Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 29

I'm interested in possibly acquiring a GPS for my VDx, but I'm wondering if it would be better to get a stand-alone GPS or one for the Springboard slot. Can someone fill me in a little on what advantage I would have in getting one for the Visor instead of just a GPS?
I've been looking at the HandyGPS and the Magellan GPS Comapnion, which both run $149.
A Garmin eTrex can be had for $109.87, and a Magellan GPS 315 for $148.95.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Abilene, KS
Posts: 5

which gps?

I have a prism using a Magellan and a Palm IIIc using a Delorme Earthmate. They both work fine and both have adequate to nice maps and capabilities. The one advantage my earthmate unit has is that it connects to the hotsynch while the Magellan connects to the springboard on the Prism. I am ordering a cable to use the earthmate with the Prism so I can't tell you more about that combination but I'm hoping that it will allow me to use the earthmate gps with prism while the prism has a mem module in it that will load maps allowing me to load a LOT more mapping. While I don't know for sure if it will work this way with the earthmate I at least have a chance, with the prism and the magellan unit there is no way to do that since the magellan uses the springboard slot.

This isn't a knock on the Magellan unit, it works very well, I would just like the added convenience of being able to use a memory board to store maps.

Mike

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 54

I, myself, struggled with this same question for many months. I finally decided to get the new Garmin ETrex Legend. ($205 at advancedgps.com) WOW!! is this a cool gadget or what... sorry I lost my composure.

I also got Garmin's map source "Topo" topographic mapping sofware which allows you to upload maps to the gps. This is an awesome combination.

The Legend comes preloaded with a base map of major roadways for north and south america. The topo maps give much more detail and also secondary roads. If you live in a rural area I would get the topo maps other wise if in a major metropolitan area check out their other sofware.

Anyway, I am very satisfied with the stand alone gps. Don't get me wrong I do like the idea of some springboards but I'm not sure that a gps spring board is the way to go.

I did buy and try the magellan gps sb. It worked great but with my visor prism it was not much use in daylight.

With a stand alone gps you can still connect a cable to your visor...

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 60

We have probably 5 GPS's in total in my family (I guess we get lost alot... my dad has most of them... maybe it is just him that gets lost). Anyway... the thing that I like about the Magellan over the others is the ability to not just load more maps, but use completely different software on it.

There are a number of other mapping programs available, and while that is a cool advantage... not the only one. I can load other random software, which are not mapping software... the one that comes to mind is Planetarium. It does some sky charting things, and uses GPS to get location. I have not messed around much with it... but it is kinda cool.

In concept, the ability of other programs to use GPS for reasons other than just mapping... which as far as I know, you can not do with a standalone.

Just a thought.
-Russ

__________________
-Anybody we have not unplugged could potentially be an agent-

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 7

Good Question...

I agonized about this too, and ended up buying the Magellan GPS springboard module for my visor, instead of a standalone GPS unit. Time will tell if I made the right decision I guess...

I wanted a GPS for almost entirely outdoor recreational use. I am a hiker, with a world-renowned reputation for taking the wrong turn...doh!...:-O

There were 2 major factors in my decision:

1) Versatility. If my GPS needs change/expand in the future, the module for the visor was the most versatile solution. The potential for development of GPS software applications is unlimited - which is not the case if you buy a standalone unit.

2) Redundancy. It seemed redundant for me to have both my visor & a standalone GPS on my hikes. I use my visor to take journals, store trail guides, wilderness first aid info, and to take notes about my photography. It made sense to me to have one single display screen instead of two.

By far my biggest concern is durability. The standalone units are practically bombproof. Visors are a delicate flower...I'm still researching ways to address this.

So the answer lies in your own specific needs. Go meditate under a tree for a while, and you will find the answer.

Good luck!

-ageibel

Attachment: bearattack.gif
This has been downloaded 237 time(s).

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 100

I, too, went through the same puzzlement... decided to go with a standalone in my case because:

- I wouldn't want to take my Visor with me everywhere (gasp) that I would want to have the GPS with me (such as hiking).

- I wouldn't want to loan my GPS out to anyone, much less hand it to another person in my party, with my Visor attached to it (because it's got private stuff in there).

- If my Visor somehow broke, I would be out TWO gadgets instead of one.

__________________
<B>Traveliter</B>/ Lani Teshima. 2000: Blue Vdx. 2001: Vpl. Travel writer, <A href="http://www.mouseplanet.com/lani/">MousePlanet.com</A>
Publisher/Editor:
- <B><A href="http://www.pilotlite.org">Pilotlite.org</A></B>: Simplify your travel with a PDA.
- <B><A href="http://www.travelite.org">Travelite.org</A></B>: Learn how to travel with just your carry-on

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 29

Thanks for your input, folks!

