Registered: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 7

I am buying a GPS Module - but which is better??

1. HandyGPS - $149
2. Magellan - $149
3. GeoDiscovery - $289

What should I be looking for in terms of comparison ? So far, I'm using time to find satalites and the maps they provide as a reference point.

Any help would be nice.

Registered: May 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 98

I'd like to know too

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

I've used both the Geode and the Magellan, and I heartilly recommend the Magellan. The Geode software is pretty buggy still, and there are rumors that manufacturer is struggling. Magellan is the better product right now, and it's much more affordable.

I haven't used the HandyGPS. The original product apparently had a lot of problems, based on posts I read at the time. I don't know if they were fixed or not.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 293

I agree with VTL. Magellan is the way to go!

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 216

A word of warning. Apparently GeoDiscovery is having some difficulties (see here) .

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Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Aiken, SC
Posts: 20

Earthmate

Just as an additional option you can use a DeLorme earthmate. I use one both on my laptop and Prism. Thus I have a single DVD (Topo USA) with topos for the entire US for my laptop that I can download individualyy to my Prism using Solus 3.0. I also have Street Atlas USA for road coverage which I can also download to the Prism using Solus. The earthmate is very durable and locks on very quickly. However it is a bulkier package compared to the Magellen or HandyGPS so the flexability is not free.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: El Segundo,CA
Posts: 374

I have used the Delorme tripmate with Mapopolis on flash. It allows you to have the antenna away from the Visor.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Cincinnati, OH USA
Posts: 107

Re: Earthmate

quote:

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Originally posted by morphsci
Just as an additional option you can use a DeLorme earthmate. ... The earthmate is very durable and locks on very quickly. However it is a bulkier package compared to the Magellen or HandyGPS so the flexability is not free.

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Michael W. Cristiani
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Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Aiken, SC
Posts: 20

Re: Re: Earthmate

quote:

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Originally posted by mcristia


But, don't you still have your Springboard slot available to you, where the the other solutions forego that? Or do they have some onboard extra memory of some kind?

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Mountain View, CA
Posts: 211

The Nice thing about the Earthmate Setup is that you can store all your maps on a Flash Module. Also It makes the Visor more lightweight than with the Geode or Magellan (Even tho the Magellan is quite lightweight)

I just wish they could come out with an Edge adaptor cable so I can stop using my 3x!!

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 295

This link has some very detailed info for Palm-based and stand-alone GPS units:

http://celia.mehaffey.com/dale/pilotgps.htm

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 95

Megellan...I tried all the other GPS's and the Megellan is your best bet.

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

One more vote for Magellan. Co-worker of mine bought the Geode... could never get it to lock on sats... returned.. bought the Magellan as well.

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Posts: 30

Ok, here's my $.02....

The HandyGPS uses a proprietary protocol, and so it only works with its own software. Pretty useless if you ask me.

The Geode, to paraphrase a common sentiment on these boards, is all bark and no bite. Sure, there are some happy Geode users out there, but are they really getting what they paid for?? I don't think so.

The Magellan is the perfect compromise. First of all, Magellan is not a newbie to the land of GPS, while Nexian and Geodiscovery were never heard of before their GPS modules. (Coincidence???) The Magellan's software does lack a bit of polish, and would benefit greatly from a bit of integration, but overall, it just plain works. And the beauty of the Magellan.... if you don't like the software that comes with it, scrap it and pick something else! As long as it adheres to the NMEA standard, it should work with no problems. (As for the Magellan with Solus Pro.... are you really surprised that DeLorme's software is buggy with 3rd party GPS units??)

I owned a Magellan handheld unit before the Companion, and have never had a complaint. They just plain work. I take my Companion on long driving trips, and short flying hops. Works like a charm.

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Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 24

Magellan software

At one time there were rumblings of Magellan or Marcosoft integrating or upgrading the Companions software. Anyone hear any more info?

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Posts: 30

zef,

The "Map Companion" software included with the Magellan is a licensed, slightly modified version of Marcosoft's Quo Vadis. I've used it quite a bit, and it does come in handy. It's based on 1998/1999 map data, so some newer roads don't show up. I'd rate it a 9/10. And I'm pretty confident that Magellan will continue to update the software every year or so.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 53

Etrex with QuoVadis is my choice.

I have a Garmin Etrex with QuoVadis software on my VDX. I think it is the best combination. The Etrex is $85 and independent and small. I connect it to the VDX with a cable and NEMEA protocols are handled by Quovadis. It also allows the Etrex (which is water resistant and rugged) to be kept far from the VDX (which is fragile) such as on the dash of a car or clipped to your backpack.
The Etrex can also be used independently with PC/Mac software sicne it uses the serial/USB port.

After using Quovadis for a year I had some comments to the developers reg. improvements:
1. PC/Mac client for transferring maps intelligently
2. Routing
3. Address lookup from the Palm Address book
4. GPS tracking (to show route taken - also called breadcrumb trail)

All in all I like the Etrex + Quovadis combination.
Bye
AM

Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Aiken, SC
Posts: 20

Re: Etrex with QuoVadis is my choice.

quote:

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Originally posted by alexmathew
After using Quovadis for a year I had some comments to the developers reg. improvements:
1. PC/Mac client for transferring maps intelligently
2. Routing
3. Address lookup from the Palm Address book
4. GPS tracking (to show route taken - also called breadcrumb trail)

All in all I like the Etrex + Quovadis combination.
Bye
AM

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Registered: May 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 98

Has no one used HandyGPS?

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Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 98

My .02

I bought a Garmin eTrex Vista last week and WOW! After dealing with the Geode (a product released WAY before its time) for so long, this little thing is incredible! Now if only I could send my Geode back and actually get my money....

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