I'm thinking about buying a GPS unit and don't want to spend over $250, $200 would be ever better. What would you recommend?

I have a Garmin Rino 120 that works really well.

mark65x55,

I have a Magellan GPS 310 that I have never used. I have the instructional video, pamphlet and original box that I would love to sell. There's nothing wrong with it I just don't use it. If you send me $100.00 I'll pay the priority mail to your address.

Regards,

Mark

There are some pretty good books available about how to use a GPS. I'd recommend picking up a copy or getting one from the library. You really need to determine what you want out of a unit before purchasing. For instance do you want sophisticated mapping abilities or are you more interested in something compact? I went with a Garmin Geko 301 because it had several features I really wanted (altimeter, electronic compass) in the smallest package currently available (3.5 ounces), however it wouldn't be the choice for someone into maps. I do recommend you get something WAAS (?) enabled due to the superior accuracy and a true electronic compass (works even when you're not moving) is nice as well.

i have been waiting quite sometime for garmin to come out with a new g.p.s. as i needed a replacement for a magellan myself. next week their first new color screen model comes out the 60cs. the 60 c is already out and cost is around $340. the cs is $410 and the best for land nav that they make. the cs has an altimeter and barometer, the c does not.

in a lesser pricerange i would get one of the many models of garmin etrex. will serve u well.

may your travels be straight.

cold zero

For basic use get the Etrex, saves you money and gets the job done. Been using mine for 3 years and have no complaints, and it's easy to use.

I've been using a Garmin GPS 12 at work for several years. In my application, it is connected to a laptop computer running Terraine Navigator Pro software. The GPS 12 is a simple, no frills instrument that I have found to be rugged and very accurate. They also can be had for around $150.

I have been thinking about getting the Rhino for a while now and have a few questions about it;

I understand it can show you the position of other GPS units on its' display screen, is this function limited to other Rhino's or can it any other GPS users?
Do you have to "log" or identify the other GPS units that it will track onto it?

How does it work as a radio, range?

Thanks.

I have a Rino. I love it. I does allow you to show other Rino (not other GPS's that I'm aware of) users as well as allow you to show up on other Rinos. You can turn this feature off and/or allow only select users to show up.



The Radio is okay. I haven't used the GMRS much, but I expect the range of those channels are better than the FRS bands.



The 120 has 8 Meg of memory that allows yout to upload maps (Garmin only). In my experience this is to little and you can't upgrade it. This is the only real draw back.



I use mine all the time. The biggest advantage is that it reduces my gadget count by one.



-Steve

I have had a Garmin 12 for 10 years now and it has been great. I have upgraded the software on it once. Best value for $150.00

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

Etrex Vista: wet proof with compass altimiter and 28MB of memory. Nice machine, ~USD300.00

First thing I think you need to think about is if you need a GPS that will accept maps. If you want maps in your GPS the Etrex legend is the one in your price range. If you keep your eyes open you can get a NEW Legend for $150.00 or less. Then Garmins TOPO software will cost 100.00 or less if you watch for sales.
The Legend will hold 8 meg of maps. Mine will hold about half the state of Idaho with TOPO maps. I also have Roads and Rec maps. The Legend's 8 meg will hold WAY more than one state worth of RR maps.
In my opinion, the legend is a great deal for the price range you have listed. Ron

Mark-are you wanting to do mapping or not--either way I have some ideas.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

I've got the Rino 120 as well and think it's great. It shows where your partners are on screen and you can use the GOTO function to navigate to them. Firmware updates are free from the web site and the detailed mapping software is invaluable. Too bad they don't make anything detailed for African countries. Check eBay. I got mine for less than $200.00.

Between myself and 2 fishing buddies we have 3 Garmin GPS 12's. They get banged around our boats a lot in the Gulf of Mexico. None has failed yet. I would estimate a total of 20 years divided between the 3. Great handheld, decent battery life, and nice menus. I can recommend them wholeheartedly.

I really, really like my Garmin GPS III+!

Here's why:

#1 - Easy to use in hand or on the dash of my truck. I like using it for marking fishing/hunting locations, stands, rubs,etc. and also find it very useful when traveling in an unfamiliar city or between small towns (via the back roads).

#2 - Water resistant (big plus for canoeing)

#3 - Long battery life (~40 hours on 4AA batteries)

#4 - Can download topo, metro, etc. info to pre-plan routes/stops.

#5 - More waypoints/routes than I could possibly use (especially since I save custom map-sets on my PC for each area/activity).

If I could do it all over again, I'd pick the same model (which happens to be the GPS V now).

Ditto Nebraska!

Sold the Garmin 3+ and got the v. The turn by turn routing gets you from the roads to yr hunt point - then the mapping allows you to work well from there.

10X as much map capacity on the v as the 3+. That is a big difference!

A bit bigger than some others that have been mentioned - but I fancy it is a bit more versatile - that sells it for me!

Ian

I bought the Magellan 310 at Wal-Mart for $99. It is very easy too use and it is pretty dang accurate too. Some of those things take a computer genius to figure out.

Good Luck!

Reloader

While I am sure we all have our favorite GPS. The first post was wanting a GPS for the 250 or less catagory. While there are many good units out there we need to remember the price he is needing to stay at. It is my opinion that Garmin is the leader in GPS. when people want a opinion on the best one for them they need to figure out what they want or need. Do you want maps or not? That right there is the biggest question. If no is the answer there are many that would work for about 100 bucks. If you want maps and need to stay under 250 you need to ask your self do I want map software? If you do then the software will run 100. This leaves you with 150 to get a GPS with mapping. With this in mind the legend is the one. Now if the buyer were to say money no object this would be a whole new ball game. In that case I would try the new garmin 60cs. But for 150 you can't beat a legend. Ron

Mark,
I'd join South40, CDH, and Tracker12 in recommending the Garmin 12. In this day of technological improvements it has to be entering the point in the product life where they will "sell off" the rest of them. Currently the lowest I've seen is $148 so keep your eyes open. They fit in you hand nicely, have no external antenae or moving parts of any sort. I've dropped mine on rocks and in water and it has always come back up swinging.

One thought in general, if I am hunting in a group I'd rather have several lower priced GPSs in the group than 1 super high priced one. Our elk camp breaks into groups going different directions in the dark and I make sure each group (some led by my boys) have GPS (and radios) with them.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

Aw heck, I am always trying to save someone money. If you want computer capabilities just get the Magellan 315 and buy the soft-ware. We use the 315 when out flying, it seems to work out great and give accurate info.

Reloader