Ok, I am looking for a handheld GPS I like the two eTrex models what do you guys think?

I will also be using this for fishing and bike riding.

I am open to suggestions.

Thanks

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Jim
New Orleans

'83 H18 SX mods 2013 -
'65 Lavey Craft 2005 -
'69 Cal 25 1997 - 2001
'80 P16 1980 - 1996
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Unless you need to use the extra features of the 30 (eg, heart rate monitor and bike cadence sensor for example,) why would you bother? The eTrex 20 is a better value IMHO.

I consider the electronic compass a drawback rather than a feature.

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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
Clearwater, FL
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Quote

I consider the electronic compass a drawback rather than a feature.

why is that?

An electronic compass uses battery power and is an extra expense for a feature that you rarely (if ever, depending on the use case,) will use. It requires calibration and is prone to interference. It is no better than a standard magnetic compass.

If you are going to be standing still a lot and trying to figure out which direction north is, then get a regular compass. If you are using the GPS to track the typical things that one wants to track while bike riding, or motoring to one's favorite fishing spot (the use-cases that Jim said he wants it for,) then the electronic compass is a drawback rather than a feature (it reduces battery life without adding information.)

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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
Clearwater, FL
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Have the etrex 20 now for over a year. It is very waterproof and solid. Battery-life
is not a problem. Just put in a pair of 2400Mh rechargeable AA pennlites in and your good for a week.
I use it as a log, after a sail you can see the tripmeter for distance, speed etc.etc.
Just turn it on and stow it in the grab-bag before a trip.
Always set a waypoint of the beach you leave for safety. One day that compass was handy when fog kicked in.
The screen on both the etrex's are to small to navigate on a rough ride. Maybe the
30 is handy for biking but I wouldn't take it on a cat.Does
state its IPX 7(sort of waterproof) though.

Since Gps is forbidden in most races I do ( or want to do ) I opted for the 20.

Regards, André



Edited by catmodding on Feb 11, 2012 - 02:18 AM.

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Tornado (80's Reg White)
Prindle 18-2 (sold)
Dart 16 (hired and hooked)
13 mtr steel cutter (sold)
Etap 22, unsinkable sailing pocket cruiser.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Thank You Guys

I am going to order the eTrex 20

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Jim
New Orleans

'83 H18 SX mods 2013 -
'65 Lavey Craft 2005 -
'69 Cal 25 1997 - 2001
'80 P16 1980 - 1996
--

I'm planing on getting a Foretrex 301. I like the idea of keeping it on my wrist.

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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
Clearwater, FL
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