Help Selecting First GPS

[bigmac_au85]

I'm just beginning the search for my first GPS.  And I don't know where to begin.

I'm interested in using this GPS for hunting/fishing only.  I don't care about driving directions or road/city maps.

My new hunting club has 16,000 (yes, 16 thousand) acres on top of a mountain with a lot of valleys and hills.  There are very few roads, so it's very easy to get lost in a hurry.  And cell phone coverage is spotty at best.

I want something that I can map out hunting spots.  Set waypoints and and record my path as I walk.  And to use to get back to my ATV in case I get lost.  Basically, I want to create my own maps.  And I'd like to be able to save those maps to my PC for storage and printing.

I'm willing to pay for a good, light, handy, reliable, and WATERPROOF unit.  But I don't want to pay for a bunch of capabilities I don't need.  And I don't want to have to purchase add-on software.  I want a unit that comes ready to work.  The Garmin units seem to get a lot of praise.  Do they have one that will meet my needs?

Thanks.

[Dave in WV]

IMO a GPS that can be updated by downloading firmware or software for the unit is a big plus. The altimeter and electronic compass features of some units seem to shorten battery life.  I have a Garmin 60c I got a few years ago and I like it. I have found I can loose the signals in the woods near my house. Always carry a topo map and compass when traveling in terrain you can get lost in. You can use the GPS to make a trail on your map. A laminated  map can be marked on with a grease pencil and then the trail erased when not needed.

[SURVEYOR]

Sorry I'm late! Been busy! Then I step on a nail!!!! It's going to be hard not to get a GPS unit without buying software. That's just life! I've been studing the new  eTrex LegendŽ HCx.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8701

You can get more info here,

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=11

I've got to go, but I'll be back!!

[Siskiyou]

     eTrex LegendŽ $ 160.70 USD                                                     eTrex LegendŽ HCx $ 289.27 USD
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:   4.4" x 2.0" x 1.2" (11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm)    4.2" x 2.2" x 1.2" (10.7 x 5.6 x 3.0 cm)
Display size, WxH:   1.1" x 2.1" (2.8 x 5.4 cm)                                    1.3" x 1.7" (3.3 x 4.3 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:   160 x 288 pixels                                    176 x 220 pixels
Display type:   4 level gray LCD                                                    256 level color TFT
Weight:   5.3 oz (150 g) with batteries                                                     5.5 oz (156 g) with batteries
Battery:   2 AA batteries (not included)                                                     2 AA batteries (not included)
Battery life:   18 hours                                                                                     25 hours
Waterproof:   yes (IPX7)                                                                     yes (IPX7)
Floats:   no    no
High-sensitivity receiver:   no                                                     yes
PC interface:   serial                                                                     USB
RoHS version available:   yes                                                                     yes
Basemap:   yes    yes
Ability to add maps:   yes                                                                     yes
Built-in memory:   8 MB                                                                      no
Accepts data cards:   no                                                                      microSD card (not included)
Waypoints:   1000    1000
Routes:   20    50
Track log:   10,000 points, 10 saved tracks                                                      10,000 points, 20 saved tracks
Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads):   no                       yes
Electronic compass:   no                                                                       no
Barometric altimeter:   no                                                                       no
Geocaching mode:   no                                                                       yes
Outdoor GPS games:   no                                                                       yes
Hunt/fish calendar:   yes                                                                        yes
Sun and moon information:   yes                                                       yes
Tide tables:   no                                                                       no
Area calculation:   yes    yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):   no                       yes
Additional:   NA                                                                                       NA

You can find both units about $40 cheaper at a number of Internet vendors.  I started out with the old Blue Legend and it served my well.  I think the Legend HCx with the high sensitivity receiver will be much better.  Both units come with a rather general Basemap.  I recommend that you purchase the 2008 Topo software.  You will be able to generate better maps for the tracks, and routes you create in the field.  You can buy a 2GB micro sd card on sale for $25.

[BoarHunter]

For a year I have used a 60CX and am very pleased with it. Not perfect but the best outdoor GPS that can be used in the car too.
Today, the new Hcx because of the smaller size, longer battery life, internal antenna would most probably be my choice with a dedicated cheap GPS for the car. A TomTom One for ex. fully loaded with the EU maps is about the same price as just the Garmin EU routable maps !
OK, in the US, you get a far better price for Garmins GPS and maps. In fact I bought my Garmin stuff the the US but still worth to do some comparisons.