Handheld/portable GPS??

[simongs]

Hi all:

I'm not mr. gps, but I've had a handheld sport trac I've been using for years now.

I'm getting old and my eyes don't work as well and the waterproof battery cover busted since the batteries only lasted 6-8 hrs.

I stick the GPS under the transparent cover of my BMW tank bag (the small oddment cover box one) on trips.

I looked at the garmins and would like to go with their stuff this time (got the last one as a gift).

I need color and a better display overall, most of the garmin handhelds look like they'd do the job but I have no experience with any of them.

appreciate any advice!...regards..geo

[BobW]

Check out the 276c or 376c. I don't want all the options offered with the 376c but am looking for a 276c. Price at tvnav is now $600 for the 276c.

[eatanner]

Check out the 276c or 376c. I don't want all the options offered with the 376c but am looking for a 276c. Price at tvnav is now $600 for the 276c.Are these handheld/portable? I've always thought of them as mobile units.

I've also started thinking about a Garmin option for hiking or biking and have similar requirements as geo. Color and easy display, probably something that uses the same software as my Nav II (2610).

[simongs]

I agree, I think those are nice units but not hand-portable so to speak.

The magellen sport trac I have fits in your hand easily.

Looking at the link provided by Dave I believe, there are some really nice choices of handhelds at real reasonable prices.

I prefer the handhelds because I'm a user, not a geek (no offense intended of course) and don't pay much attention to functions I'll never use or need...and I can carry it in the woods hiking/hunting as well.

regards...geo

[BobW]

TRUELY handheld, huh? I have a Garmin 76s that is great for that. The newer model, 76cs would be color and more memory. It is waterproof and shock resistant. Kind of a large handheld but very functional.

[simongs]

I'll check that out Bob, they have a couple of them that look real nice.

I don't mind a little bigger, I need that really to see better (ain't gettin any younger).

I just know I'm ready for a change, especially to a color screen that is brighter, I think that will help keep my eyes on the road longer instead of trying to focus in.

The handheld GPS works perfect just by sticking it under the transparent plastic cover on the tank bag and keeps it out of the weather too.

take care, I'll keep you posted, open to other suggestions/comments as well of course, I'll be shopping for a little while before I buy something..geo

[azsidewalker]

The thing that my hand held unit lacks (Lowrance iFinder Phd), and may be common amoung all/most hand helds, is the ability to route via roads rather than only in straight lines.

The automotive units are far better at route planning. I also have the iway 500c and love it.

IMHO the only thing the hand held is good for is hiking, horse back riding, and anytime you need a battery powered unit and/or for a quick referance to where you are on the map. If your in a car, jeep, motorhome, or motorcycle, the automotive units are the only way to go.

[kellenbenz]

I have a Garmin Ique 3600 and it is great. Before I wrecked my 2000LTC and got the LTE, I had it installed on the bike by way of a Stick Ram mount on the clutch reservoir cover. It was wired into the bike for power and I had the audio going through the BMW Comm system. Now we use it with the car kit in our pickup. It is also a PDA and MP3 player.

[bowlesj]

I love my Garmin Etrex Color Legend. I bought it for the same reasons your looking for a multi-purpose unit. I use it sailing, biking, finding addresses around town, and touring. I like the Etrex package size because it is small enough to lock in the tank glove box. I also use a Saeng mirror mount to mount the unit to the left handlebar. This helps for reading the smaller screen. Although the larger units are more functional, I don't like the larger obtrusive size. The mapsource software works great with this unit. In addition it is water proof. I currently use only NiMh batteries which last 2 days before needing recharged, I actually switch between 2 sets of batteries each day. I plan to wire a 5 volt supply in the future, but the battery operation is just fine for now. If one wanted to, they could use a cigarette lighter adapter with the power outlet. Too much cabling for me though.


Hope this helps

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=318&c=3&userid=9173

[hammick]

I have a Garmin 76cs and it is a great unit. It is loaded with all kinds of features that the car units don't have. It also has an GPS compass that works when you are standing still. Over 10mph the GPS compass takes over.

Takes two double AAs and with good rechargeables it gets close to 20hrs of use. It has a setting for Alkaline or Nimh so make sure you choose the appropriate option.

On note though, it does not come with any mapping software. Only Mapsource. You have to purchase City Select if you want to use it for driving and of course the Topo maps for hiking.

If you already have a Garmin with City Select you may be able to unlock it on the 76cs for free. I have a quest for my LT and I was able to unlock City Select 7 for free on my 76CS.

[dlancello]

I recently got a garmin iQUE M5 and love it. The only draw back is that it isn't waterproof.
The display is awsome and it is much more user friendly than any of the others I have had. It will accept up to a 1gig memory card so you can have all the maps and geo data you could want. You can also set a route from your address book or search form the data base. It Has a rechargeable Batt. so you can take off the bike or car and go walking with a full batt. The cost is approx. $600 but you can find it cheaper if you shop on the web. Good luck.
D Lancello

[simongs]

Wow, those are all some really good points and you have me thinking.

