Another eTrex Legend owner. The default contrast setting bites but there's a screen (Setup -> Display) to adjust it. It's "waterproof" to 3 feet so I think it's dustproof too. PC software is a must for downloading tracks and stuff. I have the Topo Canada software and download the maps into the GPS. EXTREMELY USEFUL for driving around the backcountry.

Whatever you buy make sure you can download maps to it.

As a reference -- after 10 days of hunting the track log was about 60% full. A set of batteries is only good for the day. I have a 12 VDC NiMH charger so every night I recharged the batteries.

Check http://www.gpscity.com for pricing and accessories.

The Garmin Rhino 120 is like the Legend with a built in radio and shares GPS locations between units. Very cool if a bunch of you are getting GPS units.

I have a Garmin GPSIII that I bought in a pawn shop eight years ago for $50.  I'm sure you could go that route.  I also have a laptop and am working on the vehicle mount (you can buy them from police/fire suppliers).

I have been looking at Garmin rhinos.  The also have FRS/GMRS and you can send and receive locations to others.  Plus you can download maps etc.

I see them on ebay for under $200, regularly.

Mine is a little off the path ...

I got a cheap used laptop (ibm thinkpad 240x), got at USB gps adapter, and the National Geographic topo maps for my area ...

Sources
laptop - ebay (around $200-300)
TripNav USB GPS Receiver TN-200 - (around $100)
Topo maps from http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/ - $100 per state

The three main thing I like about this is ...
Large color screen (even a lame laptop will have a color screen that is much better than any handheld).
The maps are loaded onto my personal PC as well as the HD of the laptop.
Relatively cheap (especially if you have an old laptop already).

I had the laptop strapped to my center seat in my FS truck, will be building a mount for the tracker soon.

Rob

Cool idea...I just happen to have an old Toshiba notebook I can use for that purpose

Having said that I do also have a Lowrance GlobalMap 100 that works pretty well.