Category Archives: Handheld GPS

Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS Review

Posted on February 4, 2011

Garmin Rino 530HCx Navigator with Walkie is a child of the most advanced manufacturer of navigation systems – the American company Garmin, not tired to please their customers, releasing improved versions of existing receivers. Behold, now the turn of the popular symbiosis Rino GPS navigator and radio. For us to become the oldest of the models by Rino 520HCx, distinguished not least, for a station wagon as Rino, options, sensor, magnetic compass “and” sensor altimeter.

In general, the artistic reasons, Garmin Rino 530HCx is very similar to the hero of the science fiction novel of the last century, the brainchild of Dr. Frankenstein. Painfully, he horned and hilly, but not without, as the hero of the novel could. Between the two mighty horns perched mushrooms small power button and the back is decorated with lush hump battery, which can be envied, and Quasimodo.

The upper part is decorated with two antennas. One, the same as in the 60th series GPSMAP rubber helical antenna. The second antenna transmitter. On the back, closed with a rubber stopper has a port USB mini B, a fully standard interface used in most amateur cameras and many other devices so that the original cable loss is not as scary as it used to When used for Rino original interface cable, which lost a staff member had to be ordered from the factory, manufacturer replacement for the 27 dollars plus shipping!

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Display size not much different than the previous model of 520. The same high brightness, decent contrast very same as before. What is appealing only from the external elements Rino 530HCx, so it is certainly the joystick. Rubber cylinders with one hole – one of the top floor and is very sensitive in the management of the joystick. In truth, I want the same and the GPSMAP 60Sx see – 60CSx place available for them dubious rubber granules.

But the battery, which clips on the back of the appliance solution in general is controversial. In general, it is clear that the power of the radio requires more power than just a navigator who is satisfied with a voltage of 2.4-3B. Here we have the 8.4 V battery and a capacity of 2400 mAh, but see what has happened in a remote area and there is not enough standard AA batteries, which can be bought at any kiosk, on a bus in each city on this planet, there will certainly pripadat into the electricity grid. True, the manufacturer has supplied carefully their descendants blocks provide 100-240V and a set of different adapters.

Under the battery, as in the 60-series, there is a slot for microSD cards. In this, a specific delivery devices that are not equipped with memory, as before, it brought in outside options, but we conducted an experiment with a 2GB card on which the map of Europe Version 2008, Download Map of Roads and again a few cards from the category of the free movement of. Conflicts or incorrect operation was not revealed. All cards are perfectly coexist. Routing is very effective, paving the route on a map in the map.

For example, had no problems have been counted trip to Madrid and Amsterdam, Europe. Calculation Rino was quite successful and was ready to lead us to the end of the world as it should be that the isolation and identification showing upcoming turns, and not all talk Garminovsky navigator.

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As the radio unit as well, is not so bad. In the economy mode 2W surely pierced a concrete floor, and the maximum power 5W worked at a distance of about 2.5 – 3 kilometers punching a small forest, a connection to the same radio station. Unfortunately unable to test for compatibility with earlier models Rino 530HCx, for example, Rino 130, but with his brother Rino 530, perfect device to communicate their location.

Function is very useful, for example during the hunt, when, instead of embedding both barrels to a suspicious noise in the bushes you can see, or not at this moment, in the same direction as one of your comrades with the same radio channel as a navigator and you.

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General impression of the equipment was very pleasant. Its use expanded. This hunt, auto-moto hiking, rafting and more. We think that in this particular model Garmin almost perfection. True, I would like to be fed and to charge the device via the interface port, but it will probably be taken into account in the next model, which we will certainly please the producer.

Suunto Vector Wrist-Top GPS Watch Review

Posted on February 3, 2011

Although the name suggests otherwise Wristop Computer, Suunto’s line of uber-watches are not just people with a fetish for the latest techno-toys. This rough time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Vector watch sports a barometer, an altimeter and a compass.

Barometric mode of the vector indicates the current barometric pressure and temperature and barometric recent. The trend display can be used for rough weather predictions do not change height. After making the initial setting of the Vector was able to provide us with fairly accurate barometric measurements over the Internet weather readings for our region.

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We encounter a problem with the temperature readings from the barometer mode, as it can be influenced by body heat. Suunto recommends removing the watch from your wrist for 15 minutes for a more reliable temperature – not exactly the most convenient options.

