Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
bright color screen?

I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.

I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.

Thanks!
DK

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:46:23 -0400, DK > wrote:

>Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
>all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
>bright color screen?

I use a Garmin 60CS for driving, hiking, kayaking, and biking. It
also rides in my flight bag as a backup nav system.

If you're not going to hike, boat, or bike, there are better units
specifically designed for driving, but I think it's the cats ass for
all around usage!

DK wrote:
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.

I have a Navman PiN100 PDA that has a GPS already on it... I have used
it with PocketFMS and it works acceptably... Sometimes, I'll just use my
laptop with a USB GPS... Not as bright of a screen, but it is definitely
nice to have all that screen real estate...

I use PocketPC with TomTom for driving and Anywhere Map for flying.

TomTom 6 for PocketPC (US/Canada) with SiRF III WAAS bluetooth GPS
antenna (Globalsat BT-359) was $179 from www.semsons.com.
AnywhereMap is $95 from www.anywheremap.com.
Yoke mount and car mount -- additional $80

My PPC is HP 4705 -- a bit slow by today's standards, but both apps
work quite well on it.

Make sure your PPC is compatible with the above before buying.
----

Alternatively: Lowrance 600c is getting good reviews. $500

- Tom

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:46:23 -0400, DK > wrote:

>Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
>all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
>bright color screen?
>
>I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
>screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
>see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
>bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
>the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
>I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
>a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
>Thanks!
>DK
>
>

Avionics West are selling the Lowrance 2000c for $689 at the moment. Hard
to beat.

I use Pocket FMS, iPAQ HX4700 and Holux bluetooth GPS. Also have mitac mio
A701 (phone PDA GPS, but haven't tried it as a nav unit yet). All of the
PDAs have poor sunlight readability.

Kevin


"Tom L." > wrote in message
...
>I use PocketPC with TomTom for driving and Anywhere Map for flying.
>
> TomTom 6 for PocketPC (US/Canada) with SiRF III WAAS bluetooth GPS
> antenna (Globalsat BT-359) was $179 from www.semsons.com.
> AnywhereMap is $95 from www.anywheremap.com.
> Yoke mount and car mount -- additional $80
>
> My PPC is HP 4705 -- a bit slow by today's standards, but both apps
> work quite well on it.
>
> Make sure your PPC is compatible with the above before buying.
> ----
>
> Alternatively: Lowrance 600c is getting good reviews. $500
>
> - Tom
>
> On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:46:23 -0400, DK > wrote:
>
>>Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
>>all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
>>bright color screen?
>>
>>I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
>>screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
>>see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
>>bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
>>the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>>
>>I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
>>a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>DK
>>
>>

Dk,

An allround unit just doesn't make any sense financially.

Get an Airmap 600c for flying and any good street navigator GPS (I like
the TomToms) for driving. Cheaper than any all-in-one solution.

If you absolutely want it to be one unit (why???), consider the AvMap
Geopilot or the Garmin 296. If you want XM weather, too, the 496 is it.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

I like the Lowrance 500 (although I have the 600c and like it for the
terrain mapping, but the thing I miss from my 500 is that the display was so
much brighter than the 600c). Best thing about Lowrance is that everything
you NEED is not an 'accessory' to buy, like with Garmin.

--
=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman
CFI-A, CP-ASEL-IA
Reid-Hillview Airport, San Jose, California

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
"DK" > wrote in message
...
> Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
> all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
> bright color screen?
>
> I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
> screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
> see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
> bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
> the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
> Thanks!
> DK
>
>
>

Ï "Cecil Chapman" > Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá
et...
>
> I like the Lowrance 500 (although I have the 600c and like it for the
> terrain mapping, but the thing I miss from my 500 is that the display was
> so much brighter than the 600c). Best thing about Lowrance is that
> everything you NEED is not an 'accessory' to buy, like with Garmin.



What do you mean??
My 296 came in big old box full of accessories of which I only use the carry
case and the yoke mount.

"KevinBlack" > wrote in message
...
> Avionics West are selling the Lowrance 2000c for $689 at the moment. Hard
> to beat.
>

Any idea what the difference is in battery/charge life between the 2000c and
the 1000? I didn't see it mentioned on the Lowrance web site.

I have been considering the 1000 for aviation and driving, I don't do much
hiking and such. Anyone have any ideas on it's suitability for both.

Tom,

You'll get 9 to 12 hours out of 4 AAs with the 1000, but only 1 to 2
hours with the 2000c.

