GPS - What are you using?

[e9999]

gave up on Magellan

got Garmin Venture CX. Very close to 60CSx in capabilities, but much cheaper. Very happy so far.

[cackalak han]

Seems like the Magellan Crossover is priced similar to the Garmin 60CSx. Would everybody choose the Garmin over the Magellan? I see a lot of reviews of the Garmin but almost none of the Magellan.

[Gold Boy]

Garmin GPS Map60c with google earth on a laptop, has never let me down.

[philos1]

for a while, magellan was on their way out and had some shit products, but the newer stuff is getting very good reviews from what I've read. that lead me to my choice.

IMOP, they're both excellent products.

[ih8seals]

Magellan Roadmate 800.

pros: harddrive based map, fast map load, excelent accuracy, LOUD speaker.
cons: big, but most of all, battery runs out fast if not plug'd in.

[Trunk Monkey]

Just picked up a 60csx, love it. I had a Vista b/w. Having a little larger display and color is great. The 60 has great features, it can do turn-by-turn road directions if you need it, expandable memory (2gb card on the way) and VERY fast acquisition. Props to Garmin.

[offroad_nomad]

I've got a Garmin StreetPilot III that I bought new off eBay. You can pick them up fairly cheap since Garmin has discontinued the line:

[LoveTractor]

Garmin 76 "cheaply" mounted to driver side A-pillar grab handle:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-gear-recovery/101167-cheap-driver-side-handlebar-gps-mount.html

Mount works awesome.

[JohanSA]

By far the best GPS in Africa and best backup and aftersales service.
I use a Zumo 550 and before I upgraded a 276C.
I find the Zumo to be the best ever GPS for bike and 4x4

[spaldam]

I've got an old Magellan Sport Track Map. Nothing special, but it pritty much does everythying I want it for, which is mainly to document my trips.

[woytovich]

I have been using a Garmin V... sometimes hooked up to a little 10.5" diagonal laptop in my 60. It's really nice - color, moving maps and I use Garmin Topo software. All works nice.

BUT... I have used the talking 3D style GPS units and I'm sold. What I want to know is which Garmins have the talking/3D features AND let me add the Topo software... I'd prefer using my current Topo v3 that isn't 3D 'cuz I'm cheap and don't want to have to buy new software too...
Is there a 3D version of the topo software out there... Garmin or otherwise? Is there talking topo?: "Hey, turn left at that next big rock up ahead just past the mud hole"

Mark

Mark

[LandCruisers4Life]

I use a Lowrance unit and it works great. Of the 3 big brands I like Lowrance the best, and then Garmin. When I was in the military we were given Magellan units to use and usually 3-4 out of 6 would stop working. That was years ago though.

[spaldam]

Originally Posted by woytovich

... I have used the talking 3D style GPS units and I'm sold. What I want to know is which Garmins have the talking/3D features AND let me add the Topo software... I'd prefer using my current Topo v3 that isn't 3D 'cuz I'm cheap and don't want to have to buy new software too...

Is there a 3D version of the topo software out there... Garmin or otherwise? Is there talking topo?: "Hey, turn left at that next big rock up ahead just past the mud hole"

From what I've seen, going from 2D to 3D is a big indication that they will not be compatible. If the GPS has a standardized output protocol for interfacing with generic software that uses the same protocol, then it might work for basic GPS functionality, but for advanced features, you’re probably better off finding software that's meant to work with the GPS. Still check your software to see what protocols it accepts and go from there.

My experience with looking at newer models, is that they are more geared towards the average Joe, more so then the older one's that were more geared towards the more technical explorers. The new one's pretty much come with all the detailed maps already built in, so the average Joe finds very little need for extra software, and thus what is available software wise is usually expensive and not very well done; if it even exists. Another reason for this is because many mapping programs like MS Streets & Trips and others will work with GPS’s that use standardized protocols. I do know that Magellan made some decent 3D mapping software for there GPS’s, which may be compatible with some of the more standardized protocols.

My old Magellan Sport Track Map does much more of what I want then what I've seen from newer models, mostly because of what I can do with the older software interface. My biggest complaint about my older GPS, I wish I could get updated maps and maybe a few some updates to the fix some software bugs.