I know there have been multiple threads on all this because I've looked through them but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. So I thought I ask my own questions.

1. PC mapping software
I've tried Anquet demo but as I think someone else has mentioned, it takes a lot of memory and scrolling round maps is tedious (seem to remember it made my computer crash zooming in and out of maps).
Also tried Memory Map demo and is a bit annoying to use.
Am awaiting Tracklogs demo cd as download didn't seem to work (probably due to my crappy dial up connection). Tracklogs is the one I think I would like to go for as I have heard it is very easy to use and had heard that it was good value. However, having searched on the internet for the whole of GB at 1:50000, I have found Anquet at £140, MM at £162, but I can only find Tracklogs on their website for £219, which is more than I want to spend.
Q1. Are there any tracklogs bargains out there or can it only be bought from their website?

2. GPS
It's all well and good that some of these GPS's can store vast numbers of tracks and waypoints and routes etc, but as I have not used one, I have no idea what this really means in terms of a walk. How many waypoints, or trackpoints or whatever does it take for a good days walk?
Anyway, basically I have a dilemma between the Garmin Geko 201 and Garmin Foretrex 101. According to the product comparison on the Garmin website they are pretty much the same except the Foretrex has longer battery life and is slightly smaller but is a bit heavier, although I have heard the Foretrex is good as it does not have to be held upright or level for it to pick up a signal.
Q2.Are both of these options good for going walking, and possibly even a few days trekking?

Also wouldn't mind using it cycling on my mountain bike and racer. Are they both up to this as well?

HI

I recently bought a gps and even more recently bought tracklogs (see my tracklogs review post)

Tracklogs is a fantastic bit of kit, depending on exactly what maps you are after you can pick them up for as little as £8 using the site centred maps.

As for GPS i havent used either of the ones your mentioned but take a look at the gps 60 on amazon, it has 28 hours battery life and can store plenty of waypoints and routes plus you get the cable needed to attach it to you pc (which is ~£30 to buy seperately)

its not as small as the 2 you mentioned but its not massive either and from what i gather the reception is better...mine doesnt seem to drop its signal as much as other people that i know who have the standard etrex.

Finally if you are getting mapping software then you wont need to keep all of your routes on the gps as you can back them up to the pc and upload them as and when...this way you dont need to worry about additional memory cards.

hope that was of some help

cheers
Andy

the amount of points you need depends on how many straight bits and how many twiddly bits you have in your route (i use route but as far as i'm concerned, and tracklogs, it's the same as a track). you may only need 50 or you may need 200 plus. straight only requies a point at the start and another when you want to turn. where paths are clearly defined and/or marked you don't need to enter every twist and turn of that path.

the gps60 seems to be the way to go unless size/weight is really that important to you.
the geko201 works when kept in my shirt chest pocket.

depending where you hang out, i doubt the effectiveness of walk navigating by gps, i think it is impossible in the south east as there are paths everywhere, many not on the map or they aren't where the map says they are e.g. sections of the south downs way/greensand way aren't where the map says they are. i suppose i'm saying that you must have a map as well.

mapping software allows you to plan trips and print lots of maps. the gps is great for telling you where you are, or indeed exactly where you're lost if you don't have a map.
a gps also works well in a car, probably because roads tend not to wander about over time.
never used one on a bike but i suspect it may like it better than walking as you're moving at a greater speed.

sorry the above is all rather a bit "loose" but when you acquire the map and gps you'll have to play with it a lot to see just what works for you.

Basically, I plan to get some form of mapping software so instead of buying lots of paper maps which get ruined when it rains or just worn out I can print off the parts that I want when I want them. I will always navigate using a paper map and a compass whether I buy a gps or not.
I have two reasons for buying a gps: 1) I like gadgets, 2)It will be a navigation back up to confirm that I am where I think I am, especially when conditions are such that I can't see enough around me to pinpoint my position on the map and where I think I am is not always where I actually am. I have got slightly lost several times when I've been up in the clouds, and have always got myself out of it by using a compass to help me find a wall on the map or something like that, but it can be quite scary getting lost on a mountain if you're on your own. Also a gps helps if I do need to call out emergency services for any reason, as I can give them my exact position.
I think it's also a nice thing to be able to check your tracklog on a computer after your walk to check where you went.

yeah, it took me a while to be seduced by gps but now i wouldnt leave the house without it, as you say its good being able to tell exactly where you are in mist etc and also download your track to the pc.

robin, can you drop me an email via the forum or update your profile so i can email you please.

cheers
Andy

i am updated Andy

email sent!

robin, your intentions and purchases are based on very sound principles, you like gadgets. there is no other reason to get them otherwise. to my mind the gps could be improved by there being a light, that may sometimes flash, on it somewhere and some chromey looking bits. shiny, lights and buttons - the Angel would not be surprised.

once you use these gadgets you realise just how useful they are. the gps does take some getting used to to use to best effect as some quite reverse lateral thinking has to be undertaken just to try to get your head around some concepts. the tracklogs manual explains it rather well.

