Garmin or Magellin Handheld Color GPS units???

Bob_Skurka · Nov 15, 2004

I'm looking at buying some of the handheld GPS units and wondered if anyone had any experience with these things. My thought is to give them to my new sales manager, shipping manager, etc.

In my searching I think I've narrowed it down to 2 different units. One is the "Garmin eTrex LEGEND C" and the other is the "Magellin Sportrak Pro Color"

Both are color units. Both are waterproof. Both have optional software that allows for Turn-by-Turn driving instruction.

It seems like Garmin probably has more sales than Magellin (but I don't know if that means they are better). The Garmin unit is slightly smaller. The Garmin unit is about $60 more expensive (per unit) based on the best prices I can find - which makes it considerably less attractive. Also, the Garmin unit has buttons on the side while the Magellin unit has buttons on the faceplate. I would think being able to see all the buttons would make it easier to use while driving!!!

So, has anyone used any of the various versions Magellin Sportrak units? Garmin eTrex units? Any pros or cons?

SkyPup · Nov 15, 2004

I've used Garmin's for years now for hunting, fishing, long distance off road motorcycling as well as international travels. They are difficult to beat.

sneaky_pete · Nov 15, 2004

No experience with the eTrex, but I have a Garmin V that can be mounted on a dash, on handlebars, or be hand-held and it is a quality unit that is very accurate and has been 100% reliable. I wouldn't hesitate to buy or recommend another Garmin product.

You can get them a lot cheaper on the internet than at a retail store, in case you haven't discovered that yet.

Pete

chucko · Nov 15, 2004

Bob ask over on thehulltruth.com .....a boating forum they stay up to date on all that is new and cool in gps and such

Bob_Skurka · Nov 15, 2004

chucko, I did a few searches on that site but came up with bupkus on the little hand held units. They did have some neat gizmos mounted to their dashes. I'm wondering about a depth finder for the tractor? Maybe I could find a place to spot a new well???

I know nobody commented on the Magellin units yet, but that is what I am leaning towards over the Garmin units . . . mostly because I can't figure out how to manipulate the side mounted buttons on the Garmin units when they would be mounted to a dashboard cradle. While hiking I think the Garmin would be easier to use with one hand, but while driving I think side mounted buttons would be much harder to manipulate. The Magellin unit has all the button located right under the screen, so when it is mounted to the dashboard it would be easier to operate. That and the price difference of $60 each unit!!!

Now if I wanted to get silly, I'd go for the TOM TOM GO unit. But at nearly $1000 I think I could use a map.

Hakim · Nov 15, 2004

Hi Bob,

I have little experience with GPS myself (the one in my Audi A6 is bare bones and the data actually is terrible).

However, I am shopping for a good new handheld unit, like you. I noted the current issue of PC Magazine has a review of the top units, ten different ones, including the ones discussed here, and some I had never heard of, but rated highly by PC Mag. A lot of info, with comparisons, prices, etc. Worth a look, IMO.

PC Magazine GPS Reviews - Current Issue

thcri · Nov 15, 2004

Bob,

I had a Garmin E-Trex Vista. Which is similar to the Legend. As far as the buttons on the side that never bothered me because I either had it in my hand or in the Garmin mount which allowed you to use the buttons on the side. I used it a lot for Geo-Caching. I now have a Garmin GPSMap60CS that I love even more. If you want a really good website/forum go to www.geocaching.com. I find that site similar to TBN, as the people there are very helpful. If you have a city address or your cordinates to your place, PM them to me and I will e-mail you back something kind of neat. As far as Megellan over Garmin, both are great, go to one of you local stores and find out which one you like the best and is the easiest to manipulate through. Then go to a web page of www.gpsnow.com or www.gpsdiscount.com and you will find prices a lot cheaper. There is other places you can get them cheaper also.

murph

Bob_Skurka · Nov 15, 2004

Hakim, I missed that review. But thanks, your link just made up my mind. The Magellin Sportrak Pro Color unit is what I'll be giving away this Christmas season as work gifts! So far I have not read any bad reviews of the unit. I like the Magellin Meridian Color unit a bit better but several sites indicate that Magellin is discontinuing that model (while it is still listed on the Magellin site). The Meridian has a very slightly larger screen but the real thing I was attracted to was the fact that it accepted memory cards. What I can't justify is spending roughly a $1000 per unit for something that is not much better than a Rand McNally atlas.

At under $300 a each, these things make nice tools that help when needed and can be used out of the vehicle in the field or taken on vacation for travel uses too. The handhelds are not perfect for road use, but they are handy.

I know that the Volvo dealer wanted to sell me their pop up navigation system but those are roughly $2000 and to be honest, I can find my way home when I'm in my car from almost anywhere!

BillG_in_TX · Nov 15, 2004

Bob,

I have the Magellan Meridian basic model, which I picked up for about $100 when they were closing that model out at Fry's. In addition, I bought the Topo software (which has street level mapping as well as topographic data) and an SD card for about another $100.

It has been a great tool for hiking, driving, mapping my property, and even keeping track of our location on a cruise to Alaska. It's amazing the technology that can be purchased for a little bit of money these days.

My assistant's son is in Iraq and took a Garmin E-Trex model with him, and he said it "saved" an entire convoy one time when they got lost returning to their base. And you won't find any Magellan units in Iraq, unless the insurgents have them (Magellan is French owned /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif).

Bob_Skurka · Nov 15, 2004

<font color="red"> Magellan is French owned </font>

I wish you would have posted before I placed my order! I have one of my truck drivers in Iraq and one of my managers in Afghanistan! I do like the ergonomics of the Magellan better than the Garmin, and at $255 each for the color version, it was tough to pass up.