Around the world, there is no more recognizable GPS system than Garmin eTrex. One of the first handheld GPS devices eTrex has become a symbol of satellite navigation and managed to visit every corner of our planet. Unless it wasn’t only in our test lab, but now we have to fix it and find out why eTrex series for several years are the undisputed leaders in sales and even under the onslaught of modern and stylish devices they are not going to surrender their positions.
Today eTrex is a legend that exists in the real world. Like the GPSMAP 60, Garmin eTrex handheld GPS systems can be attributed to the category of "battle" models, which are not afraid to go to any journey, crossing the hot desert and wade through the cold water of mountain rivers. It would seem that they have always existed and have not changed since the first model. However, it is not so - they are constantly improving, equipping with new functions. And Garmin recently gave eTrex family the new life by providing updated lineup of eTrex models with the index "x".
The big eTrex family
One of the reasons why the eTrex handheld gps systems are not willing to hand over the leading positions is a quiet large family of these models. Similar to each other as brothers, each of the models is perfectly targeted to a specific task. Accessible and simple navigators for the fishermen and geologists, chartplotters with color screens for tourists, the models with integrated magnetic compass and barometer - today in the range of Garmin there are 11 models presented. But all eTrex-s are similar by one feature: for whatever purposes you choose this compact device, it will work in all conditions and won’t weight your pocket in the long expedition.
Another common feature is the form. All eTrex handheld family has the same body shape and size. For any company that produces consumer electronics, this is a big risk - not to change the design of the series for several years. But Garmin has gone his own way and won. Why? On the one hand - because when you change your eTrex to a new, you will not feel discomfort - all the same and familiar and hands have become accustomed. On the other hand, you can safely choose a GPS-navigator of eTrex series with any functions, no matter its size and weight. The simplest black and white, and the most advanced color navigators eTrex will be the same size and weight.
The lowest group in the eTrex family - the usual GPS navigators, not predesignated for maps upload. This family includes eTrex Summit, eTrex Camo, and eTrex Venture models. They are ideal for hunters, fishermen, tourists and sportsmen. Because you will never find a detailed map of the forest or the mountain slopes, you simply don’t need it, but to record the route, to determine your location and return to base it would be useful.
eTrex Summit handheld GPS model has an integrated magnetic compass and barometer, which help to orient yourself in areas of uncertain GPS signal reception (in the forest, deep gorges and caves), as well as to determine your altitude. Plus we'll be aware that in order to GPS-Navigation understands in which direction you move, you should move faster. When you are moving very slowly, it can make mistakes. Built in compass can fix the situation. And if for the hunter or fisherman to do too much movement in order to understand where are the north and south is tantamount to saying "farewell" to the catch, the magnetic compass can help, because it can be used stationary mode. And, for example, if you go adrift on a boat with a low speed, GPS-navigator automatically sets the compass to show your course.
So, the basic satellite navigators Garmin eTrex series offer the user the most appropriate opportunities, including the prophet of the results of hunting and fishing. All of them are 1-level backlit display (on / off) and the RS232 interface to support interfaces NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 DGPS for connectivity to your laptop or PDA. Perhaps they all miss a bit more warning functions when approaching a given location, and audio messages. You can’t connect an external antenna, but eTrex is not intended for use in cars, so there is no such need. Model eTrex Venture has 1 MB of internal memory for uploading points of interest (POI) and City names. Structurally eTrex Venture differs by 5-position joystick for map scroll.