The altimeter, which barometric altimeter measurements are used, is not exact, either. And depending on the weather, we had to reset the altimeter at least once a day. But its usefulness to local walks, noting height with an accuracy of 10 meters after a reset, and also to show us how fast we increased or decreased in height in the log of the Vector’s (which holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is the digital compass – after an initial calibration (we found out that the use of these powerful watch a lot of tweaks required), it kept our heads in the right direction with the readings in both directions and degree. We just had to remember to maintain the watch – to maintain the normal angle of the compass, chronometer reading skewed results.

And, oh yes, the Vector also keeps time. His time mode displays day and date with 12 – or 24-hour period. It also has three daily alarms, a stopwatch and a timer. Even while using the other modes, the Vector displays the current time at the bottom of the screen.

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The Vector has a nice, bright backlit display and is waterproof to 100 meters – as long as any buttons. We did not go down that far, but the surface without any problem from the bottom of our 12-meter deep pool.

You definitely know this big watch on your wrist, but if you’re an avid adventurer who loves techno-gadgets hardy enough for the outdoors, the Vector is your watch. It is the watch Grizzly Adams would have worn.

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Features

Watch, altimeter, barometer and a compass
Altimeter with 24-hour memory and log
Bubble level for accurate compass readings
3 alarms, stopwatch and countdown timer
Stylish design, waterproof to 100 meters

Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged altimeter, gps watch, handheld gps, suunto gps, suunto vector | 1 Comment

Hewlett-Packard iPAQ 310 Review

Posted on January 5, 2011

If you boot almost any device from HP, you get a splash screen and shouted: “HP Invent.” This is pure marketing shtick, but in the case of the new HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion, it’s really true: The device offers innovation that competitors have not. When you first open the box, the iPAQ 310 looks like any other widescreen GPS unit, but once you start it up, you’ll quickly discover that it is far from ordinary. The device features the highest resolution 4.3-inch screen I’ve seen, and it delivers stunning 3D graphics. The iPAQ 310 offers most of the features you would expect in a GPS to find at this price, including a capable text-to-speech engine, extensive multisegment routing and a convenient Bluetooth phone interface. Live traffic information, which is not included, supported with an optional TMC receiver.

Most GPS devices are built around Windows CE 5.0 have processors that run somewhere between 300 – and 400-MHz clock speeds. The iPAQ 310 is considerably more power from the new SiRFtitan SiRF Technology’s 600-MHz ARM11 dual-core processor. A new integrated chipset, the SiRFtitan is essentially an SOC (System on Chip) and the iPAQ 310 is the first product. A core provides processing for an application and the other core is an integrated vector floating-point unit for 3D graphics acceleration. The SiRFtitan also includes an ultra-sensitive 40-channel GPS receiver. The 4.3-inch screen has a size of a traditional WQVGA screen, but at 800 by 480 pixels, the resolution is almost three times higher than that of a GPS display on the market. The fast processor, coupled with the high resolution display, the device for 3D images with amazing clarity. In 40 major metropolitan areas, even 3D buildings.

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The iPAQ packs all this power in a slim 3.4-by-4-by-0.3 .7-inch (HWD) unit that weighs only 6.6 grams with its 1700 mAh lithium-ion battery. An added bonus: The battery is removable and user replaceable, so you need never run out of juice. At 0.7 inches thick, the iPAQ 310 shares bragging rights with the Magellan Maestro 4250 as the thinnest personal navigation device market. The 310, like many GPS devices, has a windshield with a suction cup mount and an adhesive disk for dashboard mounting. The mounting bracket can be adjusted vertically, which, combined with a ball-and-socket connection, provides full control over the placement of the device to the windshield. The bottom of the device fits into a slot in the bracket, and a simple clip keeps the top in place. Power is supplied to the iPAQ 310 via mini-USB cable that connects to a port protected by a rubber tab on the right side of the device. Still, I prefer a device that picks up the power of her braces. It is much easier to connect the power cable once the bracket is to be connected to the device every time you mount it. The iPAQ 310 bundles both AC and DC power cord and a carrying case to protect the unit when not in use.

When you first switch on the iPAQ 310, you immediately notice the crisp, clear images. The “home” screen shows date and time, Bluetooth status, battery status, an icon for the volume, and a lock icon to lock the screen. In the middle of the screen, there is a large icon to start the navigation program and a series of small icons labeled Music, Contacts, Extras and Settings. The entertainment menu options for playing music or video, photo viewing, and five games. The music player and photo viewer works well, just like the video player in the treatment of WMV files but AVI and MOV files would not play. The “Contacts” feature gives you access to your address book, you can import from Outlook. “Extras” provides access to a calculator, a three-zone world clock, and the phone menu.

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The top-level navigation menu is simple. The large icon in the middle of the screen the card, along with icons to Go, Nav extras, Route, and Settings. Icons to access the phone dialer, the route status list, the music, and volume displayed on the top of the map. Along the bottom of the screen are several fields that switch between different values when touched. There is also an icon with the GPS status, a menu icon, and a field that reports estimated arrival and travel times. With an active route, the center at the top of the screen shows your current road and switch to the next street name, distance to next maneuver, and turn direction. A large turn arrow also appears in the left corner of the screen.

You can really see the benefits of high-resolution screen and robust graphics processor in the map. Using the scroll wheel on the right side of the device, you can zoom in on a street-level perspective or zoom all the way to a 2D view. If you tap the screen, adding icons appear briefly. These icons allow you to switch between 2D and 3D, zoom in or out, select one of the three perspectives, and switch between full screen and normal view map with all icons visible. Two additional icons also let you rotate the map clockwise or counterclockwise, a feature I have not seen on any other device.

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To map a route, you just tap Go. Options for creating a destination address, Favorites, POI, Home, Work, History, Contacts, point on the map, or coordinates, or you can load a previously saved route. Search for an address, you enter the city, street name and house number or navigate to City Center, Center Street, or an intersection. The iPAQ 310 includes the full USA Info point-of-interest (POI) database with 12 million POIs. You can search for POIs near your current location, near your destination, your route or near a point on the map. Another way to find a POI may be found in one of the 18 categories or in all categories, results can be displayed by distance or alphabetically. Five vehicle routing problems profiles, three routing methods (short, rapid, most economical), and a list of seven “avoidances” lets you tailor your route to your preferences.

The iPAQ 310 comes excellent navigation performance. In tests, the text-to-speech feature street names pronounced properly. And routes generated by the device similar to those made by other Tele Atlas-based GPS products I’ve reviewed. Automatic re-routing after a missed turn was soon. While traveling through New York City, I found the 3D rendering of the construction detail-less-capable processor could not reach. But I’ve found that the Bluetooth phone interface, which is associated with the POI database is not automatically to my phone again during testing, as it should. I chalk it up to the large number of phones of the device must support. Your experience may vary. My only major complaint with the small font used for the fields at the bottom of the screen. I found myself looking for my reading glasses on arrival and the remaining travel time to read.

Generally, the fast processor, a high-resolution screen, excellent 3D capabilities, and large POI database to your HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion is an excellent navigation system.

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Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged 4.3-inch gps, bluetooth gps, hewlett-packard gps, hp gps, hp ipaq, portable gps, widescreen gps | 1 Comment

Magellan eXplorist GC Geocaching GPS Review

Posted on December 22, 2010

The eXplorist GC is developing a handheld GPS unit specifically for geocaching. Priced at $ 149, it should be as affordable as it is easy to use.

First announced last week, three new Magellan eXplorist device to extend 510, 610 and 710 of the eXplorist line with these enthusiast-level products. They are more expensive than the GC, they all come with a 3.2 megapixel camera and a 3-inch touch screen. The GC has a 2.2-inch display that is not sensitive to touch. How Tough Case Magellan eXplorist iPhone case GC is powered by the SiRFstarIII GPS chipset.

The eXplorist GC weighs 5.5 ounces and, thanks to a rubbery texture and rounded shape to fit comfortably in your hand. The unit does not heat is so comfortable to hold, but it’s also a belt clip (not included) and a loop on the bottom for strapping it to something. The GC runs on two AA batteries that are kept behind a secure, lockable panel. You should be fine for about 18 hours of operation, according to Magellan. It is IPX-7 compatible, so that it is waterproof, and the device is designed to handle a few drops. If you want to drop it, you should have no problem outside their neon green.

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The lack of a touchscreen means of control must be the stick and the buttons under the edit screen. The buttons are rubbery, so they are easy to grip and you will rarely miss a click. The control stick (which is like a button is pressed) is not as good. It is short enough that pushing in one direction may also urge them to run in. It’s not a big problem, but as your only means of controlling them they should get exactly the right thing. Things are really bad if you try to notes in the device as picking letters to enter pretty boring.

The 2.2-inch display is not high resolution, but it does its job without problems. See what’s hard on the screen in direct sunlight, but other than that it’s okay. Touch screens have their drawbacks, but I’m curious in the eXplorist 510/610/710 action. Even so, the viewing angles are good, so you do not have to think it’s perfect to get the desired information. A small screen with small text but so if you have no great vision that you test this out before you could buy it.

