Customer Reviews

 James “dongiovanni” said:

Seriously, i suspect it is the proper garmin nuvi product for the buck. What i truly appreciate about this model over the former Garmin model I had (it was a more recent version than this one) are these:

1) Preview of upcoming switch on upper left hand corner

2) Speed limit sign display

3) Gives the telephone number to the POIs.

4) Cheap

5) Lifetime map update.

 BZ “CoffeeNut” said:

Given the standalone price of an entire life map update card, this package is a steal. It reads the road names, as advertised, however the text-to-speach voice isn’t always quite as gentle and delightful because the normal voices. The sole thing that makes this unit lower than perfect is that the keyboard layout, end result of the narrow screen, is in alphabetical in place of QWERTY layout. But i assume they had to keep the onscreen keys big enough for the common or fat finger-tips

Product Details

• 3.5″ Screen Size
• Speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right on ELM STREET in 500 ft.”)
• World travel clock, currency & unit converter, calculator.

nüvi 255 leads the style with voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that talk street names to get you there on time. It’s jam-packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America. Also includes the Lifetime Map Update gift card to update your nuvi 255 for the lifetime of the product.

For peace of mind at the go, nüvi 255 leads the best way with voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that talk street names and optional MSN Direct to get you there on time and keep you informed. It’s full of millions of destinations and maps for North America or Europe. This portable navigator is priced right and ultra-easy to apply.

Navigate Quite simply
nüvi 255 comes able to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty sights (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. It even announces the name of departures and streets so that you never ought to take your eyes off the street. Simply touch the colour screen to go into a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and and smooth map redraw rates as you navigate. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, supplying you with a major picture of the encompassing terrain. Further, nüvi 255 accepts custom attractions (POIs), similar to school zones and safety cameras and allows you to set proximity alerts to provide you with a warning of upcoming POIs. With HotFix satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Take It With You
nüvi 255 sports a graceful, slim design and fits comfortably for your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot. With its “Where Am I?” emergency locator, you usually know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the closest address and intersection, and the nearest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

Transcend Navigation
Navigation is simply the start. nüvi 255 includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you’ll be able to download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. The 255 is compatible with optional enhanced MSN Direct content (subscription and receiver required) and our free Garmin Garage where you’re able to download animated vehicles that show your location at the map. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards inclusive of Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.

Includes Lifetime Map Updates
This Garmin nüvi 255 comes with an entire life map update card.

nüvi 255: Simple navigation at a reasonable price

Related GPS Trackers Products

Garmin nüvi 255 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator… ($65)

Let me set the scene for you: I arrive in Los Angeles at the airport, turn on my GPS system and instantly am ready to navigate. I then spend two days driving around Los Angeles not knowing where anything is located and haven’t gotten lost once…

The nuvi 255, as in my review title, is everything you need. Don’t spend more because you think you’ll need to talk for navigation or that you want to connect to some navigation service or whatever else they’re selling. This is a small, FAST, device that you can easily carry with you when it isn’t in your car. And folks, that’s part of a portable GPS system: you can take it with you so it doesn’t get stolen.

I will give the following heads-up. The first time you calibrate the GPS system, it may take up to 10 MINUTES. Be patient, stand in a large open field, and don’t move the device. Just let it sit. After that initial setup, you’ll be walking on sunshine. Second, charging the device is easy. All you need is a standard USB cable that is used for most electronics. The downside, it doesn’t show a progress bar on the screen as to when a charge is complete. Third, when you turn it on, make sure you have clear views of the sky from all directions. Otherwise, the system may not initialize properly. Plus, if you’re in a city with tall buildings, you may be out of luck for getting signal (i.e. NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago). Normally, the difficultly comes from initially turning it on. After that, it’s great.

This device is FAST in recalculating routes. Mere seconds and boom, you’re back on track. No downtime whatsoever. This is really amazing.

You are given the option of navigation as a pedestrian or in a car. That is really great if you’re on foot. You can easily switch between the two.

NOW… my word of advice. SPEND THE MONEY to get the 255 with the “text-to-speech.” When you’re driving in traffic in an unfamiliar place, you don’t want to have to constantly look over to read the street names on the device then find them on the street. It is worth the extra cash.

All-in-all, I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. As I said to a friend today, it isn’t often that I buy a piece of electronics equipment and have my expectations met and surpassed. As I continue to use it, new things continue to amaze me.

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GP… ($92)

Spent a weekend reviewing various GPS devices to replace my less than 1 year old Mio C320 (avoid these like the plague) that had its battery die about 4 months after purchase. Went back and forth along the entire line of Garmin devices, and finally settled on this one for the blue tooth and traffic, neither of which I’ll probably hardly ever use, but nice to have when I want them.

I was disappointed with the map, the “new” 2009 one, because I have some streets in my neighborhood that have been around for over four years and they’re not to be found on this unit. Even the piece of junk cheap Mio had these streets.

But that’s about the only downside there is to it, the only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars.

Having been used to the MIO, and the horrible refresh rate, it is a pleasant change to see smooth scrolling as my vehicle moves. The ability to change the car icon is nice, especially with the plethora of icons available on the garmin website.

Accuracy is very good as well, and even in turns the unit isn’t so laggy that it becomes annoying. And also unlike what I was used to with the MIO, when I come to a stop at the intersection, the map doesn’t start rotating randomly on me.

Speaker is about as I expected, won’t hear much over a loud stereo but crank it up enough you can at least hear it if you keep the music down a bit.

The option to easily download voices is also appreciated.

It did well with my testing of going point to point, following the instructions, and for the most part you’re given the instructions in plenty of time. only once or twice did it not tell me “turn right on such and such” until I was about 20 feet from the street, but that was when I was coming up on stop signs and had slowed down, so it may be compensating for the speed factor.

Recalculation notice is a bit annoying, my MIO would say it once, sometimes this says it three times before it starts to display the alternate route.

Still has about 900MB free on the internal memory for additional voices, icons, maps, and such, and with the SD slot there’s plenty of room to grow.

I have a Verizon XV6900 phone with Windows Mobile 6.1, and while the bluetooth paired well and it can see the phone status, battery power, signal, even dialed and missed call lists, it never does get the phonebook. it gets a random entry and that’s it – so whenever I turn it on, I have just one user to select from, and it’s different each time. Still haven’t tracked that one down yet. But every other bluetooth option worked just fine.

I’m not a fan of the very thick double power cable for it though, and it would be doubly annoying (no pun intended) if I were mounting this somewhere higher up on the window to have that double cable dangling down.

I can see how the ads would get annoying sometimes (the free traffic is because it is advertising driven) but you don’t get them at all if you turn off the traffic feature, and since most of my driving isn’t around times that traffic is a concern, i can just leave it for when I really have a use for it.

Good response to finger input, and while the unit is overall much better quality than the MIO, I really do miss the MIO’s ability to have an info pane down the last third of the screen and the map on the first two thirds of it when desired. But there’s some of that info available in the data bubbles on the bottom and top so I’ll survive.

Overall happy with the unit, it works well and was worth the cost.

Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigato… ($99)

I have this unit for 10 days now and overall I am very happy with it. For its mainstream feature, navigation, it is excellent. I had a Garmin 350 before this which I loved but it was stolen from my car. I had a Magellan after that which was crap. The price on this unit was great (7 – Amazon).

I chose it over the 1390T because I opted to not get bluetooth. It is the only difference between the units. I felt the bluetooth quality would be poor based on other reviews of bluetooth in general on GPS units. The main reason was in the way most people use bluetooth. In a typical day I am in and out of my car often. I always need my bluetooth immediately in case I get a call. I don’t always need my GPS. And since my previous unit was stolen, and theft of these units is a big problem everywhere, I keep the unit hidden or sometimes remove it from the car. So if you are like me but you get this unit for bluetooth, you will need to stop and mount your gps everytime you get in the car whether you need it or not, just to have blue tooth capability. If you forget and the cell phone rings, you have no bluetooth. So I purchased a separate bluetooth speaker phone from Jabra (very good unit# which is always attached to my visor, pretty good quality, and always there when I need it. I saved about by opting for the 1350T over the 1390T.

A few minor disappointments. The Lane Assist feature works great but is not available everywhere. I used it around NYC and it was helpful. I drove through Pennsylvania and upstate NY and it was not available. Marketing material hypes this feature but they neglect to tell you this one point. But when it is available, it is a great feature. That brings me to traffic. Same story here. I was driving through PA and hit a 1 hour traffic jam. No warnings from the traffic feature because it was not available in that area. When I got to the Scranton, PA area the traffic alerts started working. It alerted me of a major traffic jam ahead and it even rerouted my trip automatically. The reroute would have been a significant addition in miles but would be worth it to avoid the traffic, right? I decided to ignore the re-route just to test the unit to see if the alert was accurate and I was willing to endure the traffic. As I drove my original route, no traffic anywhere. So had I listened to the traffic alert, I would have driven 50 miles out of my way for nothing. Bottom line is, don’t let the traffic feature be a deal breaker for the unit you choose. But then again, I got the 1350T for about the same price as the 1350 #same unit without traffic). Updating the map was more difficult than it should have been. I consider myself a very technical person with computers and gadgets but the map update did not go smoothly and took me several tries. I could see where many people will have difficulty with this if they attempt to update the map.

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator… ($68)

I actually could not decide between the Garmin Nuvi 255w or the 750 model, so I decided to buy them both for comparison. I mounted them both to my car windshield and gave them various addresses to find together. I found that both models took the same routes and announced upcoming turns and street names at practically the same time. One thing I noticed about the 255w was that it was updating my position on the road more often, I’d say about 3 times as often as the 750. This made for smoother graphics on the 255w of the vehicle moving along displayed roads, where the 750′s display was more of a “jerky” movement. I also found that the display on the 255w was a bit brighter, clearer, and more vivid than on the 750 in both daylight and at night. Another feature I like on the 255w is the graphic turn indicator in the upper left corner, which the 750 lacks. This is a small arrow which shows upcoming turns and the distance to that turn. It also show things like a fork in the road, (ie: a Y intersection), and which fork you will be taking. The 750 just displays text on the top line for upcoming turns without the arrow. It’s just a little extra feature on the 255w which I happened to really like. The 255 also automatically adjusts the font size of displayed text so that even lengthy text will fit.

Another feature on the 255w is a display of the posted speed limit on the road which you are currently on right above your current displayed speed. I found myself not even looking at my car speedometer as I could easily see my current speed and the speed limit of my route at a glance. The 750 doesn’t have this feature. I also like how they moved the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons on the 255w to the same side of the screen which makes it a bit easier. On the 750 the zoom buttons are on opposite sides of the screen.

Now there are some features on the 750 that the 255w does not have. The 750 can broadcast it’s sound over your FM radio with the supplied cigarette lighter cable, and it has a headphone jack, which I found to be nice features. The 750 also has an MP3 player and an Audio-book player, which the 255w does not. Another really nice feature of the 750 is the car locater. This is a great feature if you are parking in a really big lot, such as at an amusement park or a fair. The 750 marks your location when you remove it from the car, then you take it with you and it remembers where you parked and takes you right back to your car. The 255w doesn’t have the car locater.

I also thought the the voice prompts of the 750 where more pleasant sounding than the 255w’s. The 750 sounds more like a real female voice, where the 255w sounds more robotic.

Another thing to consider was that I paid less for the 750 and it came with the FM transmitter cable and a USB cord to connect it to your computer for updates and downloads.

My final decision was to keep the 255w and return the 750 because I really liked the graphic turn indicator and the posted speed limit and current speed indicators. I didn’t find a need for the 750′s MP3 player and Audio book player, but that is up to personal preference. Since the USB cable was not included with the 255w, I purchased it on this site for . I also intend to purchase the MSN direct cable when it is available in August 2008.

Customer Reviews

 Noodles said:

i bought the Astro 220/DC30 in May of 2009 for my Samoyed who in case you have ever owned a sled dog (Samoyeds, Huskies, etc), you understand all too well their fondness for roaming, chasing, and running all of the while forgetting to listen (ignoring is more adore it!) for you calling them!

