http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
Congrats, you can navigate. Want a cookie?]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
On the other hand, if you are on marked trails a map is a more useful guide than a GPS - now, if your GPS comes equipped with maps you need - that's cool and arguably more useful than carrying around 3 or 4 fold-out sheet maps. The little "you are here" function is just a killer bonus for those who can't "read" the trails.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 10:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
I am assuming your first two initials are G, and I. Am I correct?]]>Jan 22nd 2009 11:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Hack an opening into the brush, Look up and find three trees in line going into the distance. Walk to the first tree, hack another swatch, and find a third tree in line with the first two.]]>Jan 23rd 2009 4:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 11:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
On eBay I brought a device to serial cable (it's pretty old-school) which I feed into a KeySpan serial to USB convertor to connect to my Mac. Most Mac software sucks at connecting to it, so I pull/push data on/off it though a Windows virtual PC and then transfer it to so of the Mac Apps or some PHP scripts to Google Map/Earth. I've used it a few times to go GeoCaching with success.

In regards to the batteries, they last for days. And as they are just 2 AA's they are easy to replace when on the trail.

I just wish it had better Mac support.]]>Jan 23rd 2009 5:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 23rd 2009 11:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
Garmin makes a great product (and crazy durable)]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
MotionX is great but more as a geocaching or finding your way back to an already marked point.

The lack of locally cached maps is a killer, cause if u step out of the network (which is real easy where I am) then it's basically, yeah great, I'm here in the middle of a mystery grey checkerboard, that when or if you get back turns out sort of near where u already knew u were.

I hope no one really tries to say it's the one, no phone level gps I've used or seen has been adequate. Garmin apps help, but not that much. A mate tried to show me his cool windows one a few months back and it got you to a street and then failed badly.

It has to be a dedicated unit still, maybe another 5 years ]]>Jan 23rd 2009 2:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 23rd 2009 10:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=310]]>Jan 22nd 2009 8:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
It's horrible.

The Garmin GPS (IV, V) are fantastic on the other hand.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/As soon as you are in a deep valley or under dense canopy cover your etrex will loose.

]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
I have actually never lost a signal with my Vista C in my Jeep while offroading in the mountains of Arizona. And we got into some deep canyons.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 11:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
The battery life for the Colorado can go several days and it only uses a couple AA batteries, so it's easy to carry spares. It has a ton of features, with the best being the essential track-where-I've been function so you can get back out if you've gone too far off course. Getting a fix is pretty darn fast too and reception even down in the undergrowth is very good. It also has a back-light so you can still navigate at night and it's adjustable so you won't be blinded by it being too bright or use too much juice having it maxed out.

Anyway, check it out at Garmin's website. Don't bother with the higher models of the Colorado 300 series, you can score the maps at a cheaper rate than the premium you'll pay for getting them pre-installed.

Alternatively, you can get the Forerunner 405 and have a GPS on your wrist. No fancy maps, but it can still guide you out the way you came in and keep you on course.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 11:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
I recommend Garmin over Magellan since developing third party maps and systems must be much easier, and the support for the devices in the community seems to be much better.]]>Jan 23rd 2009 8:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
1. If you're first getting started using a GPS, the Garmin eTrex Legend is a great model to start with. It provides basic capability and won't break the bank as you get used to using a handheld unit.

2. If you feel like taking the plunge (and dropping some cash) I would highly recommend a Garmin GPS Map 60 CSx. I've been using one for the past three years and found it to be bulletproof. The only negative thing I could say is that the compass tends to be a battery hog but is easily turned on/off. It also works very well with MapSource and Google Earth if you want to add additional maps (I would however, recommend MapSource over Google Earth).

As always, be sure that you have a topo map and compass handy and usable when you go out. (batteries do die!) For the other part of your question, If you need a media player, get a media player.

Happy Hiking!]]>Jan 22nd 2009 8:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
However, if you're going for all the nuts and bolts, the Colorado and Oregon series are great. Bottom line though, stick with Garmin. They've really got some great products and so far, I've not found anybody to beat them.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 23rd 2009 2:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
that seems like the best option to me. no?]]>Jan 22nd 2009 8:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
1. Is it annoying to not have the electronic compass? When you're still does the arrow disappear or does it just assume your heading form the last reading?

2. 22 hour battery life is great but having a battery pack that you can just charge up like a phone would be even better....is there any option like that?]]>Jan 22nd 2009 8:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/@ Michael D

It would vary unit to unit, but with the GPS's I've used it has been a bearing indicator instead of a compass. The display would generally show the last direction of movement. The integrated compasses are accurate but if you need to be using one for taking bearings, nothing beats a $7 compass or mil-surplus lensatic compass (no batteries necessary).

For the battery, when you're in the backcountry it's far easier to carry a spare set of AA's than some sort of charger. For this exact reason, most of the phones that people have suggested are a bad idea. If you want a rechargable option, there's always something along the lines of the Solio or Brunton Solaris

http://www.solio.com/charger/index.htm
http://www.brunton.com/catalog.php?subcat=7]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 8:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
Less than 10 bucks to prevent yourself from freezing solid an a windswept peak? Well worth it, I think.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Good luck with that - last time I saw a wet blackberry it lasted about 3 hours before final shutdown.]]>Jan 22nd 2009 10:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 23rd 2009 12:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/
Anyone that suggests an iPhone is a moron (as soon as you leave the city and have no coverage it is useless). Often out in the sticks there is no cellular signal.

I also recommend getting the topo series maps for your country (mapsource topo)]]>Jan 22nd 2009 9:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/It's light, plus you always need to drag a phone with you anyways. Put it in a plastic bag, buy a spare battery, find better software (Tomtom is best for driving). Best thing is I always have it with me and always charged. Oh, and it plays MP3 like a charm... dont forget the built-in camera :)]]>Feb 3rd 2009 9:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 23rd 2009 8:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 9:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/22/ask-engadget-best-outdoor-gps-device/Jan 22nd 2009 10:36PM