I do need a more waterproof version, just due to dampness...I don't really leave them in the rain or anything.

I didn't realize the handhelds only work straight lines. Thats how my magellen works. Its ok but since I'm spending money anyway :)

I'll go back to the garmin website a little more educated and let ya'll know what I decide to buy. I'm not too hard up for city types of instructions, mostly I use the GPS for real speed, direction and on occasion, alternate routes when weather/traffic look bad.

thanks for all the help...geo

[simongs]

Thanks for the info/pics and help of course!

I can see now (from your pic) that having a GPS mounted on the handlebar (anywhere) would drive me nutz. I need to either mount one right in front of me or keep it where I have it now, ie, inside the transparent plastic cover on my bmw tankbag.

Have ya'll looked at the magellans? I checked the website, they still sell the sportrac I have. I'd like something a little more ergonomic, seems like I have to do too much work to get where I wanna be on the sportrac. I do like their explorer series more than the sportracs.

Just like bikes though, there sure are a lot of nice products out there.

still undecided, but leaning hard toward the 76c or something similar....

regards..geo

[dmottv]

I recently got a garmin iQUE M5 and love it. The only draw back is that it isn't waterproof.


Recently came across these cases for the pda style gps. The fitment guide states the IQUE M5 is covered:
http://www.otterbox.com/products/pda_cases/

I've been looking at the Pocket PC (PPC) as a GPS solution for my off road riding. The Garmin units currently use mostly the 15 minute 1:100k topo quads, which lack detail. I found a source that uses seamless 7.5 minute 1:24k topo quads on the PPC.

[JeffB]

I was hoping I could use the otterbox for a gamin pda/gps, but I see no way to deploy the gps antenna while in the box.

[simoncharles]

This one claims to be waterproof.
http://www.tomtom.com/products/product.php?ID=146
I like the Bluetooth capability.

[Brucev]

I have a Magellan Meridian handheld and love it. With the addition of streets software will route streets, local attractions, restaurants and hotels. Is waterproof and they say it floats but I haven't tried that yet. Still have not found a good mounting solution. I have the auto suction mount that I could modify, but I am not excited about drilling holes in my new 1200RT. Anybody have an ideas???

[Dejan]

I also have Magellan Meridian, color version. I've used it for almost 2 years now. I have it mounted on right handlebar using Ram Mount. It consists of base which goes into empty hole for rearview mirror, a short arm and cradle specific for Meridian. I use rechargeable batteries (from Energizer - they recharge in only 15 minutes and will last you about 6-7 hours with backlit screen on all the time).

However, I just upgraded to Lowrance Iway 500c. The difference between these two gps systems is amazing. Iway is simply far superior to Meridian and is also waterproof. No batteries as this is not a handheld unit, so must be wired to battery. This unit is much easier to use with so many more options, also much much faster - screen redraw is a lot better than on Meridian.

For now I am going to keep both units, but I think once I get used to Iway I will probably sell my Meridian.

[frankenralf]

Hallo all,

I am using the Quest from Garmin, mounted onto a bracket through the hole for the maplight.

See here:


http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=25&userid=

[danbrew]

Just bought a GPS10 and am using it with my HP iPaq 4355. Very very nice. Am going to Russia next week and just bought the maps for Moscow from some company in Russia - works exactly the same as the US maps. Very nice, very detailed.

:)

[meese]

Of course you're taking the GS, preferably by way of Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Highway, right? ;)

[danbrew]

Of course. heh heh - in my dreams at the moment. but don't think for one second that i'm not scouting trips/routes/contacts. :)

[danbrew]

Go ahead, tell me this ain't cool...

http://www.titleii.com/images/moscow.jpg

Using with the Garmin GPS10 and the HP PocketPC 4355. Will one day use on the 376c attached to the front of my GS...

:)

[simongs]

Well, after all the research I'm down to the garmin 76C or the 60CS.

I like the slightly larger screen on the 60CS but....I'm not sure which one of these would be the way to go, ie, what is the advantage of one over the other (besides the memory, which appears to be double on the 76C vs the 60CS).

Who can push me over the edge on way or the other? :)

Looks like the GPS store (online) has pretty decent prices, about 380 for the 60CS and about 430 for the 76C. Not counting accessories of course.

Regards...geo

[hammick]

Well, after all the research I'm down to the garmin 76C or the 60CS.

I like the slightly larger screen on the 60CS but....I'm not sure which one of these would be the way to go, ie, what is the advantage of one over the other (besides the memory, which appears to be double on the 76C vs the 60CS).

Who can push me over the edge on way or the other? :)

Looks like the GPS store (online) has pretty decent prices, about 380 for the 60CS and about 430 for the 76C. Not counting accessories of course.

Regards...geo
I thought the screens were the exact same size on the 60cs and the 76c. If you travel at all you will definately want the extra memory. Keep in mind that neither unit will have the City Select software so you will have to purchase that. Buy.com has the 76cs for $436.99. The 76cs has the built in compass. I looked hard at both and chose the 76cs because of the memory. It would be nice if they both has a slot for an expansion card.