Quote:
Originally Posted by dogma
I am looking for a portable or hand-held GPS that we can take from boat to boat..thinking about i-pad as a possibilty, too. Has anyone used an i-pad with GPS map loaded? This is new territory for me, so not sure where to begin.
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For a handheld unit, I use a Garmin Rino 530 for my backcountry and hunting needs.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=146&pID=8523 (This is the unit and the page with available maps, Lake Winni is included)
The reason I use this type of unit is multiple. It has a feature that allows me to see the exact position on my map of other people in my hunting party. Very helpful if someone needs a hand with an animal. Also I can grab the position of any person in my group without their having to be involved (such as an accident that will not allow for a response from the other user). It can comunicate with any handheld two-way radio up to 5 miles away (we did get approx 8.5 miles while in Colorado from peak to camp, but line of sight and wind conditions were perfect). You can also call out up to 15 miles over Restricted airspace if an emergency required it (or if you are licensed to use that function, you can use it anytime you want) It has options for AA battery packs as well as recharge packs. You can grab weather updates from NOAA at any moment or monitor your Ba to predict how a front will affect you in your given location.
I have had this unit for just about 5 years and have not had a single glitch or issue that was not my creation. My unit does not have the turn-by-turn function that the unit I posted has (the Hcx was an upgrade model that added that function a year after I purchased mine), but that is not a need for me, but may be for you. I have used this unit in temps down to 35 below (approx. 18 hrs exposure) without issues that wouldn't plague any electronic unit. In that temp range an exposed cell will die and this unit will just run slow, but help is still a call away (within reason, it is not a sat nav call unit).
The added expense, when compared to any other handheld GPS on the market will be quickly evident, but they have other models with less function if you need it, but the screen resolution is a major difference. My father has the 130 and his screen is the same as any other GPS I have used, while mine has very clear detail with the same battery life.
I am currently looking at the new 600 line prior to an upcoming paddle trip to Baffin Island, as the feature additions have really spiked and most fit my requirements of a backcountry GPS.
That is my review of a product I have used exclusively more than most people ever use a GPS for. But, always carry a solid and dependable compass and fully understand how to use against a map. A compass is always PRIMARY with the GPS as a SECONDARY in the tool bag.