Handheld GPS Recommendations

[Cris Schroeder]

My handheld Garmin eTrex Legend died this week. I've been using it as a moving map on the road, and run it into the laptop through a serial/USB adapter for use with Delorme, GR3, etc.

I've considered buying a USB puck as a replacement, but I really like having the standalone GPS. Does anyone have a recommendation on a decent handheld GPS? I'd prefer one that can tether to my laptop via USB, also preferably with a moving map. I will have a chance to play with them at Bass Pro Shops over Thanksgiving but recommendations would be appreciated.

[John Erwin]

My handheld Garmin eTrex Legend died this week.

Sorry to hear about your GPS Cris; hopefully this hasn't tainted your opinion of Garmin because I really beleive they make the best handhelds out there.

I'm not sure of your budget, but there are still newer eTrex units in thier current lineup that would work well. I would also recommend you have a peek at the 60cx (and variants) as well; they're pretty pricey but the benefit is in the screen used. It's color, transflective and very visible even in direct sunlight. I use mine mostly for hiking and geocaching, however I have a vehicle mount for it as well and sometimes use it when driving.

[Mike McDonald]

Garmin has an out-of-warranty repair or replacement service. The cost varies by model. My old Vista (b&w) died a couple of years ago and Garmin sent me a replacement for $100. The site shows the cost for a Legend is $79. The link: http://www8.garmin.com/support/outofwarranty.html

Sometimes I think the $100 would have been better invested in a new GPS. I have a Garmin 45, III+, Vista and GPSMap 76S. And an original Trimble Scout.

Mike

[Phil Moyer]

I have the Garmin GPSMap 76Csx, which I use in the truck for driving around, in the field for backpacking and geocaching, and on the water as a cheapskate's chartplotter. Fantastic unit. Very easy to use. I recommend it.

[Graham Butler]

The Garmin 60csx is what I use in the field (thesis work not chasing) and I also have a puck. I have used the Garmin for nav tethered with Delorme and Grlv3: worked perfectly. The 60csx is waterproof, floats, color, as well as many other very useful features. If it has more features than you need I would still suggest a Garmin as they are rugged and damn good. I, as well as my father, use http://www.gpsnow.com/ for all of our gps purchases and have spent a collective $1500+ from them with ZERO problems.

Good luck figuring out which to buy.

Graham

[Cris Schroeder]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm leaning towards a Garmin eTrex Venture HC, as it looks like they will be on sale in the $120 range on Black Friday at Bass Pro. I already have a RAM windshield mount for my eTrex, and the HC looks like it will fit without having to buy a new mount.

I'll send my wife out, as you couldn't drag me into a store the day after Thanksgiving.