Portable GPS

[GLADES]

I want to buy a low/moderate cost (200-500) portable GPS with tracking and route capabilities.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

[harshman]

I have a Lowrance H2OC handheld unit and I would highly recommend it. I didn't want to spend alot to have GPS on my boat and this model fit the bill perfectly. Easy to use and capable of adding a SD card filled with lakes or preloaded information of your choosing if you have the right software on your PC. The unit cost $269 and I was able to get a cradle for it for abour $50. I purchased a HOT SPOTS USA map with it for $100 and it does everything I could ever need in a GPS. The large color screen is easy to read under any lighting conditions.

I would highly recommend that what ever unit you decide on get a color screen, they are much easier to read. Besides how many black and white tv's do you see any more, color is the way to go.

Harshman

[SteveFinMD]

A good friend of mine bought a Garmin and he is having trouble getting on their site to unlock the maps that came on a CD w the unit.  Based on his many hours of frustration I would not buy a Garmin.  Good luck w whatever you get.

[Long Mike]

I agree with Harshman.  Go with color.  I bought the black&white H2O and really like it - but I wish I had bought the color version.

[jb_from_texas]

Garmin.  I have an older 60CS but the new ones have a better sat lock and quicker aquisition.

Garmin has models in that range but if you spend a little more you could get the 60CSX.

Do you want door to door routing?  if so you would need additional mapping software, about $100-15 on line.

if you just want area to area then the base map would be fine.

whatever you buy get one with expandable memory and as others mentioned color is really nice.  I've had both and color is almost a necc if my opion.

[Jig Man]

I have been using a Magellan for 4 years. I use it for marking spots on the water, navigating on water and land, biking, hiking, and geocaching. I have 2 software pkgs with it and several sd cards.  I also have a topo map for 95 lakes.

It has been with me from MO to MX to Canada. I rarely go anywhere without it, except Wal-Mart. ;D

[burleytog]

Lowrance H20C.  The best hand-held GPS unit I have ever used.