The software on the eXplorist GC is deliberately simple. The main screen has only a few icons and then once you get one level down (say in the card or cache) to obtain the desired information, but little else. Then open a context menu and other advanced options. To be fair this only in comparison to what is normally the GC offers advanced display the map tells you where you are and how far a particular point of you, but from the context menu to make your recording a track or, say whether north or change your position on the map. The user interface is simple and intuitive, but it is slow to respond and not as enthusiast products.

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is easy with paperless geocaching designed the GC very well tells you where you are and where you want to go. It stores information about caches, such as name and location obviously, but also size, difficulty, terrain, spoilers and more. You can close it to geocaching.com for premium services (30-day trial version is included), you can find caches in your area and see members-only caches. There are 1000 pre-installed cache, so that you do not hook up to the point to you if you do not want.

The eXplorist is good at geocaching, but it has some weaknesses. The device does not have an internal compass (direction, it is based charts on your recent location readings) and it takes too long to find a signal. In my tests, it has usually 1-2 minutes for a GPS lock, which was frustratingly slow times to get. This was achieved by switching to the latest firmware (v1.4), because I have some serious problems still looking for a signal with v1.0 (which it shipped with) have improved. Once a signal is found when a firm hold on him and the SiRFstarIII provides sufficient accuracy. It is at 3-5 meters under real test is doing well evaluated. Also in New York also leads the eXplorist for a device with the $ 150 price point, without significant hiking and good consistency run to run. It has WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS, it has advantages over smaller GPS devices (such as a smartphone) means. When searching for a cache, it will probably not be perfect, but you will have a firm idea of where you where you want to be.

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If you are looking to get into Geocaching, and you do not want to spend much money, then the eXplorist GC a good starting point. It is designed to meet a few simple tasks and it is treated well, but it starts to feel limited. If you are using expensive GPS device or you are the type of person who geeking begin soon on the user interface and advanced features will be the eXplorist GC probably not up to task. The eXplorist is easy to use and it is cheap, but it would benefit from a touch screen and it is probably something you’ll grow out very long.

Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged geocaching gps, gps navigator, magellan gps, waterproof gps | 1 Comment

DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Review

Posted on December 14, 2010

When it comes to hand-held GPS navigation comes DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is my idea of a perfect navigation device. It might not hurt, says that a state of the art design and solid performance has always been a trademark of the company. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 calls for undivided attention when you actually look at him and thinking of buying one. And if you’re a professional who desperately needs a hand is held GPS navigation system that can be counted blind to PN-40. It will never let you down! You can take me to my words because I have some experience with this device. Only a feeling you of what it really means, I have decided to take you through a small review, and I’ll try to cover as many functions as possible.

It is robust, it is waterproof (IPX7 standard, the unit can survive in water for 30 minutes at a depth of 30 feet average) and is a regular performer when the external conditions are very demanding. The screen is transflective and can be easily read in daylight. The TFT screen of 65-K colors is manufactured by Sharp and is suitable for any type of lighting conditions. Going deep into the hardware, the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 set used 32-channel GPS chip STMicroelectronics Cartesio, which is very sensitive. The chipset has pictures and maps on preloaded.

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I came across a very interesting and impressive appearance, and I personally feel that it is not mentioned in this post is a real injustice. First interesting thing that come in your notice that DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 data layers. In this capacity, the device can select the user on the type of image or a card that he or she wants to use for a particular location. It thus allows a more complete and comprehensive look at the geography around it! That’s cool. Honestly, if I turn nothing to do bored and I to different types of images and maps and learn more about my immediate situation. It’s fun!

The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is equipped with the updated and pre DeLorme Topo USA mapping software. This software is the full version of the software Topo USA and includes all the advanced GPS and desktop features. DVDs for East, West and Central Africa regions are also included and contains maps that cover every single detail on the streets of the United States and its topography. The box contains Quick Start Guide, a 1 GB SD card, two AA batteries, detailed instructions, annual subscription for a card worth $ 29.95 Library, which allows unlimited downloading of data.

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I have this question to one of the experienced users of the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40. He informed me that the device was used in expeditions in the Antarctic and the Arctic. I really was not answered, but he continued and said that the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 fully operational under situations with high humidity, persistent humidity (90% maintenance level) and heavy rain remains. It also copes with the situations of vibration. Last but not least, the biggest surprise was yet to be highlighted! The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 has an operating temperature range from -20 C and +75 C. I’m certainly going to die in either of these two extremes! He also mentioned that DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 quickly to temperature changes between this area. I somehow finally managed to say WOW!

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Conclusion

It’s really difficult to get a GPS navigator to find from this format. With dual-core processor, compass grid rotation of 360 with electronic 3-axis, the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is without doubt the best GPS navigator that money can buy for you. If you think it’s better that you go for something else to think otherwise stop and get a PN-40, which will surely become lifetime assets.

Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged delorme earthmate, delorme gps, gps navigator, hiking gps, waterproof gps | 1 Comment

Garmin Oregon 550T Review

Posted on December 9, 2010

We usually have in-car satellite navigation devices Garmin saw here. But the company is probably as well known for its sports and outdoor GPS devices known. Oregon brought the 300 touch screen technology and Ordnance Survey maps and handheld navigation is the latest in the line of the Oregon 550t, which comes with a more detailed topographic map as a standard and a built-in camera.

The basic specification of 550t is very similar to the 300. It weighs 193g with batteries is the same, robust to withstand knocks and drops and is waterproof to IPX7 standards. This means that it can survive up to half an hour under a water meters, should take it when it is flushed into a river by accident or crash your tent. There is a mounting spine on the back for a carabiner, so you can 550t attach to your clothing or backpack.

The two most significant new hardware features are the aforementioned camera and a three-axis digital compass. The 3.2-megapixel camera sports and is in the back of the device installed in a manner similar to a mobile phone. It offers auto focus and takes pictures acceptable. Even in relatively low light, it takes a better picture than many smartphone cameras.

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But the 550T camera is not there to replace your mobile photography skills. Its real strength lies in its geotagging feature. This is something that can be a bit of a gimmick, especially camcorders. But in Oregon, it makes sense. If you have a visual record of where were you want to take a GPS-equipped camera requires one or two minutes to find their bearings before location information can be stored with your images. In contrast, assuming you have the 550t during your trip, it is ready to act immediately.

When you browse photos in the library, you can simply call, a map showing the location of all of which are geotagged and this will be installed on the topographic map instead of the very limited supply of those cameras and camcorders are displayed with this device . Best of all, provide photos of the destination options, so you can geotag every image, which is ideal for all types of applications, such as the scientist tracking the location of plants they have discovered to navigate. Couple this with the 550t, the ability to send data wirelessly with other Oregon Garmin devices, and you have a strong expansion of the outdoor GPS’s use.

The display has an extremely poor viewing angle, but in practice this is only a problem when you try to show something on the screen to someone else. Most of the time, you can angle the unit so you can see quite clearly, although care must be taken to avoid reflections. Thanks to the three-axis compass, the 550T are held in every corner and the card should remain properly aligned with respect to the real world. That’s because it determines the Earth’s magnetic field in X, Y and Z directions. Devices with dual-axis compasses only work reliably when held parallel to the ground.

Although the 300 came preloaded with only a basic map, the 550t ships with what Garmin calls a recreational map of Europe. This is topographical (hence the “t” in the name of the 550T) and includes water, road details, plus a variety of points of interest such as hotels, restaurants and pubs. The 550t is a 4 GB memory on board, so it is still the same 850 MB of free offers for uploaded data, such as the 300. There is a microSD slot is available for quick installation of the cards. Garmin offers its usual array of options through its Ordnance Survey GB Discoverer area. These are on a scale of 1:50,000 or 1:25,000, depending on the particular package, and are far from cheap, costing around 120 each. But this is probably due to the violent Ordnance Survey license fees rather than Garmin greedy.

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The 550T includes a variety of widgets that could come in handy for hikers. Times for the Sun and Moon can be displayed on rise and set, as well as to fish the good times of the day, go on feeding activity estimates. There is a computer environment that prompts you to walk around the perimeter of the room then figures out its size. The trip computer displays information like distance, average speed and average speed while moving. The man overboard system marks the current position immediately to navigate back starts to operate it, you quickly pick up someone who has fallen out of the boat. You can also maps in 3D, which may be useful for getting your bearings on certain occasions.

The Oregon 550t offers the same fun-oriented institutions such as the 300. It supports geocaches, you can also download it from Geocaching.com to the device and then use it to find the sites. Whereigo location-based games are also compatible. The 550T has an identical Sci-Fi-based learning program on the 300, and you can also further “cartridge” or create your own website on the Whereigo.

In keeping with the 550t Premium status, it comes with a pair of 2,000 mAh batteries and a charger supplied. But these are still AA format, so you can take a supply of regular alkaline cells as a backup. Garmin claims with a duration of 16 hours use of new or fully charged batteries, which should cover a few days hiking.

Conclusion

Although the list price for the Garmin Oregon 550t is close to 500 EUR, we have already seen it for closer to 300 on a number of retail sites. This still does not do exactly a bargain, and it is even more of a serious hiker GPS than the 300 was. But it is the job it was designed very well off, and the geotagging integration is very well executed. So if your outdoor activities to record from a seamless ability to create a still picture where you would benefit do is list the Garmin Oregon 550t without peer.

