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Posted
ooh, ooh, me too, me too, my hubby wants a GPS system, I just don't know anything about them but I also thought about the one from Target. So any info will be appreciated :)
Posted
I have an eTrex Legend (blue one, not the yellow on sale) and I like it, but never really use it. the few times I have used it, it was easy to use and you can D/L maps and coords. for it, but I don't know how or where. I think I did use it just to see how far it was from our house to my DHs aunt's house last Thanksgiving. LOL
Posted
This is a really nice basic starter GPS! It kinda depends on what he wants to use it for whether this is the one for him. If he'll be using it for goecaching, it will be perfect. If he wants to download more specific maps, can't do with this kind. You can check out the Garmin website to see all what it can do.
Posted

If you your hubby wants a car navigation system, then don't bother with the cheap options ... you need to speend more than $79.00 ...

 

The eTrex is great for Hikers etc, who need to know where they are, and where they parked their cars, but it will not be good as an in-car navigation system.

 

There are a lot of models that are good for automotive use...

 

I can tell you about the Garmin range. (and a little about the Magellan Ranges).

(* = model numbers, + = positive aspects, - = negative aspects)

 

StreetPilot i-series ... 2.15" screen ... comes in 3 versions.

* i2 = greyscale screen. Regional Maps. 128Mb Transflash card. (MSRP:$320)

* i3 = color screen. Regional Maps 128Mb Transflash card. (MSRP: $430)

* i5 = color screen, National Maps. (MSRP:$535)

+ They are about the size of a baseball.

+ They can use AA batteries, (good for rental cars)

+ come with 12V adapter, and suction mount.

- small screens (2.15")

- i2/i3 use Transflash (smaller version of SD ... not cheap) - 128Mb will get a regional map ... tristate area around NYC for example (NY, NJ and CT )

 

StreetPilot c-series... 3.5" screen

* c320 = Regional maps. 128Mb SD Card (MSRP: $590)

* c330 = National maps (MSRP: $750)

* c340 = National maps with Local FM Traffic alerts (MSRP: $860)

+ Small, portable units.

+ LI-ion battery

+ 12V/24V adapter, and suction cup.

- Small screen (3.5")

 

Garmin StreetPilot 2xxx Series ... 3.7" Display

* 2610 - Regional Maps, 128Mb CompactFlash (MSRP $850)

* 2620 - National Maps (MSRP: $1075)

* 2650 - Regional Maps, 128Mb CompactFlash + Dead Reckoning (MSRP: $1400)

* 2660 - National Maps + Dead Reckoning (MSRP: $1750)

* 2720 - National Maps + Local FM Traffic Reports (MSRP: $1075)

* 2730 - National Maps + XM Radio + Local XM Traffic (NavTraffic) (MSRP: $1300)

+ Big unit with remote, and some proper buttons, as well as touch screen

+ Dash mount installation kit (sticks to the dash pretty well)

+ Sandbag non-split mount (great for rentals)

- Big, bulky unit.

- 2650/2660 need professional install, as it has to be connected to the transmission.

- 2730 requires XM subscription for the Local Traffic Data.

 

Garmin StreetPilot 7xxx Series ... 7" Display

* 7200 = National Maps + MP3 + XM Radio + Local XM Traffic (XM Navtraffic) (MSRP: $1615)

* 7500 = National Maps + MP3 + Dead Reckoning + XM Radio + Local XM Taffic (XM Navtraffic) (MSRP: $1940)

+ BIG screen.

+ XM Traffic Alerts

+ XM Radio Recievers

+ MP3 player (from SD cards)

+ Great for Big-Rigs or RV's.

- EXPENSIVE !!!

 

Magellan Roadmate series ... 3.5" Display

* 300 = Regional Maps, 110Mb built in + SD flash cards. (MSRP: $530)

* 360 = National Maps (MSRP: $800)

* 500 = Regional Maps, 256Mb CF flash cards (MSRP: Unknown)

* 700 = National Maps (MSRP: $750)

* 760 = National Maps (MSRP: $1150)

* 800 = National Maps, MP3, JPG. (MSRP:???)

+ Simple, intuitive interface

+ 360,700,760,800 have European maps installed, just needs unlock key

+ Windshield suction mount (not good for minivans)

- not very user-configurable. (bad for BigRigs or RV)

 

OK ... so a quick synopsis of the different options.

I haven't seen the Garmin i-series in stores yet ...

The Garmin c-series has a prettier interface, but I believe that it has limited configuration options.

The Garmin 2xxx series has both an older 2D (satelite) view, and the more modern 3D (birdseye) view. Lots of configuration options. (Vehicle type, U-Turn capability, Avoid roads/intersections, Road Preferences, Speed limits etc)

The Garmin 7xxx series is the Top of the Range, including XM Radio and MP3 capabilities.

The Garmin 2610/2650 are the oldest of the Garmin models.

The Magellans have a more "user friendly" interface - derived from Hertz NeverLost ... Unfortunately, it assumes you are driving a car/SUV, and that you can make a U-Turn anywhere (not good for RV, BigRigs, or Towing).

 

Regional Maps (flash cards) vs National Maps (Built-in) ... The Regional Maps now use non-propreitary flash cards. (either CF, SD or TransFlash) ... 128Mb will get NYC Metropolitan Area (Downstate NY, NJ, LongIsland, and parts of CT). in the mid-west, it'll probably get several states :-). Loading of the Regional Maps will require a PC. (not exactly a problem for readers of this posting). All the GPS's can be updated with more recent maps, although unless the GPS was purchased after the release of a new map, there is usually a cost associated with it.

 

With regard to the Garmin Local Traffic Data ... The FM versions use ... well, FM radio ... which is free ... the XM NavTraffic versions use XM ... which isn't free. In both cases, they are local to large metropolitan areas, so don't buy the feature, unless you have confirmed availability of the service in your area (Obviously, XM is national, but unless they are carrying traffic data for your area, its not going to be relevent.)

 

As for Garmin's Dead Reckoning options, they require installation by a professional, as it needs to know what gear you are in, and what speed you are going ... but it does have the advantage in a city like NY, where buildings obscure the sky, and limit GPS capability significantly.

 

Which would I get?

> Well, I've had the 2610 and currently use a 2620 (with the intention of upgrading to the 7200) ...

Which would my wife get?

> probably the Garmin c-series.

Which would I give my kids?

>The Garmin i2 (cos its the cheapest).

Why would I not get the Magellan?

> Well, I tried one ... Unfortunately, when I went off route, it just kept telling me to do a U-Turn... not the easiest thing when driving on a divided highway, with no-U-Turn signs at every set of lights, In a city I'd never been to. The Garmin (27xx at any rate) can be told to give directions equivalent to a U-Turn (ie, drive around a block) ... (yeah, kind of obvious, _BUT_ if you are driving an RV or towing a boat (for example), it's useful to know _which_ block :-D)

 

The 2610 is probably the best value for money, since it is available from online providers for around $500 (refurb) or $600 (new).

 

Anyway, if anyone wants more, PM me ...

 

@

Posted

this is what I wanted to get it for him. Know of any books/websites that have info on geocaching?

 

This is a really nice basic starter GPS! It kinda depends on what he wants to use it for whether this is the one for him. If he'll be using it for goecaching, it will be perfect. If he wants to download more specific maps, can't do with this kind. You can check out the Garmin website to see all what it can do.

Posted

this is what I wanted to get it for him. Know of any books/websites that have info on geocaching?

Do a search on Google, it brings up a ton of stuff. :)

 

I've been geocaching without a GPS and really need one..don't feel like shopping on BF though. :(

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