Hey Andy, where do you get all this time?
I've been going through the same sorts of deliberations too.
One of the considerations on the battery life subject is that for me the unit has to be able to take a universally available power source. A Li- ion battery is all very well until it's empty; what if you're on a three day hike?
AA cells are the answer, you can get them anywhere at a push, and your rechargeables are relatively cheap.
I feel that there are times that all one needs is a pointer of the type "where did I leave the car?" in a city for instance.
And then there are times when those extra functionalities are appreciated.
For integrated units, I used to be a Palmophobe until a friend showed me around his Palm organiser; now the only thing that turns me off the Garmin IQUE is the battery story. (Oh and the price considering I already have a Bluetooth compatible laptop)
So what we need is a Bluetooth ETREX or SPORTRACK. Works on its own on readily changeable batteries, and when you're in the car there is unlimited electricity to run the wireless connection (a bit silly as it requires a wire for the power).
Hey Garmin/Magellan, are you guys listening?
|