Recommendations for handheld GPS?

[sjs]

I’m looking for a new handheld GPS but the options are numerous and user reviews have already put me off some I might have considered. So, I thought someone here might have a solid recommendation, or a warning against certain models.

I have an old (roughly Gen-2) Lowrance GPS 100. It is remarkably good and full featured for an early model but it pre-dates WAAS and could use a bit more memory for maps.

 

[mikec]

I recommend the Garmin StreetPilot III or StreetPilot 2610.

I have the III and it is amazing. It really works and knows even the smallest roads and new developments. Put in an address and it will lead you to within 20 feet of the front door. It tells you every intersecting road as you come to them, and also shows you the street address your at on the road your presently on. It gives you voice prompts like "In 300 feet turn left, then turn sharp right. Drive 7 miles"

My only complaint with the III is that it uses a proprietary memory stick that is 128MB MAX. It comes with a CD containing all of the USA and Canada, but you can load only a small portion into the memory stick. For me that’s most of the state of PA, and some of NY, NJ, MD.

In addition to the detailed maps in the memory stick, both units contain a base map of major highways and interstates for the entire USA. This means that you only have to load detailed maps for your destination, not for the entire route.

The 2610 has a touch screen, which I’m not wild about (I'd rather press buttons I can feel), but it has the advantage of taking standard Compact Flash memory. Not only is that cheap, but it is available up to 2GB, and maybe 4GB by now. (the compact flash standard allows a maximum of 6GB). I think a 1Gig chip would be great and not that expensive.

I recommended one to another list member who bought the 2610. If you're there, tell us how you like it.

Best regards,
MikeC

 

[sjs]

Thanks Mike. I looked at that but I should have been more specific than just hand-held. The primary use is hiking, not driving. It is probably great for both, but I don't necessarily need all the same features. One of the toughest compromises of course is screen size vs compact size for carrying. Last time I looked at one of the (earlier) Street Pilots in person they were pretty clunky.

How do you feel about the Garmin controls? Do you consider them simple to learn? (I won't be the only user)

 

[Jimbo]

I didn't think the Street Pilot 2610 was a handheld. Doesn't it need to be connected to the speedo?

It all depends on what you need. Handhelds are more for hiking, boating, biking and not so much for driving.

When I think of handhelds I think of the Garmin GPS V or the new GPSMAP 60CS.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60cs/

I'm looking at the 60CS. I like the fact that it has a form factor like a largish cellphone and is truly handheld. But I'm not planning to use it for the car so much.

Something in the StreetPilot line would be better for the car.

-Jim

 

[MJK]

I am a hiker as well. I've got a cheap Garmin handheld much like this one. I paid under $100 at the time and it works great for my purposes. Get a dry bag and you are in business.

 

[ChopsJazz]

I will be travelling across the country this summer in my Dad's car. A GPS would be a nice addition to help us get around. Is there a handheld that doesn't require constant updating from state to sate?