Originally Posted by ewj
1. Most portable GPS systems do not work well in a car. They are almost impossible to use while driving. They prefer a direct look at the sky.
Really? I've got a GPS 60C that will hold a lock without an external antenna in any major city but NYC or Chicago (multiway and the concrete canyons). An external antenna solves that problem in those areas. I'm currently inside a home with no skylights and two standard windows in the room, and I see 4 birds for a lock within 20 feet or so.
2. Portable GPS systems are still tech toys. The battery life is short, you need to know about how the 50 sub-menu items work, and price does not equal performance.
Again, for my relatively inexpensive unit, I get mapping w/autorouting, a unit that will take street maps and topo maps and marine maps, and works for between 8 and 20 hours on a pair of rechargeable AA batteries (depending upon backlight use).
5. If you really want a portable GPS system - get a used one on ebay a old Magellen GPS 12 for $50 or Newer sportrak pro for a few bucks more. Everything above those two items are features you do not need.
No autorouting. For any application but hiking they are not exactly useful in the car.