cheap GPS

“So in the paper today Fry's Electronics was advertising a Magellan for $59.95. Obviously it must be bottom end, but still claims you can record 100 waypoints and do other stuff.

Are they getting this cheap everywhere?”

“You can get some Garmin models for under $100 as well.
I wouldn't get a GPS that acquires less than 12 satellites. Even among lower priced models, I would look for one with the ability to change coordinate systems (degrees-minutes-second choices and UTM) and to store routes (not just store waypoints).

You can get a basic Garmin eMap for $200. They have a built in US roadmap and lots of features. Then later you can add memory and download topo maps into it.”

“Cheap is good. When are they going to get lighter? My Garmin 12 is always at the bottom of the "Need it? want it? how much does it weigh?" list.”

“Bacpac... I have the GPS 12CX, I think it weighs in at 9.5 oz. Try using Lithium AA's... they last longer, weigh half as much... might be enuf to sway your thinking?”

“Does the name Fry Electronics give you a clue?

Be carefull!”

“I'm in a bit of a quandry...

I have a third generation Magellan Trailblazer XL. It serves me just fine, but I love the 3D features on newer GPS systems, especially the Garmin III.

Should I trade up?”

“Regarding weight. The Garmin eMap is 6.7 ounces and uses two AA batteries, not four. Lithium batteries are lighter yet and last a long time.

Zen_Hiker: Trade a Magellan for a Garmin?...any day.

Re: Fry's Electronics. I am careful when I purchase anything at Fry's. Myself and others are convinced they repackage their returns and resell them without 100% inspecting them. We only buy things from them that are in original packages or not critical. I would never buy a computer there. I suppose I would buy a GPS from them if the package hadn't been opened.”

“The little yellow eTrax is only a few ounces, and downloadable, isn't it? For $119, that's not bad.”

“I've had similar experiences with Fry's Electronics also with The Home Depot regarding putting returns back on the shelf. I've also found that their sales people don't know much, so I hope you don't have any technical questions.”

“My cheap (under $100 Garmin) was lousy but my Magellan ColorTrac (about $250, but now discontinued) is great.

Even though the following comment is not about gps's, some may find it interesting, and support for the idea of testing everything before going into the field.

I very recently purchased a new Ratheon VFH radio to take on a trip to the Alaskan Tundra about 130 miles N. of Dillinham...very isolated. It came with a rechargeable battery (useless out on the tundra) and a battery pack with 5 AA Batteries. I took it home and found the the batteries would not fit in the battery pack. I took it back to the dealer...Boats U.S. ... who could'nt believe it. Not only did mine not work but none of the others in stock did either. The thing is designed or manufactured wrong and who knws how many users got into situations where they needed to use the thing and THEN found out they'd bought a piece of junk.”

“That's why we true gear ho's go camping in our backyard the second we buy a new toy!”