Entry level GPS
 

Hi, as a complete novice I've been reading up as much as I can about GPS devices and narrowed my choice down to 3 .
Garmin GPS V , Garmin GPSMAP 60, Garmin GPSMAP 76 ,which are available in Canada for about $300 .
I notice that all have a different map loaded in as standard - which is very confusing .
The V and the 60 have 19MB and 24MB respectively but the 76 only has 8 MB.
I do not intend to carry a laptop computer on my travels in Canada and Alaska .How much memory should I look for and which software maps are best for smaller trails in the N Americas?
How easy is the monochrome screen to read on a bike ?

Thank you
Dodger

Hi Dodger,
I can speak for the basemap on the gpsmap60cs - I would say spend a few more bucks if you can and get a 60c or 76c -much more memory and Colour display.
The amount of detail on the basemap is not very good - especially if you are looking for trails - so the amount of memory for mapsource is important - I loaded BC,AB,Alaska from city select last year and it took about 30-35 mb ish I think.
Having used an etrex summit for a while before the 60cs the colour display is much better - helps differenciate between all the info on screen especially when you are on the bike and glancing at the display quickly.
If you are not reying on it too much the gps v(5) is still ok and you get the mapsource cd included - quite a good deal.

As for detailed track info the city select has roads and some tracks on it - the Dempster highway was on it but not very accurately - not sure if City Navigator would have better detail for that - any suggestions guys ?
Dont know if you can save the tax if you buy a gps in AB ? - try theses guys if you havent already:

www.gpscentral.ca

very helpful and know the products well.
Cheers
Grif

I have been using the Garmin eTrex Legend-C for nearly 2 years - with excellent results/success. Compact, runs on AA batteries (>20 hour life) or via the accessory socket, 24 mb, auto-routing, water-resistant, reasonable price.

Purchased it, with MapSource software from www.gpscentral.ca

I found their prices and service excellent.

The unit is mounted on my handlebars with a RAM mount - also avail from gpscentral.ca or www.cycoactive.com

Just another recommendation for GPSCentral here in Calgary. I bought my Quest 2 from them and they are great people with excellent service.

Perhaps the Quest 2 is out of your price range but it comes with City Select for all of North America preloaded and with 140 Mb of free memory where I've downloaded most of the topo maps for the western Canada into.

tor1150r,
How do you get on with the power cable to the etrex ? if i put it on the ktm (on a Touratech mount) the power cable connector vibrates out of the slide in 'socket' - ended up using duck tape on it - but only lasts a day before falling off still.
cheers
Grif

Hey Grif,
So far I've only used 'AA' batteries while on the road. Garmin 'claims' 20+ hours on a set and they have been pretty accurate on that account (the backlight drains power, but don't need it during daylight). I'll try Lithium ones this summer as they claim to last longer. I'll be delighted if I can stretch 25 hours.

As for the 12v cable, I suspect I'd have to secure the cable with duct tape or something similar as well. I'll give it a go this season. If the batteries are in the unit, it should be fine until the next stop (when you apply the tape!).

Cheers,