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: North Calolina
Posts: 92

I would say that the MOST IMPORTANT thing is that you choose a GPS that gives you the ability to plug it into your cigarette lighter for power. Otherwise you wont be able to really enjoy it much when your concerned about your batteries dieing quickly.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 29

Speaking of battery power, when using a GPS module, is it necessary to have it on continuously to properly use it, or can I acquire the satellites, and then near the end of my trip, turn it back on? Do the batteries get sucked dry pretty quick?
Obviously, I have little experience with GPS so far...

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: North Calolina
Posts: 92

It all depends on what unit you have ... but if you use it, it sucks up the batteries...maybe no big deal if your useing it in town but if youll be useing it for a long trip then its a big issue. You can turn the GPS on at any time, but most will make you reset everything.
Hope that helps

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

another Companion battery question...

I got my Companion about a week ago, and (so far) I couldn't be happier with it.

My question... is the GPS Companion just as happy with NiMH rechargables as with regular alkalines?? I wrote to Magellan with this question, and didn't get a response yet.

Worst case scenario, I'm guessing fully charged NiMH batteries in the Magellan might register as less than 100% power. Or perhaps the NiMH battery life is too short to consider for regular use.

Any help is appreciated.
- sean

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 64

That lack of support seems to be my only major problem with the Magellan purchase I've made so far.

They seem to be too big to care about individual users (maybe just THIS individual...)

I also have trouble downloading their software on a Macintosh - use my officemate's PC and it downloads fine...asked them about this a couple of weeks ago and still haven't received a response.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: North Calolina
Posts: 92

I would say if you have rechargeables then your set -- unless you are planning to do a loooong trip

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

Re: another Companion battery question...

quote:

---

Originally posted by sreidy
My question... is the GPS Companion just as happy with NiMH rechargables as with regular alkalines?? I wrote to Magellan with this question, and didn't get a response yet.

---

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

Thanks Larry. That's basically what I expected. For as much as I'll be using the Magellan, perhaps I'll just go with regular alkalines. I'll probably only use it 3 hours max at a stretch.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: CT
Posts: 11

Magellan GPS Companion

I bought the Magellan GPS companion several months ago and am pretty satisfied with it. I am also looking into getting the eTrex for my sailboat, the main advantage being that it is waterproof to 1 meter as I don't think my Visor would take too well to the water.

The Magellan GPS Companion with the included mapping sofware which is really a special version of Quo Vadis (see the Marcosoft web site) is a pretty powerful combination for the money. If you need to use it in the car for street detailed navigation you really can't beat it for the money.

A dedicated GPS with the same function would be a Garmin eMap or the Etrex Legend which starts at $250 but you also need to buy the CD Rom for another $100. A lot more expensive for street level mapping. These do have a base map of the US which the GPS Companion doesn't have but that has no detail and is more of a nice to have. Doesn't really help you navigate as you usually know what state and Interstate you are on without the GPS.

For my boat I don't need mapping but being waterproof is a requirement so just basic GPS functions will do. The base eTrex fills this need for $108 on ecost.com.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 13

uses??

The big factor when choosing a GPS is what are you going to use it for.....as with any gadget!
If you just want a GPS for trips like in the car mainly for mapping uses I say get the springboard unit.
But if you anticipate lots of outdoor use get one of the stand alone units form Garmin or Magellan.
I would not bring my Prism out on a hike or in a boat even in a waterproof bag!!
The stand alone handheld units are armored and water proof to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes.
Garmin has a new unit being released next week called "Vista" with basic maps of North America including marine markers and 24mb of memory. I have already pre-ordered mine!
If you don't need mapping, look at the Garmin Etrex. A nice little unit that can be had for a little over $100.
I found the best prices at www.gpscity.com


p.s. I don't work for Garmin or gpscity.com!

__________________
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 10

LapTop

Another advantage of a stand alone GPS is that it can also be used with a Laptop.

Do any of the Springboard configurations allow for a 'pass through' connection to another computer? Even so, it would probably require a serial cable or cradle.

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

earthmate

I use an earthmate GPS unit. The advantage to me is that it can be attached to both my laptop and my Prism. The maps from DeLorme are also excellent. I use both their TopoUSA v. 3.0 on DVD and Street Atlas 8.0 along with Solus Pro 3.0 for the visor. I find this a very flexible combination. I also have no qualms about taking my Prism into the field as long as I keep it protected.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 7

Water Protection for Visor w/Magellan

I feel better about taking my Visor out on the trail with me, since I made recently purchased a waterproof/padded bag for it.

It's made by Voyageur, and I bought it from REI.com for $20.
http://www.rei.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...prrfnbr=3620622

Enclosed is a photo of my Visor w/Magellan GPS inside.
It fits snug as a bug - any bigger bag & it would be floating around inside & difficult to use. I was able to operate the Visor no problem, through the plastic covering.

The face is still somewhat exposed to shock, due to the thickness of the springboard module + visor width. But I'm comfortable with that - the padding is just a bonus anyway. When riding in my pack, the visor will be in a hard case.

Anyway, just thought you all might like to see one possible outdoors solution for Visor w/GPS.

-ageibel

Attachment: gps1.jpg
This has been downloaded 138 time(s).