Posted by Ted on September 17, 2002 at 12:45:39:
In Reply to: Which GPS is better posted by jim on September 16, 2002 at 06:45:17:
Jim,
I have the Magellan 315. Mine does not have the mapping feature, but the two models are the same design. It is light weight and easy to operate. I have used it both on my kayak and in my car. My speedometer in my RV is broken and I use the GPS as a speedometer. When I first got my 315, I used it on my kayak to track my paddling distance. Now I mostly mark launch points and fishing points and keep it stowed until I need it to navigate. For the short inshore fishing trips I feel the mapping feature is not that important. If I ever go out in foggy conditions I figure to just follow the bread crum trail back to the launch point.
At the time I bought mine, I was working eBay for the best deal and that is how I ended up with a 315. If I could have made a good deal on a 320 or 330, I would have, but now that I have the 315 it (so far) fits my needs. I plan to use it to navigate to Catalina on my 30' sailboat from MDR.
When I used to keep it on deck all day, it would get splashed and knocked by waves. It is supposed to float, however I have not felt the need to test that claim. If you are going to be pushing buttons all the time and using the back light, then carry an extra set of batteries. The mapping feature probably adds to the power drain as well.
It has lots of features, I use speed, trip distance, ETA and the compass the most. You can even reconfigure many of the screens to display the data you like to see.
Is the Megellan the best? I don't know. I farmed a good deal off eBay below retail and I am happy with my decision. The only other experience I have had with GPS is in dash car systems, which are much different than the small handheld applications.
-Ted