I now feel extremely comfortable when my dog is off leash on hikes, because the Astro 220 does as advertised. i do know whether my dog is at the move, treeing some kind of critter, or resting. I also know what direction she is found and approximately how far-off she is. It’s also turn out to be useful finding my as far back as the auto a few times.

On the occasions that i’ve needed to retrieve her the GPS/compass has been 100% at the mark every time. It saves me lots of time wandering in the course of the woods aimlessly calling her with that slightly panicked edge to my voice!

So far the collar has withstood several swims, miles of terrain, a lot of digging into boroughs, and rough-housing with other dogs.

As somebody else mentioned, ensure the units sync up before you release your dog. I sync them off the dog, then put the collar on her. Carry spare AA batteries with you. i am getting about 24 hours out of a hard and fast at the Astro. You don’t wish to be DOA if you find yourself trying to find your pup. The collar however gives me about 15 hours on a recharge with the 5 second refresh.

Aside from all that, in case your dog is a difficult-running type, you can be amazed at how much ground they could cover in an amazingly short while.

If there has been a wish-list for this product i’d say some kind of rechargeable battery for the handset would for me make it perfect. A second-tier wish can be to make it slightly smaller.

I am sure i’ll buy regardless of the next-gen of this product is because it can only go from Excellent to Excellent, i believe.

 J. Schockett said:

Nowadays should you can see your mailbox from space on google earth, basic mobile phones have gps and mp3 players and you’ll buy 16gb usb flash drives for only the price of a tank of gas, technology products include high expectations, especially ones with $500 price tags. The Garmin Astro meets expectations, but stops there rather abruptly. Okay, that is a bit critical. The technology is pretty amazing. For those who first get it out of the box, work during the quick start guide, and put it for your dog, it’s impressive. Once our Schipperke, Lucy, was greater than about 15 yards away the hand held unit clearly and accurately showed her position on a straightforward color map and the dog tracker pointed at her approximate location while correctly tracking her distance. My wife walked across our neighborhood with Lucy and from our home, i may easily follow their entire walk(500 yards away). However the glow wore off quickly. If you begin to examine the features of the device, you’ll realize that there isn’t far more too it. Outside of the single (admittedly cool) feature, the GPS is actually an uneventful GPS from 5 or 10 years ago. The included map shows highways, but not surface roads (it costs another $100 to download detailed maps). It has a compass, a barometric altimeter and a few gps games that I’ll probably never play. The collar (despite being an improvement from previous versions) is additionally a chunk big and ponderous for a small dog, though seeing Lucy run with that antenna sticking up fromm her collar is awful cute. In total, we like having the ability to let Lucy run free within the forest without those moments of panic once we don’t know where she is, so I’m glad I own the Garmin Astro. i used to be at the fence between 3 and four stars and value pushed me to three. At $500, I’m still uncertain it’s worth it. Fundamentally, this can be a GPS unit that communicates with another GPS unit via radio. i’m able to’t see any reason this shouldn’t be half the worth. Give it two years and that i anticipate that it’ll be. For now, this seems to be among the finest gps dog trackers available, but that it isn’t saying a great deal.

Product Details

• Bundle includes Astro 220 handheld GPS device, DC 40 dog GPS collar, and accessories
• Rugged, orange polyurethane DC 40 collar pinpoints your dog’s position every 5 seconds
• Astro handheld has each of the features of Garmin’s top-line handheld outdoor devices
• Accepts downloaded map detail, including TOPO maps with elevation information
• Barimetric altimeter provides elevation profiles for climbers and hikers

Bored with looking for your hunting dog in tall grass or dense cover? You can now leave the hunting entirely to him. Astro is the premier high sensitivity GPS-enabled dog tracking system for sporting dogs. This unique system pinpoints your dog’s position and shows you precisely where he’s, even if you are able to’t see or hear him.

Uninterested in are looking for your hunting dog in tall grass or dense cover? You can now leave the hunting entirely to him. Astro is the premier high sensitivity GPS-enabled dog tracking system for sporting dogs. This unique system pinpoints your dog’s position and shows you precisely where he’s, even if you’re able to’t see or hear him.

Release the hounds and know what they’re as much as with Astro, the GPS-enabled dog tracking system for hunters.

The rugged, all-weather DC40 collar combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and VHF antenna into an all-in-one transmitter.

The Astro handheld has the complete features of Garmin’s top-line handheld outdoor devices.

Tall grass. Short dog. Game on.

See Your Dogs’ Every Move
The Astro system incorporates a bright color-screen handheld GPS device and the rugged, orange polyurethane DC 40 collar. The collar accommodates most e-collar receivers–eliminating the necessity to put two separate collars on a dog. Plus, Collar Lock creates a four-digit PIN number that helps prevent others from seeing your dog’s whereabouts–an invaluable feature in field trials in order for an Astro is used only as a recovery tool when a dog in competition becomes lost.

To start, just take Astro outdoors and switch at the handheld and transmitter to procure GPS satellite signals. Then attach the DC 40 on your dog. Now you’re able to turn him loose–no other setup required.

The rugged, all-weather collar is made from durable one-inch orange polyurethane, able to withstand the weather and the search.

Track Dogs in Dense Cover
As often as every five seconds, your dog’s DC 40 transmits his position on your handheld, and you’ll see his current location and a trail of where he’s been at the Map page of your handheld. Switch over to the Dog Tracker page to view a compass pointing on your dog’s location in addition to his current status: whether he’s running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry. Astro could also sound an alarm to tell you instantly when your dog goes on point.

Astro boasts a high-sensitivity GPS receiver which can track your dog’s position even within the densest cover. Possible track as much as ten dogs at one time with Astro, at a distance of as much as seven miles away (reckoning on terrain). The system transmits information by line-of-sight, so it reaches farthest in flat, open territory.

Count Your Coveys
When you’ve captured your quarry, mark the precise spot with Astro’s Covey Counter, a unique waypoint that tells you the precise location, time of day and elevation where you found your prey, in addition to the variety of birds you flushed and took from that location. Astro allows you to save other special waypoints, together with “Truck” and “Lodge,” so that you can save the positioning of those places quickly and simply for every hunt. Astro also offers special waypoint icons to symbolize food plots, tree stands and other hunting-related points.

Experience Full-Featured GPS
Astro shines while you’re out at the hunt, nonetheless it also excels in getting you back for your truck on the end of the day, or maybe back home again. Actually, the Astro handheld has all of the features of Garmin’s top-line handheld outdoor devices.

The barimetric altimeter provides elevation profiles for climbers and hikers, and the electronic compass ensures you get an awesome bearing. Handy tools like a place calculator and celestial information permit you to plan your day. With optional detailed city street maps, you may seek over 6 million sights and create a route on roads with exact turn-by-turn directions; or download TOPO maps complete with elevation information. Finally, the Astro 220 includes a rugged, IPX7 waterproof exterior, able to tackle incliment weather with out a hitch.

What’s within the Box

Astro 220 Handheld, DC 40 Wireless Transmitter Collar, Carrying Case, AC Adapter for DC 40, Vehicle Power Cable for DC 40, USB Cable, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, Owner’s Manual, Quick Start Manual

Related GPS Trackers Products

GARMIN 010-11049-00 Astro DC 30 Wirelesss Collar Transmitter… ($156)

The original astro came packaged with a small rechargable orange transmitter and a velcro harness to put it on your dog. Anyone mixing velcro and dog hair knows what happens next. There was also a plastic clip you could use to screw the transmitter onto your dog’s existing collar, but my dog broke 2 of those clips giving chase.

When the DC30 came out it was a major improvement. Garmin realized that the heavy transmitter would sag down where the dog tags hang, so they put it there intentionally instead of trying to force it on top.

The passive antenna in the original unit was replaced with an active amplified gps antenna sewn into the collar facing the sky. A small thin cable is hidden in the collar to carry the gps signal down to the transmitter below.

Finally, the transmit antenna was redesigned for vhf frequencies and realizes 1dB more gain over the previous transmitter – not alot but still an improvement.

In short, the DC 30 makes the astro a real dog tracker. I bought the collar separately and was immediately impressed. No longer did I have to scrape dog hair from the velcro on their earlier design!

Garmin Astro 220 + 2 DC30 Dog Tracking Collars Bundle… ($696)

My dogs have been missing since January 3rd! Apparently when the unit sits on a shelf for a long time and then gets sold, you need to get online for software updates. No one told us this and the first week my husband had them he lost the dogs. Not happy with Garmin at all! No help from there tech support either!

Garmin Astro 220 Bundle with the New Dc-40 Collar… ($549)

This works very well. I hunt moose, boar, brown bear with dog-Laika. Birds, capercaille, black cook with enlish pointers. My Astro works well with all my dogs.

Customer Reviews

 Julie Lyn “hannahsmom” said:

That is concerning the most frustrating device I’ve ever owned. Yes, you could turn it on and head out to locate caches, but good luck with that! This device doesn’t provide you with any of the descriptions or information found on other GPS devices. Besides, with only two buttons, it’s BY NO MEANS EASY to update info corresponding to recording which caches are found and returning home. In the event you make an effort to visit the web site and print out the support documents, which i’ve, it’s still very difficult to move this device.

If you own the cable and prefer to update caches, you better ensure you don’t use an Apple computer because Apple is absolutely not supported in anyway. When you have a computer and run Firefox, again you’re in trouble. They claim to support Firefox, but when you prefer to download any custom caches or load caches from another region – again not supported.

We recently took two trips to geocache. We had an iPhone, Garmin Oregon 550, another biking Garmin, an eTrex and the Geomate Jr. Let’s just say that about 1 in 5 caches weren’t even present in the Geomate Jr, and as stated before, adding caches is hard. We just stopped bothering with it as it’s this type of worthless piece of kit. If it’s on sale for $15, go ahead. Otherwise, spend $100 and get a genuine GPS!

 Joann L. Price said:

We’ve been geocatching for years. Since having this unit it has allowed the grandkids to take part fully within the experience. We take it everywhere. Every so often, it’s been more accurate than the our expensive hand-held GPS. First one i purchased was for my sister, now everyone within the family, who geocatches has one.

Product Details

• Geomate.jr; the anytime, anywhere, determine -of-the-box family-friendly geocacher.
• Cache Hunting – switch it on & follow the arrow and distance. It’s that straightforward!
• Cache Hints – get hints just like the size, how well it’s hidden, and the terrain.
• Back to Basics – and in case you wanted the fundamental stuff like compass, latitude, longitude,and elevation, then you definitely’ve got it!

The geocaching anywhere, anytime with a Geomate.jr rocks. And the 250,000 geocaches that the Geomate.jr comes with is bound to maintain anyone busy for a while.

But new caches are being added on a daily basis. And geocaches exist everywhere in the world! So if you wish fresh new caches, or are seeking a geocaching adventure in New Zealand (as an instance), then you definitely could give some thought to an Update Kit on your Geomate.jr.

The perfect and quickest thanks to get in at the geocaching fun; just switch it on and be directed on your closest geocache! With over 250,000 pre-loaded cache locations covering all 50 U.S. states, you and your loved ones may be out enjoying your personal adventure before the packaging even hits the ground.

GPS
GPS High sensitivity SiRFstarIII receiver
Tracking L1/CA Code
Update rate 1 Hz

Geocaches
Coverage All 50 U.S. states
Cache capacity 250,000
Database Updateable
Cache information Size, terrain, difficulty, ID

Power
Batteries 2 x AAA, Replaceable
Battery life Over 12 Hrs

Physical
Weight 3.2 Oz (with batteries)
Size 1.9″ x 3.7″ x 1″
Environment Splash proof

Related Geocaching Products

Apisphere Geomate Jr. Handheld Geocaching GPS… ($46)

I purchased two of these, one for my kids and one for a friend.

