Can anyone give me a direction (ha) of what gps is a better way to go without taking out a small loan to buy one? Hand held, and easy to use?

Can anyone give me a direction (ha) of what gps is a better way to go without taking out a small loan to buy one? Hand held, and easy to use?

I got the Garmin eTrex. I would not recommend it. It works fine, but the screen is so small that it is really hard to read in a bouncy jeep.

In fact, I would say that you can't read it while on the move without holding it up to your face. I still use it, but wish I bought something with a screen that was easier to use.

if you do go for the eTrex line, spring for the color screen. it will be easier to read.

What do you want to use it for? I highly recommend the new Garmin i2 for a basic but very capable navigation system. I picked one up for $200 for the girlfriend for xmas (Walmart) and the thing works very well. It comes with a DVD with the detailed maps of the entire US (you don't have to buy it separately) and the navigation is usually dead on accurate. It tells you (voice) when to prepare for a turn, when to turn etc ... when you miss a turn, it quickly calculates an updated route.

For the price, I am extremely impressed by this guy. The i2 is the grayscale version with 128MB memory. The i3 is the same but with the color screen. The i5 has all the maps built in. I'd personally just go with the i2 ... especially if you can get it for $200.

But if you want something for the trails or with a larger screen with more fancy shmancy options, this may not be the right one for you.

My personal GPS that I've used for years now is the Garmin eMap. They don't sell that anymore but I wish they did!

Thanks for the info, i will check out both of them

I love my Garmin V, but if you think you'll need more than 20MB of memory, you'll need to go a model or so better.

i have been looking at the garmin etrex legend c, for what it does and its in color,the right $$$$ it seems to be the right choice....???

does it auto-route? if not, you may want to consider that feature. it's hella-sweet.

We have the Garmin Quest. Its got 128mb of memory. I think I have all of So Cal loaded onto it. IIRC it cost a little under $400 and was well worth the money. Check www.gpsnow.com

Someone lead me to the garmin 60cs? For a few bucks more its seems to be a better way to go...

I got the Garmin eTrex. I would not recommend it. It works fine, but the screen is so small that it is really hard to read in a bouncy jeep.

In fact, I would say that you can't read it while on the move without holding it up to your face. I still use it, but wish I bought something with a screen that was easier to use.

if you do go for the eTrex line, spring for the color screen. it will be easier to read.

I definitely agree about the screen size. But for a relatively inexpensive intro into the world of GPS, I have been enjoying my Garmin eTrex. Ive owned it for a few monts and have yet to use all of its functionality. One plus about it is its portability, just detach it from its mount and stick it in your pocket.

AS Chris mentiioned, we've had both the Garmin V and now the Garmin Quest.

Garmin V: $245
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmv.htm

http://www.gpsnow.com/gmvgm.jpg

Garmin Quest: $370
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmquest.htm

http://www.gpsnow.com/images/gmquesta.jpg

They are very similar, the Quest has more memory, but performs the same functions. Quest is color. The screens are both of good size. The Quest has the talking function (which is annoying to me...) They both have the ability to move from vehicle to vehicle, and can be used outside while hiking or geocaching as well.

The Quest charges in its cradle, and the V runs off the car battery while in cradle, and off AA's while out. They both have the ability to track. Both have business information in them with phone numbers (restaurants, lodging, services(gas stations, post offices banks), stores, etc. This feature is great when in an unfamiliar city to locate stores, business and other services. My parents love this feature in the motorhome, as it makes every town your hometown :). The software and upgrades are included.

The Quest has enough memory for me to store all of California and then some. The V had barely enough for the surrounding counties. They both automatically had most of the numbered offroad trails on them already, with the ability to use offroad.

We purchased both of them from GPSNow.com. Quick delivery and awesome prices.

Let me know if you have further questions:)

Tam :)

thanks for all the info ill check that out today,its always nice to find out about what it a product will do before you go iand buy it.