Recommendations for GPS

timb64

Thinking of treating myself to a handheld GPS.I've narrowed it down to the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 or Garmin Edge 605,both available for about £220.Any comments recommendations gratefully received.

Heckler1974

Spend a bit more and buy the Edge 705. All the mapping capability of the 605 with loads of data about how you are riding.

Had the RoadAngel Adventurer which was the predecessor of the Memory Map 2800 and the mapping is better on the MM devices because it's actually O/S maps but because it's O/S maps they are super pricey, whereas the maps for the Garmins can be had for free from Open Source.

Also are you planning on-road mostly or off-road as obviously the quality of the maps makes a difference off-road?

timb64

Thanks Heckler-I will be using it almost exclusively on road and occasional walks.I am more interested in its mapping ability than cycling data and the 705 would be overkill.

skyd0g

If your mobile contract is due for renewal, it may be worthwhile to look at Nokias. They now have free GPS mapping via Ovi maps and a tracking option with the Sportstracker app.

patchy

although importing routes is a right ballache on Nokias - the only way I've found to do it so far is use Ovi maps online and sync up with the mobile, and its not great to be honest. If you're going to be importing routes, you might be better off with the dedicated GPS units.

timb64

Thanks Patchy and Skydog-I'm tied into phone contract for the time being and it seems a bit of a faff.
Also considering a TomTomGo 730-anyone used a car satnav on a bike-mount?

Heckler1974

timb64 wrote:

Thanks Patchy and Skydog-I'm tied into phone contract for the time being and it seems a bit of a faff.
Also considering a TomTomGo 730-anyone used a car satnav on a bike-mount?

Two considerations there, battery life and routing. Battery life on an average satnav is usually a few hours, I suppose the larger screen and constant illumination drains the battery, though because they are usually plugged directly into the cigar lighter it's not normally an issue. The RoadAngel Adventurer I had, could manage at most three hours (I tried everything including a windmill charger on the front of my bike to extend that with limited success).

Secondly and this is configurable on some, satnavs will route you to a place, postcode whatever without consideration of the speed of route so could try and send you down a motorway.