THE GOOD

For my kids, this is the perfect unit. We use the geocaching app on my Iphone as our main geocaching tool to get us into the vicinity and then the kids use their Geomate Jr to get them to the cache. My 6 year old can run into trees with it, fall on it, etc and it takes a licking and keeps on ticking (much better than him doing that with my iphone!) Because we have already been geocaching, we were able to understand how to use this tool after a few button pushes. We did a side-by-side test with my iphone and the Geomate jr and the Geomate updated faster than my iphone and was more accurate under heavy tree cover conditions. Under normal conditions, both the Iphone and Geomate Jr updated at similar times and had readings within 2 feet of each other.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

This tool is billed as the Grab and Go geocaching tool, so easy that it will encourage everyone to get in the game. Well, not quite. If you aren’t already very familiar with geocaching, trying to figure out what these buttons mean will just be confusing. You will need to read a book or go on the [...] website before you’ll understand what a GC code is or have any clue what those coordinates mean. After you do make a find, you can only mark 20 caches as found. You need the update kit to mark up to 99 caches as found (though they represent that it will eventually be up to 1000 found). However, these issues are not a big deal because after you buy the update kit and do some reading, you’re as good as gold.

NO MAPPING

But perhaps the biggest feature that is lacking that truly prevents this unit from being a true Grab and Go unit is the the lack of a mapping capability. For this reason, this is best as a supplemental unit. Mapping is important in geocaching because trying to find a geocache by going 3.6 miles NNE is about impossible to drive to. Roads generally don’t travel in the direction that your compass happens to be pointing. And by the time you take a road in that general direction, the compass will be pointing .6 miles West. You could drive around like this all day. The Iphone app shows the map of the area and where the geocache is located on the map so that you can drive to the general vicinity and then get out and hunt. The work around for this lack of a mapping feature on the Geomate Jr. is to go to the geocaching.com website and print out the maps to the geocaches you want to seek. Of course this relegates you to only planned geocaching trips instead of geocaching on the go because you happen to have a few extra minutes like you can do with the Iphone.

SUMMARY

This is a great supplemental unit and a must have for kids in a family of geocachers. However, unless and until they provide a mapping capability on the Geomate Jr., this is not a true Grab and go unit and may not be the best choice as a stand alone unit.

Apisphere Geomate Jr. Geocaching GPS Update Kit… ($12)

If you get the geomate jr… you need this as well.

The geomate comes with something like 250,000 preloaded caches, however cache’s are a very dynamic thing…. many come, some go away the updates are important. Even with the best updates you will occasionally go to a place where there “should” be a cache it is gone, current data is important.

The Other up-side is that with the updates, you can get specific regions, as well as additional cache’s that are not included with the pre-installed database.

The downside, for what it is, this cable is expensive…. I wish the geomate simply had a standard usb interface, and did not require a special cable, but even with that, I would put this as a necessary part of the unit and well worth getting.

Geomate.jr… ($69)

This is a great GPSr to start geocaching with for two reasons:

1. This s an inexpensive piece of equipment nessessary for the hunt, so if your’e not sure it’s a hobby you are going to stick with it’s not to much of an investment.

2. I was having a difficult time learning how to use a traditional GPSr. I bought a Megellan and ETrek, I am sure it was me but had a difficult time learning how to use them..anyway the GMjr is literally a plug, update and go. Very simple to use and understand.

There have been very few caches in what ever area we happen to be in that was not preloaded into the GMjr. We had one situation that coordinates were updated on the Geocaching website but didn’t get updated thru the GMjr update website. dont know how that works either;)

All in all we really love the Geomate Jr. and we plan to stick with it but dont have plans at this time to do any further investing in a GPSr as we feel this is all our family needs. We are not the survivalist type and dont plan to do any hard core mountiain/valley terrain type of hunting.

It’s a great way to get your kids outdoors (our kids are 8 and 11)

Geomate.jr AND Update Kit… ($94)

Works great and I got it long before I expected it to arrive. I’m now a happy geocacher.

Customer Reviews

 Damian P. Gadal said:

Geotagging images is essential to me. i do know where they were taken, nevertheless it’s an argument of public access to the where and when of a picture.

We’re not on the point of getting all cameras equipped with inbuilt GPS. It’s only a matter of time before this occurs. Meanwhile, in order to geotag a picture, you either discover a GPS unit that works along with your specific camera, otherwise you do it manually.

What I’ve noticed is that doing it manually is lots of trouble for many folks(i do know it’s time consuming for me), so many people will just indicate what city, or state, or even just the rustic they were in on the time a specific photo was taken, or the indicate nothing in any respect and leave you guessing.

For me, this just doesn’t work. Really, in spite of the fact that I manually tag all of my photos on a map once they’ve been uploaded to flickr, and carry around a GPS unit on trips to areas I’m not completely conversant in, i need an easier and more accurate way of geotagging images, that lets me scale down at the time it takes.

The problem is that I’ve got several digital cameras, going the route of having a GPS unit for every camera doesn’t work. Not your complete cameras will support this.

What to do? Well, I did a little research and located the i-gotU unit so that you can support any camera, provided the photographs are shot in jpg format.

It’s just a little stand alone GPS device, quite simple and actually the only real button it has is to show it on, and it’s in regards to the size of a matchbox.

I tried it for the previous couple of days, and feature been very impressed with it. I made sure that my camera’s clock was set kind of like that of the i-gotU (that’s how this thing works) after which went out and took some pictures.

After returning home, I downloaded the pictures I took, and plugged within the I-gotU GPS device and had it map my images. It was spot on. It even saved the information to the EXIF data.

I’m going to like this thing. I wish it worked with camera RAW files, but in the meanwhile it doesn’t and it’s not an excessive amount of trouble for me to work around this limitation. Actually, I’ve already found a freeware solution that uses the gpx data and should work with RAW images.

Still, i will be able to’t await the day when this doesn’t need to be done and cameras come equipped with in-built GPS.

I do wish this had a touch case that i may clip to my belt or camera strap, but that’s a minor issue.

 Debbie Scott “Only seeking things that ma… said:

From the primary time I saw this logger it was love at the start site! i used to be using the AMOD AGL3080 and was somewhat disappointed with the scale of it…and that it kept banging against me as i used to be walking (I had it attached to the camera strap), it also would get within the way after I’d try and take macro photos or desired to get yet another angled shot.

This unit is so small that I hardly notice it on my camera strap. i’ve got no trouble with a satellite finding it after I start it within the RV (or maybe contained in the house for that matter). The most important plus is the rechargeable battery that gets charged whilst you plug the included cable into your computer. Another plus is the included software that makes it really easy to get your logs from the unit, synchronize your photos and upload all of it to the a-[...]website. i admire the assistance that’s available both on and offline.

If you’re just moving into geotagging your photos I highly recommend this unit.

Product Details

• Compatible with 3rd party GPS navigation software, function PC GPS receiver to boot.
• Water-resist hardware design, suitable for rainy days, skiing, water sports
• Compatible with all digital cameras and camera phones, coolest GPS tracking gadget on your journey.
• Export in multiple file formats, supports popular web album
• Create and share your live travel blog with your entire friends quick and easy

What’s New:
# Larger memory capacity for long trips: 64,000 waypoints. 4 times memory then GT-100
# 30% less power consumption vs GT-100
# Faster satellite acquisition: <35 sec vs 60 sec with GT-100

The way it Works:
# Be sure that your digicam time is true
# Power at the GPS Travel Logger outdoors
# Wait auto-positioning and locate your current position
# Take the GPS Travel Logger with you when taking photo

Related GPS Trackers Products

i-gotU GT-120 Travel Blog Master (USB GPS, Data Logger, SiRF III Chips… ($56)

I live on 20 acres surrounded by much larger properties and there are large gaps in our fence and when our dogs were disappearing for several hours at a time I wanted to know where they were going. Using this little device I logged them going everywhere they were not supposed to go and places I had no idea they could get to. The track was so good I could even determine that they had been chasing something through the hills. I found an old knife case that fit on their collar and made it waterproof by putting it in a baggy. Came back wet on the outside and dry on the inside.

They are now grounded and lost their run privelidges. Now I am going to find a new use for this great little gadget. Worked great and software was very easy to use.

i-gotU Bluetooth GPS Travel Logger (GT-200e)… ($65)

I bought this device to be paired with a bluetooth GPS adapter for my Nikon D300. This receiver is nice, small and light. It has a silicone case. It acquires the GPS signals really quickly. Software is great. In fact, I will probably now just use the receiver and use the software to geotag my photos without the GPS adapter. It’s that easy. Having said that, I could have probably gotten the lower model and be just as happy as long as the software is the same. But I will give this device only three stars. Minus one star because the light on it is hard to see in the daylight. You have to shield it a bit to see if you turned it on and if it has acquired the signal. Plus it uses a proprietary connection to the USB port. I haven’t found a place that just sells the connection so be careful not to lose it. It also uses a battery that the end user is unable to change. So you’ll probably be buying a mew one when the battery dies. Minus another star because when I emailed the company about 3-4 days ago regarding buying an extra cable, I have not gotten a response.

All-in-all, I’m happy with my purchase. It’s not perfect but with the software, I’ll probably do away with my GPS adapter. One less thing needing to use my 10 pin slot on my camera.

i-gotU USB GPS Travel & Sports Logger – GT-600… ($83)

I use the i-gotU GT-600 GPS tracker by Mobile Action Technology since May, 2010. It replaced the i-gotU GT-120 unit that I purchased in April, 2009. My experience is quite different from the experience of the user that gave this GPS tracker only two stars. I agree that the hardware is good, although it could benefit from replacing the SIRF Star III chipset with the more sensitive MTK II chipset; nevertheless, GT-600 firmware is excellent and many settings are customizable.

While the hardware is good, the included i-gotU software is EXCELLENT!!! The CD that was included with my unit had the newest version (v. 3.1, Build 1002,243, February 2, 2010) that is also available on the Mobile Action Technology’s website. It installed without problems on Windows 7 32- and 64-bit versions. Yes, you need to ignore the Windows 7 warnings about drivers; however, this problem happened to me with several other drivers as well.

The biggest difference between the software included with the i-gotU tracker and software that is included with many brands of other Taiwanese-made GPS trackers is that this software is not only perfect for geotagging photos, but also has the PC Composer, a powerful annotation editor. Moreover, Mobile Action Technology provides a server for uploading annotated trips. There is no charge for the use of this server and you do not even have to own an i-gotU unit to register. While each user has a limit of space on the server, the software provides an option to keep the picture files on Flickr or Picasa. Thus, animated trips (even in 3D) can be displayed on this server, while files are stored elsewhere – this combination creates a perfect Web 2.0 application! I created over 80 trips in a bit over one year, so I speak out of experience…

In addition, I cannot verify the comment about incompatibility of exported GPX tracks with Google Earth. The @trip PC software uses Google Maps and Google Earth, so it has to be compatible. I encountered no problems when opening tracks exported in the GPX format with the current release of Google Earth – 5.2.1.1329, Build Date Jun 10, 2010.

If you want just to geotag your pictures and upload them to Picasa, Flickr, Locr, or any other “static” website, GT-600 and the included @trip PC software works very well; however, if you want to create animated trips that will “play” your travels (even in 3D), there is nothing that come close to what Mobile Technology Action offers. This my perfect photo blogging package.

Customer Reviews

 GaPitViper said:

i’ve owned the Explorist 210 for three weeks and feature no complaints. The accompanying Geocache Manager is simplistic but effective for loading geocache data into the GPS. It certainly beats entering it by hand just like the 200 and 100 models require. The unit is light and the twin level amber backlight is efficacious in low light situations. i haven’t taxed the reported 22M of memory yet. i purchased this unit specifically for geocaching and it definitely fills the bill.

 netzotic “Tech Head” said:

After just a few hours of study, I chose the eXplorist 210 as my GPS unit of choice for geocaching. i’ve got only played around with a GPS unit once, so don’t really have lots of experience with other models. The 210 was chosen for it’s PC capability and 22MB of space for background maps. Non-PC capable GPSs don’t sell for a lot less, but you’ve got to plunk down much more money for a unit just like the 410 that has an SD card interface.

