GPS Central Canada
 Buy Warrantiesvisa mastercardPayPal Accepted
"Your GPS Experts. Canada's #1 GPS Store."
Prices are in CDN dollars GPS Prices in Canadian Dollars
  Find Us on FacebookFollow Us on Twitter

Price Guide to GPS Selection

GPS Central's Price Guide to GPS Selection is a summary of some features of popular handheld and automotive models that may help you with your choice of a GPS receiver. If price is the deciding factor guiding your choice please scroll down to your price range. If features such as the mapping capability, external antenna connection or auto routing will be of foremost importance you can scroll across to find models that provide the features you require. You also can check Compare GPS links on the product page for more information.

customer photosCustomer photos and comments in our Online Gallery provide examples of some of these products in use for various activities.

HANDHELDS: What are the differences?
etrex
etrex summit
etrex venture
etrex legend

All HANDHELDS: Gil's Most Awesome Comparison Chart
Garmin Automotive: Click to compare
PDA/Laptop Options: Click to compare
Garmin's Marine Models: Click to compare
Note: Prices are subject to change. The ranges are intended as approximate guides only.
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
Popular models in a category and typical uses

edge 305

 

 Some models include a PC interface cable and/or other accessories, as part of the standard package.

Handheld models are battery operated and conveniently sized for handheld use

Mapping models have a built in basemap and extra map detail can be loaded from CD or DVD
Autorouting models will auto-matically calculate a route to a destination and provide turn-by-turn guidance
Extra map detail is stored on data cards, map capacity is not limited by the built-in memory of the GPS.
Improves reception inside a vehicle or when reception is poor, & can be handy for recording tracks in cold conditions*

Altitude is determined from barometric pressure. Direction is indicated by an electronic compass even when stationary.
BlueChart CD/DVD-ROMs provide detailed GARMIN marine cartography. Navionics maps for Lowrance & Humminbird
 GPS choice is very much guided by personal preference so we rarely make recommendations. However, certain models are more popular and useful than others for certain activities. The notes below may assist you in your purchasing decision.
Under $200
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
Garmin
Wrist strap, manuals.
Yes
-
-
N/A
-
-
-
Basic unit that performs essential GPS functions.
LAPTOP
BEST SELLER!
Various pkgs incl:
GPS 10x, belt clip,
City Navigator NT
No
Connects to laptop
USB port
Yes
Yes
N/A
-
-
-
 Voice directions and detailed mapping on a laptop. Simple USB connection.
FITNESS
A/C desktop charger w/USB interface, wrist strap, heartrate monitor
Yes
-
-
N/A
-
-
-
Personal GPS trainer for runners & walkers! Speed, distance & pace as well as navigation capabilities
Garmin
Vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk
No
Vehicle navigator, but can be used as a handheld
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
-
-
 Works straight out of the box.
BUDGET PRICED
BEST SELLER!
USB Cable
Yes
Yes
-
No, 24 MB internal
-
-
Yes Limited
BlueChart compatibility
 All round budget priced favourite for outdoor activities requiring mapping.
Garmin
PC Cable
Yes
Points of Interest only
-
No, 1 MB internal
Yes
-
-
If mapping isn't needed, the 76 provides a larger display & external antenna option
 

Garmin
eTrex Vista H
USB Cable
Yes
Yes
-
No, 24 MB internal
-
Yes
Yes Limited
BlueChart compatibility
Lowest cost mapping model with elevation recording and an electronic compass! Often chosen by hikers, climbers, gliders & balloonists
$200 - $300
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
lowrance
Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Yes
Yes
-
Yes
Unlimited
Secure Digital Card
Yes
Yes
Yes
Navionics
compatible
Adds a barometer, electronic compass and microphone for voice notes to the Lowrance iFinder H2O
NUVI
pocket-sized
travel companions

nuvi 265WT

*Compare*
all nuvis

Pre-loaded City Navigator, suction cup mount, adapter cable, case...
Yes
Lasts for 3 to 4 hours depending on use
Yes
Yes
Yes
SD Memory Cards
Yes
-
No
Portable GPS navigator, MP3 player, audio book player, traveller’s reference, JPEG picture viewer, language translator. “Text-to-speech” feature calls out turns by street name.
CYCLISTS!
Heart rate monitor and/or cadence sensor, bike mount, A/C charger, USB/PC cable, Training Center CD
Yes
-
-
N/A
-
Barometric altimeter
N/A
 Personal trainer & cycle computer. SiRFstarIII receiver. Lets you race against a previously recorded course
GEOCACHING!
PC/USB Cable, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD
Yes
Yes
Yes
No, 24 MB internal
Yes
No
Yes BlueChart
High-res monochrome display in a low cost unit
$300 - $400
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
Garmin
64 MB microSD card, PC/USB Cable, mount adapter, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD
Yes
Yes
Yes BlueChart
Expandable memory or use preloaded microSD cards with TOPO, street or marine details, automatic routing
Outdoor & Adventure -
Iit floats!

Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx
128 MB microSD card, PC/USB Cable, mount adapter, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD Card
-
No
Yes BlueChart
Expandable memory or use preloaded microSD cards, automatic routing
FITNESS HOT SELLER
Heart rate monitor (optional), Trainng Center CD, Docking Cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, PC/USB cable
Yes
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal trainer with new styling, high-sensitivity SiRF receiver and heart rate monitor
$400 - $500
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
Garmin
 USB Cable, carabiner clip
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD Card
-
Yes
Yes BlueChart
Touchscreen menus and easy to use interface is great for stress-free use.

