GPS - Basic unit

I just bought a Garmin Emap, but check Garmin features at - http://www.gme.net.au/garmin/index.html - D1ck Smith sell the base model Etrex about $300 - http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront . Losing Sat conection can be a problem if the reciever is too far 'inside' the car - shaded by the windscreen but you can get external aerials. Check out the prices at http://www.outbacker.com.au/ . Choosing one over another is a problem when it's new to you. I had the same problem trying to choose new tyres !
Good luck

I have an etrex which I mainly use for mountain biking (sits in the top of my back pack). I have also used it in the 4WD a fair bit and haven't had a problem yet loosing satellites even in areas with thick tree cover. Its very handy for 4WDing and even if you did lose reception it would probably be only for short time and wouldn't really make any difference. The etrex is easy to use and does a lot more than I thought it would considering the price.
Hope this helps
Jeepy

I have a Magellan Trailblazer and have found it good, but heavy on batteries (it is 8years old) Have used the Garmins at work and have found them excellent good on batteries, compact and easy to use.
If i were to update mine i would get the garmin. they can also interface with your pc making it easy to upload way points and down load places you have been.
Brian

Troy, I had a look at both the Etrex and the Magellan 315 when deciding which to purchase a few months ago (I too don't want the moving
map feature - I'll hook the unit to a laptop for a decent screen size and resolution for mapping purposes). I went with the 315, which I was
able to purchase on special for a similar price to the Etrex. The Etrex seems quite limited in the number of routes and waypoints it can
store, and although you say you only want to use it for 'emergencies' you'll probably find that once you use it a few times you'll want to use
it more frequently. Any upgrade - selling your original unit secondhand to buy another new one with more features - is not a cheap way
of doing things. I'd be going with the best you can afford, rather than buying 'down'. The 315 has a huge number of features above the
310, all of which are useful for 4WDing, and I have mine mounted to a Magellan bracket that sticks to the windscreen - it's located beside the
A pillar so it doesn't obstruct my view of the road and I can change settings, etc., without taking my hands off the wheel. Another pointer
I was given when deciding is that a unit with side mounted buttons (e.g Etrex) is a lot harder to use while driving than a unit with front
mounted buttons. I have never lost signal with the position of the unit, and find that the customisable screens allow me to set the details I
find useful onto each screen for viewing. Hope this is helpful.

Troy,
Check out Johnny Applessed GPS Store at the following link http://www.ja-gps.com.au/. I've been researching prices /models etc for some time, and have found this store to offer the one of the best ranges / prices of any in Aust. (They accept mailorders Aust wide) Being a GPS specialist they can offer the best range, incl accessories etc.
I've recently decided on the Garmin GPS12. it seems to offer the best value for money, plenty of useful features etc. It's currently advertised at $355. (A store in Melbourne recently quoted me $445 for the same unit)

troy. also suggest you look at MLR sp24 unit.
Approx $ 420 but includes mounting kit and cable for power supply(cig lighter )and pc connection.
You will need to solder on lighter attachment /cable plug or get someone to do that.
Unit has really good help screens and 20 rtoutes 1000 way point capacity.
unit picks up really well mounted on grabhandle in 80 seriesl/c.
also works well on my tinny when fishing.
Howard

Hi Ihave been using a garmen 12 which is has given me no problems at all you can also get a car mount and power supply for it I have mine mounted in an old 110 land rover which has a almost vertical screen and it has always loged on well I know this an older garmen unit but it is still current and well proven
hope this helps