GPS Discussion

[Rupe]

Over Christmas I programed a couple of routes into the Nuvi 500 and other then being a little slow at working it, because I'm not real good with it yet, it was really cool. We knew where we were headed most of the time, but we used it just for fun and self enrichment. It was right on and when it said to turn it was time to turn or when you arrived you were with in a house or two from of being right on. I can't see anything being much closer. I haven't tried the hiking mode, but I would imagine that it is closer. We drove the back way from the Rainer bridge across the columbia river to Spirit mountain casino and it was really cool not knowing where you are but yet driving right to where you want to go. It was great and I'm very happy with it so far. rupe

[Photog]

We bought a Nuvi 500 recently, and ended up taking it back a couple months ago.

I have a Garmin 276c, that I really like; but the wife does not like the user interface. It is not a touch screen, and does not seem user friendly to her. So we purchased the Nuvi 500, hoping it would be easy enough for her to use, and meet my needs also.

The 500 does a lot, but it is a compromise between a street-only GPS and a Chartplotter (276c). The 500 does not provide a crumb trail that can be transfered to the computer, and converted into a route. I could create a basic route from scratch; but that would not help for tracking aour previous trip, or a scouting trip to be run again, with a group.

It was OK for street use; but had limitations there also (can't remember the issues).

So; our current set up is to use the 276c for all the things it is great for, and use our new Nuvi 755T for all the things it does well. The 755T is an outstanding navigator for city and highway travel. It is marginal for off highway usage. It does display the TOPO maps and roads for a decent visual of your surroundings. But not 3D like the Nuvi 500 (that was nice).

So; the 755T gets used most of the time, and the 276c gets used for all back country trips.

[Jerry]

I have two Garmin GPS models, but I prefer the MaPS system.

So kick me, I'm old.

[Photog]

I'm with you on the maps, Jerry,

Maps are great! I think map-reading may become a lost art, as the younger generation becomes dependant on navigation systems.

The navi systems just don't provide a large enough view area, to make many route decisions. I will never give up my paper maps. Never.

Maybe that is why I didn't like the Nuvi 500. When in the back country, I use my GPS for recording where I have been, or using the computer to plan where I want to go, and uploading the detailed route. I don't use the GPS for route finding, when in the back country.

[nightfoam]

I'm with the old guys. I mean experienced guys
I've only been using a GPS for navigation for a few months. I had a Magellan Explorist 100, not actually good for much of anything except geocaching. I've always relied on maps and have often impressed my friends with my ability to figure out where I am using JUST a map. A natural sense of direction helps too.

For the record, my navigation gps is a Garmin Nuvi 250, pretty basic but it helps me figure out where I'm going, usually...

[Jerry]

I'm with the old guys. I mean experienced guys
I've only been using a GPS for navigation for a few months. I had a Magellan Explorist 100, not actually good for much of anything except geocaching. I've always relied on maps and have often impressed my friends with my ability to figure out where I am using JUST a map. A natural sense of direction helps too.

For the record, my navigation gps is a Garmin Nuvi 250, pretty basic but it helps me figure out where I'm going, usually...

Hey, that's cool, Ryan. I mean the part about you sticking with the old...er, ah...experienced guys. We need a strong, young guy like you to run for help when we get lost.

[hutchman]

If I am someplace and I need directions home or to another location, I use the GPS. It is never wrong and I use it to make route decisions when there are multiple choices.

However, when I need to know where I am i.e. to get my bearings, I get the maps out. I think it is good to have both, and for me they have different uses.

[TeamCF]

I use both maps and GPS. Hard to lose yourself (unless you want to, then it makes it easier ) with both. I'm using a Garmin Colorado 400T. Has all the TOPO stuff on it.
I mainly got it to record my trips but find myself using it more and more to figure out routes as well. I'm getting used to the scrolling and zooming.

Had a Magellan Triton 500 (loved that it worked directly with the Nat Geo maps) but it fried on me a week after I bought it. Then I heard some bad business practices Magellan was pulling. They were using the customers as beta testers for the Triton line, for one. And most that bought one had it fail on them. (according to the Triton forum I was on trying to find help)

So instead of just replacing it I returned it and went with a Garmin.
Love it.

But always keep a few paper maps on hand as well.

[tjguy98]

Hey, that's cool, Ryan. I mean the part about you sticking with the old...er, ah...experienced guys. We need a strong, young guy like you to run for help when we get lost.

Speaking of "experienced guys" and maps...when Jerry came north of the border for a trip I lead, we did approx 80 miles of forest service roads and I didn't have a map! I think a couple of the new folks along for the tour got worried when they asked to see the map of where we would be going, and I said "I don't have a map".

Previous knowledge of the area, plus good old fashioned "trail sense" making route changes as we went along, helped me lead the group to our exit of the last FSR and back onto pavement. Common sense and a good judgement of direction goes a long way......

DISCLAIMER: "no trees were killed in the organizing and research of the route"

[TeamCF]

Speaking of "experienced guys" and maps...when Jerry came north of the border for a trip I lead, we did approx 80 miles of forest service roads and I didn't have a map! I think a couple of the new folks along for the tour got worried when they asked to see the map of where we would be going, and I said "I don't have a map".

Previous knowledge of the area, plus good old fashioned "trail sense" making route changes as we went along, helped me lead the group to our exit of the last FSR and back onto pavement. Common sense and a good judgement of direction goes a long way......

DISCLAIMER: "no trees were killed in the organizing and research of the route"

I miss those days.
I have not been in it for too long but the first couple years I never invested in maps and couldn't afford a GPS. Just me, my vehicle, and a memory of how many lefts and rights and how many stumps I passed.

Now I guess I like checking things and making a "I wanna go see whats here." plan before going.