oldies1955 Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Holla ameegos... Well, im looking into getting a GPS. Very confused with all the options and such that is out there. Ive never used one and have always relied on the sun, mountains, landmarks to get in and out so I wont be using it to save me from getting lost. What I would like to do with it is punch in coordinates from google maps and then get to those areas using the GPS. I dont need a expensive model with all the bells and wistles....just something that will do the above. Perhaps someone could point me in the right direction??? Or may have a unit they want to sell? Im in Peoria Az.TksTom H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Something that shows satellite imagery on it would be the cats meow. Delorme has some models that do that. If you are just looking for the basics though, hold out a few months because Garmin has a new line of eTrex series hitting the market. I am waiting for one of those, the eTrex 30 is the one I will probably get.http://sites.garmin.com/etrex/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertNuggets Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 A cheap GPS unit will work fine. There is also a few good apps for your phone that do GPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredm Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 A garmin for under 150 bucks will get the job done...but , if you are computer-geeky you might want more...options than a basic unit.with vast respect to the geekdomfred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grubstake Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Just get you agood military style compass and a good topo map, That way, when the funding for them sattiltes ends, you can still find your way! Grubstake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisman91 Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Tom,A really good GPS unit to get would be the Garmin eTrex Legend or the Vista HCx. I had 3 different Garmin units (Oregon 550T, Vista HCx, Nuvi 500) but now only have 2 and for prospecting and hunting I use the Vista. It is kind of pricey at $249 (REI.com) but it is an awesome unit. WAAS Enabled High Sensitivity Receiver, 3rd Axis Electronic Compass, Barometric Altimeter, Color Display, Expandable Memory, Joystick Navigation, plus more. They are lightweight and run approximately 16-20 hours on 2 AA batteries. Every now and then you can find them on sale at Bass Pro in a kit for about $180.Garmin is indeed releasing a new eTrex line but at this point there is still no guaranteed release date available. They are still in the production phase and are looking at a late 4th quarter release. Hope this helps.Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGONAUTE Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 I use Oziexplorer sofware on a toughened up netbook with a GPS puck in the vehicle, together with satellite imagery and tenement data. Then I use a separate GPS unit from the vehicle, with a backup, plus a triple backup - a compass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddmk6 Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 I just bought a new Etrex. My old one (probably 12 to 15 years old) finally gave up the ghost. I bought the Vista HCX. I didn't know they were coming out with new models until after I purchased of course. So far I am really pleased with the performance. With the addition of a couple free file converters you can transfer google earth data right to the GPS. Works great. Here is the converter I used My link If you search around a it you will find directions on how to make it happen.Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DolanDave Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 I use the Garmin Oregon 450t, it allows google maps image overlays. A gps unit that can be used with google maps overlays are a little more pricier than a regular gps showing your position. Also consider how long the batterys last, how bright the unit displays in the sunlight, some units its real hard to see the screen in daylight. Your best option would be go to a gps retailer, and check out several units. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dutch39 Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Holla ameegos... Well, im looking into getting a GPS. Very confused with all the options and such that is out there. Ive never used one and have always relied on the sun, mountains, landmarks to get in and out so I wont be using it to save me from getting lost. What I would like to do with it is punch in coordinates from google maps and then get to those areas using the GPS. I dont need a expensive model with all the bells and wistles....just something that will do the above. Perhaps someone could point me in the right direction??? Or may have a unit they want to sell? Im in Peoria Az.TksTom H.Have a Garmin GPSmap 76 with "low hours" on it. Used to carry it in my jeep but never used it. I live in Sun City West and would sell it reasonable?? (or so I think).HAs current database and original manuals, new computer link ccable and power supply cord for cigarette lighter charging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azoverland Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Stay far away from the Magellan Triton 500 - because they SUCK! Get a Garmin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cataline1 Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Check out the Bushnell Back Track if you are looking for a very basic, inexpensive, easy to read and use unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldies1955 Posted July 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2011 Check out the Bushnell Back Track if you are looking for a very basic, inexpensive, easy to read and use unit. Thanks All for the input.Im looking to get a Garmin Etrex venture. Prices arent too bad on E bay. Anyone have any experience with this one?Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank c Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 I think I'm goin for the etrex venture HC, even though they are comming out with new models soon I'm goin for it anyway. It will be my 1st experience with a GPS and Fred's advise to me was it will do all that I need as a beginner without expending a ton of money.Thanks an a tip o the hat to Fred M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minerjoe01 Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 I'm buying a second etrex vista hcx then! i love mine and couldn't do without it. The only issue i've had with it is the rubber border around the unit. It gets loose over time. I have put thousands of hours on mine hunting gold and bucks from ca to idaho. This unit holds all the western US topo on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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