The price this is significant, but I took another user’s advice and looked online for the Outdoor Bundle – it saves you many of cash if you need the computer cable, the auto charger, the carrying case, and the Topo-3D software. I view all of those as essential, and highly recommend which you get them with the GPS unit.

Overall usability of the unit is excellent. i used to be in a position to determine tips on how to use the unit in little time without much use of the manual. The primary boot was a pain, probably as a result of residential neighborhood that i used to be in that gives a limited sight line. In keeping with the manual, the device should look for a couple of minutes and ask you inquiries to help if it doesn’t work in that timeframe. i discovered one sattelite only, so there has been no chance to get to this magic screen. While driving to work tomorrow i used to be ready to get signals and it’s worked fine since then.

On my first geocache trip, i used to be ready to about 30 feet of accuracy in thick woods. Sometimes it’d be less accurate, but judging by the reviews of others, seems it performed very well. 7 hours of use left me with a touch greater than half ot he battery life left.

I feel that this unit misrepresents somewhat in it’s claim of being USB capable. While the cable does use USB to connect with your computer, it’s really a serial interface with the unit. This makes it MUCH slower than a USB interface – a 20MB background map took about 7 minutes to download to the unit. Also, the serial connector is symetrical, so that you can connect the cable to the GPS the other way up, making it fail to work along with your computer. The special design of the port implies that you’ve got to purchase their cable – you may’t use a miles cheaper off the shelf cable. The manual doesn’t say the best orientation to exploit. In the event you connect the unit and get an “unrecognized device” message from Windows, flip the relationship around so the cable is pointing to the ground of the unit.

The Topo 3D software that came with the bundle was Version 1. I’ll review it separately, but thought I should mention that it doesn’t natively support this device. You’d like the eXplorist’s own software to transform files – an incredible inconvenience. i assumed the software was also flaky.

The cable interface and the software are reasons why I took away 1 star.

Overall, I’d say that with the Outdoor Bundle you’re getting the right GPS value for less than $200 total. In the event you’ve got more cash to spend, check out the eXplorist 410, which offers an SD card to save lots of larger maps to the unit. The Eastern Shore of MD, DE, and VA (Delmarva) takes up about 20MB total. For my trip to Canada this summer, I’ll likely ought to use a laptop several times to switch maps during my travels.

The 410 unit is barely about $30 more right this moment. When you buy the basic accessories, you’ll be spending about $150 more total.

Product Details

• Compact 14 channel WAAS GPS receiver with rugged, outdoor-sports design
• 22 MB available memory for downloading optional MapSend maps and digital content
• 10 MB built-in basemap includes roads, parks, waterways and more
• Includes Magellan Geocache Manager software
• 2.2 x 4.75 x 1.3-inches (W x H x D); 6.1 ounces; and a pair of.3-inch backlit display

The Magellan eXplorist 210 from Thales expanding at the popular line of Magellan GPS handhelds, the eXplorist 210 brings map expansion capabilities to the entry-level range of eXplorists with its high-speed USB data port. The Magellan eXplorist 210 is the sole GPS handheld in its budget to supply users the power to download and store as much as 22 MB of maps from compatible software. The hot Magellan eXplorist 210 proves that powerful GPS navigation doesn’t should be expensive. a enormous 2.3” grayscale display, precise three-meter positioning, high functionality, and a shockproof and water-resistant case combine with simple handling to make the compact GPS an indispensable navigation companion for all outdoor activities, from mountain sports and backpacking to cycling, hunting, and fishing.

Amazon.com Product Description The Magellan eXplorist 210 proves that powerful and reliable GPS navigation can also be affordable. With a compact, shockproof and waterproof design, this baby is built to resist regardless of the back country can throw at it. At an insignificant 6.1 ounces, and having the ability to download and store as much as 22 megabytes of maps while providing precise three-meter positioning, this pocket-sized 14-channel WAAS GPS receiver is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream.

Map screen in position mode. View larger.

GOTO route screen. View larger.

Customize map information. View larger.

The Magellan eXplorist 210 delivers GPS navigation in a rugged, handheld device. View larger.

When you have a fondness for the outside, there’s no reason you have to be a GPS expert with a purpose to benefit from GPS tracking capabilities. The eXplorist 210 features Magellan’s easy-to-use operating system, so that you can deal with your activities without compromising your safety. While you connect the unit for your PC, the folders at the eXplorist 210 is also accessed the same as any drive in your computer, and from there you access the data as you’ll a folder by yourself computer. In other words, in the event you know the way to navigate your PC, you’ll feel right at home with the eXplorist 210.

The unit offers 32 MB of memory, inclusive of 10 MB taken up by the basemap of major highways, airports, interstates, parks, rivers and lakes across North America. The remainder 22 MB is reserved on the way to download and store Magellan MapSend programs and maps, or specific waypoints, routes and tracks in your next excursion. A USB PC cable is included, as a way to let you perform software updates, in addition to download additional maps. This handy feature means that you can download precisely the maps and knowledge which you need on your excursion. In the event you’re hiking a piece of the Grand Tetons, you’ll wish to have the world’s hiking trails, ranger stations, and elevation contours at your disposal. The eXplorist 210 enables you to fine tune the info that you simply’ll need to your trip.

And don’t let its compact size fool you. This handheld — at a trifling 2.2 x 4.75 x 1.3-inches (W x H x D) — assist you to create and store as much as 190,000 personal attractions and waypoints, 150 files with 20 routes each, and 150 track logs with 2,000 points each. The included Magellan MapSend Software DVD can assist to optimize and manage your data and keep track of updates to new versions of MapSend maps. In other words, Magellan couldn’t have made it much easier than this.

The eXplorist runs on two AA batteries that last as long as 17 hours. an oversized, 2.3-inch grayscale, backlit display features an amber glow that makes it easy to read at night. Other features include a vertical profile, a celestial table, and a best-fish and hunt-time calculator. The eXplorist 210 comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

What’s within the Box
Magellan eXplorist 210, user’s manual, quick start guide, and PC interface cable.

Related Geocaching Products

Magellan eXplorist 210 Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($74)

I have not had this device long, but we did spend a day geocaching with it. It performs very well.

I chose this model because I wanted a GPS unit that I could access with my PC through USB and this seems to work very well. Included is a small application that will convert .loc waypoint location files to the .gs files that this unit uses.

When I plug the USB cable into the unit and then into my USB hub and power up the GPS unit, it appears as drive H:/ and I can move/rename/copy/etc. the files in the GPS unit without having to use the GPS interface, which is a time saver.

It has a nice readable map that can be zoomed out to see the whole planet, or zoomed in to a 100ft scale. It recognizes primary roads and highways in my town and knows the name of the lake I live near. Apparently I can also purchase and download custom maps from mapsend, but I haven’t tried that yet.

Without even reading the manual, just by fiddling with the gizmo, we were able to figure out how to find our geocache destinations, set a route, add waypoints, and choose custom icons for the waypoints from a selection of maybe 20 or 30.

I can’t comment on battery life because I haven’t worn out a set of batteries yet, but I think other people have commented on that.

This unit is accurate enough that it can tell when I *turn around in place and face a different direction* which is pretty amazing to me. I am very pleased with the performance.

I did take one star off because already the clear plastic over the display has gotten scratched. BE WARNED: the display is VERY EASY to scratch. I’m going to have to find a little leather case or cloth bag or something for it. As a comparison, I have carried my nokia cellphone around in my pocket with my car keys for about three years and there is no significant scratching on the display, but with this GPS unit, whatever plastic they chose, it got scratched up quite a bit with just a few hours in my pocket (with carkeys). I realize that wasn’t too bright of me, but I know there are more durable plastics out there because of my experience with my nokia, so… just be careful! Now the screen looks like its got dust on it that can’t be wiped off…

Other than that, I am very pleased and feel that this unit is a good value.

Magellan SporTrak Map Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($50)

This is my first handheld GPS. I’m using it for my new hobby – Geocaching. This unit works great. Use free software to download waypoints into the GPS, and then just follow where it points. The unit is small (fits in my pants pocket), and light, and has all the features you might need, including back-tracking if you make a wrong turn. It holds plenty of waypoints (locations) and 20 routes, which seems about standard for handheld units. It has several different ways of displaying navigation information, so you’re bound to find one that works for you. If you’re looking for something with lots of built in maps, then this may not be the right unit for you, as it only has a 2Mb base map and 6Mb for downloadable maps. For in-car navigation, I plug this little guy into my portable computer and run Microsoft Streets And Trips and get a whole computer full of maps. When going off-trail, I take just this unit, where maps aren’t much help anyway. I’ve used it to locate 3 “geocaches” so far, and it has put me within a couple of feet every time. The WAAS support is great for getting good accuracy.

By the way – don’t purchase the add-on memory SD card accessory – this GPS doesn’t take add-on memory cards.

Magellan eXplorist 200 Water Resistant Hiking GPS… ($90)

My 8-year old son read an article about Geocaching and really got excited. I wanted to get a GPS handheld that offered great value and ease-of-use. I tried the Garmin eTrex, eTrex Legend, Geko and the Magellan eXplorist 200 (a local Geocaching club let me field test the units) and I downloaded the manuals from the Garmin/Magellan websites and poured over them.

The verdict — I bought the eXplorist 200. The base map gives you the major freeways, highways, and cities — even parks and national landmarks. The buttons and functions were the most intuitive of any of the models tested — very important when you have children operating the unit. The LCD screen is as big as the expensive models and highly legible in ambient light. My son loves it and the entire family is getting lots of hikes and geocaching done in the great outdoors.

What happens next? I will save up for a more powerful unit with a PC connection, map software, etc, now that we are hooked on GPS navigation. The eXplorist will remain with my son — like cell phones, it is always a good idea to have an extra one around…

RAM Mounting Systems RAM-B-166-MA5U Suction Cup Mount ($30)

My husband did it for you. This Ram Mount is the best. It’s suction cup has stayed attatched to the wind shield of our boat for 18 mo. in MI weather and Lake Erie seas. Their cradles are precison molded for the device. Nothing chinsy about the materials(aluminium and high grade abs plastic). Great Pakage deal when you can get Amazon free shipping– -.

Customer Reviews

P688D4UM”> said:

The nice-Good features and decent price.

Once you calibrate ( see below ) the compass, that is reliable.

The bad-

Not liking the very fact i need to do the “figure 8″ motion to calibrate the compass at any time when. In case you forget to take action, the compass isn’t reliable.

ALSO, the small METAL clip…remove it and use a leather shoelace to secure. Compass cannot have metal near it or it messes it up. when you keep that clip on it on AND forget to calibrate your compass….your lost.

 kingfish said:

Shuts off automatically every 5 minutes. Bushnells web video tells you to do ‘figure 8s’, ‘tumble’ the unit (roll again and again), and walk around in circles anytime this item powers up. If you want to do that every 5 minutes, then by all means, it is the unit for you. Even after jumping through all of Bushnells hoops, unit still gets ‘confused’ easily, and commonly points 90 degrees clear of your intended path. Returned the article, went with Garmin.

Product Details

• Compact and straightforward to make use of personal GPS tracker
• Global coverage with quad-band GSM frequency
• Multiple function through SMS
• Silent listener in Monitoring Mode
• GPRS and Internet application

Manufacturers Specifications:
Product Desctription: Mini Global GPS Tracker;
GPS Chip: SIRF III chip;
Network: GSM / GPRS;
GSM Frequency: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900;
GSM/GPRS Module: Simcom Sim340;
GPS Sensitivity: -159 dBM;
GPS Accuracy: 5 M;
Time to First Fix:
-Cold status: 45s ;
-Warm status: 35s ;
-Hot status: 1s;
Battery: Rechargeable 3.7 V 1000 mAh Li-ion Battery;
Battery life: 80 Hours standby;
Working Temperature: -20 to 55;
Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing;
Altitude Limit: 18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max;
Velocity Limit: 515 meters/second (1000 knots) max;
Acceleration Limit: Lower than 4g;
Dimension: 64 (L) x 46 (W) x 17 (H) mm;
Weight: 50 g.

