Re: recommendations for a newbie.....long

Does the Vista C have "auto touting" capability ? And while I'm at it, would
the 24 MB of memory be enough to load a fairly detailed street map of the
entire US in it ?
<roybassist@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1113362570.735568.75850@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Dennis Martin wrote:
> > Hello all, I'm looking at purchasing a GPS unit to use mostly while
> riding
> > an ATV, I'd like to be able to store "rides" in different area that
> others
> > have lead the way on so I can go back later and not need a"tour
> guide' . I'd
> > probably use it while travelling in unknown territory in the car
> also.
>
> To get any real value out of it in a car, you'll need to load
> detailed mapping from a CD map product. That will make the amount of
> memory important. Do you want turn-by-turn directions (called auto
> routing), or just your current position shown on a map?
>
> >I've
> > looked online at the Legend, Legend C, Vista, and Vista C.
>
> Apparently you used Garmin's product comparison page. That's a
> good start.
>
> >The Legend only
> > has 8 MB of memory, but I'm not really sure how much memory I'm going
> to
> > need.
>
> If you want to use it in a car, 8 MB won't hold mapping for very much
> area. I would remove this one from consideration.
>
> >Then we have the Vista, basically the same except it has 24 MB of
> > memory, batteries are only good for 12 hours, and it has a built in
> > electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. Don't all GPS units
> have a
> > compass and altimeter ?
>
> What all GPS units have is a compass display and a readout of GPS
> elevation. These are not the same as an electronic compass and a
> barometric altimeter. A compass display only shows direction while you
> are moving. An electronic compass will show direction when you are
> standing still. For me, the compass sensor is a convenience. While
> stopped at a rest stop on a hike, I like being able to select a
> waypoint that I stored from maps at home and being able to locate it by
> just pointing the GPS. You can do almost anything with a
> non-electronic compass that you can do with the compass sensor in a GPS
> receiver. The built in electronic compass just makes it a bit faster
> and easier. It also drains the batteries much more quickly than if you
> don't use it. (This is probably the main reason why the rated
> battery life is less for models that have an electronic compass.)
> Fortunately, you can turn it off when you don't need it. GPS
> elevation is calculated from satellite geometry, just as your
> horizontal location is, but the error in elevation is much greater. A
> rule of thumb is that the error in vertical position tends to be about
> two times the error in horizontal position. A barometric altimeter is
> supposed to be more accurate, if it's properly calibrated. Mine
> seems to work well, but some people seem to have trouble getting good
> results from them.
>
> >Then we have the Legend C, color screen, 36 hours
> > out of the batteries ( is this really accurate) ,
>
> Probably close, at least in relative terms. The processors in the
> newer designs seem to be more efficient in terms of power consumption.
>
> >a different set of "base
> > maps" , which I know nothing about.
>
> Base maps are all you have if you don't buy a CD and load more
> detailed maps. All the base map has is major roads and the location of
> towns. No street detail. Not very useable. Some base maps are better
> than others, but I don't know how the ones in the units you are
> looking at compare.
>
> >Upgraded to 24 MB of memory. USB
> > connection, proximity waypoints ( what are these ? )
>
> Proximity waypoints aren't any different than other waypoints, but
> you can have the receiver alert you if you get close (in proximity) to
> one of them. This can be useful for avoiding nasty things you don't
> want to get too close to (rocks in the water, cliffs, an ex-spouse's
> house).
>
> >Audible alarms ( don't
> > care about these),
>
> More useful than you may think. The alarms are for things like alerting
> you when you are approaching a destination, not just an alarm clock.
>
> >500 less waypoints How many do I need ?)
>
> If you download your waypoints to a computer and save them there, I
> would be surprised if you would ever need more than 500 in your GPS
> receiver at one time.
>
> > a patch antenna
> > vs. a "built in" antenna ( which is better ? )
>
> First, this is a case of inconsistency by Garmin in putting together
> the data for the comparison page. They all have built-in, patch
> antennas (look at the specifications on the individual page for each
> unit). That said, the design of the newer patch antennas in the color
> models has been reported by many users who have experience with both to
> get much better reception than the patch antennas in the older,
> greyscale models.
>
>
> > and no electronic compass or
> > barometric altimeter. Then we have the Vista C ( getting a little
> pricey for
> > me now) that has the best of all the features ( or so it would seem)
> .
>
> More money, more features. Imagine that! ;^) It doesn't sound to me
> like you would get much benefit from an electronic compass or
> barometric altimeter. If you want to keep the cost down, you could
> skip these.
>
> >I'm
> > looking at a price range here from $102 to $254, and I'm confused as
> hell,
> > what do I really NEED, and what will I kick myself in the *** for
> later if
> > I don't get it ?
>
> Only you know what you really need. I hope that having some of your
> questions answered will help you decide. In my opinion, the things you
> are most likely to kick yourself later for not getting would be auto
> routing, more memory, and a color screen. Also, the 60C has a
> quad-helix antenna (as opposed to the patch) and the general consensus
> seems to be that quad-helix antennas perform better.
>
> >Also, I started my search just looking at Garmins because
> > they seem to be the "big" name out there, but I'm not opposed to
> another
> > brand, I've been seeing where people don't particularly care for the
> fact
> > that Garmin forces you to use their proprietary software, what are
> your
> > thoughts on this ?
>
> All brands of dedicated GPS receivers force you to use their
> proprietary software. This is not limited to Garmin. About the only
> way to avoid using proprietary software is to use a GPS connected to a
> PDA or laptop that is running map software. I don't think this is
> practical for the use you intend. By all means look at other brands,
> but not for that reason. I've only used Garmins, but Magellan has a
> lot of fans.
>
> Good luck making a decision.
>


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