If you are just finding this post, you may wish to review the previous posts on what GPS is and some of the most common features to consider when thinking of buying a handheld GPS.
When it comes to rating, Garmin handheld GPS units consistently rank highly among users, and they have a wide range of models and prices.
For the price, the Garmin eTrex Venture HC is well recommended. This unit retails for around $130-150, so it is not the least expensive model, but comes with enough features to make spending a little bit more worth it.
Garmin eTrex Venture HC
The screen is 1.3 x 1.7 inches and is color. The unit weighs 5.5 ounces so it is not too taxing to carry, and runs on 2 AA batteries. The battery life is rated at 14 hours of use; not too bad. It is waterproof, and has a 24 MB built-in memory. It can store 500 waypoints, and 50 routes, plenty enough for the average user.
Reviewers report that this unit can hold its satellite signal even with tree and cloud coverage, an important feature for many hikers. And it easily connects to your computer for transferring data, including additional detailed maps. The additional map sets are not inexpensive, however, but I have found them to be very useful for trekking in the wild.
It does not have a digital compass, but will show the direction you need to travel to the next waypoint as an arrow on a compass dial only when you are moving.
If you are a bit more adventurous (and willing to spend more) the Garmin Oregon 200 may be for you. This model retails for $230-370, and has a lot more features to play with.
Garmin Oregon 200
It has a large (1.5 x 2.5 inch) color, touch screen. Since the controls are on the touch screen, the buttons can be larger and easier to see than non-touch screen models. However, touch screens can take a bit to get used to.
View of the Oregon 200 touch screen
It is waterproof, and heavier than the Venture model, weighing in at 6.8 ounces. The Oregon battery life runs 16 hours on 2 AAs. Like the Venture, the Oregon has 24 MB of built-in memory, but unlike it, the Oregon accepts microSD cards, increasing your memory capacity many times. Also unlike the Venture, the Oregon’s built in map has topography detail.
One reviewer mentioned the weight of the Oregon as being noticeable, but the case is built ruggedly and seems substantial.
These two units are recommended at this time. They both balance the considerations of cost verses features well, and offer two different price points for you to consider. In other posts we will examine other models and “toots and whistles,” but for the average user, either traveling in remote places or doing geocaching, these would serve you well.
Related posts:
Handheld GPS basics
Basic features in a handheld GPS
Geocaching
Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and Longitude 2
UTM
May 27th, 2010 on 5:29 PM
GPS is very useful specially the ones that are put on the Car dashboard. it can really help you drive on unfamiliar places.-,;