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Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged 3-inch gps, garmin gps, garmin oregon, gps navigator, handheld gps | 1 Comment

Garmin Dakota 20 Waterproof GPS Review

Posted on November 19, 2010

We tested the Garmin Dakota 20 on mountain biking, hiking, and running. The Dakota 20 well fits outdoor style. I do not do multi-day backcountry trips, but on walks, bike rides, runs, and kayak day trips are all things I enjoy, and the Dakota 20. The compact size (2.2 x 3.9 x 1.3 inches, compared with the Garmin Oregon at 2.3 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches) and light weight never seemed like a burden. Also, unlike its larger relative, it does not look out of place attached to a bicycle handlebar. Fitness-oriented users can purchase the optional belt clip ($ 7.23) Bike mount ($ 9.99), heart rate monitor strap ($ 60), or bike cadence sensor ($ 60).

This kind of flexibility is for those who thought that a GPS along for several activities, but do not want to spend accepted for separate, specialized GPS devices for each activity.

Garmin makes the best of the Dakota 20 smaller screen (2.6 inches diagonal, compared to the Oregon 3 inches diagonal) by providing a large font mode for the trip meter, the speed and moving time shows in a large, easily visible fat when the unit is mounted on a bicycle handlebar. The screen is otherwise very adaptable to the Dakota 20′s multiple modes and for the most part the controls are intuitive and easy. I found the screen brightness and sharpness to be acceptable in broad daylight, and it is adjustable.

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The feature list is long, including a compass, paperless Geocaching Waypoint Manager (1000 waypoint capacity), Track Manager (capacity 200), stopwatch and more. The Dakota 20 comes with a simple base map, but you must purchase one of the many optional Garmin maps for specific tasks. Insert optional maps via SD card, DVD or download.

The Garmin Dakota 20 is designed to be a versatile, do-it-all, rugged, touchscreen handheld GPS that is small enough to take comfortable on a run or mount on a bicycle, but significant enough to trust as your GPS on a multi-day backpack trip. You can even in a vehicle and place it in auto-routing mode. And yes, it can download charts and has a nautical chart mode. Geocacher Geocaching appreciate his dedicated functions. It is rugged and absolutely waterproof, and went my dipping test (do not try that with the iPhone). Overall, the Dakota is 20 an excellent value in a versatile and compact handheld.

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Features

Color Mapping, Touch Screen, GPS handheld.
Unit dimensions: 2.2″ x 3.9″ x 1.3″ (5.5 x 10 x 3.3 cm)
Display Size: 1.43″ W x 2.15″ H (3.6 x 5.5 cm), 2.6″ diagonal (6.6 cm)
Weight: 5.25 oz (148.8 g) with batteries
Batteries: 2 AA Battery life: 20 hours.
Water sealing
Base map, but no pre-installed topo or marine/lake maps. These are optional
Accepts microSD card.
Waypoints/Favorites/Location Capacity: 1,000. Routes: 50 Tracklog, 200 saved track.

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Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged garmin dakota, garmin gps, gps navigation, handheld gps, hiking gps, waterproof gps | 3 Comments

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color Review

Posted on November 2, 2010

Is the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx the nuts and bolts of the rugged, portable GPS receiver? After stumbling in the dark, which took decades, we have that one afternoon we just had too much time on our hands. For some reason, we ended up discovering the art of geocaching and to our faithful friend Garmin eTrex Vista HCx in hand, we lost a whole day trying to find always absolutely packed wet.

Our Geocaching day was an adventure, but it also gave us a great opportunity to take a look this portable and functional GPS receiver. After adventures around the country geocaching, we have recognized that there if you ever go away are in the beaten track, then a hand-held GPS receiver so much fun.

The WAAS-enabled GPS is the biggest attraction for potential buyers, and we found that Garmin were not kidding when they said it was very accurate and very sensitive. While running is not about the country the most accurate tests, we found that we really were, where they said we were! It is not only sensitive, but locks quickly and accurately delivers even without WAAS.

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The reasonable size, color screen is a pleasure to use. It is all too often these days that you something that will receive Great Indoors works, only in a complete failure outdoors. The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx had no problems, even the sunniest days and the unit, the backlight is bright and has a great responsibility to ensure that, whatever the conditions, the display will be deleted.

One of the main strengths of the Garmin eTrex Vista is the fact that the unit completely waterproof and ruggedized – ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Keys are rubberised and easy to use and the device is truly waterproof. It is not floatable, however, so while he was the most severe weather conditions, which could happen if it sinks to the bottom of a lake to survive know!

