Point me to a place to buy a handheld GPS.

December 20, 2006 8:16 AM

My husband wants a handheld GPS for Christmas. HELP! I don't know where to get one, how much to spend, will it need tech support? My husband has a Lowrance GPS on his boat so he knows how to use it although he isn't good in other areas like using the computer or even his cell phone. I am thinking of getting him Lowrance, but can I go to Circuit City or Best Buy or should I go to a sporting goods store?
posted by chocolatetiara to Technology (12 answers total)

What does he want to use it for?
* driving?
* hiking?
* another for boating/fishing?

Once you figure that out I would look at some reviews on places like engadget, newegg, or amazon.
posted by nazca at 8:38 AM on December 20, 2006

get a garmin!
posted by kooop at 8:42 AM on December 20, 2006

GPSInformation.net is a great place for in-depth reviews. If you have one nearby, REI is a good place for checking out GPS units.
posted by jaimev at 9:15 AM on December 20, 2006

I'm told you want to get something with a SIRFStar III receiver in it, by preference. Look for WAAS, as well.
posted by baylink at 9:44 AM on December 20, 2006

Response by poster: Thank you all very much. On my way!
posted by chocolatetiara at 10:22 AM on December 20, 2006

If he also would like a PDA, or uses one already that he might like to replace, you might consider a Garmin iQue.
posted by kindall at 11:19 AM on December 20, 2006

Make sure that the Garmin or whatever you get has a USB connection. This will make syncing with a computer easier.
posted by craniac at 11:22 AM on December 20, 2006

Until recently I had an older model iPaq PDA with a NavTeq GPS expansion pack.

You should be able to pick both up from ebay for around $200-$300 total now.

The downside is that the expansion pack drains the PDA battery so it's not really suited for hiking.. but it has a car charger so it makes a perfect car navigation system that you can detach for a few hours if you wanted to.

The system you choose really depends on what he'll be using it for. Whatever you do make sure you don't get suckered into paying a monthly fee.
posted by sipher at 11:35 AM on December 20, 2006

I just asked a similar question, and got a lot of very helpful advice. Once I figured out exactly what make and model I wanted to get him (I ended up going with a Garmin eTrex Vista Cx), I entered it into Froogle, and worked up from the lowest priced retailer until I found an established store with a liberal return policy (in my case it was Wal-Mart). That way, he can play around with it for a month or so and decide if it's a keeper.
posted by kimdog at 11:48 AM on December 20, 2006

My usual advice for non-car GPSs is something in Garmin's RINO range, they're handheld GPS units with a built-in FRS/GMRS radio. Bonus is if someone you know gets one too you can see each other's positions on the map. They're waterproof and tough, but not the chepest.
posted by Skorgu at 12:36 PM on December 20, 2006

Get one with a built-in compass. It is very helpful when following waypoints to be able to orient without moving, or when reception is obstructed. On that note, a built-in barometer/altimeter also greatly facilitates navigation when you aren't picking up satellites.

The Garmin Vista has all of these features. My Garmin Legend drains batteries while not in use, which is a real pain for emergency use, but several Vista owners tell me this is not the case for theirs.
posted by Manjusri at 3:39 PM on December 20, 2006

I'd recommend Garmin too.

The Garmin etrex vista cx or legend cx are great units.
posted by schwa at 9:05 PM on December 20, 2006