Too many options

[snarley]

Hi all,

I'm going to keep it simple.

What i do - Explore national parks/remote localities by motorcycle. 95% off road tracks/trails

Always carry paper maps.

Require GPSR to assist comfirming map location. Will be mounted to handlebars.

Nothing fancy, no extra's i wont use - cheap and efficient

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

[Nicko]

Your request is too ambiguous, need to clarify what you regard as "nothing fancy" or "no extras" because I could easily say the Garmin eTrex H at $139 and that is it.

[snarley]

When i say nothing fancy, i mean like colour screen, games, that sort of thing. i just want to be able to locate my position on a topo map using either lat/long or utm, and mark a view positions/waypoints

It also needs to plug into a power source.

sorry about the ambiuity :)

snarely

[Nicko]

Then an eTrex H will do that and all Garmin will connect to external power or PC

[julianh]

Then an eTrex H will do that and all Garmin will connect to external power or PC
But don't forget that the eTrex H uses a proprietary cable (serial, not USB), and the cable is NOT included in the standard package (unless Garmin have changed specs). I think pretty well all other late-model Garmins use USB, and the cable is generally included in the pack.

Hope this helps!

[snarley]

thanks guys,

Yes something basic like the etrex would suit my needs. Has there been any reviews done on them lately ?

[Nicko]

No recent review as they have been around for years.

[Nev]

Has there been any reviews done on them lately ?I have absolutely no doubt! Bear in mind reviews tend to date as quickly as the model.
Simply GOOGLE SEARCH for "eTrex H review".

PS. Too slow! :D

[snarley]

yeah saw some old reviews back in 2004, but i thought the chipset had been updated since then.

[Nicko]

yes it has and yes it is a great chipset

[festy]

I was going to recommend a basic Etrex too.
I've got one around somewhere - apart from needing a bit of packing to stop the batteries losing contact on rough terrain, they're unbreakable and reliable. The serial/power cables aren't expensive either.

[Gee_You Patrol]

Why not look at a unit with mapping capabilities, you could also follow a track or download your own onto it , you can then see if the paper maps are current or not.

I found many people buy the cheapest unit and then end up buying the middle of range type with some bells and whistles

[Nicko]

Hey, I don't mind if someone buys the cheapy and upgrades for a new one :hysterica

[Gee_You Patrol]

There was a saying I heard once before , i think it goes buy cheap and nasty and you'll be buying the more expensive one not long after,

Not it's not how it went, but people that buy cheap end up paying more in the long run .

[snarley]

ha ha... and theres also a saying, buy what you need and not what you want.

Thanks guys.

[Nicko]

If you know what you need ;)

[snarley]

After this little discussion i'm pretty sure the Etrex will do the job i need nicely.