This ties into which Map databases are supported on a given GPS.. decision #1

When we discussed the CNET guy that got lost with his family and died in Oregon, it kind of motivated me to really do some digging and comparison between the different databases I have.. using the remote area they got lost.

The comparison is below in the area where they got lost.. a very good test case for the level of detail in say TOPO versus other databases e.g. City Navigator

Here is the TOPO map database I have. Admittedly this is the 2002 edition which hasn't been updated.. the terrain won't change, but roads will... based on this database and another one I have (National Geographic TOPO), my gut feeling is topo maps are not updated as frequently as the "city" type databases..

None of them will be current in the remote places with the spurs, illegal cut throughs and so on... The GPS charting your own bread crumb track in case you got to backtrack out is mighty comforting..



bigger pic

Here is the City Navigator map of the same area... this is the version 8 that was just put out this year and has much more detail of the logging trails even though it is called "City Navigator" and of course, no terrain detail....



bigger pic

Which is better to have? BOTH <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> And this to me is where buying a GPS with fully integrated PC software is important e.g. a Garmin GPS and MapSource on the PC and, a the GPS unit having sufficent or expandable storage to have several different map databases loaded at the same time.. On my Garmin StreetPilot 2610, I have installed a 2GB memory card and allows me to keep the entire US and Canada City Navigator database loaded and a good portion of the US topo maps of the areas we frequent... I can toggle back and forth on either the PC or, in the GPS itself..

And this gets into another attribute. I simply will not consider any GPS unit that does not have the companion PC software and map data base and, an interface to download/upload routes, waypoints, maps to the GPS system.

This feature may be too complex or too much trouble for some folks, but I really like doing the route planning and research on a big screen PC, then simply download everything into the GPS.. When on the road the laptop will not be needed..

Decision #2.. Which GPS type, Handheld or Automotive ?
This in my opinion turns out to be a very personal decision based on what you want the unit to do.. You mentioned handheld use and on a motorcycle/vehicle. These two uses are pretty much going to turn out to be mutually exclusive due to one very important aspect Screen Brightness.. A battery powered handheld is not going to get you the screen brightness you really want when in a vehicle.


I started out with battery handhelds. still have it, still use it for day hikes, but it's a PIA in the vehicle (which I used for a long time with lots of attempts to fix the screen brightness problem including external lighting as shown below



The "automotive" types are typically not battery powered as they use a very bright screen which you need, but has to run off vehicle power due to power demand.

This pic from from http://gpsinformation.net/ shows the Garmin StreetPilot 2610 which I bought and absolutely love the screen brightness in the vehicle.. It's the one below with the yellow screen



A pic I took of the vehicle powered 2610 screen in broad daylight..


Decision #3 Which GPS Software, Screens, Features you you really like?

Again a personal decision and this is where the GPSInformation.net site really shines.. In addition to the excellent reviews, the site shows the actual GPS screens so there are no surprises...

Recommend you go ahead and return the unit, then spend some serious time at the above site to pick one most appropriate to your needs.

Personally if I had to replace my Garmin 2610 (no longer in production) I would go with either the Garmin 376 or 476 chartplotters (fine detail screens for either automotive or marine use) similar to the 2610 as opposed to "Crayon like" graphics on the 2620, 2630, 7200 series..