Ok, so I've decided that I would like a handheld gps unit which will do mapping, not just waypoints, and am trying to figure out which other features would be useful. I have considered color, as I think it would make reading the map quicker and easier, and I also was hoping for expandible memory and something which is waterproof/resistant. With this in mind, are are the Garmin and Magellan units considered to be of equal quality? Do they lock on to satellites at similar rates? How about if the sky is cluttered, like in a forest? I would also like one with long battery life, and preferably AA or AAA batteries. Would anyone like to explain the preference they have for one over the other? Sorry to ask so many questions, I just want to make an informed decision, and I'm feeling like I'm in over my head when I go online to look at different models and read the reviews. My price range is about $350 or less, but I'm willing to be flexible on that. Thanks as always for the help. --Ian

You already have a lot to work with. Write down your preferences in a grid format (lines for the features/columns for the units). When you research a specific unit check the features in your grid. You will then have it narrowed down quite a bit. If you're still not sure after that, any questions you have will be sufficiently specific to be answered ! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It I may chime in here, I have been a Magellan Meridian owner for a few years. Simply stated, I do not like the way that their mapping software works. You have to divide your maps into rectangular chunks, and can group up to four chunks into one file. The problems is that the size of the chunks, and therefore the size of the files is limited. This is bad because you can only have one file loaded at one time. If you want turn-by-turn routing, this is bac because the directions cannot be calculated between areas covered by different files.

Garmin is much better in this regard. Now, they have thier "x" line out that takes removable memroy, thereby eliminating my only complaint about their units.

And as far as Garmin vs. Magellan and how fast/well it locks on to sattelites, that is a Ford vs. Chevy argument. Each has better and worse units. It all depends on old it is and how much it cost. I can show you Garmins better than Magellans, and I can show you Magellans better than Garmins.