GPS devices.

Most gps units-Garmin or Magellan.You can enter waypoints-500 or more without a computer-just the numbers.For detailed maps you will need to buy a cd with the mapping-most detailed mapping only for USA and West Europe.Buying a gps on Ebay will save you a lot of money.Google the Etrex units from Garmin or Sportrak from Magellan,100$ average.

Thanks for that, I downloaded the Etrex user guide.

Just a question, places of developed Asian countries, I had a look of Garmin's site and they didn't have Asian places, and Magellan had N America, Europe and Africa. Just interested to know that if a person did want maps for Asia how does one gets it, Asia like HKG and Japan are v developed I would assume its v possible to get them.

Lastly, have accurate have they been?
Some people have said to me they have heard GPS are not that reliable and pple getting lost in the middle of no where.

Thanks.

Gps is very reliable and will almost never fail.It is accurate to about 3 meters and at worse about 20-30 meters or so.The problem is reception-under trees or worse- high rise buildings might block the signals and then you have almost nothing.The etrex vista will have also an electronic compass and a barometer that will give you compass direction and altitude without satellite reception.The software of both companies has also worldwide basemap but not much detail-still better than nothing.The etrex venture will have all major cities worldwide.In HKG they sell but donno about Asian maps-never seen one.Taxi drivers in China use gps but that is another story.Always carry one even without detailed mapping!

Could you tell me the advantage the Garmin 76 or 60 has?

Other than that I think I have nailed it to the basic Etrex or the Legend Cx since it bundles the PC cable and software.

Thanks.

u are in nz and u will be travelling in asia ? I m not sure what u expect from a gps - with a ww basemap it will show a v poor image. As for downloads there are not many internet places that will let u connect up to their computers. If u get lost any cheap GPS will point u back to where u started from (with a lot of other info that u dont need). If u want good signal lock in city or forest a Sirf 3 chip set will be ok, but for these more expensive gps - companies make their profits from locking u into their map software that u pay extra for - even in USA 1:24K topo maps are unreliable (check groundspeak.com/forums). In terms of what u get for your money the colour screen Lowrance are much cheaper than comparable Garmin or magellan. Whatever u choose make sure the model has been around for a while as companies are putting out betas.

Thanks

I am aware maps are not v accessible, I intend to travel diff countries each time so cost are just crazy if at all the map exist at all.

What I am intending is a plot design with co-ordinates, I can put the co-ordinates on manually or via a computer (at home before I set off), like diff attractions, hotel location, train station. When I get there I can also add them in when I am in position such as the airport and the train station.

Given the Legend Cx is $180US and the basic Etrex is $70US (eBay), its not much more so I thought about the map feature could be useful at home with I can get hold of a NZ map. I won't be buying more maps for each country I travel to though, since I try to travel to a new place each year and even though its tedious following street by street, I am happy to get the direction of travel and I can figure my own way to walk there.

Hey, I had a look around and stuff.
SIRF can be expensive.

What I want to know is that in LA, NYC or HKG how is it with a standard eTrex GPS receiver?

Also, I take it all handheld devices I can connect to a laptop and it will provide me voice instructions for driving?
I take it also, without the laptop a map featured GPSr cannot provide me voice instructions even if I get the car kit? I need a laptop or a in car navigational GPS device?

Thanks so much.

I guess what I am saying is that I am a traveler and not a hardcore hiker or a delivery driver.
How sufficient are the eTrex?

The etrex screen is too small for driving but it can help,no voice on the small units.The 76 and the 60 have better reception,larger screen,cost more but no voice.Both comapanies(Lowrance also has nice units) have voice units but with all the extras it will cost more and a lot to carry.The small units can be held in your shirt pocket and help while driving,flying hiking or sailing,only 2 AA batteries on most.While travelling you can sell your gps at most hostels once you decide to get rid of it,thats why the etrex legend(color-if you want to pay more)is worth carrying.