GPS, Navigation
Garmin eTrex GPS
This is the bottom of the range in the eTrex range, but don't let that fool you. Depending whether you actually need a baromete or colour screen, this is superb value for money.
The fact is it works pretty well. I've used this little device alot. Firstly once swiching it on you'll need the eTrex to pick up your satellites, this can take up to 3 minutes in the clearest of areas. It If you start moving straight away the download is interupted and you may only lock onto half the satellites. It will work but the whole point of a 12 channel receiver is that it will pick the best combination of what's available in the sky for the most accurate result. You will lose your signal in built up areas and dense forest, that's pretty much inevitable, but the eTrex is quite clever and once you pick up the signal again, it calculates the distance you've travelled since loosing your signal.
I love the waymarkers, not so long ago I programmed a waymarker in the place I camped (off the Dolwydellan track to be precise), a few weeks later I revisited the exact same spot thanks to the waymarkers, Regards accuracey? Spot on. Apparently the PC connection cable for the etrex, is great for downloading and uploading maps to your PC and position routes and waypoints on the PC map to an accuracey of 2-3m.
I manged to get hold of the handlebar connection for my Mountain Bike. The eTrex works as good on a bike as it does on foot, and it's great as a speedometre to (plus it'll record your top speed, so when your mates don't believe you hit 40 mph, here's your proof). Only bad thing is, if you hit a bump or take your bike on a mtb trail, it'll switch off; this could be to do with how wet it got on the bike but considering it's waterproof, I doubt it.
It's really robust to go with the waterproof side of it. It has rubber down the sides for a good grip in wet conditions. The design is good, a nice looking device.
To wrap it up, I like this and can't wait to get hold of the more advanced models to try out. I'm giving this a 8.5/10, I can't see this coming down even after I try the other models, the price is great.
