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GPS which one?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:35 pm
by Mike Egan
Does anyone have a GPS that they like more than another. What about the Nav M300?

Thanks Mike

PostPosted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:47 pm
by JimSouthwick
I've been quite happy with my Garmin Forerunner 201. Judging by web postings, it and the very similar Foretrex 201 seem to be the favorites among the growing community of windsurfing "speed freaks" in Europe. It is equipped with a wrist strap, can be set up to display a variety of parameters (including current, average or max speed, distance traveled, etc.) and has a display that is large enough and bright enough to read as you're sailing/riding. It is supposed to be waterproof, and mine has survived numerous windsurfing sessions, but apparently not all owners have been so lucky; several forum participants advocate the use of waterproof cases just to be safe.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:37 am
by RickHeninger
I agree with Jim... The Fortrex or Forerunner for OUR uses... Because they are small... The Forerunner is good... However, I did find more of its features applying for running whereas the Foretrex has a few more features that were attractive for sailing... But that's all a preference thing...

Also, the 201 Foretrex OR Forerunners are rechargeable whereas the 101 uses two AAA batteries... This is the ONLY difference between the 201 and 101... At first I thought that I wanted the 201... But then after I thought about it for a while (how long you ask!? ;) ), I decided that I wanted the option of being able to put in new batteries, and not having to be somewhere to recharge it... If you are backpacking, it's nice to only have to bring extra batteries... The batteries on my 101 last a long time...

Also, they are water resistant... So, I took off the stock wristband and bought a small rafting water proof pouch from Kirkhams for 10 bucks. Put the wristband through the slot ON the pouch and slid the GPS into that... Works like a charm and keeps it relatively dry. I can put it around my wrist, the mast, or the boom... Also, there is a special cable that believe it or not is difficult to get your hands on. It is for downloading data onto your computer. Whichever, one you get may not come with that cable... however, I know of a special place to get it... Email me if you get one.

Garmin

PostPosted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 11:46 am
by Josh Shirley
I had the Garmin Foretrex 201 until I smashed it kayaking. Either way they are a great tool and toy.
Every unit is made for a type of activity. So just search the websites out there for the model that best suits your activities.

I used mine all the time. Skiing, windsurfing, cycling, driving, and the killer (kayaking.)

I like the foretrex because it is small.

As far as other brand names on the market, I don't know much about them.

check out http://www.motionbased.com

This is the best site out there. They download your tracks and keep your records. The software charts and analyzes your data. It even downloads your data into google earth.

Infact just go to that website and use there "find the right gps unit" software. I think they have reviews on every unit out there.

PostPosted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:26 pm
by Mike Egan
Thanks for the input.