Maybe I missed it, but what's the best handheld with topo *and* roads? Any handhelds that do trips?
GPS - Lowrance Baja vs Garmin 276c
- Thread starter dieselbigot
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No updates in awhile, so thought I'd ask... what did all the gps shoppers decide to go with?
I think the Lowrance Baja units are the best of the bunch for offroad applications (couldn't find any documentation re: the 500c or 600c w/ detailed topo functionality)... the *only* drawback with the Bajas I can find personally, are the requirements that you develop/customize your own *detailed* maps for street/topo use, or purchase one of their limited cards (i.e., Northern CA and NV ~ Southern CA and NV vs. state by state) for an additional hundred bucks each.
I also think I'll hang onto my Garmin until the new Bajas begin shipping with the SiRF StarIII chips. Anyone know when Lowrance will start implementing *new* technology?
-voodoo
I think the Lowrance Baja units are the best of the bunch for offroad applications (couldn't find any documentation re: the 500c or 600c w/ detailed topo functionality)... the *only* drawback with the Bajas I can find personally, are the requirements that you develop/customize your own *detailed* maps for street/topo use, or purchase one of their limited cards (i.e., Northern CA and NV ~ Southern CA and NV vs. state by state) for an additional hundred bucks each.
I also think I'll hang onto my Garmin until the new Bajas begin shipping with the SiRF StarIII chips. Anyone know when Lowrance will start implementing *new* technology?
-voodoo
I have to put in a second cheer for the laptop / google earth set up. I recently had to do some detailed surveying of a large desert area and ran a Mac Powerbook with the whole area cached in Google Earth, and a small bluetooth GPS received on the dash. (GlobalSat BT-359)
I used a mac connection script this guy:
http://www.grandhighwizard.net/gpsroutex.html
This system is absolutely indespensible. Being able to see where you are in relation to a real hi def sat photo in real time, is a whole other world of navigation. (however we should note here that not all rural areas have hi res imagery yet in Google Earth). Its also awesome later when you can encode photos and replay the trip, send to friends etc.
My only complaint was my screen was not designed for outdoor use. If I could have my ideal set up it would be something with a transflective screen and works in tablet mode. For portability I think the OQO (http://www.oqo.com) is the way. For big laptop sized screen then something like the Fujitsu tablet PC in an Otterbox may be the way: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_cases/tablet/
I used a mac connection script this guy:
http://www.grandhighwizard.net/gpsroutex.html
This system is absolutely indespensible. Being able to see where you are in relation to a real hi def sat photo in real time, is a whole other world of navigation. (however we should note here that not all rural areas have hi res imagery yet in Google Earth). Its also awesome later when you can encode photos and replay the trip, send to friends etc.
My only complaint was my screen was not designed for outdoor use. If I could have my ideal set up it would be something with a transflective screen and works in tablet mode. For portability I think the OQO (http://www.oqo.com) is the way. For big laptop sized screen then something like the Fujitsu tablet PC in an Otterbox may be the way: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_cases/tablet/
hottt, but I don't see that standing up to dust and vibration very well. the itronix tablets are going for about that price for the max'd out versions on ebay.
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I have had a garmin V, garmin 176c, and now currently use the 276c. I got to say that I've love every one of them but the 276c is by far my favorite. Works extremely well on both road and offroad use. The navigator software also lets you enter routes and waypoints manually which is nice when you havent been to an area yet but want to enter information in from another map.
Beyond just being a good unit, Garmin also has excellent customer service. I bought my orginal 276c off ebay. When I got the unit some of the buttons didnt light well, antenna was going, battery was dead, and most importantly it didnt a serial number or valid unit Id number. That problem with that is you cant download new software without that information. I contacted the seller and he would not accept a refund so I contacted Garmin about the problem and what had happened. They said just sent it in and we'll take care of the problem... so I packaged up the unit with no accessories or anything and a week later they sent me a brand new unit in the box with every accessory, new battery etc, and new unlock code to the software to boot!
I've got to say that I'm very impressed by there unit and service!
Beyond just being a good unit, Garmin also has excellent customer service. I bought my orginal 276c off ebay. When I got the unit some of the buttons didnt light well, antenna was going, battery was dead, and most importantly it didnt a serial number or valid unit Id number. That problem with that is you cant download new software without that information. I contacted the seller and he would not accept a refund so I contacted Garmin about the problem and what had happened. They said just sent it in and we'll take care of the problem... so I packaged up the unit with no accessories or anything and a week later they sent me a brand new unit in the box with every accessory, new battery etc, and new unlock code to the software to boot!
I've got to say that I'm very impressed by there unit and service!
To revive this thread:
dieselbigot: Which GPS did you end up getting?
FYI: I conversed with someone on gpspassion.com about running topo's on the Nuvi 660...and he does indeed run topo maps on his 660 however when running the topo maps it will only show you position...no tracks, etc. Just an FYI.
dieselbigot: Which GPS did you end up getting?
FYI: I conversed with someone on gpspassion.com about running topo's on the Nuvi 660...and he does indeed run topo maps on his 660 however when running the topo maps it will only show you position...no tracks, etc. Just an FYI.
Go with a laptop, USB GPS, and Topo 6.0 This setup is perrrfect. Either mount the laptop or put it on the seat next to you.
Second choice is the Garmin Zumo 450.
Second choice is the Garmin Zumo 450.
I agree with the laptop/Topo 6 solution, that's what I run. You can also upgrade to a Bluetooth receiver. It is bulky though.
Does the Zumo 450 do Topo?
Does the Zumo 450 do Topo?
Well the Zumo 550 can run the Garmin Topo software/maps; I would think Garmin would have made the new Zumo 450 similar to the 550. However the Garmin website leaves a bit to be desired for detailed information like that...almost like they really don't want potential customers to really be able to make a good, educated decision! The Zumo 550 is the closest GPS that I have found that provides what I would need for off & on road with a touch screen, SD slot, tracks, back-track, shock resistent, water proof, not too large a form factor, etc; it would be nice if they offered a wider screen version ala the Nuvi 6xx.
I did get to play with the Sony Vaio micro PC...I think, along with the new 32Gb Flash Drive, this would be the perfect solution for my LC GPS requirements...but holy shyte...$2500.00 msrp!!!
FYI: I have heard March/April will see many new GPS intro's from the GPS world...I am going to hold out another couple months to see what gives.
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A 2m version of the Rino would be really cool...
Yes. Be aware that the 450 does not have text-to-speech.
The 550 has all the bling and is currently available for just shy of $700.
In the motorcycle world, the 276c is still considered to be the best off-road GPS available.
I have a Baja 480c. I like it so far, but I'm still learning to use it.
Wow. This thread answered some ofmy questions in regards to the Lowrance Baja. I am using a Garmin eTrex for my very basic although handy GPS mapping/tracking needs right now. I am considering investing in a higher $$ unit and I think I may end up going with the Baja.
Another Brett
Another Brett
If I had the space I would opt for the Baja...especially the new 540C...but they do take up quite a bit of space.
Well I will be using it in my '04 Taco 2xCab. I have the room I believe. A good friend of mine does custom car stereos so I will have him install that and a CB at the same time.
