Sorry - but which Garmin???

[theopental]

Hi

I want to buy a handheld unit to load Memory Maps on

Im struggling with the Garmin website to make sense of the different models

Im not bothered about a colour screen

I would like an altimeter

It'd be nice to connect it to my PC with a cable that costs less than a tenner, not 30-40 quid

And my PC doesnt actually have a serial port so must be USB which puts me off the Geko 301 which was my first choice

Battery life - the longer the better

Fits in a pocket

Weather proof

Probably being used in trees, if that makes a difference

Comments welcome

Thanks

[rickwiggans]

I use a GPSmap76CSx, which is excellent, but is in a higher price bracket the the Geko units. By load Memory Maps - do you actually mean the maps, or the routes generated using memory map?. I ask, because just in case you aren't aware, you can't load the actual maps onto the unit - only route and waypoint data. I've use aGeko 201, which I thought was OK. but limited battery life - my guess is the 301 will have a similar limitation. I believe some of the eTrex Venture series have USB connectivity, but no altimeter. The Vista has both, but is more expensive. GHarmin's website will give you the info you need

[abuchan]

I have a Garmin GPSmap60CSx which is excellent, unfortunatly you can only load the Garmin Topo maps onto it which are not very good and are expensive. It has all the features that you require and it works just about anywere. You can get a Topo map for your area on a SD card from the OSGB for about £70. The unit itself is £245 from Ebuyer.com
It comes with a USB lead which will connect it to your laptop which you can use in a car as a complete navigation system if you have Memory Map instaled or you can down load your track after you have used it as a stand alone device. You can also plan a route on Memory Map on the laptop and then upload it to the GPSmap60CSx. You can get the Memory Map software for £50 which is excellent value for money.
The only gripe that I have with my Garmin GPSmap60CSx is the poor maps that you are forced to use. If you could load OSGB Landranger maps on to it it would be wonderful!

[philpugh]

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