GPS-System Reviews

I bought this with a Magellan sportrak pro GPS unit. I already knew about the connector being shared with the data port, but since I don't have a laptop, I didn't want to waste the extra money to get the dual cable.
This item does exactly what it is supposed to. It works great on long drives when I don't have to worry about draining the batteries down to a point where I can't use the GPS unit at the destination. Attaching and detaching the connector using the D-rings is a little more involved than something that can just be plugged into the GPS, but obviously, making the GPS submersible involved compromises like this. I can live with that.

This power adapter does the job. It's neat because it can handle a wide range of voltage inputs. It has a small in-line power box that adjusts the input to fit the needs of the Meridian. The problem I had is that I bought it before realizing the power and the computer connection both use the same strange I/O connector. So if you use this adapter, you can't connect to your laptop. The solution is to buy the more expensive dual cable version that has both battery cord and serial cable attached.
-P-

I'm also a Geocacher, and I have to say this is a great product! I've been wasting money on rechargable batteries, but now I don't even have to worry about batteries at all. Good for long trips, too; because you don't even have to have batteries at all. A must-have for anyone owning a Meridian GPSr!

I have found this product to be an invaluable navigation resource for my Garmin E-map. Even residential areas are very well covered. The maps may be five years old but they have proven to be accurate in my NorthEastern US travels.

This package gives you the maps and enough memory to hold maps of New York State, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. With proper use, I've always been able to head in the right direction.

I think this is a high quality product. If you have a Garmin E-Map and use it for city navigation, I think you will appreciate it.

Its a must have if you are using garmin emap. Once you download the data from the cd rom into the memory cartridge you are ready to roll. Expect to see the whole area on the small screen. I would say with out the mapsource and the cartridge (which you have to have inorder to download the data) the emap is not complete. If you are willing to invest the money then i would suggest to get either the 16 mb or much better the 32 mb cartridge.

You must own this if you use a GPS in the city. This software works on your computer for exploring any street in the nation, and the data can be uploaded to the GPS unit and placed on the card. This allows you to use the data in conjunction with real time position information on the GPS. The software is great, and the road data is very accurate. If you want to go hiking or camping get the topo or roads and rec maps.

The Garmin Foretrex 101 uses 2 AAA batteries, not 2 AA batteries as described in Amazon's product description.

I've been waiting for this to become available as a gift for my wife, an inveterate walker, but now I may have to buy another. I've been "testing" this wondrous gadget today--this is my first experience with any GPS--and am finding it to be both useful and remarkably easy to use. The unit is small enough to not get in the way while worn on the wrist/forearm, yet the screen is large enough and the display clear enough to use while on the move. I don't seem to be experiencing any difficulty getting GPS signal (I've set it for WAAS), and I've been having a great time driving back and forth over and across my trail all day.

Pros:
Clear, informative and responsive GPS!
Small and lightweight unit
Clear display
Easy to use pages and menus
Uses any AAA battery, alkaline or rechargeable

Cons:
The 101 does not come with a PC-connection cable, but even if it did, 9-pin Serial?! Ummmm... Has Garmin heard of USB?
Also, no hint of any sort of PC software is given in any of the documentation, so if I were to connect it via a serial port, what would I do with it?

The GPSMAP76CS continues the evolution of Garmin's GPSMAP line of GPS receivers. It is well-suited for walking, car navigation and casual marine use. I already own a GPSMAP76S. The major advances of the 76CS are:

(1) Color TFT screen - makes it so easy to see your maps and data; it's bright and sharp, easy to read in any light. The variable-level backlight is great in low-light situations. The night-time color scheme is pretty cool, too. You can have the receiver automatically switch between day/night color schemes at sunrise/sunset, or manually select the mode. There are several alternate color schemes for day or night-time use.

(2) Point-to-point automatic routing - works very well. There are two audio-visual prompts for each turn, one about a minute before, and again (with a different tone sequence) about 10 seconds before the turn. You can choose from several different tone sequences, but I'm happy with the defaults. The prompts display a zoomed-in view of the intersection (great for tricky interchange exits and ramps). If you miss a turn, it re-calculates your route to get you to the next point, or your destination. Generally it uses the most major roads available for routing. For areas that I know well, I may take a local road that I know will get me where I'm going sooner. When driving in unfamiliar territory, I rely on the route it calculates for the most part. Apparently, you can select variations on the routing algorithm on the "follow roads options" page: Car/Motorcycle (the one I use), Truck, Bus, Emergency, Taxi, Delivery, Pedestrian and Bicycle. I haven't tried any of the other routing options yet. Overall, I would give the routing capability 4 stars.

