Recommended GPS Receivers?

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."

Comments

Do you really need mapping? (Or to spend $350?)

[Exocet]

I've had a GPS receiver with mapping and one with out. My current GPS, the Garmin eTrex Summit has all the basic GPS features plus fine-grain elevation-related information.

I've found that I don't miss the mapping capabilities because now I simply plug the GPS via a serial cable into the available nine pin com port on my laptop. I use Streets and Trips from MS and USA PhotoMaps for down to 1 meter photo views. I plug the GPS in when I'm stumbling for wireless AP's, too.

I occasionally use the GPS while Geocaching and while snowshoe hiking. Again, both hobbies don't really need/make use of the maps. I simply set a waypoint for the car before I leave and, if necessary, I can use the backtrack function to find my way back. Otherwise, you just walk towards the waypoint you made.

MS's S&T is about $30, USAPhotoMaps is either free or there is a small donation requested. A Garmin eTrex Summit GPS is $180-190 (via froogle.google.com). Streets and Trips will outstrip the maps on the GPS by FAR, assuming you already have a laptop and won't have to suffer that additional expense.

Otherwise, the eTrex Legend has mapping capabilities and is $160 at Wal-Mart and has mapping capabilities. No need to spend the full $350! The eTrex line is nice, IMO. A friend of mine has the basic yellow eTrex and we've used it (and my Summit) on the water, in the cold (snow), heat, etc. They've both been banged around a bit and haven't suffered at all from our adventures.

Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Venture

[Gudlyf]

I've owned both of these units and I've found the Magellan to be a better buy:

• Etrex Venture
• Pro: Small, lightweight
• Pro: Easy to use
• Con: Does not work indoors
• Con: Put it in your pocket or walk under tree cover, *poof*, no more signal.
• Con: Almost too small of a display to read.
• Con: Joystick can be fragile.

• Magellan Meridian Platinum
• Pro: Can insert MMC cards to store maps, uncluding roads and topo maps
• Pro: Works indoors to some degree and works very well under treecover and in your pocket/backpack.
• Con: A bit larger/bulkier to carry around.
• Pro: Comes with an initial U.S. Map installed.
• Con: Doesn't have a neat "range ring" based on your satellite reception.

YMMV, but those are my observations. My father got an ETrex for Christmas from someone this year, and I told him not to even open the package, return it and get the Meridian. The Etrex's patch antennae works for sh*t in my experience.

Also be sure to check the forums over on Geocaching.com -- this subject has been talked to death there.