Thought we would throw our 2¢ in. I've been using mapping grade GPS since way back in the day when they were only 6 channel and several thousand dollars a piece (i.e. a year or two anyway ). Those are the days of the Trimble Scout, Magellan's first attempts and the flashy Garmin 38, which looked something like a 12. We use GPS extensively where I work and have field tested many models, primarily Garmins.

For people starting out with simple needs, the best model I've seen in action is the Garmin Geko 201. It tracks well under cover, very simple and intuitive to use, and is inexpensive. For map capable units I would recommend the Garmin GPSMap 60 or 60C or Magellan Explorist 400. The integrated PDA of the iQue M3 or M5 is also useful if you don't take them out of a vehicle.

I've found the built in antenna in the Etrex and 72/76 series to be serious limitations in their performance and don't recommend them for purchase, even though I've done a lot of work with a GPSMap 76S and like the features otherwise. The only plus with them is the floating thing, which is useful if you are around water a lot and don't use the lanyards.

I wouldn't bother getting a GPS with an electronic compass or barometric altimeter. For one they both chew through your batteries, and a good handheld compass (Silva or orienteering) works better (you can sight a bearing at eye level rather than try to hold the GPS level in front of you while trying to see where you are going) and a compass will keep going long after your GPS has given up. Unless you are in the mountains or flying, altitude around here is fairly insignificant.

We have done a fair bit of business at Prairie Geomatics (http://www.prairie.mb.ca/) in Minnedosa and found them to be knowledgeable and competitive.

I've used the following models if you would like to chat more about any of them or just reminisce: Personally own a Garmin 12 (which is a good bush model), used Trimble Scout, Trimble Basic Plus, Garmin 38, Garmin 45, Garmin 12, 12XL, 12CX, ETrex, Etrex Legend, Garmin II, III, III+ and V (observed the aviation model of the Garmin III in action in a helicopter), IQue, IQue M3, IQue M5, Geko 201, 301, GPS 72, 76, GPSMap 76S, GPSMap 60, GPSMap 276C, and the Magellan eXplorist 400.

Obviously, mostly a Garmin user, but I was quite impressed with the eXplorist 400 and the integrated SD card, well inside the waterproofing. I've heard the topo maps for them are superior to the Garmin equivalent, about the same price, but updated more frequently, although I don't have enough exposure to the Magellan maps to say first hand. We've used the Garmin Topo Canada series and found it to be pretty good for most areas.

Anyway, probably information overload,

Hope this helps,

Cheers, Dragonfreys

Edit: fixed a pile of typos

junglehair wrote:

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I don't agree with you on the eTrex series though.  I started out with an eTrex Legend and still keep it around as a back up even though I've since upgraded to the Garmin 60c.  It is a great little unit; inexpensive and easy to learn.  It may have a hard time picking up a signal under heavy canopy, but I find that if you have a lock on the satellites before going in the woods, it keeps it fairly well.  

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There are a number of features I like about the Legend including the thumb toggle, size, cost and map capability, but where I work it is not always possible to start in an open area. I've watched Etrex and GPS 72/76 units fail where Geko 201 units carried on.

I think part of it is design. It looks to me that the Legend was designed for left handed people. If you use it with your right hand you end up blocking the antenna with your thumb and part of your hand while you are using the thumb toggle. Also with the side buttons so high along the unit I often see people choking off the antenna. If you want to see how effective your body is at blocking signal check out the advanced skyview page and watch the signal strength with your hand near or over the antenna area. Even if you are using the unit with all this in mind, it still doesn't seem to pick up signal as quickly or well under cover as most other Garmin units.

To me the most important feature of a GPS is satellite acquistion, lock and reasonably accurate position, and all the other features are gravy, but that's just my opinion.

All of this discussion about Magellan units has me intrigued. I don't have much exposure to Magellan receivers and they sure seem to have a lot of features. They may have the potential to convert a loyal Garmin user.

We use Energizer rechargables and have had pretty good luck with them.

Stumbled across this army discussion forum on the exact same topic, found it interesting, you may too: http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=36513.0;all Those people spend a fair amount of time outside, and even if you don't find any good information in there it is sure entertaining.

Here's some more discussion:
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/   -  one specific forum on GPS units, a lot of the people posting there have experience with multiple units...
http://gpsinformation.net/                 - reviews of many GPS units...

Easy to get information overload.

Looks like the Magellan Meridians are well thought of.

Cheers, Dragonfreys

1queenand4jokers wrote:

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Is it possible to hook the Geko up to the PDA and then do realtime on the mapping on the PDA?

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Theoretically, yes. It is easier with units that output NMEA standard because more software works with that format, but I've heard of that you can use any GPS with the right cabling and software. The trick is to find the cabling and software and whether it is worth the effort and expense.

Not sure which type of PDA you are linking to but here's the type of cables you would need: http://www.pcables.com/prod6.html As you can see they aren't cheap. The next trick is getting the right real time mapping software that uses the Garmin protocol.

It's a fun technical challenge and exciting when it works.

I want to get the new Garmin 60cx unit so bad!  I have heard that it can track satellites even in the basement of a house.  I can only imagine what it could do under heavy tree cover or in valleys.  I always said if my Garmin 60c had a memory card, it would be the ideal GPS.

If I did upgrade, I would probably sell off my old 60c and my Magellan Meridian Platinum (probably on eBay).  I've been keeping old Maggie since that was the only GPS I had that used a memory card.  It's useful for long roadtrips where you need to save many maps/caches.  I am definitely a Garmin Girl though.

I would still keep my backup eTrex Legend though.  I don't care what people say about it, I still think it's a great little unit.  It's not actually designed for left-handed people, but it is designed to be used in your left hand.  That way it leaves your right hand free for searching for those caches.