GPS advice needed

Coach · September 8, 2004

I know SoundMan will have to chime in on this and I hope some others will know about this product. I am thinking about maybe purchasing a handheld unit. The store I got a gift card from has several to choose from, but I have narrowed it down to three that are in my price range.

I am looking for a good mapping GPS that has the best road/highway database, most reliable positioning, and easy to use interface.

Lowrance iFinder (seems to be the best option)

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Link

Cobra GPS 500

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Magellan SporTrak

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Link

Thanks for the help, I just want to make sure I get the best one.

Sound_Man · September 8, 2004

well i have always been a fan of the magellan units. I would go with the sport track strictly for the fact that it has the ability to be updated with more maps as new roads are created and such. you should also be able to plot on a pc which is easier then just download it to the unit

be sure to also get a mount, windshield is the best and get a cigarette lighter adaptor

Coach · September 8, 2004

Do I have to buy the software ($130) to create routes and upload them and update road changes?

Monkeypox · September 9, 2004

When I was doing soil work, we used the Magellan. Now, I didn't know what the hell I was doing, so I can't really give a solid endorsement, except for the fact that it's all my boss would buy.

Brian · September 9, 2004

Are you gelling?

JayDub · September 9, 2004

Are you gelling?

Like Magellan.

PerryG2480 · September 10, 2004

We sell the SporTrak PRO at Radio Shack, and it says that it comes with 9 MB of pre-installed maps and 23 MB of extra space for downloaded maps. It comes with the PC connect cable, but no software is in the package. It looks like you'd have to buy one of the MapSend programs in order to transfer new detailed maps into the unit.

Coach · September 11, 2004

Thanks everyone. The more I read about it and listen to advice here, it is pretty obvious that a Magellan is the way to go. I will probably buy the SporTrak at the store I have a gift card for, unless a good deal from a reputable seller comes up on ebay.

mean gruene · September 14, 2004

this idea may not be very popular. but it took me about a minute to find about 50 map software programs to download from the internet from other people. this would save you the money from buying that software for $100+. just an idea. good luck and hope you have fun with it