Handheld GPS Systems - Selected Models

An important evalutation criteria when choosing handheld GPS systems is their ability to display a terrain map.  Those without terrain mapping technology will display only simple lines.  These are, of course, better than nothing but in practice are not that useful for navigation. 

The question then becomes how much do you have to pay to get mapping technology in a handheld?  More specifically, lets try to find mapping handheld GPS systems with high-sensitivity receivers.  We'd like to be able to pinpoint locations to with about 10 feet.  The answer is around $150-200.

A popular model which meets our criteria is the Magellan eXplorist 210.  While it does not have a color display, you upgrade to the Magellan eXplorist 250 for about $80 more to get one.  The 210 does have an impressive array of features despite the lack of color, namely an exhaustive set of maps covering major roads, waterways, and landmarks.  The display, while black and white, is very crisp and comes with a backlight.  Its also got a usb port, and some useful software, as well as a rugged rubber-armored design.  The control buttons are ergonomically and efficiently laid out and you won't spend much time having to refer to the manual.

Update: The 210's retail price has crept back up recently, I'd suggest finding a used one if going that route right now.

A little more expensive is the Garmin eTrex Summit HC.  While it runs about $50 more than the Magellan eXplorist 210, it is still less expensive than the Magellan eXplorist 250 and comes with a color display.  It has geocaching, a high-sensitity receiver and built in compass (electronic of course).  Like the Magellan models, it includes an impressive bevy of maps, with all major roadways and waterways.  In addition, you can augment the stock maps by downoloading more from Garmin's MapSource.  The Garmin eTrex Summit HC includes a 24MB internal memory for storing additional maps, waypoints, etc.

For the hunter, we suggest the Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS with Hunting and Fishing Calculator.  Its available for around $140 and is one of the smallest on the market at a svelte 5 ounces and 8 cubic inches (4x2x1).  Its got all the features of the eTrex listed above, and also the hunting and fishing calculator that it derives its tile from.

If durability is your primary concern, you might want to give the Hemisphere GPS XF101 (gasp, a non Garmin/Magellan recommendation haha) a look:

Update: Those looking for a wrist mounted model should check out the Garmin Forerunner 305.  I'd previously considered them a tad overpriced but they're now being offered in the $150 range as well.