GPS questions from someone who has never used one

[mongoose]

I've seen several posts were persons mention using a GPS to find the speed they are traveling and such. I've never used a GPS for anything, and have read very little on the subject of GPS's. I've started doing some research and possibly going to buy a GPS in the near future. I'm needing some recomendations as far as features that are most common and most useful. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I own a Garmin eTrex gps. It is very simple to use. You can find them at Walmart from about $120 and up. Buy the cheep one unless you are going to run a mapping program from a laptop.

 

[mdlowry]

Most GPS receivers today (from what I understand) are at least 10 channels. This means that it can use up to 10 different satalites to compute your position. I wouldn't get one that has less, but I don't think you will unless you buy used.

The next question is: What are you going to use it for? If it's only for on the road, you will want a larger display and someplace to mount it. I have a Garmin eMap. I picked this up since I may use it outside the truck.

There are seperate maps on CD-Rom that you can buy that have more detail. If you would be interested in seeing every single street in the US, look for one that will hook up to your computer. You will also need a memory card in the receiver. Some packages will include this.

There was an article in TDR about 1. 5 years ago that covered GPS fairly well if you want to go back and take a look at that also.

 

[Tom G]

You Must Have One Of These Toys

Ah yes - men and boys and toys.



I use my Garmin for LOTSA stuff. In the truck, in the Jeep, in the boat - this is a must have toy. They tell you direction, speed, altitude, distance traveled, speed, heading in degrees, speed, current track, track home and did I mention speed in both mph and that other thingy.



Lots of good brands out there but I liked the Garmin's display. Also it had good battery life, used AA batteries and has variable intensity screen adjustments.



Go Get It (or something) and Have Fun. If you got the cash go for the serial port map loading trip planner models. You will never be lost again - well unless you can't see further than about 1 meter which is typical accuracy.



Tom G.

 

[Fuzz]

I purchased an Eagle Exploer about 8 yrs ago. Things are much better now. I still use it but with a laptop and Delorme mapping sofware. Works for me. I would like to have the new Garmin Street

map(forgot the model #)but it's around $700 so guess I'll use what I got.

Fuzz