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Random Quote: You can have it good, fast and cheap ... pick two!
Looking for the best gps for the buck. I would like map capability, it will be used mosltly on the water so waterproof might be nice. Any good places on the net to buy? All help is appreciated.
just picked up a Raymarine RC 400 today from john at tightline - nice unit - looks like identical software as a bigger C series - nice TFT screen - as bright as the bigger stuff and in color - uses navionics chip and has nema hookups - comes with hard wire power cord and cig lighter power. Only downside I can see so far is that it only lasts a few hours on the NIMH batts that come with it , probalby due to bright screen. Does not bother me as I like the hard wire hookup to the boats wiring - would not be the one I'd buy for a ditch bag. Found a place that sell 2X NIMH batts for 20 bucks - that should increase batt time to 4 hours or so....it's pretty big as you can see here compared to my ipod
I bought a Garmin 276c from http://www.gpsdiscount.com*. Could not be happier.* GPS discount has the best prices I've seen and they advertise here.. The best part about Garmin is the Blue Charts (extra) with true computer connectivity. You view the maps on the unit or pc and make, choose and transport waypoints, routes etc. back and forth between the PC and GPS.
The 276c has a larger screen than your standard handheld unit. It has great battery life (comes with a lithium ion battery) and comes with a connector to hardwire to your onboard 12v battery. I hooked mine up to my VHF radio for DSC emergency distress calls. You can even by a separate sonar box and use it as a sounder.. It is also at home in the car. Very flexible unit..
I bought the Garmin GPSMAP76CS. I've been impressed with it. Takes 2xAA batterys or hardwire input. Waterproof, floats and ships with the USB pc connection. I use Garmin software and the free PHOTOUSA software with it (overlays waypoints and routes from the gps on satellite images, inshore / lake only). John @ Tightline Rods is unbeatable service wise although the handheld GPS units run really tight margins which means buy.com or other high volume box store may beat a sponsors cost.
flash washed out the screen ...it is briliant color when turned on...think I had a batt memory problem - now getting about 3.5 hours on a orginal charge of the nimh batts
glen, what is the purpose of the handheld if it is not a backup. Don't you have a C series on your dash already? Just curious.
I have a garmin 2010c - I will use it as a back up - but will not keep the batts in it. It is going on 2 days now with the batts fine if I turn it on to get a fix every couple hours or so to get a position, it'll work in my ditch bag....the screen is absolutley beautiful....
Glen, is that Ray GPS good to go for use on terra firma, too? The big screen has me all excited!!! I hate small screen GPS, why I never got one. I still have a prehistoric handheld MicroLogic GPS, text only, no graphics.
Edit: well, now that I think about, Glen, you are going to need to write a full-blown product review for that RayMarine handheld GPS. And I am going to hold my breath until you do. Please ...
Glen, is that Ray GPS good to go for use on terra firma, too? The big screen has me all excited!!! I hate small screen GPS, why I never got one. I still have a prehistoric handheld MicroLogic GPS, text only, no graphics.
know what you mean about text only- also have a garmin 45 xl that is 1st gen - no - the navionics chip does not cover land and is only water from south carolina all of fla and bahamas...I think there are garimn units better for land use...
The RC400 is a terrific unit. I've installed on my Whaler as a backup to my RC435 GPS/CP. They have the button functionality & displays. My wife can go between units without missing a beat. Great detail & easy button fuctionality.
hand held gps 
