Geomax isn't really older technology nor is it of inferior quality. The Zoom 90 for example, is essentially a Leica TS15 painted yellow and with no Leica software onboard. In order to use it without a data collector you have to install SurvCE or FieldGenius onboard (many people just install the demo version). It even has the telescope camera hardware like the TS15 I'm told, but Carlson and FieldGenius haven't yet added the functionality. Geomax is simply Hexagon's mid range product offering just like Trimble has Spectra Precision. The biggest difference is that you don't get Leica SmartWorx or Captivate and you have less flexibility when it comes to different types of radio handles. Only the Long Range Bluetooth handle works on it. In my opinion, if you are gonna use a 3rd party data collection software it's a no brainer.
As far as GPS goes, the Geomax Zenith 35 is also a sweet little unit. I just sold one as a network rover and it works great with the Allegro 2 running SurvCE. If you want a bigger screen SurvPC is also an option on a tablet, but you will have more weight and bulk. Total cost for a Geomax robot, data collector, and rover is around $35k. If that's too much consider a similar reconditioned Leica or Trimble kit for around $20-25k.
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