Package Contents:
Mini Global GPS Tracker;
Battery Charger;
Power Adaptor;
2 x Batteries;
Battery Cover with Magnet;
Plastic Holder Bag;
Software CD;
English Manual.

FAQ – Commonly asked Questions
Q: How do I make sense of the longitude and latitude data this unit provides?
A: Both Google Maps and Google Earth can easily translate the information into usable visual information.
Q: How long does it take to recharge the battery for this unit?
A: First use requires 8 – 12 hours charging time, while subsequent usage only needs 3-5 hours of recharging time.
Q: The unit doesn’t pick up a GSM signal and the SMS functions aren’t working, what’s wrong?
A: quite a lot of things can cause this to happen:
1) Ensure the SIM card is compatible (only 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G SIM cards work)
2) Be sure there’s money left at the SIM card and that it has not expired
3) Make certain there isn’t any PIN code related to the SIM card
4) Ensure roaming is enabled in your SIM account while you are in a distinct country

Related GPS Trackers Products

Brand New Real Time Mini GMS/GPS/GPRS Car Tracker… ($68)

This seems the same device I bought directly by a Chinese site. The previous review describes the same experience I had with it.

Before the purchase, I asked a lot of detailed information by email and by live chat, but the “support service” replied with the same information that anybody can read in the on-line advertisement (that is very unaccurate).

However I bought it because of its very discounted price. When I have received it, I have realized something strange, it looked like an imitation of another old device I still have got. I have tested it and its standby time is not more than 24 hours, that means its working time is not more than 12 hours, that is NOTHING for a serious use.

Moreover the battery charger doesn’t work properly in fact I had to charge its batteries by another old battery charger.

Now I am looking for the same old device I still have got, but how to understand which (Chinese) device is good amid a jungle of its (Chinese) imitations???

TrackStick Mini GPS Tracking System Data Logging Device… ($289)

This product works as advertised. Easy to use and easy to download the data. Works well with google earth.

Customer Reviews

 Alex Roche Cagigos said:

i purchased it to switch my old Garmin Etrex Vista and i’m more than pleased with it. When comparing it to my older model these are the most differences:

Pros:

* Really high sensitivity. Now it usually works contained in the car, and it usually works when hiking inside the forest. You’ll be able to just drop it into your pocket or backpack.

* Routing capability. Very useful in case you have an excellent map, even supposing it doesn’t give voice commands.

* Color screen instead of B/W makes it even more readable even though screen area is slightly smaller

* When saving Waypoints, now the date and time info is automatically included.

* Battery lasts at the very least twice

* Rapid transfer of maps and tracks through USB instead of serial!

* Compatible with the maps and logs that I have already got. I transferred the entire waypoints and tracks saved in my old Vista to this new model, through Mapsource without problem.

* Compatible with my car, motorbike and bicycle mounts that I have already got from my Etrex Vista.

* i’m able to still use the free maps that I used with my old Vista, from: http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php and from

http://www.malsingmaps.com/

* Automatic date setup (from the satellites?)

* When transferring to the computer, the Active Log is now transferred as some tracks (i assume one for each time that you’ve powered up the device) instead of as an extended list of tracks

* When saving a track, you can now decide exactly as much as which point to save lots of back.

Cons:

* Not compatible with two of my Etrex Vista accessories: Car power adaptor (now the ability comes in the course of the USB connector) and Garmin case (now the unit is just a little wider and shorter)

* No Favorite Waypoints menu. Has been replaced by a up to date Finds Menu?

* User Interface is typically confusing and never easy to search out the function that you’re looking for.

* WAAS setting and backlight level get to off everytime you power off the unit instead of remembering the setting (firmware bug?)

* Product Manual is rather bad. It tells you ways to show things off and on, not why and for those who should turn something off and on.

* No Micro SD memory included so that you cannot upload any map unless you purchase one.

* For a better product update, could I ask Garmin so as to add a Voice Recorder function to have the opportunity record a voice note associated to every Waypoint?

 McLean said:

After being content with my Garmin Vista, i made a decision it was time to upgrade to the most recent Garmin Vista eTrex HCx. With a brand new MapSource Topo USA for MAC available, and the facility to transfer National Parks Topo Version 3 from PC to MAC i presumed it might be an incredible time to “upgrade” to this model. The HCx has a fantastic color screen, is very sensitive-acquiring satellites and ready to navigate even more effectively! Response is quick-virtually instantaneous. Ergonomically the toggles are awkward and its easy to toggle into the inaccurate place-not an enormous deal and that i image I’ll get used to it. This being said the documentation that includes the unit is nearly useless, covering just the fundamentals. Neglect the way to setup (no less than for a MAC). The cd that includes it’s for PC’s only and there’s absolutely no information on what a Mac user must do. You suspect a fast analyze the Garmin website would have these answers. Nope! Nada! The web site is a joke-as is customer service. I waited 32 minutes to communicate to a rep after which was told i’d must be transferred to their Mac Dept. Okay fine. Another 34 minute wait. Thats; okay, I’m willing to attend-except the tech i eventually get is set as helpful as a cord of wood. No help. I ask questions he doesn’t know the answers and doesn’t sound like he cares-hardly a Mac enthusiast. Of course I felt like he actually dispised my call. From simple such things as where’s the serial number? (UPDATE: it’s behind the batteries) to do i want drivers to download to make this work? (UPDATE: No you don’t. In point of fact, in case you’re using a Mac, just turn it on and it’s up and running-no use for “installation disc”)-which will transfer maps for your GPS, you should download the “MapInstall” program from Garmin’s website). This can be a beautiful device that does what my old Vista did-except this one, is naturally, much faster, and more advantageous-if i’ll get some information on it! If Garmin goes to say they’re moving toward Mac compatibility they need to give a bit additional info to Mac user’s on their website (aside from press releases on how they’re now Mac friendly) or even a few sentences within the manual explaining exactly what Mac users must get this thing up-and-running; transferring maps, ready to communicate with Mapsource software, etc.. i need to provide the HCx five stars, but on account of absolutely no assistance for Mac users on their website or manual-and due to an initial bad customer support experience I give it two stars and sit here with a $270 GPS-$200 worth of latest MapSource Maps (another product-another review) and an exquisite little machine that has quicker response and is way more capable than my old Vista-but just as useless on a Mac (REVISED: It really works beautifully with my Mac. Perfect!). My enthusiasm dissolved after seeking to upload maps or connect with my computer.

REVISED 6/30/08: Okay, finally! I got someone at Garmin customer support (really nice within the Mac Dept.) that may explain what-exactly should be done to get this puppy up-and-running: I had already downloaded the Garmin MapIntsall software (that you should open, then select the device-as a consequence the HCx); there you’ll find all of your maps (in my case the Topo Natl Parks and Topo USA for Mac). With the GPS plugged into USB port you simple select all of the maps you’d like from one set of maps after which visit the opposite set and choose those there). Works like a dream! Now in the event that they would just make this clear somewhere (and believe me, it’s not CLEAR anywhere). That being said, the experience I had today was far better. While I needed to wait another half-hour to get customer support (who told me the serial number is found contained in the battery case at the back) after which another 5 minutes to get to the Mac specialist-all my questions were answered! Both techs were really nice and helpful! Today’s experience will be 5 Star Customer support! while I even have rated the device 2 stars-i’d probably change to 4 stars. Why the missing star? Initial frustration that may had been alleviated if Garmin took the time to stuff some extra instructions within the box specifically for Mac user’s and made their website a little bit more friendly-and informative. The 24k NATL PARKS maps are beautiful at the color screens-as are the TOPO USA 2008 for Mac. The toggles are still awkward and unruly-but I’ll get used to it. So, in a nutshell; You’re able to download multiple maps directly to your Garmin Vista Hcx using MapInstall (dowload from their website) on your applications folder. Once downloaded, connect your HCx to USB and choose device and feature fun selecting your maps. Something i used to be not real clear on until today is that “Bobcat” is precisely for viewing maps and transferring wayspoints, etc. It has nothing to do with uplading maps for your GPS. Use MapInstall to upload maps to the GPS. Today’s experience brought my faith back in Garmin customer support and technology. Thanks Garmin, for FINALLY becoming Mac compatible. I’m going to be a cheerful camper with this glorious little GPS!

REVISED 7/6/08: Pertaining to the latest “1 Star” Review; Yes, mine locks-up/freezes, too (nothing to do with Mac) unit freezes at the trail-once or more an afternoon. No response from any buttons-unable to do anything until holding power button for long period-reboot. This isn’t cool! Will call Garmin Monday and spot what’s up. Not good to listen to they’ve a brand new chipset out and this can be the old one. After-all, I just purchased this. Will report back on what Garmin says. This seems like an obvious defect.

REVISED 7/9/08: Emailed Garmin Monday-no response yet (3 days later)-so returned to Amazon for exchange. Amazon is excellent! No problem. Sent out a brand new one before i’ll box up the defective one-received replacement today! That’s customer support! Will let everyone know if the issue persists with replacement unit. Amazon 5 Stars! HCx?..not so sure anymore.

REVISED 7/11/08: Garmin emailed me 4 days later and explained that the brand new chipset is 3.0. My software version is two.60. Used “Web-Updater” on my Mac and said i’ve got the newest software. Everything is operating beautifully with replacement Amazon sent me. No freezes or problems of any kind. Final score: Garmin HCx-4 Stars! Amazon-big 5 Stars!

Product Details

• High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver provides peak performance in any environment
• Lightweight, compact and waterproof
• Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
• Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
• USB connection for prime-speed map downloads

Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal within the toughest environments. Just like the Vista Cx, this handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD card slot and automated routing for wherever adventure takes you.

Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx.

Crisp 256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to differentiate map details.

Perfect for geocaching.

Lock Onto the good Outdoors

Enjoy Clear Reception
With a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, the unit locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is evident: whether you’re traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you’re able to assume the Vista HCx that can assist you find your way whilst you need it essentially the mostsome of the most.

Get Your Bearings
The Vista HCx also features a built-in electronic compass that gives bearing information even if you’re standing still, together with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can too use the altimeter to devise barometric pressure through the years, that could mean you can keep watch over changing climatic conditions.

Expand Your Memory
Adding maps to the Vista HCx is less complicated than ever owing to the device’s microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data in your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and the Vista HCx will provide turn-by-turn directions in your destination. Plus, the cardboard slot is found within the waterproof battery compartment, so that you needn’t worry about it getting wet.

Intuitive Control
Besides appreciating its small size, users may also be proud of the Vista HCx’s unique button layout, with five buttons located on each side of the unit. Some great benefits of this design are twofold: First, the Vista HCx is a breeze to function with only one hand, and, second, with the buttons on each side of the unit, the majority of front is devoted to the 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display. This makes it easy to differentiate map details whatever the time of day.

Comprehensive Basemap
The Vista HCx basemap, meanwhile, contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines–briefly, a bunch of helpful details to your outdoor adventures.

Additional Features
Other details include an IPX7 waterproof housing, 1,000 waypoints with names and graphic symbols, a built-in patch antenna, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode. The Vista HCx, which runs for as much as 25 hours on a couple of AA batteries (not included), measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

What’s within the Box

eTrex Vista HCx, basemap, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software, USB cable, wrist strap, quick start guide, user’s manual.

Related Geocaching Products

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS… ($218)

If you are reading this and the other reviews of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx then you are doing your homework and wondering if this GPS is as good as all the hype makes it out to be. The short answer is YES! I have an old Garmin 12 Map which has served me well, but was getting a bit long in the tooth. I wanted something a bit smaller, lighter, with color screen and was water tight. The Vista HCx meets all of these needs and so many more. It is small in size, but with a fairly big and bright screen (easily readable in the sun) for its size.

Every review I read touted the extra sensitive antenna and how it picked up and locked onto satellites inside of homes or buildings. Well I can honestly tell you that it does all this and does it quick. How this happens it Garmin magic. I was always told you had to have line of sight to pick up satellites, but not in the case of the Vista HCx, it can get them just about anywhere short of being in a bunker.

The menu is intuitive and easy to navigate, so much more that my old Garmin 12 map. The long story short, this little GPS is the one for everyone else to beat. If you are seriously considering a GPS purchase for hiking or navigating the back country, do not look elsewhere, this is the one to get!