The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx takes AA batteries and lasts around 25 hours on a single charge. You can probably expect between 18 – 23 hours from realistic use.

Clearly know where you go is a kind of the point of a GPS – so with the digital compass is included with the Garmin, we must admit we were a bit disappointed, because you can not with a digital compass, until you get below a certain speed. That’s all well and good, but combined with the fact that you have to make sure you keep the GPS completely level to operate as a table, it is fussy and more a gadget than a tool.

The barometric altimeter was just as you expect it – and while it needs to be calibrated, it does exactly what it says and integrated with the Garmin in the recording of waypoints, automatic routing, and letting you know exactly where you are. Once set up it is to operate a children’s game. If only the compass, this was easy!

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With two modes of automatic routing, you can choose from a “distance” direct route to your destination for off-road chases, or use the navigation on the road. To the best of the automatic transmission and the Garmin, you need to optional Garmin eTrex Vista HCx navigator cards like the city to acquire the offer much more detail.

The Garmin eTrex Vista comes with the standard base map that is included with all Garmin products. If you want to make the most of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx to have to go to update the cards at some point and buy more.

It’s actually quite easy to save your trip information on how you marked with eTrex Vista as the track logs go, what is essentially a breadcrumb along your goal of recording your speed and altitude.

For the fans of geo-caching, Garmin, including a special geo-caching mode, the compass for navigation when you come closer to the target switches.

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Conclusion

Great value, high-quality GPS receiver, but no maps included, except the base card means that you need to buy additional Garmin eTrex Vista HCx cards.

By and large, lives the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx until his reputation is as one of the affordable, rugged handheld GPS receiver. There is a reason why Garmin is the market leader, and that’s because they do what they know. The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx the best price now below $ 300 from sites like Amazon, you can pick up an award-winning GPS that really take you anywhere.

Overall, while we found this a fantastic piece of kit, the eTrex Vista lacks some advanced features and there are some minor quirks in the software, for example, the Geocaching compass and leave a bit to be desired, and a few more Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Accessories such as micro SD card would be fantastic. But for under $ 300, you can not really find affordably priced GPS device.

Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged color gps, garmin gps, gps navigator, handheld gps | 1 Comment

Magellan Triton 500 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review

Posted on October 18, 2010

GPS devices have come a long way in recent years become more popular. The screens are getting larger and easier to see, the sizes smaller, and the properties of complex. If you’re a hardcore serious need for hand-held GPS unit for bushwacking in the backcountry or off piste, it is easy to justify buying a $ 300 device plus.

But for the rest of us, so $ 400 seems like a lot for a gadget that you use only a few times a year can. If you have a handheld GPS device that has a color display, multiple functions and compact size (but do not break the bank), then Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver is probably the best choice.

The Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver may not have the largest and most impressive handheld GPS device, but it should not be. What the Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver is supposed to be an affordable device, the handheld GPS has a number of features that offer more expensive devices, but at a fraction of the cost. Let’s do it this way, if the more expensive hand-held GPS devices such as a brand new house, then the Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver is like a new town house are. It looks and behaves like the more expensive units, but is built in a more economical way.

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So what makes the Magellan Triton 500 GPS receivers have a low price but still expensive compared with the devices? One of the things that keeps prices low on the Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver is the smaller screen. Yourself to the small screen, but sport Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver is a full-color display is scratch resistant and designed to be readable even in direct sunlight.

Another feature of the Magellan Triton 500 GPS receiver cheaper make up their own size. While its not huge by any means, it is a bit bulkier than the more expensive GPS devices. They sacrifice a little smoothness for a lower price.

Key Features:

Bright, sunlight-readable and scratch resistant screen is easy to see in almost any light
Powerful processor handles dynamic routing and multi-tasking with ease, finger-friendly user interface makes navigation a breeze
Digital compass provides accurate driving direction and enables the user’s eyes, and navigate precisely camp
Barometric altimeter to determine precise altitude analyzes differences in pressure, pressure-tracking helps users forecast weather
Expandable memory via SD cards (sold separately) allows for storage of maps, audio, photos and more
Imports maps from Magellan MapSend product series as well as popular software such as National Geographic TOPO and Mountain Dynamics
Triton 500 is rugged rubber casing is easy to grip, lift loop for easy attachment to clothing or packages
Waterproof construction keeps unit functioning, meets IEC 60529 lPX7 standards (submersible to 1 meter for 30 min.)
Strong SiRFstarIII chipset provides fast satellite lock and reception in narrow valleys, dense forests and urban jungle
WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver delivers accuracy within 10 ft. in North America
Comes with preloaded base map of the continental United States, Alaska and Canada along with a catalog of the major attractions

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Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged hiking gps, magellan gps, magellan triton, waterproof gps | 1 Comment

Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit Review

Posted on September 29, 2010

The new Garmin Colorado 400t is one of a series of four Colorado models, was introduced in early 2008 as the next generation of portable GPS. The Colorado lives, this promise with an innovative new wheel, easy-to-use menu system, large, crisp color screen, 3D map, and much more.

