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Garmin eTrex Legend Mapping Handheld GPS
Garmin
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$199.99
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$105.72 |
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$94.27
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CD. 8 MB of memory means there is also plenty of room for waypoints, routes, and saved tracks. "Click-stick" is handy for moving through screen icons and menus. Provides a range of data about hikes and drives, including current speed, average speed, trip distance, and time traveled. Tracks location data from up to 12 GPS satellites. Weighing in at only 5.3 ounces, fits into a pocket or clips onto a belt loop.
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Customer Reviews
for Garmin eTrex Legend Mapping Handheld GPS --- Garmin
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WAAS Feature Non-Functional Since August 2007
The ETREX Legend can not process WAAS information, contrary to Garmin's advertising.
Garmin is guilty of lying and false advertising on their website. The U.S. Government changed WAAS satellites in August 2007. Reputable GPS manufacturers notified their users of the changeover and provided firmware or software update patches to address the problem. Garmin chose to mislead their current and prospective customers.
When I asked them about it, they told me that it was the United States Government's problem, not their GPS receiver. Later, they told me that they were working on an update, but it was taking longer than they thought.
When asked why they were not even acknowledging a problem on their website, they did not have an answer and still have not informed their users or prospective purchasers.
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False Advertising -- NOT WAAS compatible
This product is consistently being advertised as having a high degree of accuracy because it is WAAS-compatible.
It is not.
Quite some time ago, the WAAS satellite protocol was changed. Garmin has not updated the firmware for the etrex Legend, and since that time, having WAAS compatibility enabled will cause this unit to lock up after 15-40 minutes of usage. This information is directly from Garmin tech support.
Since the change occurred quite some time ago, and it is a relatively simple fix, I can only conclude that Garmin has no intent of upgrading this product.
DO NOT BUY THIS IF YOU WANT WAAS-LEVEL ACCURACY. ADVERTISING THIS PRODUCT AS BEING WAAS-COMPATIBLE IS FALSE AND MISLEADING.
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3 year life span
I bought mine in 2002 for $300 and was happy with it, but it almost completely fell apart in 2005. First thing to go was one of the battery clips. Because this is a bad design, the battery clips sometimes get pushed too far in and then your unit starts behaving strangely (lots of vertical lines on the LCD) or stops working. I had to bend the clips back out too many times and one of them finally broke. This should have springs, not clips. Second thing to go was the rubber covering on the buttons on the side. This was followed very shortly by the covering on the push-button stick. The unit is now not usable and returning it to Garmin for repair costs as much as getting a new one.
I was hoping that by now Garmin would come out with a GPS unit that did twice what this one could do for half the price, but there isn't enough competition apparently. GPS chips are a dime a dozen and my Samsung cell phone can do more than this unit can do - but the software isn't written for hiking and such, so you're stuck until someone comes along and fills this niche and outcompetes Garmin and Magellan. I'm still waiting to get another GPS to replace this one- come on competition!! For now, I'll just use my cell phone.
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Go For the Next Level Product, Not This One
I tried both the Garmin eTrex Legend and the Garmin eTrex Legend Hcx. I also did a lot of online research and talking to veteran GPS users. I came to the conclusion that the manufacturers are trying to create a low-end market in GPS units (around $100) but at that price they cannot make a reasonably functional product. The most important feature of a GPS is to obtain satellite reception. If it can't do that, it's worthless.
The eTrex Legend has spotty satellite reception at best. You have to be in a wide, clear area for it to work and will have to wait 10 minutes holding perfectly still holding the unit out at arm's length to get and hold a lock. Even people standing nearby will interfere with satellite reception. Even under perfect conditions, you are lucky to get 3 satellites or more (you need at least 3 to establish position). And forget about using it in a car.
On the other hand, the eTrex Legend Hcx (with high sensitivity receiver) works extremely well and I've been very happy with it. My advice is that, if you try to buy a GPS at the low end of the price scale, you'll just be frustrated and will have wasted $100. If you're in for a penny, you might as well be in for $200 and get something that works. Get a unit with high sensitivity receiver. It costs more but it's the only way to get your money's worth.
