Choices choices

dave-t · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 37

I am in the market for a new GPS for walking and would like to have OS mapping and easy programming from my QUO digital mapping software.

The choice I have is fairly straight forward, but I cannot make up my mind!

1. SatMap 10
2. Garmin Oregon 300 + Garmin GB Discoverer maps

Does anyone have experience of both units or any opinions to help me make up my mind?
_________________
Dave
TT 530, TT 510, SPOT, Quo2, SatMap Active 10

steve7046 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 23, 2008 Posts: 1

Hi,
I am new to this group and a fairly new user of both the Active 10 and the Oregon 400. I ended up getting both a few months ago for different reasons. I bought the Active 10 mainly for when out walking or green laning, I got the Oregon mainly for geocaching. In the little time I have had them both I would say for me the Active 10 wins hands down on every count, although the Oregon is a good bit of kit. The battery life on the Oregon is really bad (if you go for the Active 10 get the power pack kit with rechargable battery you can easily get a full day out without the worry of it failing on you).
I dont have any additional maps for the Oregon but will probably invest in at least one from the Discoverer range to see how they stack up against the Sat Map
As I say early days for me with both units but so far the Active 10 is my favourite of the two.
Not much deatil there in my post but hope you can draw some conclusions from it.

Steve

dave-t · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 37

Hi Steve

Thanks for the info.

My head is telling me to go for the Garmin as they have been in the business for a very long time. However, their range of OS maps seems to be both limited and quite expensive compared to the SatMap 10. I am also getting the feeling that the Garmin offering is a "reaction" rather than a well though out solution particularly in regards to the OS mapping??

I may just wait until the OS outdoor show in March to make my final decision
_________________
Dave
TT 530, TT 510, SPOT, Quo2, SatMap Active 10

barny_100 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 05, 2007 Posts: 18

goon525 · Regular Visitor Joined: Aug 25, 2005 Posts: 75

Can't quite make your maths work. Active 10 at just over £250, all UK at 50k at £180, power pack a bit over £40. Adds up to over £470. You've obviously done a bit better! But how?

dave-t · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 37

Thanks for all the responses

I am certainly heading towards the SatMap purely on the grounds of the mapping which is more extensive and cheaper - it also loks more useable when out and about
_________________
Dave
TT 530, TT 510, SPOT, Quo2, SatMap Active 10

roger-m · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2008 Posts: 10

I've read up on the Garmin's, studied the Satmap discussions here and even tried a Satmap at the in-store demos. Thought those dedicated devices were a little over the top for my intended use. I've decided to get ViewRanger software and OS maps for a Nokia Symbian based mobile. I needed a new mobile so have just bought an N78 from the Nokia site at £200. Then £50 for OS1:50000 North England and £20 for an AquaPac to keep things safe.

In a week or so I'll know if my decision was a good one.

Roger

mikealder · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

Dave, Have a watch of the Gadget Show test which featured the Gamin Colorado 300, SatMap Active10 and a Magellan eXplorist 600 which is available on line Here - if this doesn't prove the active10 is the best of the bunch then I don't see what would!

Roger, the ViewRanger software on the phone is a good package but not in the same league as the dedicated devices, for occasional use they are great but I wouldn't want to use it in preference to my active10 - Mike

michael100 · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

Not seen this Gadget Show video before . Its the perfect advertising tool
Satmap should ask you to put it on their website . If could also form the basis for an instruction video

mikealder · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 8:55 pm Post subject:

Michael, Satmap couldn't have wished for any better free advert for their product than 6 minutes of prime TV coverage showing their unit demolish the competing products. It does show how easy the device is to use, although its far from a fully conclusive test - try taking a unit out in the conditions we are experiencing at the moment with freezing temperatures and the ease of use the active10 offers even wearing thick gloves is second to none - Mike

dave-t · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 37

mikealder · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:41 pm Post subject:

I have just noticed your sig contains the Quo-2 package, this can be used for planning walks on the PC and exporting them to the SatMap unit - its not difficult to do - if you get stuck with this and need assistance let us know - Mike

dave-t · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 37

Gibbo10 · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

Just had a look at Quo2 looks a great package, can you load the A10 maps from the SD card into it, or do you (as I suspect) need to purchase thier maps?

mikealder · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

You have to purchase map tiles for the Quo application but at 99 pence each for the 50K scale it can be a very cheap way to cover areas of interest on the PC.
I purchased most of Lancashire, the Lake District and some of the Yorkshire Dales for under £10 which isn't bad, it does get more costly though if you want 25K scale maps - Mike

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