Monday, Jan 27, 2003 at 11:24
Luke nobody likes the boys toys more than me.
The Meridian are in my opionion an awkward GPS in every way. If you have never used GPS gear extensively, it would not bother you. The interface/menus can only be described as mongrel, the position of some of the switches a nightmare, and the reception quality is not real flash, the shape and size
well ho-hum. The only good hand held that Magellan have produced is the new SporTrak range, which are disgustingly overpriced in Australia. However, they are an excellent GPS.
As for the tempreture and barometric functions, you are better off getting one of those watches that have those functions and they are cheaper. I don't know if you realise, few ever use the barometric function after the first week. You have to set it every day to a known and accurate altitude or barometric pressure standard gauge for a known place and then calculate the offset provided you are in a reasonable close distance. GPS alititude works just fine for my needs, and if I do want an accurate altitude, I let the GPS unit average the reading. I use 3D digital mapping and have the National Mapping Agency DEM (Digital Elevation Model) which gives you the altitudes for Australia, and when I match my tracks up to that data, they are either accurate or not that far out. Elevation/altitude is not something I need to be spot on.
GME are only distributers of Garmin, they are not re-sellers. The best priced Garmin re-seller I know in Australia who gives excellent service in
Brisbane is Kimball at:
http://www.ja-gps.com.au/index.html
Personally I am not that fussed on the eTrek either due to reception issues and the shape in your pocket. For what I use a GPS for, I like the eMap. The interface is very quick and easy to drive, the screen is excellent, has a motorcycle bracket which is easy to use, fits in your pocket very
well, has good reception under adverse conditions, clips easily into the car and suits my needs. I like the 76Map but there is no motorcycle bracket, will not fit in my pocket easily, and the plug fits in the back which is not convenient for connecting the power/data cable and putting it in your pocket.
How do you want to use your GPS will determine the best model for you.
What do you want to do with it.
No, I don't sell anything connected with the above information.
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