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 | | Posted: 29/03/08 |
| 'VERY UNDER-RATED ENTRY LEVEL MODEL. (I'M TALKING BASE MODEL)' | | Strengths:
Small, good user guide, will interafce with just about anything once you sort out 3rd party cables rather than expensive Garmins own. I have to disagree with another here - the eTrex DOES connect to a PDA - I have no trouble with that. The standard eTrex data cable is RS232 serial, it's only later that Garmin seemed to realise that people now use USB !! I use NiMH rechargeables in mine and get very good life out of a set of 2100mAh ones ... the USB cable I use is from GPSWarehouse - and it provides power and data transfer from PC - leaving batterys stby for when disconnect. | | Weaknesses:
The data display along bottom line is on the small side and where I'm getting older and eyes failing - this now is not so readable.
One weakness and this is a problem that was made by the shop ! The connector for the eTrex has a small moulding spigot that is just like a moulding piece you remove from a plastic kit part etc. The shop had snipped it off thinking that way .. it now means my serial data / power lead does not lock in to the socket. I opnly found out when getting a new USB lead later ... So Don't cut of any spigot you find on your connector !
I'm not a fan of the strap connecting to the bottom of the eTrex ... I would prefer it at the top. But then again - I believe its that way for it's main target market - Hiking. | | Overall:
An excellent back-up item. Easy to use. Thoroughly recc'd. |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
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| | Posted: 08/11/07 |
| 'BRILLIANT ENTRY LEVEL G.P.S' | | Strengths:
One handed operation. Easy to use hanging on to a shroud
Very Compact
Great human interface | | Weaknesses:
The Lat and Long reading is far to small and needs care to read when position fixing. Eight's can look like three's when you are cold tired and wet. | | Overall:
I am new to sailing and wanted to gain practical experience of G.P.S. Confronted with an array of products I decided to buy one of the cheapest , the Garmin etrex. It's lack of singing and dancing features makes it very practical as the human interface tends to give you what you want and not what the G.P.S thinks and decides you may want.
I use it all the time on land and on sea. To gain confidence in using G.P.S. I gave myself land navigation exercises. From free on-line map services I get a Lat and Long from a postcode, then transfer the Lat and Long to my etrex, so I even know the course to steer to the local supermarket car park. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 100% |
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| | Posted: 24/03/06 |
| 'GOOD COMPACT WATERPROOF DEVICE' | | Strengths:
Small and easy to handle. Good battery life. Easy to use and easy to program. | | Weaknesses:
Don't like the compass dial direction finder idea - prefer the highway version but still usefull. | | Overall:
A great compact little GPS which is very good and waterproof. Some of the symbols are really only walking related but otherwise good and good value for money - especially as I bought mine cheaper than this from e-bay!!! |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Reliability | | 100% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 20/03/06 |
| 'CHEAP WATERPROOF AND GOOD!' | | Strengths:
Cheap piece of kit, is waterproof/splashproof. Easy to use once you have the hang of it. Transportable between boats. | | Weaknesses:
None really except manual rather large! And not keen to acquire satellites indoors. | | Overall:
Excellent piece of kit - used mine on both my ribs with the panel mount and it's ideal. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 100% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 09/03/06 |
| 'LOADS OF FEATURES' | | Strengths:
Excellent screen
Long battery life
Fast data tranfer to/from PC via USB (most GPS use slow serial)
Large memory for maps, routes etc.
Supports auto-routing for road travel (with additional Garmin software)
Customizable screen selection
Waterproof and robust.
| | Weaknesses:
USB connection means cannot be connected to a PDA.
Maps lack detail for 'off road' use
Route/waypoint creation difficult without PC
Audio alerts when approaching waypoints, and proximity alerts can be created.
| | Overall:
Goes with me every trip (since replacing a Legend). On screen route used for (basic) route finding.
Tracks saved for reviewing later, comparing to planned route, and for a record of distance and altitude profile (with appropriate software).
Screen very detailed and clear, even when backlight not used.
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| | | Performance | | 100% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5
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