[NTLUG:Discuss] GPS and OpenStreetMaps

[Ralph Green]

Howdy,
  I don't know if this is a long shot or not.  I have been looking at
getting a used GPS unit to use with OpenStreetMap map data.  So far, I
see two options.
 1. There are a few TomoTom unit where the firmware can be replace with
OpenTom and the OpenStreetMap data can be used.
 2.  Many Garmin units seem to be able to use user supplied maps and
they can be created from OpenStreetMap data.

 Has anyone in the group tried either of these approaches.  Option 2
might not work for me, if I understand how Garmin units work.  I think
they put up a license agreement that you have to agree to every time you
use the unit and the agreement is not one I would ever accept.  Plus, it
is annoying and that is a bad start to using the units.  I may be wrong
about the license, since I have only briefly looked at one of the Garmin
units.
  The OpenTom website is pretty poorly done and I can't really tell what
units are well supported.  There are references to a lot of models, but
they don't say wheher any are actually working with OpenTom.  I suspect
I'd be happier with a TomTom, but I really don't want to spend time
tracking down a good cheap used one without some pretty good hope of
success.

  If you have a GPS working with OpenStreetMap data, bring it to the
meeting.  I bet I am not the only one who would like to see it.

 In case you are wondering why I focus on OpenStreetMap, I'll say a bit.
The data is freely available.  It is likely to stay that way and keep
getting better.  With most GPS units, they expect you to buy expensive
map updates after a year or two, or just buy a new GPS.  That seems very
wasteful to me, and if that were my only option, I would just continue
to do without.  I also want to be able to get a GPS unit where you don't
have to accept some noxious license every time you turn it on.  Going
with an open solution seems much likelier to get me there.  Some people
use a phone for this job.  I want a device for this job that does not
spy on me and report my movements.  A stand alone GPS is much more
likely to not violate my privacy.
Good day,
Ralph