GPS, Ask Engadget: Best outdoor GPS device?
By Darren Murph 
posted January 22nd 2009 8:16PM
posted January 22nd 2009 8:16PM
We've had discussions surrounding those petite navigators that stay safely within the confines of your vehicle, but it's about time we broke it back out for the argonauts in attendance. We'll let Tyler take it from here: "I'm an avid hiker, and I'm looking to get a new outdoor-centric navigator that can withstand the elements and last a good while without a charge. I'm particularly interested in getting one with extra features like a trip logger and multimedia player, but obviously I'm trying to spend the least amount while not sacrificing usability. Any other outdoorsy individuals have any advice?"
Once you're back in from the tent, why not give this some thought and chime in? After that, feel free to send in a question of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.
Does anyone here have hands-on experience comparing the Garmin 60Csx, Colorado, and Oregon units?
I've used handheld GPS receivers since the early 1990s (and fixed marine units before that). Most of these handhelds have been Garmins, from the GPS45 forward. My current 60Csx is the best I've ever used, and I can only endorse the earlier positive comments here about this receiver.
However, don't buy the 60Csx for its compass. It has a two-axis magnetic field sensor. Like all such electronic compasses lacking third (vertical component) sensing, it has to be held perfectly level to be even marginally accuate. Then too, the 60C-series' helix antenna should be held more or less vertical for best reception. So... which do you choose - compass accuracy or GPS sensitivity?
Actually, anyone who goes where a GPS is really necessary should have a good independent compass as well. See the Suunto line for examples.
Also, it should be mentioned that, to use any of the Garmin mapping receivers to best effect, it's necessary to have one or another version of Garmn's mapping software as well. The 60Csx uses City Navigator for street mapping and routing (other titles for marine, topo and so forth). That'll be a hundred bucks, please.
I dislike Garmin's eTrex units for their cumbersome and non-intuitive interfaces. But the Garmin Foretrex 201 was a particular turkey, representing far too many mis-spent dollars. Anyone I've ever known who had the opportunity to use both Garmin and Magellan receivers has preferred Garmin.
Joe
The Satmap Active 10 is pretty good in the UK. Easy to use at least.