GPS device shopping - some many questions...

[adjustablewench]

right i am looking to replace my memory map adventurer 2800 with something that takes AA batteries.

what do people recommend? i have seen some handsets without the mapping which are obviously way cheaper. can you use 3rd party mapping with garmin for exmple without having the basic map packages?

i have the whole of the uk as 1:25000 with my mm, however i don't think these can be loaded up onto a garmin device

so can anyone recommend a device and a way to get access the maps i'd need without breaking the bank

[ctznsmith]

Do you want a touch screen (e.g. Garmin Oregon) or one where you use a button/buttons (e.g. Garmin eTrex)?

For mapping I think most people (myself included) use the Open source MTB and Road maps you can get from the internet. They're fairly easy to download and get onto a Garmin device.

[FLV]

i use Garmin gps devices. i have an eTrex that is giving up so have just ordered an Oregon as its a sniff bigger so good to use on the motorbike as a general nav too.

[ctznsmith]

i use Garmin gps devices. i have an eTrex that is giving up so have just ordered an Oregon as its a sniff bigger so good to use on the motorbike as a general nav too.

Get some screen protectors. I didn't and there is a patch of 'scratchs' in the middle of the screen which is getting steadily worse. Not fatal but sort of annoying in the wrong light.

Saying that I also snapped one of the battery contacts off and it's currently bodged with tin foil.

[Scattamah]

Etrex20 is robust, takes double A's, works in rubbish weather and you don't need special gloves for any touch screen malarky (touch screens and water are a pig).

+1 on the screen protector - mine has a million fine scratches on it, but it's still very usable.

Greetz

S.

[adjustablewench]

I was thinking I'd avoid touch screen but had been looking at the 64s as I'd used Mike's 62 and got on with that and another friend of mine uses another one in that range.
They seem quite robust and accurate

[LSJ]

Garmin just upgraded the eTrex series.. e25, e35 and e35T.
All takes AA (whuich is a must for me). Can be expanded with microSD. the 25 and 35 have 4 Gb internal and the 35t have 8 Gb internal.
35 (35 and 35 t) series are ANT+ compatible...Check out their website..

(stumbled upon it by coincidence)


Lars

[FLV]

Most garmins are quite cheap on HandTec at the moment too.

[petemaz]

Garmin dakota 20 is £112 on Amazon just now. I bought one a couple of weeks ago when it was £116!
Also got the ioffer 50k maps for about £20... so far so good.

Reading the above i think I need to get screen protectors!

[Ray Young]

Reading the above i think I need to get screen protectors!

First thing I did on getting mine, gotta be worth it for the price.

[Wotsits]

Tip with the screen protector- don't take the temporary one that comes with the unit off until ready to fit to other one.
They're a bugger to fit without getting any dust underneath otherwise..

[adjustablewench]

Thanks for all the input - went for a 64s in the end, after reading many hours of baffling stuff on geek forums - I'm not sure what the finer points were that really influenced the final choice but I'm happy and will be buying screen protectors and a bike mount next :)

[Justchris]

Most garmins are quite cheap on HandTec at the moment too.

Handtec are a pain. Never actually in stock. Keep away from them.

[FLV]

Hope not. I ordered it and it was marked as dispatched later the same day.

[johnnystorm]

Most garmins are quite cheap on HandTec at the moment too.

Handtec are a pain. Never actually in stock. Keep away from them.

That's where I got my Dakota from, and for the previous Garmin I bought I rang up and spoke to very helpful chap. Stock can be sporadic but if you time it right they are often one of the cheapest.

[Charliecres]

Got my Etrex from handtec. No issues.

[ianfitz]

with these type of garmins can you upload a tcx file with course points on? I like the garmin 800 for this, it will beep at you and tell you to turn left or what ever (so long as you've put the course points in the right place!)

[FLV]

with these type of garmins can you upload a tcx file with course points on? I like the garmin 800 for this, it will beep at you and tell you to turn left or what ever (so long as you've put the course points in the right place!)

No clue, I'll try it when home on friday if you like mate.

[ianfitz]

with these type of garmins can you upload a tcx file with course points on? I like the garmin 800 for this, it will beep at you and tell you to turn left or what ever (so long as you've put the course points in the right place!)

No clue, I'll try it when home on friday if you like mate.

cheers Dave!

I also just ordered a AA powered USB charger. If I'd had that I could have used shop bought AA batteries and carried on...

[giryan]

I got my Etrex 30x from http://www.trekkinn.com/
It was by far the cheapest, but it took about 4 days longer than their estimated shipping time.

Which wouldn't normally have been a problem, but that was actually after the weekend's riding I wanted it for