GPS decision

micropitt · 04-11-2004

I'm thinking about buying a GPS for my Laptop but i'm not sure which one. Here are the candidates i'm looking at:
Garmin eTrax ($96.88)
Garmin Geko 201 ($117.22)
Garmin eTrax Venture ($144.44)
Magellan SporTrak ($148.67)
I think i should go with a waas enabled GPS which means that the Garmin eTrax
should actualy not be on the list. Is the eTrax Venture the better choice over the Geko 201? What about the Magellan?
I would be thankful for any advice

wrzwaldo · 04-11-2004

I have the basic etrex (backup unit)
I also have the Venture (I never use waas)
and I also have a III+

I like all three. As far as I can remember the Etrex Basic does not come with a serial cable. The Venture does. You should be able to get a Basic for near $50 if you look in the right places. And that price for the Venture seems a bit high also.

King_Ice_Flash · 04-11-2004

I got a EMap now, and I am very happy with it. If I were to replace it, I would get the etrex.

Madhadder · 04-11-2004

I have the Etrex Summit, It has worked perfectly for me for the last 3 yrs.
If I were to sell it and get a new one I'd go for the Garmin Rino 130. The
Magellans are Expensive POS, IMHO

micropitt · 04-11-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrzwaldo

I have the basic etrex (backup unit)
I also have the Venture (I never use waas)
and I also have a III+

I like all three. As far as I can remember the Etrex Basic does not come with a serial cable. The Venture does. You should be able to get a Basic for near $50 if you look in the right places. And that price for the Venture seems a bit high also.

Right now the eMap is for sale on ebay (brandnew) for $129
All prices i listed are from Walmart and it was the cheapest i could find. if you have a cheaper source, let me know :-)))

pcmike · 04-12-2004

You just missed out on a cheaper source. =\

The Sports Authority was running a sale of easter week in which you could get 25% of any one item (eTrex was one of them, or any other their GPS' for that matter). That would of put the cost of the eTrex @ $75 and then $18.44 for a better than OEM aftermarket cable from rnrplace.com.

Despite what I just said, I'd still spring for the etrex. It's cheap and effective. I too was in your same situation a week ago. I was already to go back to sports authority (after snipping out the coupon from the paper) and buy the $250 Magellan Meridian Gold, but once I got in the store and thought about it I decided on the basic ole etrex. I'm glad I did, as I'll never use this GPS for anything but mapping out wifi networks and maybe once or twice as an in car navigational aid.

To summarize: get the etrex and get a cable from rnrplace.com and stop thinking so hard!

strosien · 04-12-2004

Using the lovely Circuit City "no questions" return policy, I had both the Garmin eTrex Summit and the Magellan SportTrak Map. The Garmin seemed to be more tempermental as to location to recieve a good signal. For instance, to recieve a signal in my north facing living room, I had to have it on the window sill and even then had to lay it on it's side to get a good signal. With the SportTrak on the other hand (literally), I could (and can) sit on the couch holding it in a viewing position and pick up a 3d fix with the only line of sight being out the window. I kept the Magellan and bought the PC/power cable for it.

The garmin also seemed to more touchy when it came to tree cover as well. I prolly shoulda kept a more accurate record and published it on some website, but I didn't keep formal records aside from my mental usage impressions.

IMHO, the SportTrak is bigger, but the better performance is probabaly due to the "quad-helix" antenna is better than the "patch" antenna on the Garmin.

I liked the Magellan customizable menus/screens of the magellan too. I did not care for the joystick and button placement on the Garmin, more difficult to use in the left hand than the right.

I have not tested them but if used for dedicated car use, you really don't need the extra costs of the LCD and stuff, so you might be better suited to using one of the PC attached USB/serial recievers such as Deluo or others.. well suited to sit on the dash or rear-tray with minimal need to "hide" it when you leave the car. FWIW...

micropitt · 04-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcmike

You just missed out on a cheaper source. =\

The Sports Authority was running a sale of easter week in which you could get 25% of any one item (eTrex was one of them, or any other their GPS' for that matter). That would of put the cost of the eTrex @ $75 and then $18.44 for a better than OEM aftermarket cable from rnrplace.com.

