Buying a GPS for Christmas

Looking to get that new GPS receiver for Christmas? There’s some interesting changes in the marketplace that could offer you both bargains and some cool new technology in both the Garmin (my favorite) and Magellan (maybe a new favorite) lines! Both market leading companies are bringing out new technology this fall, which means that there are bargain basement deals on existing lines. And the newer technology will be better and cheaper than in the past.

I had an opportunity in August to visit the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City and meet with both Garmin and Magellan sales reps to learn what was in store. Garmin’s big move is a subtle introduction of upgrades to the eTrex line with significant improvements in reception — basically putting the reception quality of the more expensive GPS Map line into the smaller eTrex line — all this for the same price. What’s tricky, though, is that both the old models (Cx) and new models (HCx) are still available at retailers. So BE CAREFUL what you buy!

Magellan, on the other hand, has nearly won me over with the advance introduction of the Triton line. There are two sensational features on the Triton series. First, the displays are user friendly with big, bold icons that anyone could understand. Secondly, and this is the big news, Magellan is abandoning its proprietary map line and offering third-party maps, including the fabulous National Geographic series. Pricewise, the Triton line will be comparable or lower than similar Garmin units.

I’m personally a big Garmin fan, and longtime owner of many eTrex models. My personal GPS is a two-year-old Garmin eTrex Vista Cx, which has been about a $299 product for the past year. It’s an excellent small handheld unit with plenty of memory (24MB), a decent color screen, plus plenty of features including an altimeter. The new Vista HCx model, features better reception, a much better color screen, and the first access to external memory (SD cards) in the eTrex line. That’s a huge, huge plus if you want to load lots of maps. The new Garmin Vista HCx is actually selling for quite a bit less than its predecessor and you can find it for around $250 (checkout links below).

What do you want in a Geocaching GPS? Here’s a few thoughts.

If you’re spending $100 on a current, new model, you’re likely not getting mapping features and very little memory. My recommendations will take you into the $199-250 range, but you’ll be getting tremendous value and all the features you need to enjoy Geocaching.

Memory - 24MB has always been OK for me, but I’m anxious to have external SD card memory. That will save time and hassle in downloading new maps everytime you travel. Memory cards have been in the Magellan Explorist line for years and are now commonplace in both Garmin and Magellan units.

Color Screen - Again, I’ve been satisfied with older color screens. But when you see one of the new Garmin Vista Hx’s or the Magellan Triton line, you just have to have one. It will make life so much easier. Remember, these are small screens. Having good color quality will make it easier to track into a cache.

USB Connectivity - You’ll tire quickly of entering your own coordinates or fooling around with old serial cables. Make sure you have USB connectivity to your computer.

Maps - Garmin still requires you use its MapSource line of road and topo maps. Make sure you get the right ones for your GPS. Magellan is moving to third party mapping. The National Geographic Series is fabulous.

MAGELLAN TRITON SERIES
The Triton series (available sometime in October) will be the new standard in GPS units. It does feature new technology and is not yet at market. But I’m guessing it will get great reviews. I’m recommending either the Triton 400 or 500, which have been pre-selling at around $199 and $249 respectively. You can spend less with the 200 or 300, or a lot more and get a camera with the 1500 and 2000. But for basic Geocaching, either the 400 or 500 will be fabulous. Keep in mind, they’re not yet shipping but should soon.

Magellan Triton 400 Expandable Color Handheld GPS Receiver (PRE-ORDER)


Magellan Triton 500 Expandable Color Handheld GPS Receiver (PRE-ORDER)

What’s the Difference?
You get a few more features with the 500 over the 400, basically an electronic compass and a barometer. These are nice features but not essential. Your call on whether it’s worth the extra $25-30.

Garmin eTrex Line
I’m a longtime Garmin fan, and still am, even though the Magellan Triton’s are pretty cool. The eTrex Vista is a fabulous Geocaching GPS, or spend a few bucks less for the Legend and basically lose the altimeter. The new HCx line is a definite step up from the Cx. And, unlike the Magellan Triton’s, the Garmins are available now and at reduced prices. You’ll see Legends down around $225 and Vista’s around 250.

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver


Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver

What’s the Difference?
You get a few more features with the Vista over the Legend, basically an electronic compass and an altimeter. These are nice features but not essential. Your call on whether it’s worth the extra $25-30.

FINAL CHOICE?
I’m still a big Garmin fan, so my main recommendation is still the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. But if you’re willing to roll the dice on the new Magellan Triton, and especially if you’re not a big gadget person, the simplicity of the user interface on the Magellan Triton is for you. Feel free to post a review here.

One final word of caution. If you do decide to go bargain basement and get a discontinued Magellan Explorist line or a Garmin eTrex Vista, be careful. There are now THREE versions of the Vista in stores — the new HCx, the recent Cx and the plain old Vista. Make sure you aren’t falling for a super deal at $150 and getting a three-year old GPS.

Have fun.