Garmin Quest?

[IanC]

Anyone have any experience of these?

I am looking to upgrade my Etrex Legend which has a split case, and was going for the Legend Color, but the new Quest looks to be very good. Seems like it can do all that an Etrex can (but no inbuilt compass as the Vista), but also offers auto-routing which would be useful at home, and there's a "live" motorcycle mount, i.e. has contacts so's you clip the Quest in and it has power and audio-out if you want it (works in mount _or_ handheld).

Also included is their "City Select" CD, cables etc., 256Mb memory, USB, Li-ion battery, colour, etc.

Is it too good to be true? Not sure about robustness, but it is waterproof and Garmin tell me it's as tough as Etrex.

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www.aslc43.dsl.pipex.com

[richardb]

I've got one and it is proving to be very good. I've even dropped it onto tarmac while moving along and it still works perfectly. Used in the rain too with no problem.

Not got the mounting bracket - I am a bit dubious about the vibration when hard mounted. I keep mine in the map pocket of my tank bag - but then that is how I came to drop it!

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Richb
http://www.postmaster.co.uk/~richardbeaumont/60684/

[IanC]

Thanks Richard - Can you just confirm that it does basic "off-road" GPS functionality? Such as logging tracks, and uploading routes etc. which are nowhere near any road network? Some of what I've read regarding auto-routing GPS's seems to imply that they won't do basic non-road GPS, i.e. are useless except for navigating by road.

Also, how critical is it to have the flip-antenna unfolded, and horizontal? Will it work OK folded up and in your pocket?

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www.aslc43.dsl.pipex.com

[This message has been edited by IanC (edited 01 May 2005).]

[richardb]

I haven't used it yet for off road, but it does give you an option for switching between road and off road usage, and you can tell it whether your are on foot or wheels.

I have used it with the antenna folded away, though not sure about how it works when in your pocket. Most times when I lose reception outdoors it is caused by high buildings on all sides. However I have also noticed it can lose track when there is reasonably thick tree covereage overhead - but it does seem to get it back again fairly quickly when this happens.

hope this helps

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Richb
http://www.postmaster.co.uk/~richardbeaumont/60684/

[IanC]

Got the Quest now, and have to say I like it! May not be quite as likely to survive a drop, but the autorouting feature is useful.

I know we're all hardcore off-road RTW travellers here, but everyone does need to navigate by road at some time!

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www.aslc43.dsl.pipex.com