Handheld GPS Systems

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GerryD

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Gerald Davies
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I'm looking for a hand held GPS system for taking on long walks and for marking places for possible photographs when the conditions are more favorable.

I have no idea what I am looking for in the way of features? But I would like one that I can connect to the laptop and download from the OS Memory Map software.

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for, looking to pay no more than £100

Cheers

Gerald
 
Hi Gerald,

I used the Garmin 60csx for our trip along the Beacons, its quite expensive though but very good.. you can add maps and even topographical ones too..

Having said that, there are new models on the market that are more like PDA's and are preloaded with colour maps.. but beware, some offer no weather protection and some are quite fragile..

All i can say on it is do some homework, see whats on offer as you may see something that will push you to spend a little more..

Have fun looking... it took me quite a while to decide on the model i have..

OH!! one thing to consider.. try and get one that will take the Memory Map's.. they are excellent!! just like an OS map.. Garmin say they are MM compatible but its ONLY for the waypoints!! NOT the maps!! i was mortified when i found out!! it was the deciding factor for me.. then i found out it wouldnt show them...

Good luck..
 
Thanks erding and fraggle for your responses.

Erding thanks for your tips on the track logger. But I need something to give me really time location data in case of an emergency/get lost (getting lost is very likely to happen)

Fraggle, I'm only looking for a basic model, as I will be using paper maps most of the time and using this as a safety tool, i.e. get lost to put me back on track or for exact location in case something happens. Also its nice to know exactly how far you've walked, speed, etc.

The only thing I noticed with the colour screens is lower battery life :eek::eek: not good if away for a long time, as you need to carry extra batteries = more weight :( or in case something happens and you have no battery power left.

Thanks for the tip on the MM. Can you download points of interest into MM from your GPS.

I've done a bit of research and I am looking at Garmin eTrex Venture® HC. Has anyone used this bit of kit? If so what do you think of it? Does it come with the ability to store points of interest (POI), guy in the shop says yes website says No? Can anyone help out.

Cheers

Gerald
 
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I picked up a Garmin etrex Venture HC. Nice piece of kit, tells me where I am and can link into Memory Map for the routes, waypoints and, for uploading points of interest. Used better left handed so suits me as I have half a finger missing on my right hand. Ideal piece of kit to use in an emergency, if I get lost or if something happens. And can log walks etc.. which suits me fine.

I looked at the 60 fraggle, but found it uncomfortable to use, although it looks a better piece of kit.

There is a basic map in the venture hc, but its naff. I walked up the Caledonia Canal yesterday, and on the map, I'd swam the canal twice, going in each direction as did out and back walk. When upload to memory map, the points where spot on :)
 
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