older (20 track gps models) versus newer gps models, what is the advantage?

[isignay]

just getting into using a gps, what is the advantage to newer model gps' that can load over 20 tracks?  is it worth upgrading to a newer model?

[Colorado Cool Breeze]

Stronger receiver. Less losted signals. Better battery life is some cases. Big screens suck batteries down pretty quick.

One of my older GPS's is a GArmin LegendC with limited memory. My trips are short enough it's not a problem for me.

hth

[Done]

Most folks use the Garmin eTrex series for bikepacking. The older (pre eTrex 10,20,30) are fine for most rides, although they seem to get "shaken baby syndrome" eventually. The battery contacts inside the unit wear through the motherboard, and the unit dies. It's possible to fix the problem by opening the case, soldering in some jumper wires, and the resealing the case. It's a bit of a pain, but it's an effective fix. I've done two now, and they're still working great. I keep meaning to post a step-by-step set of directions on my blog, but haven't had the time yet.

The eTrex series uses AA batteries, so you can get replacements along the route. For rides like the CTR, I use lithium disposables, and one set runs for about two days. Any GPS that can load your track will work great. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, get an eTrex 20/30. I don't, so I'm using my repaired Vista HCx, and it's terrific!

[trebor]

just getting into using a gps, what is the advantage to newer model gps' that can load over 20 tracks?  is it worth upgrading to a newer model?

Another advantage to new versus older models is the data-point capacity per track of the older is limited. 500 data points for a route that goes over several hundred miles usually meant you broke the track into smaller sections to get it to fit in the GPS unit. That or you had to "simplify" the track -- which is a fancy way of saying deleting points.

Newer units can take tracks with up to 10,000 data points. Makes really long routes with high detail possible.

[Done]

Another advantage to new versus older models is the data-point capacity per track of the older is limited. 500 data points for a route that goes over several hundred miles usually meant you broke the track into smaller sections to get it to fit in the GPS unit. That or you had to "simplify" the track -- which is a fancy way of saying deleting points.

Newer units can take tracks with up to 10,000 data points. Makes really long routes with high detail possible.

500 points per track, with 20 tracks = 10,000 points. There's no difference in detail between a single track of 10,000 points and 20 tracks of 500 points each. If you don't believe me, load up the two different versions of my CTR track and take a look. Same points, same details--just a different number of track segments.

[trebor]

No need for the flame. I was expressing that same concept, just phrased differently.

"500 data points for a route that goes over several hundred miles usually meant you broke the track into smaller sections to get it to fit..."

[Done]

No need for the flame. I was expressing that same concept, just phrased differently.

Huh? What flame? I just wanted to clarify this statement that you made: "which is a fancy way of saying deleting points." Someone might take that to mean that an older GPS like the Vista HCx holds fewer track points than a newer eTrex 20. They both have the same capacity, just a different way of storing it. While you understand this, a lot of folks I chat with don't--and it's really confusing for newbies like the OP.

[RossC]

Where the increased file size really comes into it's own is when following a track recorded by someone else with a bike specific Garmin Edge. They usually have the sample rate wound up to maximum so they accumulate a huge number of trackpoints in a short time. It means you then have to spend time simplifying and segmenting the route to fit it onto your Garmin Vista so it doesn't truncate.

That was a deal breaker for me. I like riding more than I like playing with files on a computer. I'm now using the newer Etrex 20 and I couldn't be happier with it. The old truncated file issue used to really annoy me.

[LiiT]

I went with an Garmin Oregon 550t because they already had the Topo preloaded for the USA.  Many other units require you to purchase this item separately and load it $100-$130 extra per topo module...  I also prefer the full color, larger touch screen.  It also gets much better signal, more quickly than my old etrex vista.