Also beware that if you buy a mapping GPS, the manufacturers get their markup on the proprietary map software they sell you. The preloaded base maps are virtually worthless. So figure on another couple of hundred bucks for maps. Be prepared to invest $300-$400. If not, might as well save your money.
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Great for the $$$
The Garmin eTrex is a good little handheld GPS for the most part. It has a fairly sharp screen, a decent backlight, and has a good amount of channels to search with.
Oddly enough, they designed the unit to be completely operated with the left hand, which is somewhat inventive, somewhat neat, but somewhat of a curse. I like the fact that I can play with a GPS while pouring coffee, typing an email, or washing the car. But if you're not needing your right hand for something else, it's more of a hassle. The unit has a little thumbstick that you have to contort your thumb around to use, which isn't all that bad, it's just not the greatest either. Also, it has buttins located on the sides you have to fiddle with, which as I said, it's all nice, one-handed operation, but after a while it can feel crampy and tiring if your inputting info or coordinates. It would be nicer if there where a way to use one or both hands if you wanted, sadly, the one handed design kind of limits the ease of use to someone like me. I've never needed a free hand while playing with a GPS.
The eTrex allows the user to shut of the GPS unit inside to save battery life while putting in info too. I'm not sure whether it saves battery or not, but it seems like a good, innovative idea. The unit stores alot of different info, and comes with a patch cord to connect to a pc and load more detailed maps. (thought the patch cord is an old dated type that many notebooks don't even support) Once you learn to get around the eTrex's menus, it's an easy and customizable GPS that's easy to read even though the screen is fairly small, and easy to operate -if the one handed design doesn't annoy you.
Now, my only other issue with this GPS is it's just not very sensitive. I rode home for 10+ mintes with it on, and sat around at home with it on for about 30 minutes, and only got around 2 satellites. This was a huge concern for a while, but it seemed like maybe it learned what satellites it's looking for and it was able to aquire several satellites very quick. However, in a car, in a building, or under trees etc. it's likely to lose it's signal or have a weak one. This isn't really a surprise, but I own another GPS that isn't an expensive one either and it does a much better job of aquiring satellites, and it's older.
So, in all, it's a decent GPS unit. No doubt it woud serve anyone just fine without needing to spend $400 on a unit. If you don't mind possibly losing signal on occasion and don't mind the one-handed operation aspect, it's a good buy. But for me, I found the one-handed design to be useless and more of a hinderance than anything. Also, I like to get on my GPS and play around with it, or find out what my homes elevation is etc. But I don't want to have to go outside when it's 12 degrees to do so. I suppose I might be picky more than anything, but preference is why we buy and enjoy the things we do.
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This thing does eventually find satellites right?
Bought this GPS, drove home with it on, sat a while with it on, surfed the net with it on...no more than 2 satellites. Watched it for a good 15 minutes!!!...no more than 2 satellites. 2 satellites....wait..3 satellites!!...wait...no 2 again....
Yeah, you know what a GPS that doesn't find satellites is?....
...a GS...a plastic turd basically.
On the other hand, the menus, interface, screen, and backlight all seem very smooth if your thing is to pretend it's working. I wish I could say what the map looks like, but sadly after 20+ minutes of not being able to locate enough satellites; I have no clue. I have had enough time to decide many times over when I'm returning this plastic abortion, and have almost narrowed down what other kind I want to get.
Mind you, the POS Magellan Explorist 200 I'm trying to replace...6 satellites in about 1 minute! It's just a shame it's telling me I'm 150 yards from where I really am...
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Great Basic GPS for Historical & Genealogical Research
Great Basic GPS for Historical & Genealogical Research
One of the strengths of GPS technology is the myriad uses of a hand held GPS device, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and a host of other outdoor applications. Many hunters and fishermen also enjoy the many features of a good GPS device. I have even used my device to report nesting pairs of eagles and pollution sites.