There is a lot to cover, starting with the “Rock ‘n Roller” input wheel and guide menu system. With Colorado, for the first time ever I was an advanced handheld GPS and pick my way through almost all of its functions only by intuitive selection and a little experimentation, no manual needed. This is a big plus, and a step forward in the GPS design. What is more, the Rock ‘n Roller wheel so easy to use and compact, you can operate the unit with one hand (or rather, a worn).

The wheel part of the Rock ‘n Roller rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and can be used to move through the menu lists on the screen or to increase or decrease to be on a map. The wheel also responds to the top, bottom, right and left, expresses a pan card, for example. Making the “Enter” button in the middle of the Rock ‘n Roller to the menu selection, etc. is positioned Overall, the wheel is a brilliant and complete navigation tool (there are only two buttons on the unit), which was compared to a to control the iPod.

Simple menu system

It is not unusual to get lost in a maze of options in the menu system of an advanced GPS mapping. But Garmin has an excellent working to simplify and implemented the organization of the menu system. Press the “Shortcuts” button at the upper right corner above, then with the Rock ‘n Roller wheel to scroll through the main options, including map, compass, waypoint, altitude, other options, setup, on-board computer, and “where” (title, caches, etc.).

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The “Options” button at the top left of the screen provides access to the available options for the selected menu item. For example, helping the option button in map mode, a pre-installed map. As in the computer mode, press the “Options” you can reset or change data fields or modes.

Big Color Screen

In addition to the Colorado’s innovative technology is an extra large (1.53″ W x 2.55″ H (3.8 x 6.3 cm), 3″ diag (7.6 cm) color thin film transistor (TFT ) screen that offers rich details and colors show the big screen. nice detail and is especially useful when viewing site in 3D mode (more on that later). The screen is easily visible in bright daylight, and in fact I like the device successfully in full sun on a ski slope. However, I would to see the brightness in the situation, one or two stages to go higher in future releases.

Extras

The Garmin Colorado 400t has a full suite of functions (listed separately on the next page) as you would expect in a $ 600 handheld, but there are a few worth mentioning separately. A portion wireless feature allows the sharing of waypoints, routes, tracks and geocahces with other Colorado units. It is easy to do through the menu system as well.

3D view is a prominent feature in the Colorado 400t model (more about the different models on the next page) was built. When in 3D mode, makes the Colorado a rich and shaded 3D view of the terrain. What’s more, when in 3D mode, you can pan, zoom, and change the perspective angle with the Rock ‘n Roller wheel and offers an excellent overview of the terrain around you.

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The Colorado’s “setup” mode, you can easily switch between recreational, geocaching, automotive, marine, and fitness modes, each of which provide context-appropriate menu selection in all modes. This contributes to the Colorado quite versatile, with the availability of a wide range of topo, parking and road maps on SD card.

Geocaching is easier than ever to import in the Garmin line with the addition of a logical Geocaching-and side, and the ability to GPX files, and geocaches descriptions. Garmin also offers tools for playing Wherigo location-based adventures and games.

garmin Colorado Games Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit Review

Recommended accessories include: Auto Navigation Kit, Vehicle power cable, carrying case, rechargeable NiMH battery kit, heart rate monitor (Colorado has a heart rate monitor mode), cadence sensor, bike handlebar mounting kit, marine mount.

Summary

Overall, the Garmin Colorado 400t lives up to its promise, a next-generation handheld GPS. The Rock ‘n Roller wheel and accompanying menu system are easy to use in the field, even with a slightly gloved hand. The 400T is built very sturdy with a metal and rubber armored case. The battery compartment and bars are easy to use, and keep the SD card slot clean and dry. The Colorado USB PC connectivity, you can quickly and easily upload songs and other data, and download firmware upgrades, geocache information, etc. The 3D view offers great opportunities awareness of surrounding terrain. The Colorado high-sensitivity receiver picked up reliable satellite signals in steep and wooded terrain. It’s a great receiver for a wide range of outdoor activities.

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Posted in Handheld GPS | Tagged garmin colorado, garmin gps, handheld gps | Leave a comment

Category Archives: Handheld GPS

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