August 28, 2007

Garmin eTrex H review

Garmin_etrex_h

The Garmin eTrex H is Garmin's newest entry-level handheld GPS, a worthy successor to the basic yellow Garmin eTrex. A great first GPS for the budget-minded geocacher or hiker, this classic has been updated with a high-sensitivity chipset for superior reception under canopy and in other difficult conditions.

Three things to be aware of when you buy the eTrex H. First, unlike other members of the eTrex H-series, you cannot load detailed maps to this unit. The "map" screen, as shown a little further down, only shows your track and any waypoints you've created.

Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex H

Second, this unit does not come with a cable to transfer waypoints from your computer. You must buy it separately or enter waypoint coordinates manually, which creates plenty of opportunities for error. I highly recommend the purchase of a cable if you choose this model.

Better yet, pay a tiny bit more and go with the next model up, the eTrex Venture HC, which adds a cable, sunlight-readable color screen, and the ability to accept detailed maps.

Third, the eTrex H does not have the click-stick of the other models in the newest eTrex series, and the interface is going to be more of a pain to use.

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From the official Garmin eTrex H web page:

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, eTrex H comes with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that locks onto satellite signals quickly and maintains accuracy — even in the toughest conditions. And just like the popular eTrex, this little yellow wonder combines an intuitive interface and a rugged exterior into a lightweight handheld that fits in the palm of your hand.

Enjoy Clear Reception

With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, eTrex H locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on eTrex H to help you find your way when you need it the most.

Built for Adventure

You can operate your eTrex H with just one hand using five buttons, which are located on either side of eTrex H within easy reach of your fingers. Thanks to its bright yellow case, eTrex H is easy to find in your boat or backpack. And, eTrex H is IPX7 waterproof, so it can take an accidental splash or dunk in the water and still continue to perform.

Find It and Go

With eTrex H, your adventure can last and last — up to 17 hours on just 2 AA batteries. While you roam, you can store up to 500 waypoints in memory for easy retrieval. Just enter the point you want to go to, and eTrex H points you to your destination (no street or terrain maps). To get home, use Garmin's exclusive TrackBack® feature to reverse your track log and help you navigate back to your starting point.

eTrex H: Lock onto the great outdoors.

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Aug 28, 2007 5:07:00 AM | Garmin, GPS Reviews, Hardware

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