I need a new handheld GPS

Hi, first post here and I hope I'm in the right sub-forum.

My old GPS bit the dust (which I used on my tin boat) and I need another handheld model to replace it with.

What I do not need...

It will be used 90+% of the time in fresh waterways which are mostly unmapped, so waterway maps are not needed or expected to be available and I have little to no use in an on road vehicle so U.S. road maps with PC connectivity is not any sort of priority. I may sometimes use it a bit on hiking trails but for position only. Topo maps might be nice but are not at all necessary. I have a depth finder so it does not need that function for my boat (I have that covered) so my needs are what I think are simple.

What I need...

It has to be able to be handheld (Not a wired in car/truck model powered by a USB cable) with and without rechargeable batteries installed, AND charge the cells while connected to USB. On the FOS I mostly need a dashboard with heading, and speed, location (lat / lon) etc.

Color would definitely be a plus as in sunlight B/W contrast is harder to see than color.

My powered usage paradigm? A cell phone, cordless razor or cordless phone

I did not think these are extraordinarily difficult specs to meet but I've looked all over and so far either the technical writers of the GPS companies stink and have no idea how to write specifications or the hand held models cannot run on power supplied by USB whilst charging batteries.

There are likely plenty of vehicle GPS that run on DC from USB but they are too large, and cannot run on batteries. If there were a smaller mobile model made I could consider it.

PS. using a phone is not an option, as they are not nearly bright enough for bright Florida sunlight use. I used BOLD text as some folks try to be helpful and go off topic... sorry no insult meant.



Anyone?

 

Thanks, I looked into the gpsmap64 and it only takes pre-charged NiMh cells and will not charge from the USB port.

But, while poring over the Garmin site I found that the Oregon 600t or 650t not only support USB charging to their proprietary NiMh cell, the T model(s) come standard with topo maps, worldwide base map and the 650 has an 8Mp camera onboard! There's also a flat surface (screw in) base mount for the Oregon. So I'm now researching prices on them.

Thanks again,

Gary

 

THX, I wonder why that feature is not touted anywhere. What's up with the after market NiMh switch? I do not see any switch on any of the battery packs, OEM or after market? Is it the same cell as the Oregon?

Oh, the USB port looks like a standard USB type used in my Nikon camera, is it unique?

Thanks again,

Gary

 

Thanks again, your info is much appreciated.

 

I think that the latest model is the Garmin GPSMAP78 which also include a UK chart as standard for free.