What do you guys think? I can probably get one through "Marlboro Miles" 2500 miles plus 25 bucks?

Is this a good unit for off roading? Can I store trails, maps? Thanks for the help.

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Hmm.. looked up the specs.. I wouldnt get it if its just the normal Etrex.. It doesnt have very good mapping capabilities.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Check this out.. compare the Etrex vs the GPS V

http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

does it say if its a certain model of eTrex?

They have the eTrex and then the etrex Summit, etrex Legend, etrex Venture, etrex Vista, and etrex Camo.

Of those, the eTrex Vista is the only one that would really work for you.. Its got 24megs of memory and will do maps. The vista retails for about $375. As far as GPSs go, just like anything else you buy, you get what you pay for.. The V is still retailing for about $536 or so. I would suggest the Emap though.. It has all the mapping features of the V, without the autorouting and is a lot cheaper. Satellite lock takes a bit longer than mine but it will work for you just as good offroad.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Emap for $169!!:
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmem.htm

Accessories for emap:
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmemacc.htm

You will need the 32mb datacard ($70) the PC cable ($30) and the autmotive mounting bracket ($13). You can get away with the 16mb card if you want for $50, but for $20 its worth doubling it. Figure your final cost will be around $300 for gps and everything.

GPS V ($499):
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmv.htm


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

You need to compress this stuff into a single post sometimes datz. that, and check some of the other windows that are open on your desktop for flashing messages.

well, i post, then I find more info.. thats how it always works.. either that or edit my post 10-15 times.. and I dont think ppl like that.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Andy has the Emap and he loves it. He was able to get all the trails in it that John has in his Garmin V.



"You can shout it with adjectives."

I have the eTrex Vista, but if I had to do it over, I'd probably suck it up and buy the GPS V or one of the marine chartplotters. My biggest gripe is the screen is very small, so the map function is next to impossible to use while driving. I've seen a couple Jeepers around here with the chartplotters bolted to the dash for a moving map display. They are extremely pricey, but you can get a huge screen compared to what's on the Vista.

MNOC Kansas Krawlers

The Garmin 176 is something I'd look into. A little more than a V, but has a HUGE screen.. and they have a color version, the 176c!

I'd LOVE to have this thing. A friend of returned his GPS V to get one of these for use on his motorcycle...

http://www.gpsnow.com/gmmap176c.htm

heres a review of the 176 (black and white version) with some screenshots.. It has a cool 3d highway view that shows the road you are on and all the turns etc:
http://gpsinformation.net/g176/gps176review.htm

Garmin site:
http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap176C/


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

[This message was edited by datz510 on 05-27-03 at 09:50 AM.]

Wow!!!

Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated. I think I am gonna save for the V.

On a side note, I finally broke down and bought a new stereo for the truck. After this weekend, I was tired of dealing without tunes. I got an Alpine CDA-9813. I paid about $430.00 with a warantee. Tunes kick ass! I need to get that axle next, then GPS. I just thought for 25 bucks. this might be worth it. As for what model it is, I am not sure if it said or not... I would have to ask my dad again.

Catcha L8RZ...

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I am seriously getting ready to purchase an etrex Legend. There is a rebate now, for $50. That brings the price down to about $200. I also have a gift Cert from Best Buy for about $75, so that brings my "cost" to around $125 (plus tax and stuff)for a unit.

Its really small, so I can pack it when I go biking, and hiking shouldn't be a problem either. I would like to get a GPS V, but I can't justify the $400+ to getting one. Also its bigger than I would like for my purposes.

But yeah, the screen on the etrex is tiny. I am willing to overlook that for only spending $125 and change for the unit.

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You should also consider the Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap. I know they are now discontinued but mine sure works great! I have Garmin TOPO USA, Metroguide and Metroguide Canada.

Rick
01 4X4 Xterra
Everything except lockers!

The only thing is.. I find myself using my GPS both in and out of the truck while hiking and whatnot.. so a streetpilot is pretty limited in that respect.. But, if he plans on just using it in the truck, the big color screen would really be cool.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Naw, I want something I can use wherever, whenever...

I think I am just gonna have to wait for a while and spring for the V. I need to finish the truck and pay off some major bills first Need a new rear axle, and I would like to do some suspension work... The GPS will just have to wait.

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