Been looking at the Garmin Dakota (and Oregon) and the Memory Map Dakota.
Adventurer.
I have a basic monochrome etrex that I've never hooked up to a computer because it was clunky/slow to use and I'd have to buy a different cable.
So, will either of these units be a big upgrade. i.e. easier to use, don't lose signal under tree cover so easily, comes with the software and cable to connect to the computer??
Do I need to buy Memory Map or something like Anquet to easily plot routes on a computer before loading onto GPS? Or do they come with proprietary software included?
Also, is 1:50,000 scale Memory Map good enough to plot an offroad route and not get lost or do I really need the 1:25,0000, like I would a paper map?
Help or recommendations appreciated, I want a unit to help me follow routes in unfamiliar areas.
I've got one of the older Memory Map Adventurer 7000's, its OK and you can use it in the car too, it's a bit too big to fit on the bars and the bracket is pants. I bought it because I already had Memory Map software. The main problem with Garmin units is they only use Garmin software and from what I've seen so far the Garmin OS mapping is pretty limited (mostly National Parks) and expensive.
I currently use a Garmin Edge 705, but before that I coped fine creating routes using Memory Map and transferring them to an eTrex Vista.
Where is the best place to get Memory Map software then? Do I need 1:25000 scale or can I get away with 1:50000 for off road riding?
I think its an etrex I have myself but its a model when they used serial cables for connection. Not very user friendly.
I haven't used one of the newer units yet, but I'm guessing they still haven't got to the same level of user intuitiveness as PDAs or iPhones etc?
I've had an Oregon for over a year now with 1:50000 but 1:25000 would be better but I can't justify the price!
It works great & has not lost the GPS signal even under heavy tree cover & in steep sided valleys unlike earlier models without the HCX system.
The bar mount is good & the touch screen works even when splatered with mud!
I still think some of the PDAs with Memorymap are a cheaper way of doing the same thing but probably more fragile.
When I built my PC I added a serial card as I needed it for the eTrex and my Polar HRM, the Edge 705 has replaced both of them now. You can get away with the 1:50000 for most stuff, I just bought the 1:25000 for the area I use the most (Quantocks and Exmoor.
I've had MM for a long time and know it pretty well, so I can't really comment on intuitiveness, but I do have it on my PDA, phone and laptop as well as my PC (if the device runs Windows it should run Memory Map).
If you buy a garmin you can use the [url= http://www.openstreetmap.org/ ]OSM[/url] maps for free :o). There is even a [url= http://openmtbmap.org/ ]bike friendly[/url] version....