I want a BadA$$ GPS!

[GN YAKN]

I want to be able to turn on a gps and go for a bike ride and then return home, plug into my laptop and overlay the route onto a map to see where I went!

Would like to be able to see details in color and also be able to download local topos into the GPS.

Waterproof or at least water and shock resistant would be nice.

GPS for Dummies would be real nice as well! Any suggestions? Price ranges? Local dealers?

Many thanks!

Dave

[okieboater]

Am happy with a Garmin 76 csx for river running - it would not be my choice for mountain biking.
however
If I was buying a GPS now I think the DeLorme new model would be the one to test, especially like the topo sheet download option.

I am still a GPS novice so take this for what it is worth!

[shelbyjohnson]

You might consider using your smart phone with an appropriate application Like run meter or ImapMyRide both can use iPhone or Blackberry devices to track you using the GPS enabled chip already in your phone.

Once your trip is complete you save your workout. and Viola' you have an online map showing where you went.

The bonus part is the software is no cost and if you already have a cell phone you are not out an additional expense.

[Roger]

You might consider using your smart phone with an appropriate application Like run meter or ImapMyRide both can use iPhone or Blackberry devices to track you using the GPS enabled chip already in your phone.

Once your trip is complete you save your workout. and Viola' you have an online map showing where you went.

The bonus part is the software is no cost and if you already have a cell phone you are not out an additional expense.

And that way the Federales can track your movements down to your recreation!!! Sorry folks, ever once in a while I have to put on the tin foil hat!!!!

Sorry for the hijack!

[Cowper]

1) Shelby offers a good alternative. Only a few dollars if you already have the phone.

2) Everything you want could be done with an eTrex 20 (<$200). Free Arkansas Topos can be found on the internet, and although level of detail does not fully match the 24k USGS quads, it is pretty good in many respects. (electronic topos show all streams, but often mis-name tributaries, for example) Garmins are generally known for reliability, and being relatively more "user friendly" than most of their competitors. If my GPS were stolen tomorrow; an eTrex 20 or GPSMAP 78 would replace it.

3) Dave got me looking at DeLormes - their PN-60w paired with Spot Connect gives impressive features including the ability to send text messages to pre-selected recipients, but some users commented on reliability not being everything hoped for, while a few others specifically said it was not a good unit for "first time" GPS users due to complexity and poor user manual documentation. This was partially offset by good customer tech support, during normal business hours. Expect to pay quite a bit more, and have annual access fees, if you choose this "top end" option.

4) Smartphone apps - probaby great in some ways, but stand-alones have some advantages, too. Probably more shock-resistant; highly water resistant, longer battery life, and more importantly, easy to pop in a new set of batteries. Some smart phone apps may require a cell signal to access maps; make sure the one you choose can easily store the maps you want before you head out to the boonies.

[Butch Crain]

check out Gaia GPS (MyTopo supported) and EveryTrail Pro (road maps) apps for iphone - with a Dexim extended battery/case and an Aquapac a pretty effective, bulletproof set up

[okieboater]

Warning, I do not own a smartphone, just a old school voice unit.

check out these apps Trip Journal for Android and Trimble Outdoors for Blackberry as featured in Rapid Magazine

[GN YAKN]

If I could use my phone that would be great. I always carry it for emergencies anyway.

Only concern is if the GPS in the phone is dependent upon a signal. Isn't the cell coverage based upon line of sight?

If that would work for me that would be awesome! I'll give it a try anyway since it's free!

Dave

[Carroll Birge]

You might want to check your provider's plan. Mine, AT&T, charges 9.50 per month to use GPS. If you do the math, you will see that you can pay for a satelite GPS like Garmin in a year at this rate. It may not be top of the line but it will be a color monitor.

[Michele Jackson]

I have an iphone and have AT&T as my provider. It came with a basic GPS app on it and I'm not aware of any monthly fee to use it. I downloaded a more "powerful" GPS app for $1.99 that also has no fee unless you want the turn by turn voice commands. But these are "driving" type GPS programs. I think Dave is looking for something to use in the woods. So Carroll maybe you're talking about a different GPS app or service than I'm using.

[shelbyjohnson]

I may have created a bit of confusion with my mention of just using a cell phone it does have limitations. Here's Smart phone and GPS beta.

COVERAGE REQUIRED
If user wants to see self on map and visually track the map and use the map to navigate during the excursion then cell phone coverage is required. Its is required in order for the device to download the map data in the vicinity [extent] of the user. Best app is Google Maps Mobile. Map data transmitted via cellular network. Software FREE http://www.google.com/mobile/maps/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

COVERAGE NOT REQUIRED
If user wants to have device record track and view track after excursion is completed coverage not required. The device records the coordinate data via the GPS constellation signal. Then upon returning home or to area of celluar coverage the device can send the track to the web where the user can then get online to view track map. Best app iMapMyRide available for Android, Blackberry and iPhone Software FREE http://www.mapmyride.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's a motorcycle ride I took through rural Arkansas a few weeks ago and I went through many rural areas where no cellular coverage exists but you can see the GPS track function operates correctly. http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/48445372" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Hope this helps.

[Carroll Birge]

Mic?helle, Shelby,

Maybe my problem is that I have a brand new plan that is not as good as the old ones? I just rechecked what AT&T is offering for GPS. All I see is Navigator, which is 9.95 per month. Would love to know how to find gps cellular access cheaper. I've got an iphone 3 g.

[Carroll Birge]

Got the Google Maps app and see what you mean now. Not bad for free.

[Michele Jackson]

Carroll - If you're looking for one for driving, search the apps store for GPS. I got MotionX GPS Drive and it works well. I think it was $1.99 Read the reviews (at the app store) and it will explain the optional fee plans. You pay extra fees only if you want the turn by turn voice commands. The first month is free. After that its either $19.95 per year or $2.99 for a month, only when you want it.

[Crane]

Map Quest also has a pretty good app...