Recommendation based on price and feautres. Most bang for my buck! Any links to reviews will be appreciated.
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Ok, Here goes...for a good look at what the experts recommend, start by looking here: http://gpsinformation.us/main/gpshiking.htm where they recommend the following units: Magellan Meridian basic gold - http://gpsinformation.us/mgoldreview/mag-gold.htm platinum - http://gpsinformation.us/mgoldreview/mag-plat.htm Magellan Sportrak Pro - http://gpsinformation.net/mgoldreview/sportrak-pro-rev.html Garmin GPS-60C - http://gpsinformation.us/gps60c/g60review.html GPS76CS - http://gpsinformation.us/gps60c/g76Creview.html GPSMap76 - http://gpsinformation.net/waas/g76/g-76-map.html GPS76C - http://gpsinformation.us/gps60c/g76Creview.html Vista Color / Legend Color - http://gpsinformation.us/vistacolor/etrexvistacolor.html Vista / Legend - http://gpsinformation.net/etrexlegend.htm Lowrance iFinder (all models) - http://gpsinformation.net/ifinder/ifinderrev.htm When you are done checking out the reviews, this seems to be one of the most exhaustive GPS sites I have ever seen. http://www.gpsinformation.net/ Feature considerations for good geocaching GPS gear: Keep your gear longer by securing it with those key-keeper-style coiled lanyards. They are great for attaching receivers, cameras, and radios. If you drop your gear, it may spring back before crashing on the ground. They're great for keeping gear from becoming lost or stolen in wilderness or urban environments. Basemap. This is highly recommended. The additional cost is marginal, and the increase in the equipment's usefulness is substantial. Channels. Use a receiver with 12 parallel channels. This should include most manufactured after 1997. Older, single-channel receivers are much slower and may not be as accurate. External antenna jack. This allows the equipment to be mounted inside a vehicle. It is not always possible to obtain good satellite coverage through a front windshield. Even backpackers will benefit from the ability to safely store the receiver inside a pack with an antenna attached to backpack shoulder straps. Interface. If using the receiver with a computer, be sure that it includes both data in/out ports, and make sure it's NMEA compatible. Memory. This is used to load detailed topographic or street-level digital maps into the receiver. Topo maps use up a great deal of memory. Capacity should be at least 8 megabytes, or the receiver should include the ability to accept a memory card for as much memory as needed. Power source. Use a cigarette lighter power cable whenever possible. If you're only using batteries, make sure to carry spares and use a solar charger for extended field use. Rocker keypad. Using a receiver without a rocker keypad is like using a computer without a mouse. Screen size. For visual ease of operation, use a receiver with the largest screen that can be realistically carried. Screen size is measured diagonally. Color is great and helps define map features, although it does burn battery power. Waterproof. Sooner or later the gear will get submerged. Get gear that is at least water-resistant. Plastic bags and boxes give electronics a little additional protection.
Good answers from desabol. A few things I'll add: For handhelds, I prefer Garmin over Magellan due to better customer service and more intuitive menus. GPSinformation.net is a great site. You might also check out my reviews at http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/gps_reviews/index.html External antenna - most peoople won't use this. Interface - make sure it comes with a cable to connect it to your PC, or has the option of getting one. Color screen - I agree, this is worthwhile. I haven't seen any real evidence of it consuming more battery power though. Rich Owings http://www.MakeYourOwnMaps.com/ http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/ "We were desert mystics, my friends and I, poring over our maps as others do their holy books." - Edward Abbey
