Best compact logging GPS?

Songdog · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 4:33 pm Post subject: Best compact logging GPS?

I am looking for a compact GPS unit (no screen would be fine) to log long bike rides (4 - 10 hours; I'm ambitious). The unit has to offer configurable automated logging, good battery life, and plenty of memory for the log. I'd prefer Bluetooth to download the log (because I could then also use the device with my Palm) but a wired connection would be okay if it's much cheaper. I don't want to have to carry the Palm and use that for logging, though. For one thing I don't think it has the battery life, and for another it's just too much to bother with for my purposes. I just want to turn the unit on, throw it in a waterproof case or bag, toss it in my pack, and go.

At face value the DeLorme Blue Logger GPS is exactly what I'm looking for, but it sounds like they simply stop working after a while, everyone hates the power switch, and the warranty is terrible. Plus I'd have to pay for software I don't want. Are there other devices similar to (but superior to, and/or cheaper than) the Blue Logger out there?

lbendlin · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:41 pm Post subject:

no. The Blue Logger is still the best.

get yourself an extra battery if you are concerned about the run time (mine lasts for 9 hours).

Be aware that there is no software for the Pocket PC (left alone the Palm) to read the log. You need a PC for that.
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Songdog · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 3:05 am Post subject:

I don't mind reading the log on the PC, carrying an extra battery, or tossing the mapping software that comes with the Blue Logger. What I'm really concerned about is the quality. Is this thing likely to still be working in a year? I get the feeling from what I've read online that it's going to just stop working Sad

lbendlin · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 3:30 am Post subject:

Not sure how you come to that conclusion. Mine's in heavy use and has yet to show any sign of weakness. Leadtek have a pretty good reputation overall. Phew, did I say Leadtek? I meant DeLorme! ;-)
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Songdog · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 9:41 pm Post subject:

I saw it mentioned in the Amazon.com reviews and in pumuky's post in the forums here (to which you responded). I hope these are isolated events. It'd be one thing if it broke and the seller replaced it, but it sounds like after sixty days you'd be out of luck.

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 10:36 pm Post subject:

I agree, the warranty period is very short. But apart from that one post you mentioned I am not aware of any other complaints abut the durability of the receiver.
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Songdog · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:00 pm Post subject:

Take a look at those Amazon reviews (scroll down). There's more than one bad one.

lbendlin · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 12:09 am Post subject:

Those Amazon reviews are mainly about the software (which is indeed horrible) and about users that don't understand the simple concept of "to switch the receiver off wait until the green light is off then press the button until it comes on then release the button". only one is about a faulty receiver.
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Songdog · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 1:45 am Post subject:

Well, that's good news. I wish I could get just the GPS unit and its control software without having to buy one of the DeLorme mapping packages. It looks like DeLorme is about to come out with new sets of software (in August) but I suspect the Blue Logger will be the same and there won't be a discount. Anybody want to sell a Blue Logger in good condition? ;)

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