(3) Customizable page sequence - in my other Garmin GPS receivers, you can cycle through the main pages forwards or backwards, but you can't change the sequence. The 76CS lets you add, remove, or move individual pages within the sequence. I put the pages I use most often next to each other; I like this feature.

(4) Recent Finds page - a new feature and real time-saver when I want to go to a place that I've looked up before. I use this page so often, I added it to my main page sequence. However, I discovered you can bring up the Recent Finds page by pressing the Find button twice.

(5) More memory - 115 MB stores detailed map data from optional Mapsource CD ROM sets. I was able to load all of North Carolina and about half of South Carolina and Virginia from the North America City Select database. This is nearly 5 times the memory of the 76S!

(6) USB connection - my old 76S (with serial connection) takes the better part of an hour to load a full 24MB map set from the Mapsource CD ROMS. The USB connection on the 76CS makes loading the full 115MB much quicker. Also, loading waypoints, routes and tracks between the receiver and PC is way faster now.

Garmin periodically updates their GPS receivers' software, and you can easily download the updates from the Garmin website. They have already posted an update to the GSPMAP76CS (version 3.40 was released June 8, 2004).

Quibbles: as mentioned in another review, you can't customize the data fields display to show small data fields three-across, as you can with the 76S. Admittedly, the small data fields on the 76S are hard to read while driving; I would consider this a minor setback for the 76CS. One can still display up to 4 data fields in large or medium size as an option on several of the pages, much like the 76S.

One feature of the 76S that I like is the ability to show the name of the upcoming cross-street (when lock-on-roads is enabled). This is a useful feature when you're just cruising around an unfamiliar part of a city. At first, I thought this was missing from the new 76CS, but I discovered that when the map has guidance text turned on all the time (instead of only when the unit is actively navigating) then when not navigating, the text area displays the upcoming street name. Another great feature of the 76S which carried over to the 76CS: graphic editing of a route. When the "use map" option is selecting while editing a route, move the pointing arrow to touch a route segment. The segment then appears as a dotted line, and if you press the Enter key, acts like a tight rubber band attached to the panning arrow. One can then move the panning arrow to any other map feature (for example an intersection) and press Enter to add an intermediate route point. I've found Garmin's manuals provide a good introduction to basic operation, but may not cover all the features. However, I've found the 76CS operation to be fairly intuitive.

Now for the major gripe: to enter text or numbers, Garmin has reverted to the character matrix format (found, for example, on the Etrex Vista), where you move the cursor about a grid of letters and numbers, press Enter to select that character, then move the cursor to the next character, etc. Finally, you move the cursor to the "OK" spot on the grid and press Enter. On the 76S there's no character grid, you just cursor left to clear a field, cursor up to advance the current letter or down to move back through the character set, then cursor right to select the next character, etc. I found this method fairly intuitive and much easier to use on the fly. Hopefully, Garmin will fix this in a future software update.

As with the GPSMAP76S, the sensors are a useful feature, particularly while walking. The compass can be used for getting a bearing while standing still, and the barometric altimeter provides useful information for those of us who just have to know, "how high (or low) are we?". If you don't need these features, the GPSMAP76C should work just as well at a lower price. Garmin's GPSMAP60C / 60CS have the same color screen and similar software, but only 56 MB of memory in a smaller unit. Nearly all Garmin GPS receivers have rugged, waterproof cases, but I prefer the 76-series size and flat shape. They even float!

If you're looking for a general-purpose, easy-to-read, easy-to-use mapping GPS receiver, you need look no further than the GPSMAP76CS (or GPSMAP76C without compass and altimeter). Garmin got it right with this one!

I got the gpsmap 76cs just in time for a trip to Alaska. So far the unit is great. It acquires satellites faster than my old gpsmap 76, which is a much appreciated improvement. The new screen is great. Clearly readable without backlight in many different lighting conditions. The color is does not make the screen look washed out or illegible as with other units I have seen.

The new operating system is quite good though I have a few quibbles. The unit will not display as many data fields in certain views as the old operating system but it is also less cluttered. I have also always wondered why Garmin does not include GPS elevation as a data field choice. The lack of an SD card slot is mildly annoying but 115 mb with a USB port is a big improvement.