Garmin Rino 530HCx
Wrist strap, belt clip, USB cable, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, AC adapter
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD Card
Yes
Yes
Yes BlueChart
GPS + 2-way radio.
Outdoor & Adventure -
Iit floats!
BAROMETRIC ALTIMETER, ETC.

Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx
128 MB microSD card, USB Cable, Lanyard, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD Card
Yes
Yes
Yes BlueChart
Adds altimeter and electronic compass to the 76Cx
$500 - $600
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?

Humminbird GPS


Humminbird 778c

Quick disconnect mount

No
Marine GPS unit
Yes
-
-
-
No
Yes Navionics Maps
High-resolution display sonar.
NUVI
travel companions

nuvi 1370T

*Compare*
all nuvis

Preloaded City Navigator NT North America & Europe, FM traffic receiver, Lifetime Traffic, Vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, Dashboard disk, manuals.
Yes
Up 3-4 hours.
Yes
Yes
Yes
microSD cards
-
-
No
Portable GPS navigator, great for travelling to Europe and for use in North America
$600 - $1000
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
NUVI
pocket-sized
travel companions

*PC Magazine* Editors' Choice (nuvi 660)

nuvi 885

*Compare*
all nuvis

Preloaded City Navigator NT North America, MSN Direct receiver with integrated power cable, Speech recognition remote, 3 months FREE MSN Direct service, Vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, Dashboard disk, manuals.
Yes
Lasts for 3 to 4 hours depending on use
Yes
Yes
Yes
SD Memory Cards
Yes
-
No
Portable GPS navigator, Bluetooth, MP3 player, audio book player, traveller’s reference, JPEG picture viewer, language translator. “Text-to-speech” feature calls out turns by street name.
Cycling GPS!

Garmin Edge 705
Bike mount, USB cable, AC charger, and your choice of: Heart rate monitor -or- heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor -or- heart rate monitor, speed/ cadence sensor and City Navigator North America streeet maps
Yes
Yes
Yes
Can be used with City Select /City Navigator software
Yes
microSD Memory Cards
-
-
-
Track & share your routes!
XM Radio!

Garmin GPSMAP 376C
GXM 30 smart antenna, Marine mount, GXM 30 pole mount, Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, A/C charger, Power/data cable, USB cable, GXM 30 extension cable
Yes
Larger than most handhelds,
4-15 hours on rechargeable Lithium battery.
Yes
Yes
Can be used with City Select /City Navigator software
Yes
Garmin Data Card
Yes
-
Yes BlueChart
Portable colour plotter with XM weather capability along with marine and land navigation modes
motorcycle
Preloaded City Navigator, motorcycle mount, auto mount, carrying case, AC charger, power cables, USB interface
  
Yes
Yes
Yes
 
-
-
Waterproof, preloaded maps with optional XM subscriptions and antenna, MP3/ audio, glove-friendly touchscreen with left-handed controls
motorcycle
Car Kit available soon for auto use!
Bluetooth headset , mounting kit, A/C charger, battery cable, Pre-installed memory card with detail for US and Canada
Limited
Lasts for up to 5 hours on rechargeable internal Li-ion battery
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
-
Please see product
page for details

OVER $1000
Best Sellers!
GPS MODEL
Accessories included
Handheld?
Mapping?
Automatic
routing?
Expandable map storage memory?
External Antenna?
Barometer?
Electronic Compass?
Marine Chart
Compatible?
Which GPS should I choose?
Marine & Automotive!
Preloaded BlueChart g2 charts of Coastal US, Preloaded City Navigator NT North America, Marine mount & power cable, Automotive mount & power cable, friction dash mount, AC charger, USB cable, protective cover

Yes
Lasts for up to 9 hours on rechargeable internal Li-ion battery
Yes
Yes
Yes
SD Data Card
-
-
Yes BlueChart g2
High resolution colour display. Automotive & marine modes designed to move seamlessly between vehicle and boat.
Aviation!
Yoke mount, Auto Mount, A/C Power Adapter,
PC/USB Cable, 12V Adapter Cable, GA26C Antenna, Trip & Waypoint Management CD, Carrying Case

Yes
Lasts for up to 15 hours on rechargeable internal Li-ion battery
Yes
Yes
Yes
Garmin Data Card
Yes
-
Yes BlueChart
High resolution colour display. Aviation, automotive & marine modes designed to move seamlessly between an aircraft, vehicle and boat. Jeppeson database

 

*External Antenna Benefits: 1) An external antenna may be necessary for GPS use inside a vehicle if the windshield coating or embedded wires interfere with the satellite signals. 2) With an external antenna a GPS can be mounted in a vehicle in the location most convenient to the operator rather than where the GPS can best receive satellite signals. 3) Recreational GPS receivers may not function ell in cold conditions (below -10 to -15 C). In these circumstances an external antenna could be left exposed to enable uninterrupted tracking while the GPS receiver itself could be kept warm, inside a jacket for example.
© 2001-2010
 Mach Ten Enterprises Inc.
All rights reserved
GPS Central™
#8, 711 - 48 Ave SE Calgary AB Canada T2G 4X2
Since 2001 - Factory Authorized Dealer
Sitemap | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy