Looking for a Handheld GPS

Lundy Osprey · 17 April 2009, 10:36

I am looking to get a handheld GPS as a backup, any advice on what is good and what to avoid would be helpfull.
Thanks in advance

chewy · 17 April 2009, 10:56

I've got a Yellow etrex one, cheap and cheerful. Cost about £80 and has been fine so far. I use it as my main GPS and with a few vital waypoints in it gets me home.

Flyguy · 17 April 2009, 11:21

I use the Garmin 60CSx. It seems to have a slightly larger screen than some of the others and the receiption is better than a friends etrex legend. Having the bluecharts on this is very useful but not as good as a single unit with split screen gps/finder IMO. Looking at the charts at a standstill is fine but underway the screen is too small.

chewy · 17 April 2009, 11:36

My Dads Garmin GPS12 handheld is still going strong after 12 years use.

mdt · 17 April 2009, 11:50

I have got a magellan unit. which is fine as a back up and when off hill walking or on the bikes has full euro maps (road) and is water proof. but could not use it while under way in a chop. and it dose use batts at a fair lick. but as i am seldom in waters I don't know. But it has been dropped a good few times and had lived so it gets my vote cant remember the model number but I will see if I can get it. lent it to a mate so if he thinks it is good i might not see it.

Lundy Osprey · 17 April 2009, 12:56

Thanks for the information, think from what I have seen so far I will go for the eTrex.

C2 RIBS · 17 April 2009, 17:13

try this garmin, it is great
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=350#gpsmap76cx

chewy · 17 April 2009, 17:32

Looks like the basic etrex is discontinued now.

geoffs · 17 April 2009, 17:48

Etrex H is the current one, £85.99 ssp

codprawn · 17 April 2009, 18:23

I have a Garmin GPS12 which is great but I also have a GPS built into my phone that is more accurate!!! i have all sorts of maps and charts and i can even use Google Earth with it. It's not waterproof but works fine inside a freezer bag!!!

Rogue Wave · 17 April 2009, 18:36

whatever you get carry it inside a lock and seal box (tupperware ? cos this will enable it to be hermeticaly sealed from the environment and to float when dropped. For my money I'#d buy a Garmin for Gps and a Nokia for a mobile phone and never the twain shall meet

C2 RIBS · 17 April 2009, 19:36

try this one on e bay now

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-GPS-72-...1%7C240%3A1318

MikeCC · 17 April 2009, 23:14

How's it going?

If you go for a Garmin, move quickly as trade prices for handhelds are going up on Monday. Guess retail prices will depend on what stock anyone has.

A siginificant factor in choice would be whether you might ever want to put charts on it or not.

Mike

Lundy Osprey · 18 April 2009, 20:36

Hi Mike, Going well thanks. The piece of Lexan did the job, now got a nice screen.