what GPS unit to buy??

[rydz]

OK Guys looking for input here.

I have constantly resisted a GPS,I do have some small handheld units,but I would like something a little more dedicated to back road travel.

I read a lot about the older Garmin 276C,but sadly they dont make them anymore.

Is there a GPS MAP unit similar to the 276C that is still being made,I liked that it could be used on land and water,I think you had to buy the maps and they were expensive but the size looked good.

Since I have absolutely zero knowledge with these things and whats availible I thought I would ask here.

Thanks

Paulo

[bcghosttowns]

It sounds like you already know what you need it for so the next step is to see what maps you want,Backroads mapbooks make some nice maps with good reviews so have a look at their site and see if you like the maps then pick one of the units they are made for.Google each unit that you like the looks and size of and compare features.Its a tough purchase if you want something in partiquliar.If you just want a shelf model to tell you where to turn in town then they all do that.
I have a very basic unit that supports the of road maps and i am very happy,the only thing i would like is elevation but its not important to eveyone.I run a handheld as well as a dash mount and the handheld is wore out and will probly not be replaced due to the new maps available for the dashmount one.

[Landy_Andy]

Other option is to go with a tablet PC, GPS receiver puck, Ozi-Explorer & the back road maps. You'll get the same sort of performance & most likely a much larger screen.

And when you get lost or stuck there is always.... solitare to play ;)

[Jeremy]

Other option is to go with a tablet PC, GPS receiver puck, Ozi-Explorer & the back road maps. You'll get the same sort of performance & most likely a much larger screen.

And when you get lost or stuck there is always.... solitare to play ;)

Is that what you are running? How was the setup?

I have a DRS Tactical system Tablet and a GPS puck, just need the software to make it all work together.

[bcghosttowns]

I ran my dashmount through my tablet but the tablet sucks so i am replacing it with a netbook.Tha advantage there is i dont always have to have the bulkly additional unit only when i am working with more elaborate programs.

[Landy_Andy]

Is that what you are running? How was the setup?

I have a DRS Tactical system Tablet and a GPS puck, just need the software to make it all work together.

Itronix IX325 in a ram mount.... works fine for me. Keep bugging the guy who writes the Overland Navigator software to make it work with the backroad maps but he's too busy with the USA stuff :(

Ozi-Explorer will read the digital backroad maps.... that's what I use at present. Only real problem is we find the icons a bit small, that's why we'd like the Overland Navigator patch written, then it'd really rock :party:

Think I posted this b4 but for the new guys.... this is my setup

http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad306/Landy_Andy/Ram_4.jpg

[Jeremy]

Cool I loaded the test Ozy- Explorer and it seemed to show Lat & longs. was not able to load any maps onto it though so was not really able to see if it was working. I too have send the Overland Navigator guy more than a couple PM's and e-mail about getting started on Canada. Very little interest in his reply's.

[Landy_Andy]

I'm sure it can't be that difficult for him to make it work, as the backroad maps are already tiled & have a reference map. More likely that if he does the work he can't sell maps to use with it, so, prity low on his list of priorities. Like his last posts on Expo, porting the SW onto Apple products is more profitable for him.

I'm sure it's couldn't be that difficult to take the backroad maps & alter the format to work with his program, as is. There are quite a few shareware map apps that allow you to edit formats etc.

Maybe that's the way to go....

Had some :popcorn: and decide to order the SW & Washington state maps..... hopefully be heading that way this summer, so a good time now to have a play with it.

[Jeremy]

I was going to order it before heading to the Alvord Desert in Oregon but that trip has been postponed a couple of years.

[Landy_Andy]

SW & Washington state map pack on order.... should get it in a week or so's time. Will post up some pic's once I get it loaded up onto my tablet.