GPS

[RollTideRam]

Look at the Garmin hand held models. They are not the best for using on the road, but they do work. They are the best for using in deep woods. JC

 

[RonMar]

You can confirm with Verizon, but many newer phones have an integrated GPS as well. The cell-based triangulation isn't all that accurate, people without the GPS service can also use Google Maps Mobile on some devices (Blackberry, for example) to see, but typically I can only get to within several hundred feet of my location as opposed to within 10's of feet for a GPS. Now smart software that assumes you're on a road can make even cell-based triangulation seem much more accurate so the only way to know for sure is to go someplace without cell service. Of course the other issue is that I have no idea what Verizon will give you if there are no roads nearby, I'm hoping there's a breadcrumb feature or at least lat/long display.

I can't think of a current production phone that dosn't have a GPS receiver in it. Unfortunatly that GPS information is typically not user accessable. But as mentioned some providers are making use of it for additional mapping services for those phones with displays large enough to make use of the information. About the only control over it you have in most phones is to disable the GPS reporting feature for normal calls(kind of like blocking your caller ID). It is defaulted to the on position for calls to 911, so yes, big brother is watching.

It works pretty well also. I had a dispatcher finish a sentence for me when reporting a hit and run and I couldn't recall the name of the cross street that I saw the driver turn up as he fled the scene. She knew exactly where I was calling from by the GPS position reported by my phone.

 

[ray66v]

but again it assumes that you've got a phone with a screen you can read while driving.

That's the big issue. I have been using a automotive GPS for about 8 years, and the most important thing, to me now, is to be able to see the screen.

My unit is a 2" square, B&W screen, Garman. And man, its getting tougher to see as I get older. Driving with reading glasses on!!??

I suggest getting a nice one, you will probably use it more than you think.

 

[sandman2234]

Microsoft has a GPS with their 2008 version of Streets and Trips, if you have a laptop. Probably roadways only, but the last time I priced it, it was $80 which is better than most of the GPS's your going to find at that price. I will probably get around to one of them soon, as I drive a truck for a living and carry a laptop with me anyway.
David from jax

 

[archerynut]

I just picked up a Garmin colorado series GPS and this is my second one after I wore out a Garmin Rhino 120. The new Colorado is expensive but it seems to do everything fairly well, it has been great in the woods and it has a on road feature for traveling roads. Definitely more than you wanted to spend but it is really easy to use and comes preloaded with topo maps that are pretty darn good.

 

[bigshovel]

I bought a Garmin 60csx last year to replace my Garmin etrex of ten years. I also purchased city navigator software and Topo2008. I love it. User friendly runs on batteries an 12v. Color screen and super fast start up and holds signal in heavy canopies.

Brad

 

[johnk]

I also have a Garmin 60 cx with the topo in it. It's impossible to get lost. I feel it is quite easy to use and the screen is very nice. It is a very versitile GPS.

 

[RobertN]

I bought a Garmin 60csx last year to replace my Garmin etrex of ten years.

That unit has really good reviews. And, I have found it on Amazon for $275. Interestingly, REI, where I am a long time member, wants $399.

I think I might go with that unit.

 

[RobertN]

I just picked up a Garmin colorado series GPS and this is my second one after I wore out a Garmin Rhino 120.

How did you wear out the Rhino? Did buttons fail, screen fade, or?

 

[dmccarty]

That unit has really good reviews. And, I have found it on Amazon for $275. Interestingly, REI, where I am a long time member, wants $399.

We bought the 60csx last year. Can't remember the price but I surely don't think it $399. Thats alot of money. And we bought the GPS at REI.

We have used it in the car for trips. I had setup a bunch waypoints which was nice when the family was asking for the next bathroom break. It was nice to see our actual speed during the trip when bathroom breaks were included. Well I thought it was nice to know, the wifey and kids did not like my telling them to hurry up.

Wifey had borrowed her company's 60csx and it worked very well around the house. One of the reasons we bought the GPS was to help find our property lines in the woods. We know the location of the pins but getting between the pins is the trick. Both my dad and I have used the compass to do this and we end up going off on an angle. Figured the GPS will allow me to put up flagging and eventually figure out the straight line between pins. At least once the leaves drop.

One our our neighbors works with GPS systems and mapping software. He helped us down load the plots from the county GIS so we can see our property lines on the GPS display.

Later,
Dan