Garmin Nuvi 1200

[CherokeeNewbie]

Hey guys, I got a Nuvi 1200 GPS from my girlfriend for Christmas. The guy at BestBuy told her that it is pretty good for offroad, I was just wondering if anybody had experience with this GPS before I open it so I can decide if I should trade it in for a better one or stick with it. Thanks

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

I don't have any experience with it, but a quick look at Garmin's website lists it as an "on the road" GPS. However, it does have the ability to upload Garmin's topo maps, which is what you want for off-roading. The 24k Topo West is the one you want for CA.

 

[CherokeeNewbie]

Ya i was looking at garmins site but it didnt give me the info I was looking for. I know that it will allow you to put in your own GPS coord. which is cool. But it doesnt say online how many waypoints you can add in there or how many retrace maps it can store or any of that so I dunno what to do. I cost about 180 and I would be willing to put a little of my own money into it so if you guys know of any really decent offroad GPS for around 200 let me know so I can look into it, Thanks to everyone for your help

 

[ocean_jet]

Here's a thread you may find useful:

http://www.naxja.net/forum/showthread.php?p=244724285#post244724285

 

[cashless]

best buy has the Colorado 400t for 267 on sale right now. its a good GPS for the money

 

[CherokeeNewbie]

where did u see that. the colorado 400t is $600 on the garmin website but I cant find anything on BestBuy. That would be great to get that one for $267

 

[cashless]

it was on closeout in store. at the bestbuy in San Bernardino of the i10 as of dec 24 when I saw it... think you have go to the store and ask for it.. I have one and its nice its no 60CSx in ease of use but the screen and 3d view are nice...

 

[Andy Steiner]

I don't have any experience with it, but a quick look at Garmin's website lists it as an "on the road" GPS. However, it does have the ability to upload Garmin's topo maps, which is what you want for off-roading. The 24k Topo West is the one you want for CA.

The Garmin 24k Topo maps are a waste of money. The only difference from the 100k maps are more contour lines. (Handy only if you're hiking cross country.) The 24k maps do not offer any more trails, nor trail detail, nor any more POIs.

 

[DeathValleyPaul]

I use the Garmin 500 which is a Hybrid, does on trail and off trail. It is not as good offroad as a handheld GPS, but does a decent job, and I can download routes and Waypoints from the web or my computer into it.

Andy is sure right about the 24K not being worth it. The 500 came with 100K topo maps and they are just fine. The Garmin 500 or 550 are very good for getting you to the trail, and then following your waypoints or routes.

 

[cashless]

you can get free gps topo maps at www.gpsfiledepot.com they have a nice 24k free maps and they work with my 60csx and Colorado 400t. not as nice as garmin maps, but more trail info in them, I think.

 

[Andy Steiner]

you can get free gps topo maps at www.gpsfiledepot.com they have a nice 24k free maps and they work with my 60csx and Colorado 400t. not as nice as garmin maps, but more trail info in them, I think.

Wrong. The maps available at that site have less trail info and very few POIs. Most rails that we use are simply missing. What they do offer is much more detailed contour lines. Good for hiking; useless for wheeling on a trail.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

The Garmin 24k Topo maps are a waste of money. The only difference from the 100k maps are more contour lines. (Handy only if you're hiking cross country.) The 24k maps do not offer any more trails, nor trail detail, nor any more POIs.

A couple other members here in the adventure forum recommended the 24k maps.

 

[Andy Steiner]

A couple other members here in the adventure forum recommended the 24k maps.

Yes. I read that. After comparing the old Garmin Topo maps, the new Garmin 100k Topo maps and the new Garmin 24k Topo maps to the trails I have run using tracklogs I have saved on a Garmin 76cx, I've concluded that the new Garmin 24k Topo maps do not offer any new redeeming feature that makes our sport any easier.

The new maps are prettier indeed. They have shaded relief when viewed on a computer, They have more waypoint icons. The new maps look better, but they don't offer any more trails nor detailed information about trails. There is no increase in the number of POIs (Points of Interest) adjacent to our trails. No additional mines, springs, Ghost Towns nor any other POI that would apply to our sport.

The trails on the new 100k and 24k Topo maps look identical.

You're welcome to pay more for the 24k maps, but I don't think they would change your wheeling experience at all. YMMV.