Re: GPS for mountain walking

Paul Saunders wrote:
> Dundonald wrote:

>> How does the 60c and 60Cx compare with the etrex vista that blacks
>> are trying to flog me?
>
> Better. I've got the 60CS, brilliant piece of kit, if you're a GPS
> junkie.


However, at a cost of weight, bulk and price.

With all kit you are going to carry, its a trade-off.

I use an Etrex Vista-C. My tradeoff of weight/bulk against the 60 and 72
series went in favour of the Vista-C. In my case, price wasn't a major
consideration.


>> I'm sure I remember seeing UK maps for
>> sale at over £200. Crazy.

For PC use only. Won't transfer to the screen of the GPS. Though one can
transfer routes/waypoints between GPS and computer.


> Not only does the UK map software work out at less than £1 a map, but
> you also get 3D visualisation, search features, communication with
> GPS for route planning & track saving, and the facility to print your
> own maps from it. It's an amazing bargain. I'll never buy another
> Landranger map again.

I agree about the power of the features.


However, there is one caution as its happened with all the suppliers of OS
mapping:

You have to purchase all your maps in a short time. Otherwise you find out
that the supplier has upgraded the core product (happens about annually),
and the maps with the old product don't work with the new product, and maps
with the new product don't work with the old.
And, if you want to transfer your old maps to the new product, the supplier
wants a hefty upgrade fee (around 50% of the price paid originally for the
maps).

Not a problem in itself, provided one is aware of the issue when purchasing.


Given the tendency of computers to die after 5-8 years, and the need to
upgrade operating systems, etc. It is my contention that the computer based
map software has a life expectancy of around 5 years, and those purchasing
should regard the product as lasting that long. If £200 over 5 years is
good value, then fine (and if you need the whole country in 1:50,000, then
its a good price), but its not the same as a paper map which still works
when its 20 or 100 years old.


I have one commercial OS mapping product, with coverage of part of the UK.
Its does what I need. I also have paper maps, and those overlap the area
with computer mapping.


- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/


.

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