Making a big splash on the handheld GPS scene, Garmin's latest release is a trilogy of new eTrex devices designed for the modern explorer. I thought it was worth writing a little about this new compact GPS range as it has proved very popular on my GPS resource website, SatelliteMapReview.com, and people have been asking a lot of questions about it. Of course it's always a good idea to compare any GPS with other models in the same price bracket so you are sure to get this best deal and what's right for you, but let's take some time to introduce these super and modern little GPS navigators.
First up it's important to go over the background of the eTrex range. The older range, which included the ever popular budget option the eTrex H and more advanced navigators such as the Vista HCx and Summit HC proved strong sellers throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. Garmin has always been a strong seller in terms of brand confidence and the strong dependable satellite lock given by the eTrex devices meant they dominated the compact handheld GPS market. Interestingly I was watching a TV programme on the earthquake in Haiti recently which featured a scientist examining fault lines in an attempt to explain what had happened in geological terms. How was he getting around the place? A good old Garmin Vista HCx!
As good as they are, there's really no longer any reason to go for the older eTrex models with the release of the new eTrex 10, 20 and 30. Let's take each in turn and discuss them a little so you can get a feel of how they differ and what each device offers.
OK, let's take a look at the eTrex 10. This is basically the equivalent of the older eTrex H in that it's the budget GPS model with basic features and a monochrome rather than colour display. In terms of a strong satellite lock and plan-based route options it's an excellent upgrade from the eTrex H and benefits from a much improved dashboard layout which you can customize as you wish. You've got your trip stats as standard so can rely on features like map layout, trip computer, compass and estimated time of arrival plus more. The eTrex 10 comes in about the 100 mark, for you guys in the States, around USD $110, so it's pretty much the cheapest new GPS around. On SatelliteMapReview.com I've currently got the eTrex 10 on at around 92.
The eTrex 20 is the next up in the series and makes the significant jump in featuring a high resolution colour screen plus compatibility with excellent mapping add-ons from Garmin available usually as downloads. Current prices for this pocket GPS with powerful on screen mapping are sitting around 160, not a bad proposition for outdoors enthusiasts.
The eTrex 30 is the priciest and highest-spec of the three but still offers fantastic value when compared with other GPS which similar features. Adding to the easy-to-use- interface, colour screen and mapping compatibility you'll get a barometric altimeter, tilt-compensated compass and wireless sharing capability. All this means a lot more data analysis for you when you are out walking, biking or camping.
The great thing that all three models have in common is the new easy to use dashboard which is fully programmable and allows you to decide how you want to see your trip and GPS data. Of course the size is compact but particularly with the 20 and 30 models you are getting a lot of smart high-tech features for a price which is pretty unbeatable. Anyway thanks for reading and if you're curious to know more check out my reviews and the best prices for those looking to buy over at SatelliteMapReview.com.
First up it's important to go over the background of the eTrex range. The older range, which included the ever popular budget option the eTrex H and more advanced navigators such as the Vista HCx and Summit HC proved strong sellers throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. Garmin has always been a strong seller in terms of brand confidence and the strong dependable satellite lock given by the eTrex devices meant they dominated the compact handheld GPS market. Interestingly I was watching a TV programme on the earthquake in Haiti recently which featured a scientist examining fault lines in an attempt to explain what had happened in geological terms. How was he getting around the place? A good old Garmin Vista HCx!
As good as they are, there's really no longer any reason to go for the older eTrex models with the release of the new eTrex 10, 20 and 30. Let's take each in turn and discuss them a little so you can get a feel of how they differ and what each device offers.
OK, let's take a look at the eTrex 10. This is basically the equivalent of the older eTrex H in that it's the budget GPS model with basic features and a monochrome rather than colour display. In terms of a strong satellite lock and plan-based route options it's an excellent upgrade from the eTrex H and benefits from a much improved dashboard layout which you can customize as you wish. You've got your trip stats as standard so can rely on features like map layout, trip computer, compass and estimated time of arrival plus more. The eTrex 10 comes in about the 100 mark, for you guys in the States, around USD $110, so it's pretty much the cheapest new GPS around. On SatelliteMapReview.com I've currently got the eTrex 10 on at around 92.
The eTrex 20 is the next up in the series and makes the significant jump in featuring a high resolution colour screen plus compatibility with excellent mapping add-ons from Garmin available usually as downloads. Current prices for this pocket GPS with powerful on screen mapping are sitting around 160, not a bad proposition for outdoors enthusiasts.
The eTrex 30 is the priciest and highest-spec of the three but still offers fantastic value when compared with other GPS which similar features. Adding to the easy-to-use- interface, colour screen and mapping compatibility you'll get a barometric altimeter, tilt-compensated compass and wireless sharing capability. All this means a lot more data analysis for you when you are out walking, biking or camping.
The great thing that all three models have in common is the new easy to use dashboard which is fully programmable and allows you to decide how you want to see your trip and GPS data. Of course the size is compact but particularly with the 20 and 30 models you are getting a lot of smart high-tech features for a price which is pretty unbeatable. Anyway thanks for reading and if you're curious to know more check out my reviews and the best prices for those looking to buy over at SatelliteMapReview.com.
About the Author:
Interested in knowing more about the Garmin eTrex 20 or the Garmin eTrex 30? Come and check out SatelliteMapReview.com.
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