While I also use my device for these other activities, I also use my GPS frequently in my historical and genealogical research. Selected examples include reporting (or finding) the precise location of a gravestone of interest in a very large cemetery; accurately reporting locations of gravestones or small family cemeteries that are located well off the road and in some cases completed overgrown with thick brush and coverage; using waypoint features to pin the boundaries of very early deeds or historic locations; doing field surveys of historic or family sites; translating historic locations back and forth between maps, aerial photographs, and actual boots-on-the-ground field surveys, and many similar applications. In one of my own applications, I have accurately reported the sites of over 79 grist mill locations dating from the late 1700s, and well as a number of very remote Civil War entrenchments. Many of these sites are now only accessible by kayak, canoe, or hiking in, and GPS makes finding theses sites a snap.
The Garmin eTrex Legend is a very affordable, nicely featured GPS unit for first-time users for not only a very wide range of traditional outdoor recreational activities, but all of the historical and genealogy applications I have listed.
* I liked the durable, compact, waterproof design; the easily understood menus and controls; and the fairly easy to read map displays. It feels great in my hand, and the battery life is very good.
* A major selling feature for me was 8mb of memory to hold plenty of waypoints, routes, tracks and such, as well as the ability to download a reasonable number of USGS topo maps or other mapping software. (Advanced users will need more storage)
* Users doing historical or genealogical research will want to download topo maps in order to achieve the full potential of this device.
* The unit comes with a handy lanyard and belt clip pouch, but I also bought a windshield mounting device, and also a mount for the handlebars on my mountain bike.
If you are a first time user without needing advanced features, this is a great GPS for not only your routine recreational use, but also for the historical and genealogical applications I listed above.
This was my GPS of choice for years and I highly recommend it to first time users. I moved up to a more advanced model with more technical features (60CSx), but I still carry my Garmin eTrex Legend in reserve and as a loaner for my field research partners.
CHT in Virginia
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Decent GPS, connectivity is crippled
I had this unit for about a week, and the GPS functionality worked great. My main complaint is the connectivity. It comes with an RS232 serial cable, which is ancient. If you want to use this with a Mac, or a PC without this connector, a $20 adapter is necessary. With that in mind, you might as well spend an extra $35 and get the eTrex Venture HC. It has a high sensitivity chip, USB connectivity, color screen, 3 x memory, geocaching mode, etc.
Garmin is brilliant in differentiating their products just enough that makes you want to spend $35 for the next model up. In my opinion, they purposely crippled the connectivity on this to make the more expensive model within reach. RS232 serial is ancient, and I don't believe it's any cheaper for Garmin to produce this unit with RS232 over the 12 year old standard mini USB connector. It's their prerogative to sell what they want at the price point of their choosing, but I would not recommend this unit. Pony up $35 more and get the Venture HC.
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Great for the beginning Geocacher
First let me say that although I have purchased 8 Garmin eTrex Legends, I use the Garmin 60CSx. So why all of the Legends?
I love Geocaching! And like many of the things that we love, we want to pass it on to others. After tons of research I have chosen the Legend as the perfect GPS for beginning Geocachers. I have given them to friends, family and Boy Scout troops. Yes, there are GPS receivers on the market with more features, but at a much higher price.
If you are new to Geocaching or are looking for a GPSr for someone who is, the Garmin eTrex Legend gets my recommendation!
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Fast and Secure Even Right Before Christmas
Ordered for my son right before Christmas and it was there in a
couple of days. Thank you. I would definitely order from here again.