The base maps in the Vista HCx are of course upgradeable through additional accessories purchases from Garmin (at substantial cost), but worth the money. How Garmin managed to pack so much into so little a package is a mystery to me. Do yourself a favor, stop reading the review and just buy one, you will not be disappointed.

BTW, I purchased mine through Amazon.com and took advantage of the free shipping. It arrived four days ahead of when it was scheduled to arrive which was a nice surprise. Amazon has a very good price and I have always been happy with my purchases through them. And no I am not getting paid to say these nice things about Amazon, I am just a very satisfied customer.

Dan…

Garmin eTrex Venture HC GPS Receiver… ($104)

Before buying this new Venture HC, I had spent many hours trekking with several of the original eTrex models over the years. I think it’s fair to say that while the concept of the original eTrex was great, the execution was frequently disappointing.

It disappoints no more. The Venture HC is the eTrex perfected. It remedies almost every shortcoming that plagued the original models. The new high-sensitivity receiver is amazingly effective. Countless times I’ve stood in wide open spaces cursing my old eTrex because it wouldn’t acquire a single satellite. Last night I turned on the Venture HC on the bottom floor of my two story house, and it locked onto 8 satellites…through the roof and the upper floor! No more “need a clear view of the sky” messages. Amazing.

The old monochrome display has become color, and the user interface is now substantially more intuitive, while adding even more functionality. The cable, which was serial on previous models, has been upgraded to USB, another welcome improvement. The case is somewhat wider than before, but the design bears a strong resemblance to the original eTrex.

A basemap is included but it’s just that – basic. It shows the largest highways, bodies of water, and has some limited capability to display highway exit services. If you need turn-by-turn street directions, an eTrex is not for you. This is a GPS receiver true to Garmin’s outdoor GPS heritage.

Promised battery life (14 hours) is near the bottom of the range when compared to the existing eTrex models, but is still perfectly adequate and has posed no problems.

One weakness that remains is Garmin’s waypoint manager PC software. It has the feel and functionality of a software product released circa 1994. Garmin could certainly develop a better PC interface. For you can buy ExpertGPS from Topografix, or download the free version (EasyGPS)from their website. Either is far more functional than the Garmin OEM software.

Still, the software criticism is a quibble. The Venture HC itself is great. It is a market changing product that renders all previous eTrex models (and many competitors) obsolete. Finally, an affordable outdoor GPS receiver that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver… ($169)

I bought this unit for use on hikes, bike rides, and other similar outdoor activities. I’ve had it for a few months now, and overall, I’m only somewhat satisfied. Here’s a list of pros and cons that have stuck with me so far:

Pros:

-easy to read/see color screen (even in bright sunlight)

-highly customizable screens (types and amount of data shown on each screen)

-fairly easy to learn and operate

-many features, including barometric altimeter and electronic compass

Now, the cons to this product may not be specific to this unit. It may be more a function of the limitations of GPS:

-inaccurate (sometimes highly) “tracking” of horizontal position or trail actually traveled (I’ve compared to trail maps and Google Earth visible trails, and some of my tracks are inexplicably way off)

-inaccurate barometric altimeter (sometimes hundreds of feet off. I’ve turned it on, and had elevation readings of -200 feet!!) which must be constantly calibrated. Also, if you calibrate at the bottom of a climb, by the time you reach the summit, it may be over 100′ off.

-very inaccurate odometer data, and inconsistencies in the data. For example, I recently hiked Half Dome, which is 4800′ vertical gain…this unit only registered 1500′ total ascent, but the begin elevation and end elevation shown were well over 1500′ different. Also, on the same Half Dome hike, the odometer read 5 miles hiked, but the track total registered a more accurate 8.3 miles.

-very “stiff” buttons.

Again, the inaccuracy may be a function of the limitations of GPS, but the odometer inaccuracies in terms of total distance, total ascent, descent, etc. was disppointing. Perhaps Garmin needs to come up with another way of calculating these values. I think a lot of these values are calculated using current horizontal and vertical velocity, which may be inaccurate at any given moment. With inconsistencies at any given moment, it is difficult for the unit to calculate the actual horizontal and vertical distance traveled.

In any case, overall, I would recommend this product for simple trail and waypoint marking. But it should be understood you will only get “general” information, and not anything resembling very accurate data.

**EDIT** Garmin released a firmware patch in Feb of ’08, and it has really helped with the accuracy of certain data. The total ascent data is much more accurate now, often within 100′ of actual climbed distance (that may not seem so great, but it was horrible before). Also, the distance measurements are better. When I save a track, the distance per the track is much more close to the odometer reading, usually within a mile for a 10-15 mile hike (which again, is just ok, but better than before).

Overall, the unit does seem to be more accurate in all ways now, perhaps due in part to this firmware update. Also, tracks seem to be more accurate in terms of comparing visually to maps. I’m more happy with the unit now, and would probably give it 4 stars if I reviewed it today.

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator… ($170)

Excellent and versatile GPS that I use for geocaching, driving, mountain biking, and hiking. I previously owned the Venture Cx and the display cracked due to my carelessness in the airline luggage. I upgraded to the new Legend HCx with the high sensitivity receiver and this unit significantly outperforms the older units. The new receiver fixes your location much faster and provides much better signal coverage. I noticed this as soon as I turned the Legend HCx on, as I was able to get a fix inside my house.

The expandable memory option (Cx) of the etrex series allows you to store a tremendous amount of map info. I installed the TOPO and City Navigator Mapsets for the entire state of CA and I am able to switch between mapsets. When I am on the trail, I “hide” the other mapsets and “show”/use the TOPO mapset. When driving on the road, I switch to City Navigator to get turn by turn navigation to my destination.

The only cons about the etrex series is that they have a small screen to view while driving and the menus/control button configuration are complex. I had to install my unit right on the steering column for driving. It took me awhile to learn and use all the features of the City Navigator and to switch between mapsets. But, for a pocket size all around GPS with excellent battery life, these are acceptable compromises.

Customer Reviews

 Stewart Stryker “stewstryker” said:

The excellent news: Mine arrived in new condition, no thanks to tell it was refurbished except the box says “Road Tested” (i.e. someone took it for a drive before they returned it, so that you could buy it!) and it incorporates a note within the box saying it has a 6-month limited warranty and that you just’d ought to return it on to TomTom. The text-to-speech (TTS) where it reads the road names works well, though slightly wordy with highway exits (e.g. “Turn right ahead, take Exit 1 South onto Route 91, Route 10 connector” is lots of words to hear for a single turn.)

The Bad News: Another review here said his map was 9 months obsolete. At that time i’ll have canceled my order because that didn’t appear to far out. But my unit’s maps are 15 months outdated, that is too long. Even worse for me, their MapShare technology will only work with maps less that yr old, in order that new technology I’d desired to try won’t work.

This unit only comes with 3 voices (my original TomTom ONE 300 included 9-12 voices).

The mini-USB connector within the base is extremely sticky/picky and it takes a bit to plug it in. A minimum of before everything.

But to me, the savings of shopping for the refurbished unit is completely negated by having very old maps and no access to MapShare. So I spent $60 to update the united states/Canada maps, which made my total cost $10 greater than if I’d bought the recent unit!

 Rob from Vermont said:

DON’T use a Mac to update the TomTom using TomTom Home, as the “spotlight” feature at the Mac screws it up, as a way to make your device show a flashing X (basically, error). I played with it for a number of hours, before I gave up. Came into work day after today, and hooked it as much as my PC there. Called Tech Service. They told me all I needed to do was uninstall the TomTom Application and reinstall at the PC and all could be well. Worked. So, briefly:

1. Use a computer to do all your TomTom updates. Right out of the box you should update some features via TomTom home [...]

2. Your map shall be old-fashioned, since it is a refurb. To get the updated map without paying visit the “Tools” menu on TomTom Home (it’s within the tool bar on the top of your screen). Clicked on “Use Newest Map Guarantee.” I clicked on that, and it said that there has been a more recent map available and to click “Download” to download and install it now. It should take over an hour, since the new map is 872 MB. Uncertain if this works greater than once, however will prevent the $50 you possibly can otherwise spend when you purchased the updated map. I see some in this review panel did just that.

Product Details

• 3.5 inch Color Touchscreen Control
• Turn-by-Turn Directions
• Preloaded Map folks and Canada
• Text to Speech

TomTom ONE 130 TTS Refurb Auto Navigation System. TomTom ONE 130′s distinctive design puts an entire-size touchscreen and the ability of GPS in a slim, lightweight device. Activate and go right out of the box. The crystal-clear display, 3D graphics and switch-by-turn spoken instructions enable you find your method to any address within the US and Canada – all with only some taps of the screen. Foldable EasyPortTM mount makes it easy to take it with you from car to car. TomTom has probably the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map ShareTM technology you’re able to instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs by yourself device. And now, there are added security features so that you can easily access local emergency providers. No activation, no monthly fees. Refurbished.

Related Car GPS Products

TomTom One 130S 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)… ($55)

This is my first GPS purchase. I researched various products at wildly different pricepoints on the web before choosing the refurbished TomTom One-130-S. While it may not have all of the bells and whistles of the more expensive models, it is very functional. I was somewhat disappointed that TomTom’s “Latest Map Guarantee” does not apply to refurbs, but a call to customer service led me to find that the unit’s map was only about six months old…so no problem. I’ve tested the unit on destinations that I normally travel and found that when I deviate from the suggested route, the TomTom quickly recalculates wihout insisting on making a U-Turn. I’ve also used it on trips to unfamiliar areas and was very pleased with the quality of the direction.The feature of having the voice identification of street names is definately worth the few extra bucks over the standard One-130. I am very pleased with this product.

TomTom ONE 130 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)… ($54)

Here is the latest in TomTom technology. The TomTom 130. This latest development from TomTom will be perfect for first time GPS buyers who are looking for something simple, compact, and accurate. For previous owners of the TomTom One however, this is no reason to upgrade.

The product itself is as close to perfection as I’ve seen in a basic GPS device, hence the five star rating, but then again so is the TomTom One 3rd edition that was released late last year. The TomTom 130 model is basically the TomTom One with a few minor upgrades. The most notable would be the new flip and fold mounting capability. Instead of the standard suction cup mount that TomTom owners are used to owning as a separate component (one that slides in and out of the back custom grooves of the TomTom itself) there is now an attached mount that folds into the unit for easy storage. This is convenient but in my opinion and like the other minor upgrades, no reason to toss out your old TomTom One in exchange.

iPod has set the standard for a lot of electronic thresholds, none being more noticeable than the size and depth of its products. To some it up…slim is in and the TomTom 130 is even slimmer than its big brother the TomTom One weighing in at a 6.1 ounces and only 1 inch in depth. Here are the some minor specs:

Unit Size: 3.8″H x 3.2″W x 1″D

Display Size: 3.5″ (Diagonal)

Weight: 6.1 oz

Also worth noting is the TomTom 130 now boasts a 3 hour battery charge instead of the paltry 2 hour that left TomTom One owners completely dependent on the cigarette chargers in their cars. 3 hours isn’t exactly a wealth of time but it is an improvement and a little more realistic.

Also included with the product is TomTom’s exclusive Map Share feature that allows users to make their own map corrections and share them with other TomTom customers through their online connection using the TomTom Home software on their PC. This service is free of charge.

This has been the subject of some confusion among TomTom users and should be pointed out. Some customers mistakenly think the Map Share updates they receive are entire map upgrades. This is not so. Although TomTom does provide its customers with Map Share updates free of charge these only include minor map modifications, such as dead end streets that weren’t marked properly or points-of-interest that were marked out of place. These Map Share updates do not include the miles of new roads being built every year across America & Canada. In order to receive these major map updates customers will have to pay for them.

Of course the TomTom 130 will already come included with the latest Tele Atlas which is now version 720.1802, and although TomTom has major map upgrades throughout the year most customers (including myself) will be content with just paying for an upgrade once a year. This guarantees that you will always have the latest maps with the newest roads.