I would recommend this unit to anyone who is looking for a high quality color GPS. It is also worth noting the Garmin is really good about providing free updates to operating software.

The Garmin "Bluecharts" are vector charts, which means they use mathematic algorithms to store all the lines and features of a nautical chart. I have steered away from these in the past because they tended to give up a lot of detail vs. "Raster Graphic" charts, which are essentially photographic images of paper charts.

With "Bluecharts" they have gotten to a level of detail (including multiple colors) that they look almost as good as a paper charts. The advantages of vector charts is that they take up much less room on your hard drive and run much faster on a PC. This is important when you are zooming in and out to see your depth or proximity to a wreck while moving on a boat.

I use mine with an eTrex Legend and am able to load most of the detail (depth, obstructions, nautical aids, etc) onto the handheld. For the full look of charts, I connect the GPS unit to my laptop. The package also includes tidal charts, which are much more detailed and accurate than the little tide chart booklets I used to use. Overall, it makes navigation a breeze...your boat is automatically represented on the chart and you have many simple tools to calculate distance/time to a given destination. It also incorporates additional information on Marinas and service locations.

The Garmin application the charts run on, "MapSource" allows you to easily switch between map types. I have "Americas Bluechart," "MetroGuide" (streetmaps), and "Tides and Marine Services," all without having to reconnnect the GPS unit.

The only hassle is the "Unlock" process, which is a bit time consuming and involves providing the Garmin website with a bunch of codes, including the serial number of my GPS unit to unlock a set of charts from the CD-ROM. I'm not sure, but I think it will only work with that specific unit, which worries me a bit as I am thinking about buying a second unit for backup.

I'll cut right to the chase--if you have a Garmin GPS unit that is MapSource compatible, and use it on the ocean, buy this CD! Garmin's Water Ways & Lights CD is a total joke compared to the BlueChart CD. The level of detail is an exact duplication of NOAA paper charts--very, very accurate and very, very detailed. I use this software with my GPSMAP 162, and the only drawback is that with the detail level set to high, it slows the screen redraw rate down considerably. but, when you're actually on the water, this isn't even noticeable. Bottom line--this is a great product.

Awesome product.
The ability to see individual topo sheets is very useful, as is the ability to create custom seamed maps.
Dowloads of GPS waypoints to the computer, and the upload of GPS points fron the computer to the GPS unit is easy.
Customer support is phenomenal! They resopond quickly and personally answer your questions and even take recommendations on what might be nice additions for future updates (such as a Baja map set, or the addition of other datums besides NAD27)

I can't say enough about this product! The best mapping software out there

I just returned from 3 weeks sailing in the San Juan and Gulf Islands in the Pacific Northwest. Navigation was ultimately derived from marine charts (NAD27) but also from daily tracking with my newly acquired Garmin 12 Map. I supplemented the charts with GPS coordinates (NAD83) for harbor entrances, moorings, and anchorages given in a regional marine guide book (Douglass and Douglass).

Good: The GPS 12 Map is easy to use for marine navigation. It's waterproof. It has a non-slip rubber bottom. The size of the GPS and its display is just about right for use in small craft like a 30-ft sailboat. Button size and separation is good even for cold, wet hands. The overlay of the land maps proved quite helpful for generally locating the boat position with respect to nearby land masses like islands and continental coasts. I found the overlays more useful than the traditional "highway" views. Creating, entering, and modifying waypoints is easy. The wide choice of waypoints symbols proved quite useful. Battery life is adequate. Sailing only during the day, I changed batteries every 5 or 6 days with periodic connections to a 12VDC outlet on the boat's electrical panel. I could have used the external DC power exclusively if I had brought a 10 ft extension with me.

Bad: Believe the warning on startup. The land mass overlays are approximate. Even with care as to the correct datum, several anchorages in small coves were shown to be on land even at maximum zoom. The data included for positions of marine buoys and lights were not always correct. Some buoys were shown in incorrect locations or absent altogether. The US Waterways MapSource may fix this for US waters but will exclude the contiguous Canadian waters (Gulf Islands).

Conclusion: A good product for coastal navigation but the pre-loaded land mass and navigation data are not always accurate. I suspect loading ad hoc navigational databases would greatly improve the unit's usefulness.

This little unit will surprise you with its capabilities! There's no way I will ever use a GPS that doesn't have mapping capabilities after using this one. It warms up and gets a fix quickly, and is VERY accurate - I held it up next to a $1,500 model and it showed the exact same numbers throughout a 20 mile trip. (needless to say the owner of the more expensive unit was not happy)

I don't go anywhere without this unit.... it is awesome!

