Decent Handheld GPS unit

[kfa4303]

Hi all. Anyone have any recommendations on a small, inexpensive GPS? I don't want anything fancy, just a small handheld gizmo that displays speed and direction on a monochrome screen. It seems like everything I can find is either super cheapo, or muy expensivo :/ Thanks.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

I had one of these before I had a chartplotter. It was great, I never got lost because I could always follow the line back. It had speed, course, I could mark points of interest on it. There are allot of accessorys for it such as dash mounts and 12V power adapters

Garmin? eTrex 10 GPS Unit : Cabela's

You can get a used on on ebay for about $50 which is what I did

Garmin eTrex Legend Handheld Portable GPS Navigation Unit 000100025675 | eBay

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

Thanks agallant. The eTrex (10/20) definitely seem to be my best bet based on my research too. I'll check ebay after xmas for some deals. Thankfully, I don't need it so much for the maps/compass, but I would like to know what sorts of speeds I can get. Thanks!

 

[ssobol]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

... inexpensive GPS?...

Define "inexpensive".

 

[Splat]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

I'm unsure what their prices are now but I've had a Garmin gps60csx for about 8 years now. I beat the hell outta it hiking and used to use it for geocaching. It's been a very solid unit.

I've switched to GPS apps on my phone and tablet now. I use Trimble outdoors for hunting and hiking, I can download not only base maps, but topo maps that I can use offline.

I always carry my phone, plus a small goal zero solar panel so I can charge it, as well as flashlight batteries in the bush. I like to carry my small tablet to read on at night, so it all works or well.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

I'd like to go the app route too, but I still have a "dumb phone" and I don't get reception most of the places I go boating :/ Btw, If you can't get a phone signal does that mean you can't get GPS? As far as price, I'd say anything under $75 would be nice. It's not worth more than that to me.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

I'd like to go the app route too, but I still have a "dumb phone" and I don't get reception most of the places I go boating :/ Btw, If you can't get a phone signal does that mean you can't get GPS? As far as price, I'd say anything under $75 would be nice. It's not worth more than that to me.

With the Navionics App you can still use the charts without a phone signal BUT you have to download the area you want beforehand using the phone signal or a wireless connection (wireless is preferred if you don't have a big data plan).

 

[GHBAY]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

The navionics apps for iphone/pad and android are pretty great- for the great lakes at least. My understanding is that the newest ipads/phones do not require cell service for the gps to work. On the older phones, or the ipads with wifii only, you are out of luck

 

[GHBAY]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

marc c beat me to it

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

I'd like to go the app route too, but I still have a "dumb phone" and I don't get reception most of the places I go boating :/ Btw, If you can't get a phone signal does that mean you can't get GPS? As far as price, I'd say anything under $75 would be nice. It's not worth more than that to me.

AT&T is selling used iPhones (4S models) for $50 and the Navionics mobile app is $9.99. Once you download the app, all the charts are resident on your phone so they go with you wherever you are. Thereafter, no downloading is required. The GPS functions without cell coverage and without a WiFi connection. I wouldn't suggest doing it just to get speed data while you're on your boat. You gotta want a smartphone in the first place.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

Now we're getting somewhere.......thanks for the idea Pez.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

If you just want to measure speed you can use one from a car.

 

[ssobol]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

If you just want to measure speed you can use one from a car.

A car one can also be used to record your starting point and return to it and record your track. The GPS will work fine, you just won't have the capability for adding nautical charts.

 

[ssobol]

Re: Decent Handheld GPS unit

A Magellan Explorist 200 or 210 will also do the basics of recording your track, showing your speed, marking points, etc. Plus it is waterproof. No nautical charts though.

The 200 and 210 have monochrome screens. While not as nice as a color screen, this allows to batteries to last a lot longer. I believe that these units also use alkaline batteries and not internal rechargeable batteries. If you run out of juice, you can just insert new batteries and carry on.

You can get a used one for about $50 on eBay.