good gps / good deal ??

[gmcunni]

noticed this on the costco web site, i think it is a good device @ a good price. anyone have comments?

Garmin eTrex Legend® Cx Waterproof Handheld GPS / $140.00

 

[o3jeff]

Here is a thread you might get some useful stuff out of
http://forums.alpinezone.com/30363-gps-recommendations.html

I ended up with the Vista HCx for about $200 which has and altimeter and compass. I think the models with the "H" in it have the upgraded chipset in them. I did look quick at the Costco one, but seemed like it is soon to be the discontinued model.

 

[Greg]

I've got the Legend HCx and I'm happy with it. Like Jeff says, it's got the updated chipset which is supposed to hold signal better, especially when under heavy canopy. I notice Jeff's Vista with the altimeter indicates altitude a lot better and I have to admit, the digital compass is way cool and very useful. I have to walk a few steps to update direction.

It really depends on what you want to do with it though. If you just want to upload tracks to follow and log your own rides to upload to a site like Crankfire, than that one is probably fine.

 

[gmcunni]

thanks guys, i appreciate the feedback. I think i'll pass and wait on an H model. i have no real need for one right now, just like fun "toys".

 

[o3jeff]

thanks guys, i appreciate the feedback. I think i'll pass and wait on an H model. i have no real need for one right now, just like fun "toys".

You still looking to get one or have you moved on to other things?

 

[gmcunni]

You still looking to get one or have you moved on to other things?

still looking, you see something good somewhere?

 

[Trekchick]

In the thread that Jeff linked above, the two that were narrowed down are pointed out here.

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

It should be awesome on MTB rdes. I intend to upload each ride to Crankfire.

My plan worked, got the Vista HCx for $200.33 with tax and shipping

Okay, okay, I'm starting to get the urge to get a GPS for Ski season. Having read the entire thread that Greg posted regarding a GPS for MTB'ing, and having read the review from Philpug on Epic about his Garmin which he used/uses for his road trips, I'd like some input on the versatility of a GPS for different sport application cross overs, such as skiing/mtbiking.

I was surprised to see michaels reply because I thought it GPS units were either recreational or auto specific, but he said his does it all

I use my 60csx for everything: driving, hiking, road biking, and skiing. The advantage is the ability to have both routable (turn-by-turn direction calculations for driving) road maps and topo maps both loaded. The disadvantage is only one: the size is a little uncomfortable for sticking in a ski jacket; every time I'd bend over to buckle or adjust my boots, it would jab me in the stomach through my pocket. But still the best choice for an all-around, do-everything unit with excellent sensitivity and accuracy.

Meanwhile, I was at an airshow where there was a Garmin Rep.
He said he'd recommend the Edge https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160&pID=331
I think it has a lot more bells and whistles than I would need/want.

 

[bvibert]

Meanwhile, I was at an airshow where there was a Garmin Rep.
He said he'd recommend the Edge https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160&pID=331
I think it has a lot more bells and whistles than I would need/want.

From what I've read the Edge line is really good at being a really good bike computer and not much else. I guess the newer Edge 705s have more GPS specific features and a color screen, but the form factor and controls are designed to be used mounted to a bike, not to be carrying around. So if you only plan on using it for cycling I'd say it sounds like a good choice. I suppose it would work just fine for capturing a day of skiing too. You pay a premium to have the smaller size of the Edge and it's ability to track your heart rate and cadence though. For the same money as a 705 you could get a unit that does everything it does (except HR and cadence) and more, and is made to be carried around or ever used in the car. JMHO.

If money wasn't an object I'd have a 705 on my bike and another hand held for other stuff. Unfortunately money is and object, so I have neither.

 

[Trekchick]

From what I've read the Edge line is really good at being a really good bike computer and not much else. I guess the newer Edge 705s have more GPS specific features and a color screen, but the form factor and controls are designed to be used mounted to a bike, not to be carrying around. So if you only plan on using it for cycling I'd say it sounds like a good choice. I suppose it would work just fine for capturing a day of skiing too. You pay a premium to have the smaller size of the Edge and it's ability to track your heart rate and cadence though. For the same money as a 705 you could get a unit that does everything it does (except HR and cadence) and more, and is made to be carried around or ever used in the car. JMHO.

