GPS virgin, which is the best GPS for me?

[Scott39]

I have never used a GPS before, but I`m in the market to buy one, so I need help please.
I did buy an Lowrance iFinder H2O, cause I got a good deal on it.

But I would like a bigger screen, maybe a 4", and I want something for my Truck, and be able to take it out and throw it in my sea kayak, so it can show where I`m at on the water also.
So something portable.

I dont care if it is kinda bulky, I also want something user friendly, and to be able to load good detailed topo`s on it.
Plus hook it up to my laptop to download my trips onto the laptop.

I was looking at the Garmin Nuvi 500, it is waterproof and says it is portable. I would like a 4" screen though, is there another model like this but a hair bigger?
And I`m also on a tight budget, so the cheaper the better.
I plan on selling my NEW Lowrance, any buyers?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Scott39]

Nobody, anybody, somebody?

 

[FishPOET]

There is not a GPS made that fits all your criteria.

The Nuvi 500 is a good crossover unit. There is not a 4" screen available yet.

 

[Trail Monkey]

Your requirements can be met, Except its not cheap also.. Your asking for all the best features.

Garmin GPSMAP 620

 

[off-roader]

Can you load Topo's onto the GPS 620? That would be cool if you can. Most Garmin units are either Marine or Land but not both.

In general most gps devices are either vehicle navigation units or hiking units but not both.

That's why I do carry a regular etrex legend, paper maps, and a compass in addition to my laptop gps system that I have in my rig when I go off road.

If you do find something with a decently large screen (4" minimum) that does both road navigation as well as trail maps and is waterproof, let me know too LOL.

 

[Scott39]

I read that the Garmin Nuvi 500 is about as close as I can get for what I want.
I`m not set on a 4" screen, the 3.5" screen is fine.

I`ve read that this Garmin 500 can be used for, driving, hiking, cycling or boating, and is water proof.
Plus it has topo mapping already loaded in it.
And I`m not looking for a fish finder in a GPS, just lake mapping.

But I still will be looking at other GPS models.