What is the best GPS unit??

[crazyaussie]

Well after my ride in Austin and seeing exactly what Black_Peter's GPS unit spit out, I'm convinced that I need one myself. Okay, so maybe I just WANT one.

I am wondering what everyone's recommendation is for the $300-$500 price range. Some of the features I would like are: top speed, average speed, point by point directions, pre-loaded maps, portability, and something that is durable enough to withstand the vibrations. What is everyone's recommendations?

I probably won't get one soon, but I'm getting an idea so I can put it on my wishlist for Santa . If there's a good deal, I might splerge and treat myself.

[Mojoe]

good question....and I am anxious to hear the answers. I would like one myself, but more for fishing. I want one with waypoints...so that when I find that nice bass spot, I can return to it without trying to remember which boathouse lines up with what tree when the sun is over my left shoulder.

[crazyaussie]

good question....and I am anxious to hear the answers. I would like one myself, but more for fishing. I want one with waypoints...so that when I find that nice bass spot, I can return to it without trying to remember which boathouse lines up with what tree when the sun is over my left shoulder.

+1 on the waypoints

[Black_peter]

Dude.
Mine was only $169..
It is the Garmin, eTrex Legend..
I "borrowed" the national map disk from a buddy but I can burn it for you.

It will display:
current speed
top speed
average speed
travel time (moving)
current direction

It will:
Track.
That means store a trip (like our ride)
and either display it on a map
or
lead you back the way you came..
(invaluable once outside the Austin City limits and
road signs, steetlights and pavements become scarce)
Lead you to a city.
Lead you to a programed (or downloaded)
waypoint..

It really cool for the money..

[Mojoe]

where did you buy it, Pete?
the prices on a gps have dropped alot over the years. I looked into equipping my boat with one about 6-7 years ago. They were the size of a shoebox and cost a fortune.

[Black_peter]

My brother gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago..
I had it on my Amazon list.. I just did a web search for it and got that price ($169) but I'm pretty sure that is what is was then too... It's black and white, but man the info it can hold!! If you're on a trip, you can have it search out food( by type!), rest stops, gas stations etc..
I won't leave home with out it!!

[Mojoe]

My brother gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago..
I had it on my Amazon list.. I just did a web search for it and got that price ($169) but I'm pretty sure that is what is was then too... It's black and white, but man the info it can hold!! If you're on a trip, you can have it search out food( by type!), rest stops, gas stations etc..
I won't leave home with out it!!

I believe you. It is a very practical item to have if you are on the road alot. I will definately be getting on in the near future. It would be especially handy now that I don't have a speedo on my bike. It stopped working when I went riding with katman05. I put on a new cable, but still no go. So now I have no ide how fast i am going.

crazyaussi....if you buy one soon, leave some info/input on what you bought. it is not so much cost or what it can do cuz they all pretty much do the same thing. user friendly is my concern. I don't want to have to puch 362 buttons to get the time.

[SweetLou]

I just bought one from Viclava and should be getting it this week. I will give you all a update on it once I get it mounted. I too think I bought the Etrax.