Like the TomTom One 3rd Edition the TomTom 130 comes with a “Help Me” button which when pressed opens features such as “Phone For Help” which displays emergency numbers for the current location (such as and typically 911) “Drive To Help” which show you the quickest way to the nearest police station or hospital and a “First Aid Guide” which is provided by the British Red Cross.

Also included in the safety features is an option to sound a custom alarm if any of the following occur:

1. When approaching a school or church

2. When driving faster than a set speed

3. When driving faster than allowed

The 130 still uses the same TomTom touch screen user-interface so prior TomTom users will already be familiar with the controls but with such a user friendly design even new customers will have the hang of it in no time. The screen is a bright 3.5 inch full TFT color LCD with 320 x 240 pixels that supports 64K colors.

For first time GPS buyers this unit is perfect because of its price, portability, latest maps, outstanding user-interface, and simplicity. For someone looking to upgrade to something a little more advanced try the TomTom 130S with text-to-speech capability (verbal pronunciation of street names).

TomTom One Third Edition Auto Navigation System (Factory Refurbished)… ($49)

I haven’t used many GPS systems before so this is more of a review of this individual system as it stands on its own and not comparing it to other systems. Living in a large city, I don’t own a car, but recently I needed to make a trip that entailed visiting 7 or 8 locations all within a few hours of each other (in a rental car). I knew that I might have to change the order of when I would get to each location or possibly not go to them all. Not being very familiar with the area I figured that it might be a good idea to get a GPS. This unit worked perfectly for the whole trip. I programed in each address before leaving and saved it as a favorite location which made picking a new destination really easy while driving. All of the directions accurate, and the computer voice was easy to understand (and you have a choice of a few voices as well). I’m not sure how many ‘favorite’ locations you can put in but I had in over 10 so you can enter at least that many.

Here’s a list of other features that I liked:

- It came with a lighter/power cord for the car.

- Came with a USB cable to charge on the computer.

- You can update maps on the computer and backup your maps/info.

- It actually came with Macintosh software!! (as well as Windows of course)

- It came with a very useful suction cup holder to attach to the front windshield (it worked very well and never came off)

- This is a refurbished unit but it looked brand new. I didn’t even see a small scratch on the unit.

- I liked the night mode that had darker colors.

- There is an option to have the volume adjust based on your car speed.

- It is small enough to put into a pocket or bag when you leave the car.

- I didn’t use them but it has a bicycle mode and a walking mode.

- You can buy updates to maps or other map locations online.

Some features that you may not like:

- It doesn’t say the name of the street you need to turn onto. (I didn’t really mind that, though)

- The screen is pretty small. I actually liked it this way though, as I didn’t want it to take up too much of my view out the front window. But if you have trouble reading small text it might be hard to see what the exit is, etc. Some elements, like your speed or arrival time are pretty small.

- When you first turn it on it can take 4 or 5 minutes to locate the GPS satellites. (not sure how this compares to other units)

- It would probably be hard to enter a new address while you’re driving as the screen is pretty small. That’s why I pre-entered them before hand.

- You have to go through a few menus to change the volume. Not too bad if your parked but if you’re driving it can be a little tricky. (Don’t crash)

I think that’s about it. Again, I’m not sure how this compared to other portable units or other built in units but for what I wanted this was perfect, especially for the price and as of this writing there is a rebate as well.

Customer Reviews

 David Smith said:

The large brown truck brought me a brand new Bushnell Backtrack Point>5 GPS Friday afternoon. It locks up (finds its location) fast, has an easy interface, and useful data screens. i used to be horrified with the accuracy of the inbuilt digital compass. After carefully following the calibration instructions several times I in most cases decided the item was worthless for buying a fairly accurate vector back to a stored point or a usable referring to a landmark. Next I went to the website and checked out the net manual, which was only a copy of minimalist 9 page brochure which came with the unit. I had practically decided to send the item back after I stumbled onto Bushnell’s “BackTrack Digital Compass Calibration Tips” video. By combining all three techniques demonstrated within the video i used to be in a position to get useful accuracy from the compass / trackback arrow. I haven’t sat on or dropped my unit yet so i’m able to’t say how robust this thing goes to show out to be, but in the mean time I plan to depart my older/larger/heavier GPS within the truck and use the BackTrack to locate my way around within the field.

 Kevin D. Rohr “kitchen clutter” said:

I read the entire reviews, some bad, some good. I went ahead and acquired one anyway. Yeah, it’s the hardhead syndrome. Big mistake. You probably have 5 minutes of time to calibrate the device each time you allow your car and feature another 5 minutes to face on the exit of the shop to calibrate the unit, then by all means, this item is for you. And don’t forget the stares you may get from folks while flying your “airplane” or walking in a large circle.

However, in case you don’t like to look foolish standing next in your car, flying the unit in great looping figure eights (identical to a toddler pretending to fly his toy airplane) and flipping in many times, then walking in a large circle to calibrate it, then pass in this thing. Oh yeah, and there’s no make certain that your calibration worked. You’ve got to copy your entire tips time and again (straight from the video from their website).

It takes a while to discover the satelites, then needs calibrated on every occasion you switch it on. And did I mention that it turns itself off after 5 minutes. So guess what? That’s right, another calibration cycle.

I have a Magellan Meridian Color GPS handheld and i’ve never needed to calibrate the compass. It knows what’s North and South anytime. I even have 2 boat sonars and a Navigation unit for my truck with inbuilt GPS and i’ve never needed to calibrate them.

So, i assume what I’m telling you is: The Bushnell company really fell flat on their face with this one.

Save your money for something worth while. I sent mine back for a reimbursement.

Nuff said.

Product Details

• Store and locate as much as five locations
• Utilizes the most recent digital technology: High sensitivity uBLOX GPS reciever, Self calibrating digital compass
• Weather resistant, Operates on 2 AAA Batteries (Not Included)
• Includes latitude, longitude coordinates and time/temperature/altitude
• Compact size stores easily to your pocket or purse, Includes fastening ring to connect to a backpack, purse, belt loop, and more

GPS made simple BackTrack Point-5 functions similarly to the alternative BackTrack products, but has some additional features to your outdoor adventure along with: a digital compass that still shows you your latitude and longitude coordinates; the present time, temperature, and altitude, in addition to the power to mark and store as much as 5 locations. Ideal for locating your car after an afternoon of hunting, tailgating, finding your as far back as your hotel in an unfamiliar city, attending to your favorite trailhead, and plenty more It’s also sufficiently small to stow inside your pack, purse, briefcase, or purse

Related GPS Trackers Products

Bushnell Backtrack Point-5 Personal GPS Locator (Gray)… ($61)

I just received and tested the Bushnell BackTrack 5 points.

Very easy to configure and to use. Really satisfied with it.

Why not 5 stars ?

Just due to the fact that the power turns off automatically after 5 minutes.

So if you’re using your BackTrack and you’re more than 5 minutes away from the destination you would like to go back, you’ve always to press a key within 5 minutes or the BackTrack will turn off.

In my opinion the turn off time should also be part of the basic configuration like time,temperature,distance,etc.

Bushnell Backtrack Point-3 Personal GPS Locator (Gray)… ($44)

This GPS points in the correct direction to get you back to your desired location only “some of the time”. This is very frustrating, especially when you are hunting in unfamiliar country. I want to count on it to get me back to camp or my truck every time so I test it when returning to my desired location and it points to the correct location about 75% of the time. I have had it point 180 degrees off, even when I ccould see my desired return point from 1/4 mile away. It is unreliable. 25% error in operation is unacceptable.

Bushnell BackTrack GPS Digital Compass Personal Locator Gray & Orange … ($40)

I took this to Peru and it got me back to my base camp near Lima from the jungles in northern Peru and from the mountains in southern Peru.

It has a 1,000 mile range on it and the memory markers were easy to set.

In the states I have used it on the Appalachian trail with no problems at all.

I’ve also used it when visiting cities like Charleston and Savannah when there is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant I want to find again.

It is very rugged and the battery is still reliable.

As far as accuracy, it gets me within 5 meters of my markers every time.

Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator… ($42)

This item is great for both the backwoods and shopping mall. I got it for my wife to find her car when she exits the mall… Yes, some of the parking lots are huge! The day that we received it, we went to a new park and brought the Backtrack along. By the time we got to the field that our grandson was at, we couldn’t see the parking lot, and there were 4 of them.

When the game was over, I pressed the automobile icon and followed the direction that the Backtrack pointed us to. It led us to within a few feet of the car!

It works great and is easy to use.

Customer Reviews

 Harendra De Silva said:

i’m sure it’s good. Since i’m new to programming it i’m having problems. After I load a map it gives a message, insufficient memory. i guess the micro sd card will solve it??

 Mountain Runner said:

i adore to deal with my stuff. So, once I got a glittery new eTrex Legend, I went attempting to find a case for it post-haste. This example came in at an inexpensive dollar amount and appeared to be reviewed fairly well. However, looking back, I must have paid greater attention to the warnings concerning the glare off the plastic screen cover.

The overall construction of this example is superb. About what you ought to expect out of a $15 neoprene case. The fit is sweet, the belt clip is decent, and the manner is definitely beyond anything in my wardrobe.

However, the duvet for the screen is miserable. Within the 6+ months that I had and used this example, there have been more times after I couldn’t see the screen than after I could. As time wore on, the screen protector began to get a little scuffed and the situation only worsened.

The best solution for keeping this case and a functional GPSr is to cut out the vinyl screen cover and use seperate screen protectors at the GPSr itself. This worked well for me for quite some time. However, I found another case (http://www.accucase.com/gps.html) which suited my needs better and gave this situation away.

3 out of 5 stars – The overall construction is pretty decent. However, I recommend that you DO NOT underestimate the screen protection glare. It is certainly a hurdle in buying/owning this example.

Product Details

• High-Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver Provides Peak Performance In Any Environment
• Features A 1.7-InchH X 1.3-InchW Screen With 256-Level Color TFT
• USB Compatible For top-Speed Map Downloads
• Built-In Basemap Includes Lakes, Rivers, Cities, Interstates, National & State Highways, Railroads & Coastlines
• 24 Mb Of Internal Memory Allows User To Load Waypoints & Routes From The Included Mapsource Trip & Waypoint Manager Software

Garmin eTrex Venture HC GPS (Factory Refurbished)

Related Geocaching Products

Refurbished Garmin eTrex Venture HC… ($109)

I am sure it is good. Since I am new to programming it I am having problems. When I try to load a map it gives a message, insufficient memory. I suppose the micro sd card will solve it??

Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($174)

I love this GPS.

Previously, I had a Magellan handheld GPS (with dim black and white display). It worked well for about 5 years… getting me from point A to point B while I drove my family around California to visit relatives. Recently, I decided that I wanted more so I bought an eTrex Vista CX.

Important features of this GPS are:

(1) it uses a Micro SD card. This allows for storage of A LOT of maps on the GPS. Buy a larger Micro SD card at Frys or eBay and you will be a happy camper. 128 or 256 megs will do the job. We recently took an Alaskan cruise, and I was able to upload all of California, Oregon, Washington, BC Canada, and Youkon onto the GPS with some room to spare. Having the ability to use a mini-SD card is very valuable if you are a traveler like me.

(2) Turn by turn directions **IF** you buy the correct software to go with it. I bought the MapSource® City Navigator North America DVD to get this feature. The key is to make sure that the map that you buy comes with “fully routable detailed maps” as Garmin likes to say. When you “upload” to the GPS, upload both maps and route info and you are set. By the way, don’t bother trying to steal (ie BitTorrent) the maps from the internet. It won’t work since maps are sold by Garmin and MATCHED TO THE SERIAL NUMBER OF EACH GPS. Just save some time, and buy the DVD online.

For those that don’t know, most GPS come with a “base map” that just has the basics (highways, points of interest). If you want every street and turn by turn directions, then you need to buy a map CD or DVD from the manufacturer. An exception to this are the Magellan Roadmates (and others) which come with a built in hard drive that has maps included. Read the box carefully for whatever you decide to buy.