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Garmin Legend
Before I begin, I would like to describe the way in which I got this to interface with my computerand TOPO USA 2008. Connect to serial port and run 'hyperterm' give it any name and set the properties to 4800 baud, flow control to none. Set your serial data format on the garmin to NMEA from the main menu, go to setup, then interface. If you get something that looks like basic programming language, you are good to go. For example, if you get lines starting with something that looks like $GPGSV it is a good connection. IF you got a serial in to USB out adaptor cable and you get nothing but random characters, check your USB driver on the Hardware manager in System tab of the Control panel. It may not work with windows XP or just be corrupt. This will not let you 'find device' in GPS software. Be sure to reset the serial data format to GARMIN or HOST when done to work with map sofware. If hyperterminal says that there is another program using the telephony device (com 1) what you need to do is shut down any pda sync software or as I found out your UPS software that even if connected to a usb port may still be connected using com 1. You can use "process explorer" (seperate software) that can help you find whats using com 1 up in the Find->processes and DLL's box. Type 'Serial0' (serial zero) and search. Go to task manager and shut it down. If that doesn't work, just shut down everything that says owner EXCEPT explorer. Topo usa should now see the gps in the 'find device' box. After it found it the first time, I have not had any more connection problems on subsequent bootups. :)
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When I got this, I was mostly interested in that it had tracking coordinates (panning of the map) for use in finding locations out in the desert near Ft. Hancock, TX. I find that out of the box it was not very detailed other than the interstate and some larger roads but no help away from them as it displayed a blank. One thing I would like to have is that the unit have bigger number display of the numerical coordinates either on the map screen or in the navigation screen where the user is able to select various functions such as coordinates, bearing, heading, max speed, etc. Unfortunately, if you choose 'coordinates' for two of the large fields, you get two small coordinate displays instead of seperate N-S, E-W seperately which could be bigger and easer to read.
Using the map screen, while using the selected panning function accessible by clicking on the 'list' next to the X button up top, the numbers are very small but take up only about 1/5 of the top of the screen. I would also like the unit to be able to change the orientation sideways to have a wide screen rather than tall so it could have room for larger numbers.
As is out of the box, it is good if you are using it for hiking as you can simply get overhead shots of the land and get coordinates of the POI and you can enter them manually into the garmin using the joystick unless they are very many. Its like using your keyboardless phone to text one letter at a time. It looks similar to the screen pictures of lower end magellan units as seen on the box with only a waypoint and your present position. This is of course for visual reference of the screen picture only. The resolution is better of course. There is no display of rivers and lakes due to the small fixed memory (8mb) which is definately a minus as you can't expand it with external cards and can be a pain to figger out why it won't connect to the computer sometimes. Some say the TOPO USA software is also very pricey but its needed if you want any kind of detail in your map. Out in this area, it will show a limited amount of dirt roads and some of the ranches. I have not figgered out how to add some not shown for a more detailed map. It does however, show detail on elevation quite well.
Now, for city use, it again is very limited out of the box showing major highways and avenues. If you want greater detail down to the street you are at, the TOPO USA does show this level of detail. However, it can look a little cluttered in such a small space with streets and LARGE labels. The elevation is now displayed with much detail.
It does seem that now that I have about 5 Mb of maps ranging from Anthony Tx, down to Van Horn Tx, that it takes a little longer to acquire the gps satelites.
One thing I have not figgered out or if its possible is if this unit can be synced with a camera for geocoding.
Again, some features I would like to see in such units is the ability to turn the display 90 deg and have a watch like strap available for this model for use on a motorcycle, larger coordinate display in the navigation menu, and most of all, a less complicated interface that does not require "special" cables that makes it an exercise in frustration.
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Buen Equipo!
He adquirido este dispositivo de la Garmin, y considero que cumple las expectativas funcionales. Tal vez por este precio no se puede pedir mas, se sabe que existen equipos con mejores caracteristicas de esta misma marca, asi que puedes comparar y escojer el mejor que se adapte a las necesidades del cliente. Por mi parte estoy satisfecho.
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Couldn't be easier to use..
Don't understand the negative reviews on this unit. When I got it christmas morning, I pop'ed a couple of batteries in it, turned it on, and stuck it in my coat pocket. Did a bunch of driving, walking, etc... It followed my every move. It will initialize and find the satellites from INSIDE my house. I love it.
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Great Unit But Not Perfect
Fantastic unit for hunting, hiking, Christmas tree searching, etc. We hike in the mountains and you can take waypoints as you hike then go to Google Earth and look up exactly where you were. Works the other way too. Input your waypoints and then tell the unit to navigate to it. Check the accuracy of your speedometer. Fun to use geocaching too.
