Categories of use:
Hiking and Geocaching
For general use, I recommend the eTrex Legend Cx. The Legend Cx has a color dispaly and is autorouting for navigating on roads. The Legend comes with a database for major cities worldwide, navaids for North and South America; and a basemap, which includes major roads, political boundaries, oceans, rivers and lakes. But for street and topographic detail you must choose from a variety of optional enhanced basemaps depending on your needs. Thru-hiking?
Perhaps the best reason to get a Legend Cx is because its one of the X-series which use memory cards that can be swapped-out and upgraded to hold vast amounts of map data. Now you can get a 1-Gig microSD memory card that will hold topos for the entire AT or PCT. Moreover, the x-series uses SirfIII technology, which acquires sat-lock faster and holds on longer in adverse conditions, like tree cover. And they use rechargeable AAs giving you flexible power options.
Multi-stage geocaching?
I recommend a GPS with built-in digital compass, which will maintain bering even when you are standing still. This is helpful when seeking multi-stage caches like my "River Bluff" cache which requires you to navigate from stage one to stage two by distance and bearing. It is also helpful when pattern searching the cache proximity. So, of the Garmins designed for Geocaching, my pick is the GPSMAP 60CSx
Car Navigation
This year several GPS units for car navigation were introducted which integrate other technologies such as MP3 Players, XM radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling, FM transmitters and traffic alerts. So, even if you know how to get to where you are going, these features help you get there safer and faster with more enjoyment.
All the car nav units I recommend are ready-to-go out-of-the-box with no need to purchase additional street maps.
Dashtop
My best recommendation is to tell you what I bought my wife for Christmas last year. Mrs. A. got a nuvi 360. She loves how she can download audio books and listen to them while navigating. When she's not listening to books she talking using the nuvi's handsfree feature connected by Bluetooth to her phone. It is also portable so she can take it with her to use the MP3 player, the language translator and other unique travel features.
The nuvi, SP2730 and c550 can take full advantage of Travel By GPS tour guide content.
All-Terrain
The Garmin Quest II is my pick for a multi-purpose unit. My brother uses Quest II to navigate the missile range and then takes it with him when he hops out of the HUMV to mark the locations of impact craters. It is automatic routing with turn-by-turn directions and voice guidance for the car, PLUS its rugged and waterproof for the trail. And it records tracks and store routes where most car units do not.
Recreational Boating
I consider the Garmin GPSMap 76Cx the best (mount optional) handheld for land and sea, especially for use on canoes, kayaks and runabouts. It is autorouting for use in the car and comes packed with nautical data for open water. More than once, the tide prediction feature of the GPSMap 76 has saved me from getting stuck in pluff mud while navigating the marshes of South Carolina low country. It has a large color display and best of all it floats. I prefer the 76Cx over the 76CSx because the built-in compass and altimeter of the "S" model tends to drain batteries.
For detailed coast and shore line maps, you will need to purchase either Garmin Blue Chart or Recreational Lakes.
Fitness
Running with GPS units that have built-in heart rate monitor or cycle with a wireless speed/pedaling sensor are the perfect training tool for adventure racing.
My father-in-law runs with a Garmin Forerunner 201. He likes the "Virtual Partner" feature because he can never get me to go running with him (because he always runs like he's in a race).
2-way Communication
GPS receiver and GMRS 2-way radio with exclusive position-reporting capability enable you to "beam" your exact location to another Rino user. I always thought a pair of Rino 120s would be great for use when playing paint ball
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