Chuck,

like the other responders, I'm a Garmin aficionado too. Very user friendly,
robust, waterproof, shockproof, versatile, good resale value, good customer
support, regular free software updates that improve functionality of
existing units. They have different groups of products:

- aviation
- marine
- outdoor
- automotive.

Most of the models in each group are 'crossovers', which means they are
reasonably good at other disciplines too. Here's my very short summary
(ignoring aviation, which I know nothing about) of what you should get,
based on your intended use:

car, (motor)bike, walk, ski: GPSMap60C + City Select software. 56Mb of map
storage + limited basemap of Americas, 30h battery life on 2 rechargeable
penlites, no audio instructions, small but very good colour screen

just car budget: Quest (includes City Select software): 256 Mb of map
storage + better basemap of Americas, 20h battery life on internal non
replaceable battery, audio instructions, very quick calculation, same screen
as 60C

just car/motorbike hi end: Streetpilot 2600 series (includes City Navigator
software), Compact Flash memory ie sky is limit and cheap, good basemap, no
battery power, just 12V, large touch screen, audio

car + marine budget: GPSMap76C (similar to 60C but floats)
car/motorbike + marine hi end: 276C: big screen, 128 Mb Garmin memory cards
(expensive), good basemap

See garmin.com for prices.

If you just want cheap in-car functionality, don't mind fragility and rapid
depreciation and if you have some PC skills and don't mind using them you
could also get a PDA with a software package (available from Microsoft,
Garmin, TomTom).

Bear in mind though that although on the road GPSes are fantastic, nothing
beats poring over a well-made map in the evenings to plan where you want to
go next.

Happy navigating,
Robin

Westy Joker '88 TD
BMW R1150GS '03
(and my GPSMap60C on both)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Reisinger" <chuckphoto@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 10:32 AM
Subject: GPS Recommendation

I've never owned one....know nothing about them....which moderately priced
unit would you recommend and why...and....could you suggest a reputable
dealer....also....will this actually take the place of a bazillion maps that
I'm now carrying...BTW...budget won't allow $600....some recommendations
would be appreciated...Thanks....Chuck....