renting GPS unit??

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syoung

Guest
buy an early first generation streetpilot- the monochrome display version.
the monochrome display is larger than the color ones in the newer models. they are dirt cheap on ebay but can run all the modern software.
I can't stand the 'buy it, use it, return it" mentality.
 

nosivad_bor

Well-known member
Mar 27, 2004
6,059
63
Pittsburgh, PA
I have spent 10 grand at best buy in the past 5 years . i have no issue buying a product from them and then returning. I have not done it but I've paid my dues if i did want to do it.

rd
 

nosivad_bor

Well-known member
Mar 27, 2004
6,059
63
Pittsburgh, PA
if all of your funds are spent preparing for the trip you should not go on thre trip. if there is an issue on your trip you will be broke.

a GPS is only $120 new and you probably don't need it anyway.


rd
 

antichrist

Well-known member
Sep 7, 2004
8,208
0
68
Atlanta, GA
If you have a laptop check out Delorme
GPS and Mapping software for $129. I've been using it for about 4 years or so.
I use it on a Thinkpad 600x, 500mhz with 256mb of memory I think. You can load maps to your hard drive so they access faster, and only load the one's you need if you're limited on space.
It's only ever been an issue with bright direct sunlight on the screen, which doesn't happen often.
 
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super-poser

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
197
0
64
Western NC
antichrist said:
If you have a laptop check out Delorme
GPS and Mapping software for $129. I've been using it for about 4 years or so.
I use it on a Thinkpad 600x, 500mhz with 256mb of memory I think. You can load maps to your hard drive so they access faster, and only load the one's you need if you're limited on space.
It's only ever been an issue with bright direct sunlight on the screen, which doesn't happen often.


How do you like the software? I have heard of some people uing the Microsoft streets software with the DeLorme earthmate. I was just given a Dell laptop that needs repairing and when I get it fixed I think I am going the DeLorme route. How did you mount your laptop? thanks Charles :D
 

antichrist

Well-known member
Sep 7, 2004
8,208
0
68
Atlanta, GA
super-poser said:
How do you like the software? I have heard of some people uing the Microsoft streets software with the DeLorme earthmate. I was just given a Dell laptop that needs repairing and when I get it fixed I think I am going the DeLorme route. How did you mount your laptop? thanks Charles :D

I like it. Been using it and Topo USA for several years. The 2005 versions let you add new roads too, which is good for off-road trails that aren't on the map. I've had two or three versions due to upgrades. Part of why I got it though is that I avoid MS products if I can find an alternative that meets my needs. So far, except for the OS for my laptop when I'm using Delorme (it only runs on windows :( ), I'm 100% MS free :D
Also, using GSAK, I can move waypoints easily between it and my Magellan hand held GPS. My Magellan will supposedly work with the Delorme software, but I already had the Delorme GPS. Also the original question appeared to be looking for a low cost solution. If you have a laptop and don't already have a GPS, I think the Delorme package is one of the least expensive routes to go.


I mounted it on a new lid I made for my cubby. I think I was supposed to post some pics of the setup. LOL
Steve Young doesn't like my setup, but that's just cause he has tender elbows :p
 
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darw_n

Well-known member
Jul 19, 2004
620
0
breckenridge, colorado
thanks for the input, I think I can snag a laptop or 2, that will make things cheaper.

also, I didn't spend all my money in the trip already, I just have a strict budget with much of my liquid cash set aside for troubles and such.

I just didn't want to drop alot of cash on something that is only an aid in an emergency.
 

antichrist

Well-known member
Sep 7, 2004
8,208
0
68
Atlanta, GA
darw_n said:
snip
I just didn't want to drop alot of cash on something that is only an aid in an emergency.

Where I've been maybe the most happy I've had it is traveling on interstates and coming upon traffic backed up from a wreck or whatever. I get on the CB and find out how long the backup is. Many a time I've taken a detour using the mapping software rather than sit for hours in traffic.
But, I use it for many other things too.
 
S

syoung

Guest
Steve Young doesn't like my setup, but that's just cause he has tender elbows

the physical therapy is coming along nicely, thank you.

If you plan to use a laptop, you can score an old cheap early Garmin with a serial interface for next to nothing. I saw a Garmin GPSII go for $15 on ebay. No maps, but small and has serial interface. Target had some on sale recently and I got a Garmin Geko for $30, but I don't think it has any serial capability. Shop around- GPS stuff is getting cheaper all the time.