Which GPS should I get: different to normal.

[Warthog]

I know there are a lot of "which blah-blah should I get?" threads on here, but this is a bit different (I hope)

I bought a Garmin Quest before going to Argentina in 2006. I liked it because it was waterproof (for use on the bike) and had internal battery power so could be used hand held, too. Unfortunately, it threw itself from my pocket last weekend when I stupidly decided not to take the cradle with me camping.... So nbow I have a blank canvas...

One thing I learnt about myself and GPS's: I still like maps.

I would look at the map and decide on a route and then use the GPS to track my progress etc. As I had no routeplanning software for Argentina, I just selected my dstination in the GPS and then followed the solid line that went straight toi the mark. In cities I just followed the roads that took me in the direction of the destination.

In other words, I am not interested in a GPS that gives me directions: I can manage without and usually don't bother to plot in the details.

What I do want is something that I can plug into a biike mounted brtacket to view and charge, but also have handheld battery power and options. I am sometimes more interested in the lie of the land than on getting directions.

So this makes me think I should be looking at a hiking GPS, rather than an auto GPS.



So:

1. Which hiking GPS can be plugged into a ram cradles for power?
2. Which hiking GPS could support the City Select type maps (auto maps) as well as the typical relief maps like OS maps.
3. If such a GPS also had the option of auto routing software support, this would be a bonus, but not essential.
4. Price is obviously importnat, but features comes first...

A cursory review points to a GPSMap 60Csx or the like... Any suggestions?
Thanks

[John Ferris]

Garmin 76CSX or 60CSX
Put a plug on the bike and use a ram mount. I have a 76CSX and it does all I want.
I have heard that people have had trouble with the ram mounts for the 60CSX
With both you can get 2GB cards for your maps, topo or navigator.
They will route you if you want but no voice.
AA batteries for off of the bike.

[Warthog]

Intersting to know.

I have also seen the eTrex Vista Hcx and Legend HCx.

At face value they seem to tick all the boxes and be a lot cheaper to boot.

I have to keep reminding myself of what I want so that I do not get all obsessed by gimmickry (although saying that gimmickruy is not a beautiful thing is almost blasphemous!!)

Any views on the eTrex models as well?