john,
I think you wlll find having a map particularly helpful if you ever
fly cross country. Major roads as landmarks while in the air, or after
landing in a new XC field, are handy. Further, you will find yourself
using it while driving, too.
As to what to get: depends on your cost limits versus features
desired.
The least expensive Garmin with a map is the eMap - retail under
$200 in the USA. I have one and it is fun. BUT: it is not waterproof,
and you have to buy an extra RAM module to download higher detail maps
into it. Also, while it will tell you altitude in real time, and will
store the altitude in marked waypoints, it does not store altitude in
the track data points. Look for packages called eMap Deluxe to get the
unit, RAM card, and PC cable in a bundle.
If you want to record altitude in tracks, you need one of the two
higher-end Etrex models, with map. That runs the price up notably over
the eMap.
For a combination of map, waterproof, and other features, the
GPS76MAP is a good all-round model, but, because it is designed for
marine use, it also does not save the altitude data in track logs,
only in waypoints.
There may well be Magellan or other brands that have similar
feature sets. It just happens that I have only looked at these details
on the Garmin products.
Cragin Shelton
USHGA #63851 / H3


"John Blessing" <jb@--REMOVE--lbehelpdesk.com> wrote in message news:<a5tpb3$6g1$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk>...
> I'm a low airtime PG pilot but looking forward to getting lots more hours
> this summer. I'm considering buying a GPS and need some advice. Is it worth
> getting one with a map? Or should I go for something simple like the basic
> Etrex?
>
> I don't plan on competing so it will just be for fun.

View index by [date] [author] [subject]
Previous message: GPS recommendation please, John Blessing
Next message: Re: Square reserves?, Michael
Previous message in thread: GPS recommendation please, John Blessing