Despite what I just said, I'd still spring for the etrex. It's cheap and effective. I too was in your same situation a week ago. I was already to go back to sports authority (after snipping out the coupon from the paper) and buy the $250 Magellan Meridian Gold, but once I got in the store and thought about it I decided on the basic ole etrex. I'm glad I did, as I'll never use this GPS for anything but mapping out wifi networks and maybe once or twice as an in car navigational aid.

To summarize: get the etrex and get a cable from rnrplace.com and stop thinking so hard!

I'm always that lucky and miss the best offers :-)))
The cheapest eTrex sofar is for $94.99 by Amazon with free shipping. I spend now several hours searching arround but can not find it any cheaper.

wrzwaldo · 04-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by strosien

Using the lovely Circuit City "no questions" return policy, I had both the Garmin eTrex Summit and the Magellan SportTrak Map. The Garmin seemed to be more tempermental as to location to recieve a good signal. For instance, to recieve a signal in my north facing living room, I had to have it on the window sill and even then had to lay it on it's side to get a good signal. With the SportTrak on the other hand (literally), I could (and can) sit on the couch holding it in a viewing position and pick up a 3d fix with the only line of sight being out the window. I kept the Magellan and bought the PC/power cable for it.

The garmin also seemed to more touchy when it came to tree cover as well. I prolly shoulda kept a more accurate record and published it on some website, but I didn't keep formal records aside from my mental usage impressions.

IMHO, the SportTrak is bigger, but the better performance is probabaly due to the "quad-helix" antenna is better than the "patch" antenna on the Garmin.

I liked the Magellan customizable menus/screens of the magellan too. I did not care for the joystick and button placement on the Garmin, more difficult to use in the left hand than the right.

I have not tested them but if used for dedicated car use, you really don't need the extra costs of the LCD and stuff, so you might be better suited to using one of the PC attached USB/serial recievers such as Deluo or others.. well suited to sit on the dash or rear-tray with minimal need to "hide" it when you leave the car. FWIW...

Which is why you should have used one of the Garmins with a quad-helix to compare with (the whole apples to apples thing).

Thorn · 04-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by micropitt

I'm always that lucky and miss the best offers :-)))
The cheapest eTrex sofar is for $94.99 by Amazon with free shipping. I spend now several hours searching arround but can not find it any cheaper.

Several weeks ago I saw an eTrex on sale at Target for $79. If you have a store near you, you might want to check it out.

strosien · 04-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrzwaldo

Which is why you should have used one of the Garmins with a quad-helix to compare with (the whole apples to apples thing).

Hey bud, I was comparing what was in stock locally. CC had the Garmin so I picked it up, I wasn't really happy with it, but wanted to compare it to something else and BB had the Magellan. It's not like I set out to compare them from the beginning; the comparison came about after the initial purchase.

wrzwaldo · 04-12-2004

Quote:

The garmin also seemed to more touchy when it came to tree cover as well. I prolly shoulda kept a more accurate record and published it on some website, but I didn't keep formal records aside from my mental usage impressions.

Just pointing out that your comparison was flawed. It would have meant dick had you of found a website to post it on. Dont take it personal.

G8tK33per · 04-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by micropitt

I'm thinking about buying a GPS for my Laptop but i'm not sure which one. Here are the candidates i'm looking at:
Garmin eTrax ($96.88)
Garmin Geko 201 ($117.22)
Garmin eTrax Venture ($144.44)
Magellan SporTrak ($148.67)
I think i should go with a waas enabled GPS which means that the Garmin eTrax
should actualy not be on the list. Is the eTrax Venture the better choice over the Geko 201? What about the Magellan?
I would be thankful for any advice

Garmin Legend here, works like a champ. Whichever you choose, make sure the firmware is updated and you get a good sat lock before you head out.

Barry · 04-12-2004

I use an eTrex Venture, with WAAS enabled. They are a little picky about cover but the only problem I've had so far was once in Denali state park. The mountains were blocking too many sats and I couldn't get a good lock. Half mile down the trail it reaquired, no problem really. Just don't rely on them as your only navigation. I really like the fact that it's smaller than the Magellans. Had one of them for about a week, too picky with Macs.

The Others · 04-12-2004

I use a gecko - it rocks. Any GPS does really, just let it warm up before you start NetStumbler and you won't have any problems with anything.