(3) Legend vs. Vista and C vs. CX. Garmin makes models that are somewhat similar, and somewhat confusing. Here’s a quick way to tell them apart. VISTA is the same as the LEGEND, but with an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. An Electronic compass allows the compass to work well when you ARE NOT moving. This is important for when you are on foot and want to stop and get a good compass reading. The barometric altimeter uses pressure difference to check your altitude. The “C” in all Garmin GPS systems stands for color, “CX” means it is both color AND allows for a Micro SD card beyond the built in memory. This allows you to get more memory in the future as you need it, as maps become more detailed, and as micro SD card prices drop.

Various random thoughts:

(1) This GPS does a great job in the car. It does *NOT* give you the sort of “turn left here” verbal directions. If you need that, get a Magellan Roadmate (or TomTom, etc.) that will speak to you. The Garmin beeps at you in advance of a turn, and beeps again the moment when you should be making the turn. It also changes the display to show you a closeup diagram of what you should do next. It also has a screen which give you turn by turn TEXT instructions (turn left 0.5 miles onto highway 5, etc) very similar to what you get with Google Map driving directions.

(2) The map has a good sized display, assuming you DON’T have vision issues. Mounting the GPS on the windshield helps make it easy to see. The Magellan Roadmates have bigger displays and are designed for road use without looking at the GPS as much. Garmins like this one are “multiuse” designed to do a decent job in the car AND as a handheld for camping and backpacking while on foot. It also works great in a boat, and I’ve used it on cruise ships, ferries, etc.

(3) This GPS works great as a handheld. If you are on vacation, you can use it in the car AND then get out and walk with it (try that with a not as pocket sized Magellan Roadmate). The eTrex Vista easily fits in a pants pocket or around the neck on an lanyard, a Roadmate might fit in a pocket, but it’d have to be a bigger jacket pocket. Often, people mistake it for a digital camera around my neck.

(4) Battery life is awesome (using rechargable AAs) *IF* you have the backlight off. I would suggest using the backlight only when you have the GPS hooked to car or computer power. The TFT display looks good outside anyway without backlight. So use sunlight when walking.

(5) The user interface is much better than the current Magellan handhelds. It is more logical, and there are many more settings for the geek in us all. Unlike the Roadmate, it doesn’t have a touch screen. A small “joystick” and four buttons are used for all actions.

(6) The eTrex Vista CX connects to a computer using a standard usb to mini-usb cable. Transfer speeds are good, and much better than my old serial cable Magellan. Uploading and downloading to/from the GPS is straightforward and logical.

(7) More car info. The car power cable, coupled with the suction windshield mount works great. The backlight is very important while driving (day or night really), so get the car power cord. I have used this GPS 20 or more times with various rental cars. I just attach the suction mount to the car windshield, attach the GPS and power cord, and I’m off and driving. Before a trip, I use the Garmin Mapsource (Garmin Bobcat for Mac) software to set up “waypoints” for the trip. Once on the ground, I just tell the GPS to create a turn by turn driving directions and calculate a route to any waypoint I want. Works like a charm.

(8) COST: For this GPS, I bought the GPS itself, then a car power cable, then the Mapsource DVD, then a bigger mini-SD card, and finally, a suction mount for the car windshield. The GPS was about 0 (2005). The DVD was about 0. The rest, about . So I’m about 0 into this GPS. As of June 2008, I’ve used it for about 3.5 years with no problems. It’s still in perfect condition and still going strong. Just added a 2GB Micro SD card to the GPS. Now it holds the ENTIRE North America Map set!

Bottom line:

If you only want to use a GPS in your car, with audible turn by turn directions and a touch screen… get a Roadmate or TomTom or Garmin NuVi. If you want a smaller rugged “pocket sized” multi-use GPS (car, camping, backpacking, walking, boating) this great one and you will be very happy.

UPDATE 2010: Have moved over to a Garmin Nuvi 765T for use in the car. Still have the Etrex Vista as a backup and for use on foot. Still going strong.

Garmin eTrex Legend C Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($99)

Two months ago my family and I joined about 2.3 million others in leaving the Texas Gulf Coast as Hurricane Rita came our way. The road system could not handle that much traffic and a 3 hour drive turned into a 16 hour nightmare. Roads were clogged beyond capacity and I used a county map to navigate along back roads (gravel, shell, dirt and cowpath) to get ahead of a few thousand cars stopped on highways. That worked fine until the map ran out. Then we were stuck in traffic and melting heat. As we sat there I saw other people using nearby roads with confidence and I assumed they had better maps than I did. I was right, but their maps were on their GPS devices. The decision to buy a GPS was made then and there.

I did a lot of research trying to decide which device I wanted to buy and soon found myself lost in a sea of varying opinions. Right after reading a review that extolled the virtues of one unit I would read another that completely trashed it. Eventually I decided that the reviews here and at other sites were not going to give me the answer I was looking for and I would have to buy a device and try it for myself. Using reviews and some common sense I decided that the Garmin eTrex Legend C was a good bet for a trial and ordered it from Amazon.

After giving it a real workout this last week I have to report that this device is a dream. When I chose the Legend C it was my intention that be our introduction into GPS navigation on road and off as well as to use for Geocaching.

We began using it the day we got it by entering an address and navigating to a friend’s house on the other side of town. What amazed me was that it chose the same route I would have used, (from among several that were not as desireable). A few days later we used it on a 300 mile trip and it performed flawlessly. It even found our destination, a place in the middle of nowhere, past the end of the last marked road and in a pasture accessible only by a ranch road with no name (that was on the map I downloaded into the device from Garmin City Select Map CD). We used it in the field for several days and my son played with it almost constantly. Before we left to return home we used it to find our first geocache.

The Pros – Great battery life. I do recommend the 12 volt car power cable option because the backlight times out to conserve battery life. We used it for a week (kids sat there and played with it for hours trying to discover all of the features) and it’s still on the first set of batteries.

- Easy to read display. Like most other color displays it washes out a little when direct sun is shining on it, but unlike the color display on my cellular telephone it only takes a small adjustment in angle to see the readout well. The display is sharp and automatically changes at dusk and dawn to make itself easier to view in different light conditions.

- Amazingly accurate. When navigating, the device provides warning of upcoming turns by beeping and changing the display. As you get closer to the turn it displays a countdown to the number of seconds before the turn. We were astounded by how accurately it marked the turns to the second.

- Quality of optional maps from the City Select CD. We were out in rough country where even the marked county roads are unpaved and barely maintained. The number of no-name ranch roads scraped out by graders, or are trails marked only by the track of other vehicles that use it, are how people get around once off the highway. Other than some of the smaller tracks this map found every gravel or shell private road we came across. We even found some roads that we had not known existed before as we saw them on the map display while driving around.

Ability to maintain contact with satellites. If you plan to use this in the car I recommend that you turn it on outside the car first and let it find the satellites. It seems to work faster that way. However, while it may take longer for the Legend to find the satellites from inside a vehicle, no matter how it finds them once it acquires the satellite signals it hangs on to them from inside the car. The only way we ever got it to completely lose the signals was to hold it down well below the line of sight from any window. I purchased the optional vehicle mount that suction cups to the windshield and I always had a great signal. Outside, under medium cover, it held signals without a problem. I did not have major cover to deal with so I can’t say what would happen in a forest. I expect that the Legend would have the same problems as any GPS would when used under a heavy canopy of trees.

Cons – The device uses a small pointer button to maneuver through options on many of the menus. When trying to manipulate the pointer and then press it to enter an option, it is easy to make mistakes and make the cursor move when you meant to press “enter”. A minor hassle but one you should be aware of.

The display is small for use as in vehicles. I could read it allright, but if I were using the device only for in car navigation I would a larger readout. But, as I said I chose this unit to perform a variety of GPS jobs.

Pro and Con – The maps from the CD were fantastic. I have yet to find an error. The “unlocking” process was not as much a pain as I expected from reading other reviews, but it was not as user friendly as I would like.

Maps are loaded by sections and urban areas really eat up a lot of memory. My next unit will have more memory or an expansion slot to add memory via SD or CF cards.

Final analysis. If you are looking for a GPS device to perform a wide variety of tasks on and off road then I highly recommend the eTrex Legend C. As an entry level unit it is expensive, but the cheaper devices had limitations that I was not prepared to live with. More expensive units offer more memory and other things that are nice to have, and of course you can find devices that are more specifically designed and useful for more narrowly focused applications.

DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($120)

The Topo 6.0 maps that come with this unit contain surprisingly detailed topographic information. Most popular hiking trails are included. You can preview them at (you need to create a free account)…

data.delorme.com

The PN-20′s main rivals are the Garmin units. The Garmin mapping software can be previewed by following the appropriate links here…

www8.garmin.com/cartography

These topographic maps are generally inferior to those of the Delorme unit (you can discover this for yourself by accessing the websites above). The PN-20 nicely superimposes street and topographic/hiking info into the one map which I don’t believe the Garmin units do. The mapping software is included free with the purchase of the PN-20. You have to pay an additional amount of more than 0 for both topo and street maps with the Garmin units. One drawback of the PN-20 mapping software is that is highly user UNfriendly. Also, if you want to cut a large map section (say of the entire state of California, with all contour information included), it will take your computer many, many hours. It is possible however to download all street information, from interstate freeways down to tiny alleys, for an entire state, without contour information, in an hour or so. On the plus side, once you master it, the mapping software can be very powerful.

The screen is full-color as opposed to the Garmin models which only display 256 colors. The PN-20 can display aerial, satellite and usgs topo quad images that you download for {amazon:4:content}.25 per square kilometer. The unit comes with a free voucher for 0 of image downloads (400 sq. kilometers). This can be a very useful feature for hiking, as many unnamed trails and paths are visible from the air, and hence appear in the aerial photographs. One warning, if you have poor eyesight you might have difficulty reading the small type on the screen.

The signal reception is good. It works inside a car and under moderately dense canopy. Under very dense canopy it will loose the signal. The initial lock can take a few minutes, depending on how far you have moved since the device last registered a location. I haven’t used the Garmin units but my guess is that the PN-20′s signal reception is significantly better than the Etrex’s but not quite up there with the 60cx’s, which apparently acquires an initial lock within a few seconds. I’ve found the typical accuracy the device settles down to is roughly +/-50ft under some canopy, +/-30ft if you’re driving down a suburban street, and +/- 10ft if you’re on a freeway.

The battery life is good, ~8 hours with moderate use and medium backlight.

Auto-routing functionality is built in, but limited. If you want the unit to direct you from address A to address B you have to use the Topo 6.0 software on your computer, to create the route and then upload it onto the device. The procedure is fast and straightforward once you learn how to do it. The software enables you to create via and stop points for your route, which can be useful. You can also calculate road-routes by clicking on start and end points on the map (ie without entering addresses). Once you enable auto-navigation, below the map will be displayed the distance and expected time to next turn, the name of the street or exit, and an arrow indicating the direction to turn. It will beep twice for each turn, once to alert you in advance, and a second time to indicate when the actual turn should take place. All in all I found the auto-navigation feature was quite effective, though not as user-friendly as a purpose built auto-GPS such as the Garmin Street-Pilot. Perhaps the biggest downside to using this device for auto-navigation is that you have to wait a minute or two after switching it on for an initial-lock.

One general drawback is the slow processor. Map redraws can take up to 30 seconds depending on what information is being loaded, though typically they take 5-10 seconds. At times it can be frustrating, though for conventional use the delay is tolerable.

Another drawback is the street maps are a tad crude. For example, a curved street will appear as a couple of straight lines joined together. Also, some sections of the street maps are misaligned by more than 100ft. These are typically streets in suburban (non-metropolitan) areas but it can occasionally be frustrating, particularly when driving, as the unit can display your position as in between two roads. I believe the Delorme Street-Atlas maps don’t have this problem, but they are not compatible with the PN-20 yet (apparently Delorme is working on a patch to make them compatible).

All in all, the ability to display aerial photography and accurate hiking information makes this a break-through device, though the slow processor detracts a little from the novelty.