> I have been considering the 1000 for aviation and driving,
>

In land mode, the Airmaps will not give you turn-by-turn instructions -
they'll simply draw a straight line from present position to
destination.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

Airmap (Lowrance) 2000 C....

Using it since they came out..

Took it for a (long) drive 1st time this weekend.... worked well, but
a "street" unit designed for the job would be better.. (no "turn by
turn" instructions)

As an aside...

Purchased one of those tiny "Bluetooth GPS" units.

Made my BlackBerry "Pearl" a basic moving map navigator... in
colour!

Works great!

........ for $50 !

D

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:46:23 -0400, DK > wrote:

>Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
>all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
>bright color screen?
>
>I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
>screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
>see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
>bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
>the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
>I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
>a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
>Thanks!
>DK
>
>

On 2007-03-17 13:46:23 -0700, DK > said:

> Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
> all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
> bright color screen?
>
> I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
> screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
> see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
> bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
> the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
> Thanks!
> DK

I have a Garmin 296, but it is too frustrating to use for either flying
or driving. Either the reception is bad, or its road map doesn't cover
the area I need, or I can't see it, or its batteries need charging.
What a waste.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor

I think Garmin caught on, but I had earlier units and everything necessary
was an accessory. I suspect, since then, Garmin has had to compete with
Lowrance's offerings.

--
--
=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman
CFI-A, CP-ASEL-IA

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
"gpaleo" > wrote in message
news:1174233761.917251@athnrd02...
>Ï "Cecil Chapman" > Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá
et...
>>
>> I like the Lowrance 500 (although I have the 600c and like it for the
>> terrain mapping, but the thing I miss from my 500 is that the display was
>> so much brighter than the 600c). Best thing about Lowrance is that
>> everything you NEED is not an 'accessory' to buy, like with Garmin.
>
>
>
> What do you mean??
> My 296 came in big old box full of accessories of which I only use the
> carry case and the yoke mount.

I will be happy to pay you to ship this worthless piece of junk to me. <g>

"C J Campbell" > wrote in message
news:2007031907535143658-christophercampbell@hotmailcom...
> I have a Garmin 296, but it is too frustrating to use for either flying or
> driving. Either the reception is bad, or its road map doesn't cover the
> area I need, or I can't see it, or its batteries need charging. What a
> waste.
> --
> Waddling Eagle
> World Famous Flight Instructor

In rec.aviation.piloting Tom Frey > wrote:
> "KevinBlack" > wrote in message
> > Avionics West are selling the Lowrance 2000c for $689 at the moment. Hard
> > to beat.
>
> Any idea what the difference is in battery/charge life between the 2000c and
> the 1000? I didn't see it mentioned on the Lowrance web site.
>
> I have been considering the 1000 for aviation and driving, I don't do much
> hiking and such. Anyone have any ideas on it's suitability for both.

I just ordered a Airmap 1000 from Avionics West for $369 to replace my
ailing Garmin 195. Now THAT'S hard to beat. I've been perfectly happy
with the B&W display on my 195 (for 11 years), so the 1000's obstruction
database is going to be an upgrade for me. I also have a monochrome IFR
GX-60 in the panel.

--- Jay


--

Jay Masino "Home is where My critters are"
http://www.JayMasino.com
http://www.OceanCityAirport.com
http://www.oc-Adolfos.com

"DK" > wrote in message
...
> Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
> all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
> bright color screen?
>
> I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
> screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
> see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
> bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
> the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
> Thanks!
> DK
>

I just got a Garmin 96 for about $400. For a little more money you can get
color with the Garmin 96C. The C version also has more memory and longer
battery life (the non-color one is advertized for 25 hours on 2 AA bateries,
the C version for 40 hours). I have not flown with it, but have done a lot
of "chair flying" and I think it will work OK. It has an automobile mode
that will give you turn by turn directions, but I have not tried it yet.

Danny Deger

Anybody recommends Garmin eTrex Vista?
It is only $235

"DK" > wrote in message
...
> Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
> all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
> bright color screen?
>
> I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
> screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
> see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
> bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
> the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
> Thanks!
> DK
>
>
>

DK wrote:
> Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
> all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive (<$500) and has a
> bright color screen?
>
> I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
> screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
> see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
> bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
> the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.
>
> I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
> a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.
>
> Thanks!
> DK
>
>
>
I've had the 295 since about 2001. It is pretty good - I just wish the
darn thing wouldn't freeze every now and then. Happens at radar
airports sometimes - in some class C. The only solution is to remove
the batteries.