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It uses two AA batteries and does not eat them up like other GPS's. You can take clear packing tape and cut it to the shape of the GPS screen and roll it on to make a protective coating for the screen that costs nothing. It can do a variety of format datum that allows flexibility of use.It is very accurate, dependable, takes abuse, and is waterproof. I like it better than the basic Etrex models. I've had this model for awhile now. You can silicone it shut with some automotive silicone. The auto configure feature of locating the satellites when you turn it on is nice because you can take a trip and have it automatically update your current location without getting into manual settings for regions. So the thumb button is very nice especially when inputting data settings or waypoints.
I wouldn't dangle it by the retention cord all the time. The blacklight feature is not to bright and a nice feature. I like it better than the Foretrex models. Cons: The retaining strap is hooked to a small piece of plastic at it's base that can break if some hard pressure is applied. The field tab areas are customizable in navigation mode to suit it how you like. The "thumb" button is a nice feature to have to scroll around rather than the other etrex lower base models that you have to scroll around by side buttons. It can get broken easily if abused in this area.Fix: if it does break, drill a small hole into the battery cavity past the broken plastic strip and knot a piece of nylon cord / melt the end and pass the cord through the tight hole for a new retention cord that is stronger than the original. This will allow you to keep it for trail hiking, have a stronger retention cord, and keep it secure.
Everything about the Etrex works; right up to the point the screen fails. And this did not just happen to me, it also happened to two friends of mine. Bottom line I have owned several Garmin products and been quite pleased but the Etrex is not reliable.
The display is dim & hard to see/read. Back light is not very bright. Tried replacing batteries (twice) still no improvement in the display. Returned the unit one day after receiving.
Bought it with the bicycle mount. It is incredible all the information that can be gleamed from the interface with MapSource. I tried the cheaper method of uploading and downloading to the unit. Use the tracks you created, later. It has a million features, so it takes a bit of reading to setup all the options. Oh.you have to buy MapSource to fully utilize the unit. Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPSBought it for a road bicycle, and I love it. You can plan routes, or not.
I could go on and on about all the features, for the price this unit is the BOMB.I had a sneaky suspicion that I might need to buy the software. Now that I have used it for a bit, I love it even more. So I chose the Vista. But I finally coughed up the $100 bucks (almost as much as the unit) and bought MapSource North America.Now I was cooking was gas. Received it and started using it the same day. The graphing on the altimeter is wild.
Could not get to work with Google Earth Plus, I did get to work with other 3rd party software. Uploading, downloading, mapping, graphing, analyzing my ride. The maps are incredibly detailed. However, I am so pleased with the unit that I wish I had bought the colored more sensitive(GPS wise) higher end model.
It is a good receiver, but its operational system is too simple and slow to use. But for the price, it worths.
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