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Hi
I have been tasked with finding the mother in law a GPS unit for her other half as a Christmas present. It is going to be used on the bike (road) and also on a canoe around Europe. Budget doesn't seem to be too much of an issue so long as it is fairly simple to use and a decent sized clear screen. Any suggestions?
Also do you just by the basic GPS unit and then buy maps separately?
Thanks!
Garmin Oregon 450 should do the trick. Buy maps via Sd crads as required. Simple touich screen no buttons easy to use.
Check out Magellan Explorist range 710 can be used in car on bike for turn by turn directions.........also waterproof with OS maps
Garmin Etrex 20.
Its a fair bit smaller than the Oregon, so I think its better on a bike. And it does not have a touch screen - I think buttons are usually easier to use and less likely to get scratched, plus it has better battery life.
You can use free OpenStreetMap based maps on it. These are good for road cycling in the UK anyway, elsewhere in Europe may vary.
One thing I like about the Oregon is that it has a road setup where it displays your route just like a sat nav with left right arrows etc displayed on map. Very handy on the road. I would go for larger screen every time. Displays OS maps very well. Mine has lots of road, mtb and mountain abuse. Very rugged. Have a look at all the options I think garmin are the best I have seen so far and well supported. Mine will go for a few days on 2 x AA batteries no problems. Wakes up wityh one touch of the screen even with gloves. I use a clear screen cover to protect it. I chose this because I know around the world I can always get some AA batteries 🙂 Vietnam bike adventure next with mine!
P.s works in car as well with decent size screen. Don't be tempted to dumb down