GPS recommendations, anyone?

[feine]

I'm thinking of buying a GPS (global positioning system) for my boyfriend's birthday but I'm not much of a tech geek so any recommendations would be very much appreciated!

He's an army regular, and he's been thinking of buying one because it's apparently quite useful for overseas missions? Problem is, I don't know what's good and what price is reasonable. :dunno: Don't want to ask him because I want it to be a surprise heh.:embrass:

 

[kex]

garmin pretty good and value for $$

my frd had one with the local map software installed on his bike.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60c/

i think thats the one,he paid about $600+ for it.

 

[feine]

*gulp*

$600?

Any reviews of these? I saw them on yahoo auctions:

Garmin GPS 72: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94618245
Garmin eTrex Legend: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94616038
Garmin GPS 60: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94617678
Garmin Rino 110: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94616857
Garmin eTrex Summit: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94616379
Garmin GPS 12XL: http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94617542

There're so many kinds for just one brand alone. Absolutely mind-boggling!

 

[yanyewkay]

you don't need a dedicated GPS device. If you have a bluetooth enabled pda or laptop, you can buy a bluetooth GPS device for <$200 brand new. Then buy the map for the the country you need and install onto the laptop / pda. Total setup cost <$400.

Getting a good dedicated GPS device (with screen and all) that offers good CN and low HDOP is very expensive. $600 is just barely scratching the surface.

your bf wun be able to use the GPS if he brings it overseas unless the device comes packaged with the map of the country. In layman terms is that, I can give you the address to my house, but without a map, you wun know where in singapore is that.

Furthermore, if he is a regular from the army. He wun be using it much becos SAF isn't really a supporter of GPS for security reasons and our map MGR isn't really GPS friendly.

It's cool to have it for yourself as a high tech street directory though.

 

[jumbocrab]

Since he is an army regular, I suggest that you consider something water proof, small and light. Check out the Garmin etrex series, like this one even comes in camouflage colour:
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexCamo/

That one is basic and doesn't have maps. The more expensive models in the etrex series can take maps, such as the etrex Vista or etrex Legend. You can look at the details by clicking on the links on the right side of the webpage.

 

[Slivester]

I believe there are a couple of different GPS user sets. I once thought of getting one to do something like geocaching, and for that hobby, normally you need a GPS that gives you the coordinate and velocity. No map or anything, just the figures.

There are also GPS receiver that comes as complements to your PDA or laptop, in forms like external flash cards or via the USB port. It will be better if its used with a PDA, first of a ll you get to convert the data right away to know exactly where you are in human terms.

And remember to look for a couple of models, look for one that has WAAS. Quite a few to select from, so good luck!

 

[feine]

Since he is an army regular, I suggest that you consider something water proof, small and light. Check out the Garmin etrex series, like this one even comes in camouflage colour:
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexCamo/

Oh! I like it! Thanks for the link

Yanyewkay: Shucks I don't think that's feasible because he's going to be roughing it out in the forests. Funny, his superior actually advised him to get a GPS because it's going to be useful when he leads missions? :think:

Slivester: Er, any idea if the map is necessary if you're in the army? Or will coordinates be fine?

 

[popeye]

buy him Garmin Foretrex 201. It's like wrist watch. Can help to optimize his jogging time hehehehe.

 

[+evenstar]

Those for PDA are heavy battery eaters though...

 

[jumbocrab]

Yanyewkay: Shucks I don't think that's feasible because he's going to be roughing it out in the forests. Funny, his superior actually advised him to get a GPS because it's going to be useful when he leads missions? :think:

Have a look at this website for more information on the various types of GPS out there:
http://gpsinformation.net/

The very first link on "Which GPS should I buy" would give you a very good idea of what features you should look out for.

 

[user12343]

get those models with at least 12-channels for superquick acquisition of position (3D fix), lesser channels would take a longer time to get a position fix. but the portable ones using 4xAA battery are battery guzzlers, they won't last more than 10hours on a new set.

garmin, magellan, trimble are a few well-known brands used widely in many applications, from vehicle-fleet management to nautical navigation

 

[xtemujin]

Buy the Garmin 60 if your boo walks(Infantry) in the army. Get the 72 if he is vehicle bound.

Get the GPS in Olive drab(OD)/black in colour.

HTH.

 

[afbug]

Furthermore, if he is a regular from the army. He wun be using it much becos SAF isn't really a supporter of GPS for security reasons and our map MGR isn't really GPS friendly.

Its quite common in SAF these days, esp with the handheld models. Back in 2000, we're alreading using it with labtops but im signals, so i guess we're the 1st few who use it 1st.

 

[photobum]

I sold my Garmin eTrex Legend (loaded with both US and Asia maps) for S$130 recently. If you have posted this message earlier, the GPS is yours now. Remember the Guinness stout ad by George Lam many years ago? It said "Those who hesitates is lost". I couldn't agree more.

 

[Klose]

actually gps isnt that accurate once you are below the tree line... especially brunei.. the gps cant communicate with the satelite for location (you need 3 satelites to pinpoint the location) - there was a case where they were 2 click off :sweat:

 

[feine]

I sold my Garmin eTrex Legend (loaded with both US and Asia maps) for S$130 recently. If you have posted this message earlier, the GPS is yours now. Remember the Guinness stout ad by George Lam many years ago? It said "Those who hesitates is lost". I couldn't agree more.

:cry:

It's ok la, I wanted to buy him a new one anyway because it's his birthday.

 

[feine]

Have a look at this website for more information on the various types of GPS out there:
http://gpsinformation.net/

The very first link on "Which GPS should I buy" would give you a very good idea of what features you should look out for.

Brilliant! Thanks for the link!

 

[feine]

Buy the Garmin 60 if your boo walks(Infantry) in the army. Get the 72 if he is vehicle bound.

Get the GPS in Olive drab(OD)/black in colour.

HTH.

Great, thanks! He's going to be in a vehicle.

Thanks everyone for all the help! Not so confused now.