Need advice on which GPS to buy

Hello backcountry skiiers,

I'm looking for advice on which GPS unit to buy. My husband and I are
unemployed ski bums at the moment, so we're looking at the lower end
models. From my research so far, I think that means a Magellan
Explorist 100 or 200, or Garmin Etrex or Etrex Venture but I'm open to
suggestions.

We fully intend to rely on compass and map while travelling but would
like a GPS unit as a backup to let us know "about" where we are. The
thought is that, if we know where we are, we can then use the
map/compass to figure out how to get where we want to go. I'm new to
all this and hoping this is a reasonable use of the GPS--am I right? If
so, can anyone suggest the best unit for the job? Here are some of the
things we're wondering about:

* The Magellans have 14 channels instead of 12--does this really make a
significant difference, particularly in the woods? The Magellans seem
to be lacking a number of features of the Garmins (computer hookup,
longer batter life, more resolution), and we're not sure if we should
give those features up for 14 channels.

* I've read some not very complimentary comments on other boards about
Magellan's customer service. I'd like to buy from a company that backs
up its products. Any difference between Garmin and Magellan that you're
aware of?

We've been doing lots of research and feel more confused than we did
before. Any info/advice would be very appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
Hope

On 23 Jan 2005 12:16:38 -0800, "hnilsson" wrote:

Hello backcountry skiiers,

I'm looking for advice on which GPS unit to buy. My husband and I are
unemployed ski bums at the moment, so we're looking at the lower end
models. From my research so far, I think that means a Magellan
Explorist 100 or 200, or Garmin Etrex or Etrex Venture but I'm open to
suggestions.

We fully intend to rely on compass and map while travelling but would
like a GPS unit as a backup to let us know "about" where we are. The
thought is that, if we know where we are, we can then use the
map/compass to figure out how to get where we want to go. I'm new to
all this and hoping this is a reasonable use of the GPS--am I right? If
so, can anyone suggest the best unit for the job? Here are some of the
things we're wondering about:

* The Magellans have 14 channels instead of 12--does this really make a
significant difference, particularly in the woods? The Magellans seem
to be lacking a number of features of the Garmins (computer hookup,
longer batter life, more resolution), and we're not sure if we should
give those features up for 14 channels.

* I've read some not very complimentary comments on other boards about
Magellan's customer service. I'd like to buy from a company that backs
up its products. Any difference between Garmin and Magellan that you're
aware of?

We've been doing lots of research and feel more confused than we did
before. Any info/advice would be very appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
Hope

One site that will give a thorough amount of info is
www.gpsinformation.net

Most do not find the 14 channels effectively better than the 12.
Antenna type is far more relevant.

Both companies have a decent rep for customer service, although I have
seen more complaints about Magellan, and more "I can't believe they
did this for free" about Garmin.

If you get a mapping unit, shop for maps first. With a basic unit,
less of an issue. Many consider the computer interconnect important
for backup, and working with electronic maps.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

(Hopefully, I'm sticking this reply in the right place!)

Thanks a bunch, guys, this is all really helpful--now on to spend the
REI gift certificates!

Hope

I have the Garman Etrex Legend. I chose it because of the increased memory-
I wouldn't go any lower. I guess now they have it in a colored screen.

The maps are small and if your in a treed area or covering, you may not have
a clear view of the sky for transmission. definitely fun. check out
Geocaching for a fun sport www.geocaching.com where you can combine hiking
and the GPS.


--
Diane



"Bob Lee" wrote in message
...
hnilsson wrote:

Hello backcountry skiiers,

I'm looking for advice on which GPS unit to buy. My husband and I are
unemployed ski bums at the moment, so we're looking at the lower end
models. From my research so far, I think that means a Magellan
Explorist 100 or 200, or Garmin Etrex or Etrex Venture but I'm open to
suggestions.

We fully intend to rely on compass and map while travelling but would
like a GPS unit as a backup to let us know "about" where we are. The
thought is that, if we know where we are, we can then use the
map/compass to figure out how to get where we want to go. I'm new to
all this and hoping this is a reasonable use of the GPS--am I right? If
so, can anyone suggest the best unit for the job? Here are some of the
things we're wondering about:

* The Magellans have 14 channels instead of 12--does this really make a
significant difference, particularly in the woods? The Magellans seem
to be lacking a number of features of the Garmins (computer hookup,
longer batter life, more resolution), and we're not sure if we should
give those features up for 14 channels.

* I've read some not very complimentary comments on other boards about
Magellan's customer service. I'd like to buy from a company that backs
up its products. Any difference between Garmin and Magellan that you're
aware of?

We've been doing lots of research and feel more confused than we did
before. Any info/advice would be very appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!

I don't know that the 14 channels would be a good reason to go with
Magellan - I use a Garmin, and 12 seems to do fine.

FWIW, I really like the small size, light weight, features, and price of
the Garmin Geko 301:
http://www.garmin.com/products/geko301/

I picked mine up on eBay for about $140 a couple of months ago. It
tends to have a shorter battery life though - about 8-12 hours for a set
of AAAs, depending on what features are turned on and how much monkeying
around with different info I do. It's tiny and light (a lot smaller and
way lighter than the eTrex series) and powerful, though the weight
savings is *slightly* offset by having to carry spare batteries - but
I'd do that anyway, so it's +/-.

I like having the compass and altimeter, but you can turn those off to
extend the battery life. If you're okay with fewer features, you get
longer battery life and the same small size and light weight with the
Garmin Geko 101 or 201. Punch up the features comparison function on
the Garmin website.

Bob