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[Dan_Lockwood]

I've read the 10 page thread on the 550 and several of the others, even did the search.... BUT??

Is there a list of popular GPS models, read different brands and models, that are waterproof?  And what does waterproof mean to most manufacturers?

I'm researching one for my new SERK and would also like to use it in my vehicle when traveling for work.  Also neat to take when flying out to customer's facilities.

So without getting way deep in tech stuff, which are and aren't waterproof?

Also I see most of the GPS units are touch screen and very few have side buttons.  Do you guys find while on the bike that the touch screens are tough to work?  I also see some of the 4.3" screens now and they have to be better in some regards for entering data points etc.

Again sorry for the beginner's questions.

Thanks.

[hard10]

I've read the 10 page thread on the 550 and several of the others, even did the search.... BUT??

Is there a list of popular GPS models, read different brands and models, that are waterproof?  And what does waterproof mean to most manufacturers?

I'm researching one for my new SERK and would also like to use it in my vehicle when traveling for work.  Also neat to take when flying out to customer's facilities.

So without getting way deep in tech stuff, which are and aren't waterproof?

Also I see most of the GPS units are touch screen and very few have side buttons.  Do you guys find while on the bike that the touch screens are tough to work?  I also see some of the 4.3" screens now and they have to be better in some regards for entering data points etc.

Again sorry for the beginner's questions.

Thanks.

Dan, check out www.garmin.com
Are you planning on using it while flying? If so, the 550 series may not work best for you.

[Midnight Rider]

Look for a unit that says it's waterproof in it's spec sheet.  Industry standard is:  IPX7  Waterproof to a couple of feet submersed for 30 minutes or so.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Dan, check out www.garmin.com
Are you planning on using it while flying? If so, the 550 series may not work best for you.

What I meant was that when I have to take a commercial airline to another location I would take it with me to use in the rental car.

I'll do some research over the holidays, there may be some good deals.

Thanks.

[Fired00d]

.....

Also I see most of the GPS units are touch screen and very few have side buttons.  Do you guys find while on the bike that the touch screens are tough to work?  I also see some of the 4.3" screens now and they have to be better in some regards for entering data points etc.

Again sorry for the beginner's questions.

Thanks.

I have no problem working the touch screen on my Zumo while bike is moving (disclaimer: Not recommended) and with gloves on.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grandpadoc]

I use the Lawrance IFINDER on my boat and bike. It is waterproof and has a optional bike mount. It comes with a US map but is programable with software for custom maps as well for more detailed info on hunting and fishing areas. Offshore and lake information  is also included with the software. Other features like MP3 are nice since my older bike uses tapes and it plugs into the stock radio. Hope this helps.  Doc

[Chief]

What I meant was that when I have to take a commercial airline to another location I would take it with me to use in the rental car.

I'll do some research over the holidays, there may be some good deals.

Thanks.

Dan,

I would checkout http://www.gpsinformation.net/ I've never found a better site discussing so many different units from so many different manufacturers. They're real good at answering emails too.

Good luck.

[grandpadoc]

...great site, thanks for the info.  Doc

[iski]

I've read the 10 page thread on the 550 and several of the others, even did the search.... BUT??

Is there a list of popular GPS models, read different brands and models, that are waterproof?  And what does waterproof mean to most manufacturers?

I'm researching one for my new SERK and would also like to use it in my vehicle when traveling for work.  Also neat to take when flying out to customer's facilities.

So without getting way deep in tech stuff, which are and aren't waterproof?

Also I see most of the GPS units are touch screen and very few have side buttons.  Do you guys find while on the bike that the touch screens are tough to work?  I also see some of the 4.3" screens now and they have to be better in some regards for entering data points etc.

Again sorry for the beginner's questions.

Thanks.

The link Chief provided is one I found very helpful in making a decision on my GPS.

There are several models out there - for me it boiled down to 2 brands - Tomtom ((MPN: 1K00080) & Garmin (Zumo 550 or 450).  These are all waterproof.  Never tried the Tomtom out of a store setting so cannot give any real info on it.  Saw the Zumo in operation & ended up buying the 550.  Touch screen works ok with gloves as do the side buttons.  Not recommended to use while moving (by manufacturerer) but hey I live in the real world & it works ok for me.  Have been using it in the car & plan to do the same as you - fly & use in rental cars.  After a few trips, its not that difficult to make it do what I want it to do. Still learning.

Good luck on your decision.  Worst question is one that should have been answered that was never asked.  GPS is a mess of confusion when one considers the myriad of varieties out there for purchase.

[Guilty]

I have the Garmin Zumo 550 and use it on my bike and in my truck when I go out of town on vacations or wherever I might want to use a GPS. It comes with Mapsource software that is great for trip planning or route planning for mapping my way on roads that I am not familiar with. It comes with the mounting hardware for both bike and vehicle. Found it at pcnation.com for a really good price and have seen it at a few other sites for less than $700 too.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Thanks everyone for the great information.

After Christmas I plan to buy something, not sure yet what though.

I'll do the research on the website listed in the above post.

Thanks again.

Happy Holidays...  I think that's politically correct.

[JCZ]

What I meant was that when I have to take a commercial airline to another location I would take it with me to use in the rental car.

I'll do some research over the holidays, there may be some good deals.

Thanks.

I've flown several times with my Garmin 2730......and she has the 2720 (I wanted the XM on mine).  Not sure if it's "waterproof" but I've had it in some hellish storms and never had any problems with it.  They do have the remote control, but I prefer the touch screen on the bike and in the truck or car.