I've got a Geko 201 and use Memory Map although I'm now tempted to buy Tracklogs for my local area (the Peaks) as I can cover all of it (and not just the bit inside the yellow line) at 1:25000.
I plan my route on MM, download the route to the GPS and then print out a map showing the route on it. This I put into one of those plastic wallet/pocket sleeves to keep it dry.
When I start my walk I tell the GPS to start navigating and also to follow the track that I am actually taking. This enables me to check where I'm going and where I am at any particular point and also when I get home I can download my actual path that day. I also carry in my pack the full OS map of the area I'm in, as well as a compass in my hip pocket, ready for action. I do the actual route navigation using the print out and compass. The GPS sits in a case clipped to the sternum strap of my rucksack, ready to reach if I need it.
I too like gadgets which is one reason I bought a GPS, but I also find it quite useful in assisting with my navigation. I don't think that it will ever replace a map and compass for me, it's a complementary tool.
Hope this helps.

You choice was between Garmin Geko 201 and Garmin Foretrex 101, both cute and dinky. Do note that the 201 version of them has far more function than the 101 so I'd only compare 101s and 201s against each other.
Also, unless I've my models confused, the Foretrex is has a slant toward fitness training and as such I believe the 101 doesn't allow route generation and certainly not connection to a PC. That may be what you're after but once you get into GPS use you'll regret not connecting to a PC.

I've been using a Garmin eTREX
Venture and MM for about a year now and it's the first bit of kit in my day sac when i'm packing for a days walking.

Last Saturday i walked The old Man of Coniston talking in Goats Tarn and on up to the summit,cloud formed at about 2,300ft so out came the GPS.visibllity was about 10 yards,after a time i could make out ghostly shapes through the mist,it was a party of walkers who had been disorientated by the conditions,they were very glad of my navigational services i can tell you.

I use mine mostly at the start of my walk and then the odd time just to check my position but as has been stated it is a complementary navigational aid to map and compass.

I've got a foretrex 101 - I don't think there's any material difference to the Geko 201 in terms of functionality. Great bit of kit - everything I need and nothing I don't, and convenient to be able to wear it on your wrist. I think crezzer is confusing the forerunner series with the foretrex. The foretrex does have full navigation features, route upload download etc. The battery life is excellent - 10hrs on NiMH rechargeables, or 22 on alkalines. The only difference between foretrex 101 and 201 is the 201 is a bit smaller due to a built in proprietary rechargeable.

I usually use it in conjunction with GPS trackmaker which is free, and enables you to scan your existing maps in and work from them, rather than buying expensive digital ones.

Bear in mind, you do need to buy the PC connection cable separately for the foretrex, for about a tenner.

Stove, thanks for that, apologies for any confusion.

I have actually ruled out the Foretrex 101 and am thinking more along the lines of the 201 due to it coming with the PC cables and all that. I have therefore ruled out the Geko 201 as it's practically the same as the Foretrex apart from the batteries don't quite last as long and it doesn't come with PC cables. I now also am thinking about the Garmin GPS60 (not to be confused with the GPSMap60 costing a vast amount more). It's batteries last about twice as long as the Foretrex and it can be picked up more cheaply. I am wondering whether I'm that bothered about the battery length though, as how often do I walk for more than 10 hrs in a day!?! And I'm also wondering whether I'm more bothered about size and weight.

So it comes down to this:
Foretrex 201: Small and light
GPS60:Longer lasting batteries, maybe better signal keeping?, and slightly more functionality.

I went for the GPS 60 for various reasons.

Battery life - always handy having something that doesnt eat batteries, especially if going away for long periods etc.

Reception - the reception is brilliant, id heard a few reports of the geko not picking up a signal in bad weather or visability...this also happend to my mates etrex, the gps60 has a different arial so its a bit better apparently...ive got no complaints.

Screen size, the screen is bigger so it makes it a bit eaiser to read when you have lots of waypoints etc

also amongst other things i found the rocker swicth easier for navigation than the etrex/geko

cheers
andy

I hope you have more luck than me.

The kids bought me a subscription to Trail for Christmas, the wife bought me an Etrex summit for Christmas, then told me I was in for 4 months'worth of D.I.Y.

Cruel or what?

I don't find the screen size on the Geko 201 a problem. I tend to use the screen with the direction arrow on it and I can see that without my glasses so I'm ok.

AAA batteries don't weigh a lot and mine last about 11 hours provided I don't keep sticking in extra waypoints as I walk. I carry a spare set in my pocket so they are warm. I use NimH rechargeables.

Nimh rechargables are the way to go, ive got some duracell ones i picked up half price in argoss, they are fantastic and seem to last for ever