04-11-2004	#1 (permalink)
micropitt Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 23	GPS decision I'm thinking about buying a GPS for my Laptop but i'm not sure which one. Here are the candidates i'm looking at: Garmin eTrax ($96.88) Garmin Geko 201 ($117.22) Garmin eTrax Venture ($144.44) Magellan SporTrak ($148.67) I think i should go with a waas enabled GPS which means that the Garmin eTrax should actualy not be on the list. Is the eTrax Venture the better choice over the Geko 201? What about the Magellan? I would be thankful for any advice

04-11-2004	#3 (permalink)
King_Ice_Flash Alien Paranoid Stumbler Join Date: May 2003 Location: WI Posts: 2,688	I got a EMap now, and I am very happy with it. If I were to replace it, I would get the etrex. __________________ "Yeah," said a voice from under the table, "you go to pieces so fast people get hit by the shrapnel."

04-11-2004	#4 (permalink)
Madhadder General "Noob Basher" Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Munich, Germany Posts: 1,620	I have the Etrex Summit, It has worked perfectly for me for the last 3 yrs. If I were to sell it and get a new one I'd go for the Garmin Rino 130. The Magellans are Expensive POS, IMHO __________________ Legends may sleep, but they never die!!!!

04-12-2004	#7 (permalink)
strosien Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Michigan, hehe... Posts: 55	Using the lovely Circuit City "no questions" return policy, I had both the Garmin eTrex Summit and the Magellan SportTrak Map. The Garmin seemed to be more tempermental as to location to recieve a good signal. For instance, to recieve a signal in my north facing living room, I had to have it on the window sill and even then had to lay it on it's side to get a good signal. With the SportTrak on the other hand (literally), I could (and can) sit on the couch holding it in a viewing position and pick up a 3d fix with the only line of sight being out the window. I kept the Magellan and bought the PC/power cable for it. The garmin also seemed to more touchy when it came to tree cover as well. I prolly shoulda kept a more accurate record and published it on some website, but I didn't keep formal records aside from my mental usage impressions. IMHO, the SportTrak is bigger, but the better performance is probabaly due to the "quad-helix" antenna is better than the "patch" antenna on the Garmin. I liked the Magellan customizable menus/screens of the magellan too. I did not care for the joystick and button placement on the Garmin, more difficult to use in the left hand than the right. I have not tested them but if used for dedicated car use, you really don't need the extra costs of the LCD and stuff, so you might be better suited to using one of the PC attached USB/serial recievers such as Deluo or others.. well suited to sit on the dash or rear-tray with minimal need to "hide" it when you leave the car. FWIW... __________________ Just wanna drive....

04-12-2004	#14 (permalink)
Barry Managing the iTards. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,882	I use an eTrex Venture, with WAAS enabled. They are a little picky about cover but the only problem I've had so far was once in Denali state park. The mountains were blocking too many sats and I couldn't get a good lock. Half mile down the trail it reaquired, no problem really. Just don't rely on them as your only navigation. I really like the fact that it's smaller than the Magellans. Had one of them for about a week, too picky with Macs. __________________ Never do anything you don't want to explain to the paramedics.

04-11-2004	#2 (permalink)
wrzwaldo I amuse you? Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 9,147	I have the basic etrex (backup unit) I also have the Venture (I never use waas) and I also have a III+ I like all three. As far as I can remember the Etrex Basic does not come with a serial cable. The Venture does. You should be able to get a Basic for near $50 if you look in the right places. And that price for the Venture seems a bit high also.

04-12-2004	#6 (permalink)
pcmike Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 32	You just missed out on a cheaper source. =\ The Sports Authority was running a sale of easter week in which you could get 25% of any one item (eTrex was one of them, or any other their GPS' for that matter). That would of put the cost of the eTrex @ $75 and then $18.44 for a better than OEM aftermarket cable from rnrplace.com. Despite what I just said, I'd still spring for the etrex. It's cheap and effective. I too was in your same situation a week ago. I was already to go back to sports authority (after snipping out the coupon from the paper) and buy the $250 Magellan Meridian Gold, but once I got in the store and thought about it I decided on the basic ole etrex. I'm glad I did, as I'll never use this GPS for anything but mapping out wifi networks and maybe once or twice as an in car navigational aid. To summarize: get the etrex and get a cable from rnrplace.com and stop thinking so hard!

04-12-2004	#15 (permalink)
The Others PeaceDriver Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Dos Palabras, Mandoras Posts: 2,920	I use a gecko - it rocks. Any GPS does really, just let it warm up before you start NetStumbler and you won't have any problems with anything. __________________ all good ends all ?u=273

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