Thread: What kind of handheld gps do you like?

Originally Posted by SnowCamp

I have a garmin etrex Hc. Bought it to replace an older eTrex with a mono screen that I was very happy with but started having screen problems after 8 years. Bought the old one as a combo with serial cable, case, and garmin Mapsource software. Bought the new one at Dick's as a combo with usb cable and TOPO 100k dvd for $149.95. I love the New GPS: easy to use, good color, easy to change brightness for different viewing conditions but I hate the software (terribly slow on my 6 yr old XP computer w/2G of memory). Fortunately the Mapsource software recognizes the new GPS. By loading the map of the area I'm interested in and setting GPS detail on Highest, I can get tremendous detail (though it takes more time to redraw). I also can set waypoints for launch points, trouble spots (dams and shoals on rivers) and honey holes on my computer and transfer to the GPS. When I get back, I can save honey holes and other POI to the computer and save that map for the next trip. Need to add a microSD card (new Hc has a slot, old one didn't) which will allow me to have more detail over large area (now limited to about 175 sq miles). Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of information pre-loaded, I'm just talking about topographic detail. The upside of a handheld is you can also use it for hiking, biking, and hunting. The downside is I still need to work out a good mount for my kayak.

use a zip lock freezer bag, pint or quart size

I like Magellan....Ive used several Garmin and can not for the life of me stand them. The price is right but the use of one button for all the functions drives me NUTS.