for about 2 months, then a new one coming out in a month may be a better option:
    The Garmin 60CS has the same features as the 76S, but also has:
    • Color screen
    • USB interface (map uploads are VERY slow over a serial interface)
    • 56Meg of map memory (vs 24 for the 76S)
    • Longer battery life
    • Auto-routing with appropriate maps


    It looks like a sweet little unit. If I hadn't bought a GPS V 6 months ago, I'd seriously consider getting one myself.


    -- Mitch