Looking for GPS unit.

[BuzzKill]

I'm in the market for a GPS unit.  I've never had one, always been the paper map kind.  What I want is to be able to build a map on a PC, and upload it.  Sometimes program on the device itself.  $130 or less.

I'm looking at the Magellan 3045 LM.

Thoughts?

[PhredValk]

I don't know much about GPS features and maps etc, but you might want to consider mounting and weatherproofing issues. Cheaper GPS units won't be waterproof, but you can get water or weatherproof mounts for motorcycles. I got mine from mountguys.com and am confident that my GPS will be safe in the rain.
Fred.

[Steve K (IA)]

You asked, so here goes.

I looked this GPS up and I don't see where it will let you make a route on your PC and then download it to the unit.  Actually, I read a review where the guy says he was disappointed that you couldn't do that.  The way I understood it, you make your route on the unit itself, which I don't believe would be as detailed as if you did this on a PC.  I think you are asking for an awful lot for $130.

For my bike, I went with the Zumo 450.  It is waterproof and I can make a turn-by-turn route on my PC and load it to the unit.  Of course it was a lot higher in price.

Good luck with your decision.  A GPS is a handy device.    Whatever you go with, it sure beats stopping to look at a map.