There are things I don't like. It has the older chipset that loses signal easily. I have to put the unit on my dashboard because it loses signal in any seat of my car. I also wish it converted coordinates to decimal easily but it only uses standard GPS coordinates. I have to do a conversion each time from Google Earth's coordinates. There are some roadmaps but only major streets in most cities. Don't use this for address navigation because the maps are not very detailed. Wished it used a USB connection to a computer but it's using older serial port so many new laptops won't interface to it. Also, you have to move around for compass to work.
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Still works like new after 3+ years!
This has been one of the best purchases I have made.
I have put this unit to the test for over three years, as my GPSr for geocaching, on the handle bars of my touring and mountain bicycles, on the dashboard of my truck (with the 12 volt power cord) and interfaced to my computer, using Mapsource software, GSAK (geocaching Swiss army knife) via the "can't live without"[[ASIN:B0000VYJRY Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter ( USA-19HS )]]!
The only bit of a problem I have encountered was with the rubber gasket coming loose, but fortunately for me I live within driving distance of Garmin headquarters and since my unit was still covered under warranty, the folks at Garmin replaced the unit and there has been no problems whatsoever thereafter.
I do highly recommend getting a transparent screen protector[[ASIN:B000FVXY2U Universal Digital Camera LCD Screen Protectors for All Screen sizes up to 3.50" X 4.25"]] for the display and a[[ASIN:B00004VX39 Garmin Carrying Case for eTrex and Summit (010-10314-00)]] and a[[ASIN:B000EDQ5KM Vehicle power adapter for 010-00190-00]] and of course Mapsource software from the manufacturer.
I am hoping to get a [[ASIN:B000CSQRYS Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Mapping Handheld GPS]]for Christmas, but I will still be using the Legend on my bikes and as a backup for geocaching trips.
Of course this GPSr works fine with a PC (using the Keyspan adapter) but as far as I know will not "talk" to a MAC.
See ya'
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Good beginner unit
I would recommend this GPS for geocachers out there as a dependable hand held unit. If you want a car or truck GPS forget this product. It loses signal very easily inside anything, i.e. your vehicle. Outside with a clear view of the sky is no problem, even with overcast skies. Enjoy!
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Great GPS
This is a good, solid GPS.
The only time I've ever had any trouble with it was in a heavily wooded area, otherwise, it has always performed very well.
Fantastic features for it's price range.
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Nice for geocaching
Downsides: RS-232 interface vs USB? How 80's. I'd rather have more accurate basemap data for the US. I don't plan to geocache in the Amazon anytime soon. And I don't want to pay $100 for additional map data.
That said, I really like this device. It does what it says. The find function takes you directly to the cache, even my daughter said "oh, that was too easy!"
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Has notable signal problems, unlike other eTrex models
I owned the original eTrex, and two different eTrex Legends. The basic eTrex is a good unit, basic but easy to use, functional, reliable and resonably priced. The Legend adds some functionality such as basic maps and longer waypoint names, which is an improvement that should be integrated throughout the eTrex line.
The problem I have had with both my eTrex Legends, however, is signal acquisition. Both Legends have had a problem acquiring and keeping signal even in wide open places with a perfect view of the sky. At times, it simply refuses to find any satellite at all. At first, I thought I had a faulty unit. But my second Legend has the exact same problem. More than once I've had the Legend fail me at a crucial time when I really needed it to work. I never had any such problem with the original eTrex, so it makes me wonder if the antenna in the Legend is somehow inferior.
The interface on the Legend could be streamlined a bit too, as it's a bit clunky to use. I could get past that, however, if my unit would just keep signal long enough to get me where I need to go.
Overall, this has been a four-star device with two-star reliability.
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A Great Hiking Companion
For hikers and Geocachers looking for a low cost GPS unit, this is the one for you. I purchased the eTrex Legend after a recommendation from a friend and I'm glad I did.
Used on some long hikes, the unit tracks routes well and creating waypoints is very user friendly when compared with other hand helds. Slight signal loss during heavy tree cover but nothing I wouldn't expect from a low cost product.
If you have money to burn, then investing in a more robust unit maybe the way to go for die-hard gadget fans. But if you are shopping on a budget, this device will be plenty for what you need. I won't hike without it.
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