Hand Held GPS

[Maddog]

Hey Guys,
I have an itch for a handheld GPS. I have a guided FLY fishing trip into an area I have never been to and would like to be able to set some way points and be able to go back on my own. Also for hunting etc. Any one have any strong thoughts on the best to buy and of course being waterproof is a big issue with as often as I get dunked in the streams.

Any comments will be appreciated....well any positive ones that is...


Have a lovely day.

 

[Glockrunner]

Magellan makes a few that you could use.

 

[Maddog]

Thanks for the suggestion but I settled on a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 Handheld GPS. Afeter doing tons of research and asking lots of questions its seemed to be the best one for me. So many of the cheaper models have hidden extra costs, the kind that sneak up on you, oh like buying maps for what you really want and need, and the maps cost as much as the unit does. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 Handheld GPS comes ready to go out the box and I actually got it ordered through Walmart on line with ship to store option so no freight charge, did have to pay the sales tax though. I will probably never get my total moneys worth out of it but its probably going to be the only one I ever own so I can pass it to the son in law or Grandsons when I am to feeble to make it to the trout streams or deer stand...

 

[Sizzle]

To be honest...stand alone GPS units are becoming outdated. If you need something waterproof I understand that but shelling out that much money for something you can get out of even cheap smartphones isnt a great idea. My phone can download the maps I need on the fly and if im going somewhere I know I wont have any cell service I can download the maps i need ahead of time and its accurate to 1m. its small, accurate, can run pretty much any GPS software, and it has a bunch of features most of which are free. Im not sure what you paid for yours but I see them range from 250-550. I just dont understand why outdoorsman feel like they cant rely on something that is not a standalone unit.

 

[Dave29461]

To be honest...stand alone GPS units are becoming outdated. If you need something waterproof I understand that but shelling out that much money for something you can get out of even cheap smartphones isnt a great idea. My phone can download the maps I need on the fly and if im going somewhere I know I wont have any cell service I can download the maps i need ahead of time and its accurate to 1m. its small, accurate, can run pretty much any GPS software, and it has a bunch of features most of which are free. Im not sure what you paid for yours but I see them range from 250-550. I just dont understand why outdoorsman feel like they cant rely on something that is not a standalone unit.

Because they don't work where we go to shoot, fish and commune with nature. The IPhone my Son-in-law has would not pick up crap at Boggy Head. I'd hate to rely on the phone company for some things.

 

[Sizzle]

To be honest...stand alone GPS units are becoming outdated. If you need something waterproof I understand that but shelling out that much money for something you can get out of even cheap smartphones isnt a great idea. My phone can download the maps I need on the fly and if im going somewhere I know I wont have any cell service I can download the maps i need ahead of time and its accurate to 1m. its small, accurate, can run pretty much any GPS software, and it has a bunch of features most of which are free. Im not sure what you paid for yours but I see them range from 250-550. I just dont understand why outdoorsman feel like they cant rely on something that is not a standalone unit.

Because they don't work where we go to shoot, fish and commune with nature. The IPhone my Son-in-law has would not pick up crap at Boggy Head. I'd hate to rely on the phone company for some things.

Thats because your son in law has not yet mastered his equipment . A quick search would have alleviated your issues...since GPS doesnt work off of your carriers networking but instead passively receives a signal from satellites, you would just need to download the USA maps(since the maps are just a way for the end user to see where they are located, GPS already knows where you are) for the software you are using instead of trying to stream the map data from the web.

 

[Maddog]

Well I can tell you that being more rugged and waterproof were the primary considerations for me. Also from my readings, right or wrong, there appears to be a better case for a dedicated GPS, especailly in the mountains, but I am no expert. However my IPHONE is not coming out of the truck when I am wading through mountain streams, if I was alone I might chance it in case I break a leg or sustain another type of injury.
The unit I am purchasing is about $317 and that includes a 3 year replacement cost contract for the unit. I think thats value, at least for me.

And of course this is all based IMHO

 

[kg4kpg]

Pick up a Garmin GPS Map 60CSx. Awesome gps and you can get them for under $200 now.

 

[Dave29461]

Thats because your son in law has not yet mastered his equipment . A quick search would have alleviated your issues...since GPS doesnt work off of your carriers networking but instead passively receives a signal from satellites, you would just need to download the USA maps(since the maps are just a way for the end user to see where they are located, GPS already knows where you are) for the software you are using instead of trying to stream the map data from the web.[/quote]

Duly Noted. Let's hope the solar flares keep quiet :lol:

 

[Glockrunner]

I'm happy with my stand alone GPS units. I can use them for different services and save the tacks of way points for later if I like.

Maybe not real cheap by they have my confiedence out in the field.

 

[Maddog]

Got my DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 Handheld GPS yesterday and began playing and learning with it. Theres a lot of data to assimilate and its probably going to do a lot more than I really need it to do but so far its been impressive. Its rugged enough (and waterproof) so taking it with me into the woods and down the streams is not going to cause me any worries and its much lighter than I thought it would be. The quick acquiring of the GPS postioning is pretty impressive all on its on. I also like that it came with all the maps I can even imagine I willl ever need but I get some extra ones to download as part of the package. So far I am pleased.