GPS advice

[Mario]

I am looking into buying a portable GPS system. I want something that I can use to navigate around town, but also for hiking and fishing. I don't really know much about these units, so any advise would be great. Happy Holidays!

[alaskanfish]

I have used Garmin products for years and have been very satisfied. And beyond that, when I called technical support, I spoke with a real person and that in English. Their customer support is still in the USA!

I use the E Trex Vista model. It is compact, fits in a pocket very well, has long battery life (AA's), has moving map and has 24 MB for downloading maps and storing tracks and waypoints. The map will overzoom to 50' with great detail (topographical). It has an altimeter, not that I particularly care about my altitude, but is a great weather reporting station (barometric pressure). My gps is black and white but color models are available.

Another option is the Garmin GPS 76S. This is comprable to the Vista's but has a larger screen and I think an easier user interface. Also available in color.

I think for your application, the 76S may be better with the larger screen.

Good luck.

Ed

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap76cs/gallery/pt-GPSMAP76CSLarge.jpg

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap76cs/

Looks like a great unit.

I have an old one that has no maps. I think I need a new one.

[Jeff C.]

I've got a Garmin 120 and like it. It comes in handy when you are out in the backcountry and your bush whacking buddies have one also because when they use the radio it pin points their location.

http://www.garmin.com/products/rino120/

[mircetich]

Garmin etrex Vista! Ihave one and totally agree with the above comments, though it will not work with a Mac...