Thread: Anyone here knowledgeable with GPS'?

I'm tinkering with the Idea of getting a GPS. It would be my first, and what I would use it for would mostly be Mountain Biking, fishing, hunting, and back country snowboarding. Also, I would like to know if I could use it overseas if I were to hike in the Alps. I've looked at various models, but still don't know all the answers. Is there a GPS that would fit all my needs? Any help would be great. Thanks in advance -J

I believe Garmin has what you're looking for. They have a portable /hand help that you could use when biking and then mount it if you are in a car. They do offer overseas maps( with a cost). If you can not find one that suits your needs on their site, post here and I will try to post a link. GL

Originally Posted by JohnnyCakeDC

I'm tinkering with the Idea of getting a GPS. It would be my first, and what I would use it for would mostly be Mountain Biking, fishing, hunting, and back country snowboarding. Also, I would like to know if I could use it overseas if I were to hike in the Alps. I've looked at various models, but still don't know all the answers. Is there a GPS that would fit all my needs? Any help would be great. Thanks in advance -J

I am a fan of GPS.
What you need to pay attention to is battery life,
memory size, screen size, maps and map availability
and features. And clearly suitability for use in the cold.

My recommendation is to go for the less expensive model.
Perhaps the mid range priced ones, supplementing the GPS with
a hard copy map and inexpensive compass is always a good
plan

They all work globally. Not all have map services for
all the world. There have been issues with import/ export
but I suspect those restrictions are vanishing with GPS in
common cell phones.

A fun pass time is GeoCaching -- those guys have the skinny
on GPS models.

There are only one or two chip sets on the market so they all
have about the same accuracy and precision.

They also make these little units designed for runners. Probably Garmin is the largest maker though there are others. Since they run off satellites the software should be universal and should work all over the world.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 205 and like it. It's probably a little bigger than a smart phone and can be used either on a car mount, or separate from the mount on foot or bike. Has an SD slot for additional storage and maps, and uses a mini-USB port for power and data transfers. Updated maps or maps of other countries/continents will cost money for legal versions.

They work off satellite so I'd imagine you'll get great signal in the Alps.

+1 on nifty's suggestion to check the GeoCaching sites for model suggestions and reviews. Mine was a gift so I didn't do any comparative research, but I'm happy with it.

I have Garmin nuvi 265T ,
works great, you have one time free download to update the maps.
Has lane assistance, guided assistance, and World maps, which I am sure will need updating should you decide to go abroad. It has also foreign language voice assistance if you ever need it.
Very nifty gadget imo.
As far as mountain biking Garmin has different type of GPS units, that you can go check out @ Walmart or Best Buy , I am not familiar with the capabilities though.

I'm a fan of Garmin. I currently use the etrex Vista HCx. This gps comes preloaded with a basemap that covers anywhere in the world. You can purchase more detailed topographical maps that can be stored on the gps. Maps of the USA are easy to come by, and they have maps for a lot of other areas of the world. It's great for the trail, but for things like biking , and or running it's small screen size may make it difficult to read while on the go. It may be difficult to read while bouncing down a trail on a mountain bike for example. But I think it is a pretty good all around unit. I also have a separate map program (Topo USA) which I use to print a paper topo map of whatever area I am going to be in. I always like to have a paper map and compass in case batteries die, I drop and break the gps etc.

Thanks guys. I've done more research and have a much better idea on what I want. The Garmin Colorado 300 is the top ranking choice. I'm also looking at the Oregon series too. I'll let you know where I go with this. But keep the tips coming in. Thanks again-J

I've used a Garmin GPS V for some years now, both on foot, motorcycle and in vehicles. It has it's advantages. It can be fun.
However.....................
I am going back more and more to map use . You can become over reliant on GPS. They aren't totally accurate and not knowing where you are on a map can be a big disadvantage.
Like many, I've had couple of Sat Nav 'adventures' one in Spain and one memorable one in the Welsh hills.
More and more you hear someone, when asked how they got to somewhere, say: " Dunno, just followed the prompts on the GPS"

+1 for Garmin! My dad has one and it works brilliantly for the car, and you can also change the settings and use it when you're walking around on foot as well.

You can also buy different countries maps for it, and its more intelligent than some other ones that just pick the shortest route and ignore one way streets, rivers and railway lines..!