Garmin has recently released their newest version of the popular eTrex line of trail GPS receivers. I know people hate to change from what they know and like, but all indications are that Garmin hit a homerun with the upgrades. For starters they gave it a new and improved user interface. In the past people have complained that it took time to learn to use a Garmin GPS. They've made great strides in changing this. The interface is more intuitive and you have the option to select from different profile settings which will adjust the features putting the options you will use the most at your fingertips. For example, if you are hunting you are going to use different features than if you are fishing. It's a handy feature.
A nice new addition is a worldwide basemap. Now, the eTrex 10 is not a mapping GPS so don't expect the basemap to have detailed topographic features. You will see countries, major cities, etc. It will not drill down to specific roadways. The basemap is little more than some eye candy, but it's nice to have for a change from coordinates and mundane arrows.
What I like best is the reported ease of use. The box will come with the GPS unit, a manual, and a USB cord. You'll need to insert 2 AA batteries to bring it to life. As soon as you push the power button it will begin acquiring satellite signals. It won't take long. Your first boot up will take a little longer. Longer isn't long though. I'm talking half a minute. Subsequent startups will happen much more quickly unless you move it a large distance while it is powered off. The reason the eTrex 10 can locate satellites so quickly is because of Garmin's Hot Fix software. This software basically tells the GPS unit where to look for satellites which greatly reduces the search time. By reducing the area to search the skies, the eTrex 10 can lock on to signals very quickly. In addition, the eTrex 10 is compatible with the Russian navigation satellite network called GLONASS. Considering it can read signals from two navigation networks it basically doubles the number of satellites it can connect to. Not only does more satellites improve the connection speed and signal strength, but GLONASS is reported to be 20% faster than GPS.
WAAS is a great addition to the eTrex 10. WAAS on a GPS can improve the location accuracy by up to 40 feet. That's huge! WAAS was developed by the FAA to improve the accuracy of GPS signals. It is a network of towers and satellites that receive GPS signals. The signals are run through a series of calculations to correct the data. It is then transmitted back out. This is what results in such a drastic increase in accuracy. I highly recommend that you ensure any GPS device you buy is WAAS compatible.
If you like Geocaching you'll love the Paperless Geocaching feature. Just plug your eTrex 10 into your computer and download all of the geocache files for your next outing. No more paper. No need for anything other than your handheld GPS for geocaching now. Why don't you save some trees while you geocache.
Don't forget about the rest of the features. The eTrex 10 will also give you tide tables, sun and moon information, hunting calendars, and super long battery life. The large internal memory will allow you to save 100 track and 50 routes. It also stores 1,000 user entered waypoints. I'm really big on ensuring that you get a waterproof receiver. You never know when you'll get caught out in the rain or have to go for a swim. The eTrex 10 has an IPX7 waterproof rating. All of this comes packaged in a handsome yellow case that weighs just 5.5 ounces. I think the Garmin eTrex 10 is the perfect entry level GPS. Read this Garmin eTrex 10 Review for more information.
A nice new addition is a worldwide basemap. Now, the eTrex 10 is not a mapping GPS so don't expect the basemap to have detailed topographic features. You will see countries, major cities, etc. It will not drill down to specific roadways. The basemap is little more than some eye candy, but it's nice to have for a change from coordinates and mundane arrows.
What I like best is the reported ease of use. The box will come with the GPS unit, a manual, and a USB cord. You'll need to insert 2 AA batteries to bring it to life. As soon as you push the power button it will begin acquiring satellite signals. It won't take long. Your first boot up will take a little longer. Longer isn't long though. I'm talking half a minute. Subsequent startups will happen much more quickly unless you move it a large distance while it is powered off. The reason the eTrex 10 can locate satellites so quickly is because of Garmin's Hot Fix software. This software basically tells the GPS unit where to look for satellites which greatly reduces the search time. By reducing the area to search the skies, the eTrex 10 can lock on to signals very quickly. In addition, the eTrex 10 is compatible with the Russian navigation satellite network called GLONASS. Considering it can read signals from two navigation networks it basically doubles the number of satellites it can connect to. Not only does more satellites improve the connection speed and signal strength, but GLONASS is reported to be 20% faster than GPS.
WAAS is a great addition to the eTrex 10. WAAS on a GPS can improve the location accuracy by up to 40 feet. That's huge! WAAS was developed by the FAA to improve the accuracy of GPS signals. It is a network of towers and satellites that receive GPS signals. The signals are run through a series of calculations to correct the data. It is then transmitted back out. This is what results in such a drastic increase in accuracy. I highly recommend that you ensure any GPS device you buy is WAAS compatible.
If you like Geocaching you'll love the Paperless Geocaching feature. Just plug your eTrex 10 into your computer and download all of the geocache files for your next outing. No more paper. No need for anything other than your handheld GPS for geocaching now. Why don't you save some trees while you geocache.
Don't forget about the rest of the features. The eTrex 10 will also give you tide tables, sun and moon information, hunting calendars, and super long battery life. The large internal memory will allow you to save 100 track and 50 routes. It also stores 1,000 user entered waypoints. I'm really big on ensuring that you get a waterproof receiver. You never know when you'll get caught out in the rain or have to go for a swim. The eTrex 10 has an IPX7 waterproof rating. All of this comes packaged in a handsome yellow case that weighs just 5.5 ounces. I think the Garmin eTrex 10 is the perfect entry level GPS. Read this Garmin eTrex 10 Review for more information.