OpenStreetMap
Anyone got any recommendations for a new GPS unit? I've been using a Dell axim with a separate bluetooth receiver (the Slim GPS) and OSMtracker installed for the past six years, and I think the bluetooth receiver has given up the ghost.
I'm after something fairly robust that I can use as a navigation aid on the hills, as well as for day to day track collection. Perhaps just a replacement for the bluetooth module, although the axim itself is getting longer in the tooth!
Cheers,
Chris
Discussion
Comment from LivingWithDragons on 27 April 2011 at 10:43
Oh wow, I started with a Dell axim so many years ago. I then got a Garmin Legend HCx so I have a hand free (actually one hand now holds a camera, and the other is made free because I hang the Garmin GPS round my neck, but I digress...).
This is a great write up by gravitystorm(of opencyclemap.org fame) of what I would recommend and why. http://www.gravitystorm.co.uk/shine/gps-recommendations/
Comment from Sam Wilson on 27 April 2011 at 11:31
I just bought a eTrex Vista HCx, and so far it's totally great. Small and light, and feels pretty rugged. I've only used it when walking so far, and it's perfect for navigation on foot; I think it'd be great on a bike too (there's a handlebar bracket available for it).
Comment from LivingWithDragons on 27 April 2011 at 12:15
It is really rugged. The handle bar mount can snap, but call garmin and they'll send a replacement for free (gravitystorm has a blog post on doing that).
I was cycling along some stony footpath waiting for a replacement, so my Legend was on the mount but not 'clicked' in. The GPS went flying and I thought it was done, but it's got just a little scratch on the plastic (I think a cunning lip around the screen protects that somewhat).
Comment from Vincent de Phily on 27 April 2011 at 14:18
I started with the eTrex (vista hcx) and was really happy with it (same comments as my peers here). I also got my hands on a Dakota 20, which thanks to its touchscreen is much nicer to use (especially for naming waypoints !). I now have a GPSmap62 which is bulkyer, but has a slightly better accuracy than the eTrex and Dakota.
So the eTrex is great and cheap, the Dakota is nicer to use, and the GPSmap is more accurate. If you've got plenty of cash, the Oregon brings you the best of both worlds (but smaller battery life: 16h vs 20/26h).
Comment from z-dude on 28 April 2011 at 03:28
I like the Garmin Oregon. I use it for cycling, and I've made an OpenCycleMap overlay for my city.
Comment from bitic on 29 April 2011 at 10:46
I use an iPhone 4 and I'm really enjoying it. I never used a dedicated GPS device, and I wonder what can these provide me that the IP4 does not. More accuracy?
Comment from c2r on 2 May 2011 at 04:56
Hi Bitic, Yeah, the iphone's GPS trails aren't too accurate as they don't connect to as many satellites as a dedicated receiver. I was using one walking this weekend (actually my mate was using it, for lack of working GPS on my part!) A couple of times it located us completely randomly in strange places so I don't think it is totally reliable for hill walking!
Cheers
Chris
Comment from c2r on 2 May 2011 at 04:56
(and thanks for the other suggestions, guys... I'll have to save for the etrex - see if I've got any cash left over at the end of the month!)