If money wasn't an object I'd have a 705 on my bike and another hand held for other stuff. Unfortunately money is and object, so I have neither.

That's pretty much how I see it, too.

I'd rather have a GPS that wil take me on the trails and on the slopes, with some possibilities for road travel, than to get something Cycle specific, limiting its usefulness.

 

[gmcunni]

i'm confused, can you help a brother out? i have a GPS for my car (TomTom) which works great, no need to repalce it. I want to get a portable unit for bike rides and skiing (no OB stuff, just to track runs/milage/speed etc for fun). Should i be looking at the ETREX or Edge type device?

 

[Greg]

i'm confused, can you help a brother out? i have a GPS for my car (TomTom) which works great, no need to repalce it. I want to get a portable unit for bike rides and skiing (no OB stuff, just to track runs/milage/speed etc for fun). Should i be looking at the ETREX or Edge type device?

Units like TomTom and the Garmin Nuvi are navigation systems for your car. My Nuvi works great, but it's not meant to be a "backcountry" type GPS. The Nuvi UI is meant for easy use and it does what it's supposed to do well. If you want to use a GPS for MTB or hiking, you need a GPS, not a navigation system.

 

[Trekchick]

i'm confused, can you help a brother out? i have a GPS for my car (TomTom) which works great, no need to repalce it. I want to get a portable unit for bike rides and skiing (no OB stuff, just to track runs/milage/speed etc for fun). Should i be looking at the ETREX or Edge type device?

Don't get the edge, because it is running and cycle specific.

The Vista is the one that intrigues me most for versatile applications, recreationally.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8703

 

[gmcunni]

Don't get the edge, because it is running and cycle specific.

The Vista is the one that intrigues me most for versatile applications, recreationally.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8703

my vista arrived today. $200.33, inc tax and shipping.

 

[o3jeff]

That showed up quick. Now you need to get out and do some tracks to play around with it.

 

[Greg]

my vista arrived today. $200.33, inc tax and shipping.

Congrats! Enjoy. Great unit and an even better price.

 

[gmcunni]

That showed up quick.

it shipped from PA so i got it 1 day later

Now you need to get out and do some tracks to play around with it.

i'm bikeless at the moment. dropped off the trek @ LBS to get adjusted and they are backed up so i might not have it for the weekend.

i guess i could take the schwinn out . . .

 

[o3jeff]

i'm bikeless at the moment. dropped off the trek @ LBS to get adjusted and they are backed up so i might not have it for the weekend.

Wow, should give them a call tomorrow to check on it so they know you want to ride this weekend.

I was just at my LBS today to have them adjust the front deraleur that was a bit off. The guy pointed out to me that I am just about missing 2 1/2 teeth on the big sprocket. Looks like I need to be a lot more careful walking over the big rocks;-) Might have to jump on the bash guard band wagon also!

He adjusted it while I waited which I am glad so I can do some riding tomorrow.

 

[RootDKJ]

I'm going to attempt to use the GPS in my Blackberry this season. I downloaded a BB program called InstaMapper (www.instamapper.com) that will transmit your location every 5 to 20 seconds. Best part is you can download from their server a Google Earth kmz file of your trails. I used it in the car and it seems to work pretty well, and best of all it's free.

 

[severine]

I'm going to attempt to use the GPS in my Blackberry this season. I downloaded a BB program called InstaMapper (www.instamapper.com) that will transmit your location every 5 to 20 seconds. Best part is you can download from their server a Google Earth kmz file of your trails. I used it in the car and it seems to work pretty well, and best of all it's free.

That sounds like a cool way to use what you already have.

 

[o3jeff]

Gary, have you tracked your route to work and back yet so you can download it and play?