Looking for a multi-purpose GPS and software

[92python]

Lost my H2O a month ago along with my 2009 Lakemaster chip all my waypoints. Have been running H20s for some time now but GPS technology is advancing. Looking at all of the options now and need some insight. I would like opinions on a GPS and software for the following:

1: Must be a mapping GPS

2: Decent screen size as I run it on the boat

3: SD card compatable for Lakemaster (Minnesota waters)

4: Hunting - land ownership,topo maps MN and downloadable for Western hunts)

5: Ability to plug it into a cig lighter

6: Durability / waterproof

7: Possible flexibility to use arial photo basemap (my Droid X with Mytracks software shows where I am on Google maps arial maps- pretty nice)

It doesn't need to have a camera, MP3 player, 2 way radio.

Looking on the Lakemaster sight it appears that Garmins now work with Lakemaster SD cards. Was looking at the Garmin Colorado line and the Lowrance Enduras.

Any opinions on these choices and others?

[Deep]

I really like my Garmin 530 Rihno. Works great for the woods and the waters. The frs radio is good along with the weather radio.

[Kirsch]

Enduras don't have enough options for maps to cover your needs.

1: Must be a mapping GPS - Virtually any Garmin with the exception of the base eTrex models.

2: Decent screen size as I run it on the boat: Most handhelds aren't very big but you could consider the 60CSx, 62ST (includes topo) or Oregon series.

3: SD card compatable for Lakemaster (Minnesota waters)I believe Lakemaster works on most Garmin units.

4: Hunting - land ownership,topo maps MN and downloadable for Western hunts)MNTRAX works in virtually Garmins and there are TRAX maps for virtually all Western states. microSD/SD options. Best maps of any kind.

5: Ability to plug it into a cig lighter. Most handhelds use Double A's so you would just need a rechargeable pack.

6: Durability / waterproof: All GPS mentioned already are.

7: Possible flexibility to use arial photo basemap (my Droid X with Mytracks software shows where I am on Google maps arial maps- pretty nice. Very limited abilities to do this with GPS units at this point. You can do a limited Google Overlay on some of the Oregon models, virtually doesn't exist on Lowrance, and DeLorme it can be done on a very limited basis for a small region you may want to hunt. This technology is not ready for the handheld GPS market yet. .

One other model you may want to consider is a Garmin Nuvi 500. It is bigger and could be easier to use in your boat. This is a cross-over GPS as it can be used in the vehicle, in the boat or on land and has topo built in. It is also comes with an internal, replaceable battery pack that is rechargeable and has a cigerette adapter. The battery is a 4x better battery (8hrs vs 2hrs) than most automotives. Although you mentioned handhelds, for the features you described that you wanted, it is probably the best option.

[bigbad401]

7: Possible flexibility to use arial photo basemap (my Droid X with Mytracks software shows where I am on Google maps arial maps- pretty nice. Very limited abilities to do this with GPS units at this point. You can do a limited Google Overlay on some of the Oregon models, virtually doesn't exist on Lowrance, and DeLorme it can be done on a very limited basis for a small region you may want to hunt. This technology is not ready for the handheld GPS market yet. .

Garmin has aerial maps that can be bought. Subscription is $30 a year and you can download as many as you want in that year. Mind you though, putting aerial maps does slow down the draw rate on the GPS unit.

There a lot of free topo maps for Garmin GPS's. I have some free Minnesota topo maps that are really good and detailed. I also have the Lakemaster 2009 Minnesota lake maps and it is awesome. By the way, I have a Garmin Oregon.

[Kirsch]

bigbad401,

As you stated there is an option to put aerials on select Garmin GPS units but I just want people to realize it isn't like you can put the entire US in aerials on your GPS. As you mentioned space, speed, performance etc is affected by every image and this feature is only available on a few Garmin GPS units.

[bigbad401]

Yep, the Oregon, the Dakota, the 62 and the 78 Garmins are the only ones that can do aerial photos. Basically any new Garmin will do it. No, you could not put the whole USA in aerial on the GPS. I don't think the Nuvi 500 will allow aerial maps. All the others do have a cigarette lighter adapter that can be purchased.

[Kirsch]

The Nuvi 500 will not allow aerial maps but it does a lot of the other things he wants including it has topo maps on the base maps of the unit and it is a very attractive price. It also has a 3.5" screen with turn by turn directions anywhere in the US. It comes down to what it will be used for as the 500 is 1/2 automotive GPS, and 1/2 handheld. Using a handheld GPS in a boat is OK but would not be my first choice.

[heat checker]

Does the NUVI 500 take Navionics maps also, or just the Lakemaster?

[bigbad401]

heat checker, i would go to the Navionics website and check it there. I am not sure. I would assume it did.

[92python]

Thanks for the info. The Nuvi 500 is one that I will be looking into.

As far as size for the boat: I have been running an H20 for many years on my boat and the screen size isn't ideal, but works fine for me. I run an old Warrior tiller and have the GPS mounted pretty close to chere I sit.

I have read good things about some of the Oregon series but negatives on marking waypoints and the size of the cursor on the 450t which is on sale at Cabelas.

[bigbad401]

I don't have an issue marking a waypoint on my Oregon. Just exit the map and hit the mark button. No big deal.

[Kirsch]

The Oregon series including the 450 are nice GPS units. There are 2 things about this GPS that some people criticize. First touch screen is great when your fingers are warm and you aren't wearing gloves. They don't work nearly as well when you are wearing thick gloves which may never happen fishing. Also, due to the touch-screen glass on the Oregon series, they tend to not be as bright under sunny conditions. This has gotten better with recent Oregons but still not as good as some of the other Garmin GPS units but would be as good or better for screen than a Nuvi 500. The Nuvi 500 just has a bigger screen and the automotive features. Both are nice GPS units.

[DTro]

Have you ever thought about just getting a nice OtterBox case for your DroidX and using that as your GPS ($50)? Then you can get the Navionics App for about $10 bones.

[92python]

Good idea. The only things that worry me are the battery life on a multi day hunt and the durability. I have been using the my tracks with a google maps overlay when bowhunting this year in the metro areas.

Pretty sure about getting a Garmin. Oregon and Dakota series sound good. The Nuvi only has 8 hour max battery and doesn't run on regular batteries as far as I can tell.

[Ed Carlson]

I have the Nuvi Sportsman 500. I find it a great value for what you pay and it has a lot of easy to use utility on the dash and in the field or boat. I run both the TRAX and LakeMaster/Garmin mapping in it. You will see some enhanced marine functionality with the Garmin/LakeMaster mapping on the water, the boating mode.

I would recommend it.

If do decide to buy one, register it on the Garmin site, and then you will be eligible for the new 2011 mapping roads update...it's well worth doing.