[OSM-talk] what GPS?

[Lars Aronsson]

Thomas Coulson wrote:

> I'm based in Brighton and a keen cyclist so I'm hoping to contribute by
> proving GPS tracks of Brighton and Hove and surrounding area. My question -
> what GPS system would you guys recommend? Obviously I need something small and
> lightweight, fairly cheap and be able to connect to a Mac.

Today I'd recommend something that has the SiRFstar III chip and a 
USB connection.  Last year I bought a Garmin Foretrex 201 which 
has an older chip and a serial (RS-232) connection.  But that's 
soo last year, and this model has now been discontinued by Garmin.

The SiRFstar III chip is new and promises much higher accuracy. I 
think my unit has the SiRFstar IIe chip.  The real difference is 
when you drive in cities with tall buildings, run in the woods, or 
go indoors.  The older receivers quickly get poor reception and 
lose track of where you are. Not completely, but the precision 
goes down to useless levels. In an open field, all units are good.

If you would be really short on money, get a used Garmin on eBay, 
until you can afford something modern.

Apart from the chip (GPS receiver) the only differences between 
models are the screen size, colors, and supplied software, so it 
all depends on your personal taste and budget.

If you are a Linux extremist, get a TomTom ONE (that has the III 
chip) and visit opentom.org where you can learn how to load your 
own software into the unit.

As a new GPS owner, you must also try geocaching.com.


-- 
  Lars Aronsson (lars at aronsson.se)
  Aronsson Datateknik - http://aronsson.se