FunN4Lo

Ok so heres the deal. I'm looking for a good handheld gps unit that I can take with me on the trails. I've searched through here and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to these two. But I have a few questions.

The Topo Maps - which ones are the best. I know they have some that are 1:24,000 scale and others that are 1:100,000 scale. Is the 1:100,000 enough or do you need to have a closer view? On the 1:24,000 maps you have to buy them in groups instead of getting the entire US. For the closer up maps do they include the National Forests or is it just the National Parks. Thanks.

Also, does anyone know if you can turn the 3D view on the Colorado on and off or is it always on?

If you guys have either of these and want to chip in and tell me how you like them that would be great. Thanks.

GreytSilly

I use a Garmin eTrex Legend loaded with Garmin's TopoUSA. I believe the maps in this are the 1:100,000 scale. I love this setup. You can zoom into a 20 foot radius on the display. While the scale may not have every little detail of terrain, it certainly is capable of showing any relevant
details. I don't think you would be unhappy with either of the two map scales offered. My biggest drawback is the memory of the GPSr. I can only load about one third of New York State into it and I've used the 8MB of memory up. Get something with an expandable memory slot.

dr.dirty

the 60csx is proven itself over and over the colorado is a awesome unit but garmin is still working the bugs out

KenB1010

I use a Garmin 60 CSx handheld. I mount it on the dash using a Pro-Clip mount that way I can still take it on hikes. I have the 1:100,000 scale maps. It is perfect for my needs. The 1:24,000 maps only cover the nation forest areas.

Downloaded from Garmin USA
"With the Topo U.S. 2008 DVD and your PC, you can download topographic detail to your compatible GPS. You'll see terrain contour, elevation information with elevation shading on the PC, USGS trail names, National, state and local parks and recreational areas, national and state wilderness areas, trails and rural roads; city neighborhood roads, searchable data base of cities, geographic names, summits, lakes, parks and more. You can also use MapSource to create routes and waypoints on your PC and transfer them to your GPS. The map download feature of this product is recommended for use with the GPS eTrex Legend/Legend C, eTrex Vista/Vista C, GPSMAP 60/60C/60CS, GPSMAP 76/76C, GPSMAP 76S/76CS, GPSMAP 96C/96CS, GPSMAP 276, GPSMAP 376, GPSMAP 378, GPSMAP 478, GPSMAP 496, Astro 220, Rino 120/130/520/530/520HCx/530HCx,iQue 3200/3600/3600a, iQue M3/M4/M5, Quest/Quest 2 and the “x-series” GPS units. Some units may require a GARMIN data card to upload map data.) "

FunN4Lo

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll probably just end up going with the 60CSX as, like you said, is a proven unit. Looks more rugged too.

Ctimrun

I also have and use the 60CSX. Great unit!

FunN4Lo

Thats what I keep hearing. I guess its better to go with whats already been proven.

Ctimrun

Plus Offtopic is a wealth of info for the 60CSX since it is what she uses. Having a cool tech support person is good enough reason alone for me to buy this one!

OffTopic

Thanks for the plug, ctimrun. I'm going to start answering my cell phone "OffTopic Help Desk, how can I help you?" You shouldn't be surprised that FunN4Lo and I have already had an offline conversation.

Anyway, I think the 3D maps would make me dizzy! I get dizzy flying in 3D in googleearth. But then again, I used to get serious motion sickness playing Doom in the dark. Damn vertigo!

OffTopic

Hey FunN4Lo, I found this wiki with a great real-life head-to-head comparison of these two units (no marketing bs). You should also keep in mind that Garmin will continue to update the Colorado's firmware until the bugs are worked out.

Thought you might find it helpful in making your decision.