Ok, I am thinking about jumping into the GPS world and will probably look for an "older" model garmin. Yes, I have been searching this site to learn as much as I can, but I wanted to know if there are certain models that I should steer clear of. At this point, i have been looking at the following models Oregon 550t, 600t, 62st, or 64st. So, will any of these work or are there any that I should stay away from. Please include others to avoid (Specifically Garmin)

Thanks Luke

Garmin makes a great GPS, Let's talk features.

Personally I like the touchscreen units, they work similar to my iPhone. They don't zoom or expand like the phone screen does. I can just mark a spot by touching the screen. There are some here that hate a touch screen and like the cursor, so I would suggest that you need to choose here.

Some have expanded memory slots for map chips to go. Some do not and use internal memory. Internal memory is limited to what it came with, memory slot is limited to the chip size. Just buy a premodern map chip and install is one way. Buy a blank chip and load your maps on is another way. Don't be limited on data and get a unit with an expanded memory slot. Then you want a unit with a lot of internal memory also. This is to record tracks, waypoints, routes. If you are out of memory it's not much good.

I have a few chips that I use. I just bought a Europe chip for an upcoming trip I'm taking. Going to come in very handy. I also have a USGS 24000 topo chip of the upper Midwest. I have a North American chip with every road. This chip turns my hand held unit into a turn by turn Nuvi car navigation unit. I still think I'm getting the Paddlenav chip, looks very nice.

Some units (Rino) have a built in radio so you can see where your buddy is when he is talking to you. This is helpful in a situation where you want to see where the other person is. Those units are more money and they do not get my recommendation. They eat batteries unless you turn off the radio part.

Speaking of batteries, choose one with duel power. That is, can use AA batteries and Li-ion battery pack. Look at the run times of the units. My first unit would only run for 8 hours, newest one runs for If you are out of power it's useless to you.

Power and memory rule in GPSs. So pay attention to these two things as you decide the model you get.

Then there is the screen itself. Get the biggest screen you can afford. Get one that is readable in sunlight. Get one that has a color screen. The color screens use more power that the grey scale ones but worth it for readability. Some have a 3D screen, good for use in hills or mountains.

Another feature is Birdseye. It is an additional service to subscribe to that shows the terrain like a picture. Butthead can expand on this.

Mine GPS has a 5mp camera, newer ones are at 8 mp. This allows you to geotag pictures. Select a picture and go to it, or just take a picture. I don't use the camera much.

Most units now have a electronic compass, barometer, so I won't talk about them.

Some units allow you to add external sensors, like temperature, bike cadence, or heart rate. I don't use these features.

If you are into Geocaching get a unit that is setup for this.

Some units send information to another unit wireless. This has not been useful to me.

What ever you get do a lot of research before so you are not dissatisfied later. I would even go so far as reading the online specs and online manuals. The units you listed are very nice and should serve you well. The Oregon series is a good choice and would get my thumbs up. I have the Montana 650T unit, it has been replaced by the 680T.

I pair a good GPS with it's mapping program and available extras. Used to use Delorme, now part of Garmin. For me now it's no contest, Garmin is it.
Not a fan of touch screens but the Newer Oregon/Montana series have the specs.
Favorites are ETrex 20 (great value in inexpensive small unit), GPS62st GPS64st.
GPS, GLONASS capability, extra chip mem, custom map compatibility, and the ability to display several maps at the same time (overlayed). Add BaseCamp mapping program, Birdseye Topo and Sat Images, and shareware maps form GPSFileDepot. If looking at used or legacy units stay newer than 2010, for better operating systems, mapping, and capabilities.

butthead

Thanks for the feedback!
Well, there is a lot to take in - I like the idea of a lower costs unit like some of the etrex models, but then wonder if I am going too basic and cheap. I would hate to buy something and then find out that I short-changed myself. But of course the other side of the coin is not really knowing how much I will use it.

I am now tracking a 650t out on ebay. I think SV indicated that you have that model. I presume you must have done the research and thought it was good. Any short comings with this one? I did read that the 100k maps that come with it are not detailed enough. Did you have purchase the 24k map chip or were you able to download? Also, any idea what a fair price would be for a used unit.

Again thanks for the feedback. I may have more questions when I become more versed the technology and features of these units.

REI comparison

Biggest difference with the ETrex 20 is lack of barometric alt. size of screen, button vs touch input, and waypoint mem.
Total internal men. is problematic as sometimes maps are included that impact remaining amount. All the listed vary around 4 GB. My 62st has 3.7GB mem, 581MB available after op system files base map and Topo US 100K map are counted.

I have set up ETrex 20 units with the same maps I have on my 62st. Including multiple topo's and overlays, it operates and has very similar capabilities to my 62ST. I have no hesitation recommending it. For it small screen and physical size and lack of 3 axis compass/barometric alt, you get compact size and weight plus longer battery life (about 10-15%).

butthead

Yes I have the Montana 650t, I would think $325 at the most for a used one. I bought the USGS 24000 topo chip because I learned on that range, not the 100,000. It is easier to see the lay of the land. You also can do a download for any map. Etrex are another good choice, I like the 4" screen on the 650t.

Concerning the 24K map chip, same maps can be downloaded and installed on an external chip with the Birdseye Topo Raster subscription, and it includes Canadian 50K NRC topo. $30 for a years downloads. Another option.

butthead

Garmin etrex 30x bundle

I realize that I am all over the board asking about different units. Thought I was going to go with a used unit off ebay, but ran across this and wondering if anybody had any thoughts about this unit and the bundled deal. I know Ken has talked about the Birds eye subscription. Again, appreciate the feedback.

That is a nice deal probably brought on by the release of ETrex Touch series.
You get the 100K topo which in not bad at all, the sat imagery may or may not be usefull as the Raster Topo map subscription. I use sat images for hiking and hunting, prefer topos for canoe/portage navigation. Still a very good deal.

butthead

I like buttons. I think they work better than touch screens in the rain.

Ok the initial search is over - Ended up buying a Oregon 600 on EBAY - Maybe not on the top of my list, but hopefully will do enough of what I might need. Turns out that I got enticed by all the items being bundled in the sale. topo 24k chip (but for south east), North America road chip, Europe NT road chip, 32GB SD card, and a Spot gen3. The map chips are not really what i was looking for, but could still use. I have been doing deep back country Canadian trips and have just recently started doing solo BWCA trips and believe that having some type of "messenger" device is necessary. My last solo trip I rented a Spot and was planning to do so again this fall. I paid $245 for everything - maybe paid a little too much for the GPS unit, but with the other items, I think I did ok. I am sure that you will hear from for further assistance when it time to search and load more useful maps.

Thanks again for all the feedback

Got yerself a good unit and extras! Enjoy it!
Still will recomend the BirdsEye Topo Raster subscription. North American coverage is very good,



Leano Lake WCPP.

butthead

Well that's a great buy. The chips alone are worth what you paid. I just bought the Europe chip, that one is awesome. The guys here will help you load the 24000 topo maps you want.