Need help buying handheld gps

MisalignedHalo

Hi, just wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I would like to surprise my husband and get him a handheld gps for xmas. As its a surprise I cannot ask which one etc. I know he has mentioned that he would like one with maps included as they can be quite expensive to download but would like one with the option to add maps if need be. He loves metal detecting and wants to get off the beaten track so to speak. I have a budget of approx £150-£200 but am wary of ebay as I would like a warranty should anything go wrong.
I have seen this one but not sure if it is good value or has all the features needed. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-GPSMAP-Handheld-GPS-Worldwide/dp/B003IHV6XW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Any help would be most appreciated:)

Marty999

I have a basic Garmin GPS in b/w and no maps. It's a good device but I don't use it now as you can get all sorts of apps for smart phones which are much easier to use and saves carrying another gadget around.

fwor

I have a similar model to that one, and it's a very reliable, rugged device that's great for "proper" outdoor use, where you might be using it in any weather.

Nice, bright display and the reception (compared to a satnav designed for in-car use) is exceptional.

However - it's not a touchscreen model, so manually inputting waypoints for a route can be tedious. Ideally you need to hook it up to a PC/laptop to create routes or input geocaching coordinates in advance.

Also, the included basemap is not very detailed. You might want to consider a deal which bundles the UK OS Topo map in with the unit. This has a ~lot~ more detail, including terrain contours.

Elsewhere

I bought my husband one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Satmap-Active-10-Plus-Outdoor/dp/B0049A2S70/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1322188615&sr=8-7

for his birthday in September. He seems pleased with it - though he hasn't experimented with printing out paper versions of his routes yet, so I can't say how well that works.

mcfisco

The new Garmin Etrex 20 sounds ideal for your needs
http://www.garmin.com/uk/new-etrex-series#1


Maps are expensive but something like the Etrex20 can take custom maps meaning you can create your own from scans or use a free service like open Streets - http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Handtec in the UK are usually very keen on pricing or Pentagon on eBay are trustworthy IMO

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/5041/garmin-etrex-20

MisalignedHalo

mcfisco wrote: »

The new Garmin Etrex 20 sounds ideal for your needs
http://www.garmin.com/uk/new-etrex-series#1


Maps are expensive but something like the Etrex20 can take custom maps meaning you can create your own from scans or use a free service like open Streets - http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Handtec in the UK are usually very keen on pricing or Pentagon on eBay are trustworthy IMO

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/5041/garmin-etrex-20

Thank you, I have decided on the Etrex 20 and it was a good price. Your help was invaluable as I really did not know what to look for.