Originally Posted by
noglider
Following up on [MENTION=67936]John V[/MENTION]'s excellent post, you can download areas into google maps before you move out of wifi or cellular coverage areas. As he points out, you don't necessarily need the map data, but if you want it, you can have it with a little extra planning.
John V's post was a good one.
I've been using Garmin GPS units since the old monochrome Garmin Legend that now sells for $50.00 used on Ebay. It wasn't designed for bicycling but more for hiking into the mountains. However, I was able to cross the entire state of NJ with no problems and it didn't even have maps loaded! LOL. I would simply load my route into the GPS before the ride and only use the "Arrow" screen on Garmin. It was simple.
Here's why I like prefer to use Garmin's hiking GPS instead of their cycling or even an Iphone.
1. AA Batteries - I ran out of batteries a number of times and practically every grocery store had them to get me back up and running. No need to carry an extra expensive battery pack ever. My old hiking Garmin would go through a set of AA batteries in about 10 hours but today they last much longer! They practically sip batteries because hikers lives depend on a working GPS. I will never get one that uses a built in battery because it's not if but when you do run out of battery. Sure you can carry an extra battery pack but it takes time to recharge a built in battery on the road. Quite frankly, having to worry about battery life is one of the reason people still stick with cue sheets. You'll constantly read about all the things people are doing to preserve battery life for their phones like using solar panels. However, all I have to do is buy a 12 pack of AA batteries and I"m good to go for two weeks or more!
2. Dropping your GPS - I can't remember how many times I've seen people walk around with cracked or broken Iphone or Android screens. It's amazing how fragile they are yet very few have Guerrilla glass built in. I have dropped my Garmin Legend GPS numerous times at full speed! If you put it on your handlebar, it's only a matter of time especially with the cheaper mounts before something happens. After having recovered my Legend off the ground without a scratch on the screen I've become a full believer. I have total respect for Garmin.
3. Built in Maps is the way to go -- I finally caved in an purchased the MicroSD card with built in street maps and won't go back to downloading them. It's great to be able to walk out the door knowing you have all the maps stored and ready. I'll use Google maps just in case but as a backup only. It's nice to have a backup and Google maps is a great resource for other things I can't get on Garmin.
Well, that's my 2 cents. I'm going to upgrade this year to the Etrex Touch 25. I like the new and much faster user interface and it doesn't have a built in battery. I'll carry a dozen Eneloops and I'm good for a long time.