I have owned this GPS for a year now. It is with me every time I travel. I recommend the 12V car power adapter, especially if you plan on using it for night driving with the display lighted. This unit has helped me locate many rental car return lots in unfamiliar cities, and has prevented me from getting lost while hiking. The Trackback feature is particularly useful to find your way back to where you started. Battery life has been about what I expected, around 12-14 hours continuous use without any backlight. The unit even works moderately well in airplanes (some don't allow GPS in flight, some do) so long as you have a window seat, put it right up to the window, and have at least four satellites in the sky on your side of the plane. The included North American map data is adequate for most travel, but if you need street level detail, get one of the map CD's and the computer cable. For the size, weight, and battery life, I don't think there is a better unit out there. I am very pleased and I recommend this unit to family and friends interested in GPS.

Recently spent a month motorcycle travel in Europe using GPS III with local database information. Extremely useful when unsure of location. Interesting to track route and time between destinations. Readily captures signal. Accurate enough to use on walking tour in strange cities - keeps track of routes followed - distance covered. Amazing technology.

There is a newer III out which has an expanded database and allows for downloads from your computer. Check it out first, before buying this one, unless price is the main issue.

I am with the U.S.Army and purchased a GPS III while in Albania on a mission. We used this unit everyday and compared it with our traditional navigation methods. The unit was accurate enough for navigation in a foreign country. It was also used while in Kosovo with the same accuracy. I have had the occasion to use the unit since returning to the US and it has performed flawlessly.

I used this driving from Columbus, Oh to Los Angeles, Ca and I was able to see myself navigating on the map, the entire time. I actually purchased the vehicle mounting bracket and it worked great in my Jeep. I recommend this product to anyone who wants to get places they've never been and get home again.

Bought 4 months ago and can not live without, just and amazing device, has 12 channels! There is no way you can not love this GPS, has all the features that others have as "options" huge database built in, iluminated panel for night use, easy and fast responses just superb.

Had the smaller versions from Garmin, but I now know you get what you pay for! Magellan still beats my new Garmin( 2 months old) constantly used while camping it is a must have, I highly recommend if you are going to depend on a GPS get the 410.

( By the way sold my "newer" GPS to my neighbor :) kept the Magellan 410 of course!)

This is the best top-of-the line GPS I've ever used or seen. Very accurate and easy to use. A great value!

This is the first GPS I have bought. What a steal at $229.00 on amazon.com. It was very easy to use once you are familiar with the interface. I didn't really need the handbook to figure most things out. I highly recommend it.

I needed to find an address to a birthday party in a city that I wasn't familiar with. I typed in the street name via "gaming genre" A-Z list. The 1st street on the list of many streets in many different cities was the one I was looking for. Listed by closest destination, I guess. Anyway I pushed enter & it drew a route for me. I also entered the address. I decided to take a different (freeway) route which is longer than the suggested route. Since I disregarded the 1st turn, the turn instruction display stayed there throughout the entire trip until I reached the target street. At which point it guided me to the right address on the street with the highlighted route line. Anyhoo, I did not need directions to get to the general area of this city. I just needed details, which the unit provided perfectly.

The cursor moves diagonally too, though not marked.

I have no experience with any other GPS systems. I can only say, as a novice, that I love Sportrak Color!

$229 is a steal. Get one!

I purchased the Sportrak Color from Amazon for $229. My local retail stores listed it at $349-$499. The reviewer that stated that the this unit is hard to use and is non-intuitive gave me great pause before purchasing it. With such a great price vs. all other listings, I went for it anyway. I'm very pleased with the system. As a complete GPS novice and as a test of the systems ease of use, I did not read the instruction manual. I only turned to the page that identified the functionality of each button. Anyone who has ever used a computer or played a video game can operate this unit intuitively.

I also purchased the MapSend Direct route software. I uploaded most of Michigan on it and started browsing streets in my general area that would require several turns to reach. I put the cursor on a street and pushed the GOTO button. It instantly asked me if I would like to go there. Neat, huh? I used the unit in my vehicle, laying it down in the center console. It guided me to the street with audible prompts, visual direction arrows, and street names to turn at.

I don't claim to know anything about GPS, but I love it.

I intend to use it for street directions and fishing spots.

It has a compass, barometer, altimeter, Color disply, and is VERY easy to use.