GPS Recommendations

Hi There,

I use to have a GPSMAP 60Csx until I lost is during a mountain bike
race last summer. I'm now in the market for a new one and was
thinking of getting another 60Csx, but before I do, I thought I would
see if there are any newer products that might offer the same features
as the 60Csx, with a slightly better UI.

For the most part, I liked the 60Csx, except for the UI used to enter
names and addresses when searching for something. A touch screen
would be nice but only if the unit had the other features I'm looking
for.

While I like using the GSP to find my way when I drive, it=92s not my
biggest concern. I like going into the back country either by hiking,
cross country skiing, or mountain biking so any unit needs to be
compact. Where I live, the temps in the winter can go down below
-25C, but I usually don't go out when it gets any colder. Still, the
unit needs to keep working when it gets cold. I need a unit that will
give me a location or track when I'm in deep valleys or in thick
trees.

I want the ability to download different maps and plan trips on my
computer and download them to my GPS unit. I also want the ability to
upload tracks and waypoints from my GPS unit to my PC. I would like
to have the ability search for points of interests, restaurant, or the
closest brew pub.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave.

Dave wrote on Dec 13, 2009:

I would consider getting a separate unit for use while driving. In a car the
requirements are quite different to a unit used outdoors - it doesn't have to
be waterproof or especially rugged for example, but other things like a
highly visible, well lit touch screen, and accurate road maps are much more
important. Voice directions are extremely useful when driving (you don't have
to keep looking at the screen), but no use at all when walking or cycling off
road. These are just a few of the differences - there are many others such as
battery life, general portability, weight etc., etc.


--
Mike Lane
UK North Yorkshire
email: mike_lane at mac dot com

Thanks for the tip Mike. That was my thoughts as well. I'm more
interested in using
it for on the trail than the car so I'll probably start with a trial
unit.

Dave.


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On Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:56:58 +0000, Mike Lane wrote:


How often do other people look at the screen? People keep talking
about it like it's an obsessive, hypnotic road hazard, but I find
that even without voice directions, I only glance at it about as
often or as long as I look at the fuel gauge. Turns just don't come
up that often, and a glance every 20 or 30 seconds is more than
enough. (windscreen, mirrors, windscreen, speed, windscreen, mirrors,
windscreen, fuel-temp-alternator, windscreen, mirrors, windscreen, GPS,
repeat.)

--
They got rid of it because they judged it more trouble than it was
worth. (And considering they'd gone to great lengths to minimize its
worth, I suppose they were right.)
-- J. D. Baldwin

Peter H. Coffin wrote:

Totally in our corner Peter. I do have the sounds on (slight beep) for
turn indications on my 76 but if that thing started talking to me I'd
probably literally throw the SOB out the window!

--
Steve