Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Matthew on November 18, 2011

Title: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: Matthew on November 18, 2011
Over the last while, I have been doing some research into GPS devices with the view to buying one of my own. A colleague in work gave me the lend of his Garmin 60CSX which, some people say is the benchmark for accuracy. I like the shape, function and the features but I was not happy with the baseline maps but when the talkytoaster website was posted on the forum, I installed the maps from it and it revolutionised my enjoyment of the device.

Having liked the Garmin brand I looked towards the Montana and Oregon variants but felt they were too big, oddly sized and had read reviews that the tough screen was a disappointment but I always looked kept them in mind because of the clear, high resolution screen.

I finally settled on the 62 series then it was on to the models,

The basic 62 was just too basic, not enough memory for me and i did not like the yellow colour
62s - The one I bought for me the perfect compromise between memory, maps and cost
62st same as mine but with terrain maps
62sc same as mine but with a camera
62stc the whole package.

After initial contact with Garmin, trying to arrange a package, which included the NI maps they came back and said no joy, widening my search I stumbled upon a link to Cotswold, Garmin 62s with full UK Maps @1:50000 for £400. After a quick bit of maths, factoring in World challenge discount it took it to £320 and it was bought. The only problem is that it is for Christmas and so has to be put away until then.

Anyway, here are a few initial photos

Menu screens

(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/listmenu.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/classicmenu.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/buttonmenu.jpg)

The unit

(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/GARMIN_GPS_62S__82412_zoom.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/gpsmap62-rear.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/garmin62s_3.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/GPS/buttons.jpg)

Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: cerbera147 on November 18, 2011
So does it have Garmin's NI maps on it?

They do look good but £100 is a lot of cash when the Talkytoaster one's do the job  :)
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: Mourneman on November 18, 2011
You lucky dog,that looks a really good gps,bet you're dying to have a go at It  !
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: Matthew on November 18, 2011
From what I am, told (Cotswold Boucher) it does have the full UK maps which include NI, however from looking at the Garmin site the UK package does not contain the NI maps. ERM perhaps I should have a look.

From Cotswold with discount the NI maps should cost £80, I am sure I could sell the UK maps on EBay. The way I am looking at it is that the initial discount will allow me to buy the NI maps taking the total cost to the original £400. That said I could use the Quo maps and layer these over a terrain model, in effect generating my own maps.

,bet you're dying to have a go at It  !

Already tried that line but was told a firm ITS FOR CHRISTMAS. Better do as I am told lol.
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: LandyLiam on November 18, 2011
looks good matthew, i'm already thinking of upgrading my wee garmin etrex vista, i do love it but i want to do even more with it, but maybe see if the sales produce anything good

Quote
So does it have Garmin's NI maps on it?

They do look good but £100 is a lot of cash when the Talkytoaster one's do the job 

I use the talkytoaster maps and while they are very good, i would pay a few quid (not 100 though) for proper maps so i could get a bit more detail thats missing such as sheepfolds, crags, walls and more importantly, CLIFFS  :o

Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 18, 2011
looks good matthew, i'm already thinking of upgrading my wee garmin etrex vista, i do love it but i want to do even more with it, but maybe see if the sales produce anything good


Dibs if you want to sell it.
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: LandyLiam on November 18, 2011
lenny sure you know i hoard things  ;D

matthew make sure you get a wee carry case for it, makes it a bit bulky but saves it from the knocks as you WILL drop it
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: Matthew on November 19, 2011
get a wee carry case for it, makes it a bit bulky but saves it from the knocks as you WILL drop it

Already ordered a nice case and screen protectors for it chum!
looks good matthew, i'm already thinking of upgrading my wee garmin etrex vista, i do love it but i want to do even more with it, but maybe see if the sales produce anything good


Dibs if you want to sell it.

I also have a wee vista and the 60 CSX belonging to my mate, I can ask him if he wants to sell either of them.
Title: Re: Christmas has come early - New GPS Time
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 19, 2011
That would be cool Matt