Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

Perfect for beginners or the experienced
This is a no frills, easy to use GPS. It's very accurate, acquires a signal very quickly unlike my previous Garmin which, despite being a more expensive, though older, model could take 10 minutes to lock onto a good range of satellites.
The battery life is more than sufficient for a days trip and would probably last 2 or 3 with most people.
Don't expect a colour screen but you can pre-load your route, mark waypoints and perform the basic functions to keep yourself on the correct course.
I'm writing this review in an east facing room, in the NW of England at 8.30pm. I've just switched the GPS on and it took about 30 second to lock onto 4 satellites and to give my position to an accuracy of 59ft. In the open it goes to about 20ft or better. Setting the "Units" to "British Grid" and "Ord srvy GB" makes it easy for anybody to check their position on the OS map.
A valuable tool for the modern outdoor person who likes to get off the beaten track but doesn't want or need anything too complicated or expensive.

Accurate and great for beginner Geocachers!
The only down side to this GPS is that the instructions are very poor, but thankful it is qute a basic and simple device to use once you get the hang of it.

Great for beginners in Geocaching, I have found it very accurate and easy to use. I bought this one for my Dad for Christmas as I have found mine so good. Great starter for anyone in search of a cheap and decent handheld GPS.

Basic functions at a basic price.
Firstly, I'll say this; if you are looking for an all singing, all dancing GPS receiver, with mapping, barometric altimeter or compass, then look elsewhere, as this isn't the product for you (perhaps check out the more expensive eTrex models). The eTrex H is only intended to provide the most basic GPS functions; a position, altitude and distance/bearing between waypoints.

The unit itself is well made, from strong yellow plastic, with a non-slip rubber grip round the outside edge and on the back. The whole thing is waterproof (rated for 30mins in 1m of water) and feels strong enough that it could happily withstand being dropped without breaking. All the controls are located on the sides and the unit can be operated with one hand, which is useful when you are on the move. It's powered by 2 AA batteries (nice and cheap and common) and I have found, in practical use, that the battery life is pretty close to the 17 hours claimed by Garmin.

Navigating the different screens is easy (there are only five) and the menus are clearly and logically laid out. If the unit does have a weak point, it's the somewhat clunky and time-consuming data entry method, so if you plan on entering a lot of waypoints, prior to heading out the hills, then I would suggest that you invest in the data cable, so that you can link the unit to your computer. The cable is a bit overpriced and as it uses a somewhat out of date serial connector, you might have to get hold of a serial-to-USB converter too, but it will save you a lot of frustration later on!

In terms of accuracy, the eTrex H is spot on. In use I have found that it regularly gives a fix to within 5m accuracy and even under heavy tree cover rarely drops below 10-12m accuracy. Altitude data is also very accurate and I have seen it give a figure only 1m different from what the map claimed for a spot height at a trig point.

In conclusion; this is an excellent little GPS, that provides all the basic functions you'll need, without excess frill. It's well built, waterproof and lasts for a good long time on a pair of cheap, easily available AA batteries. It's clean, simple interface is slightly let down by a clunky data entry method, but at this price that's something that I would be willing to overlook.

There's a reason that Garmin have been making this model for about 11 years now, with only minor changes (updated receiver hardware) - it just works!

Amazing Handheld GPS Instrument.
It took me some time to understand its many facets but once accomplished it proved how useful this unit is.
There are little niggles,like others have said,regarding the "stiff" buttons, when entering Waypoints etc. and the "special" connector, on the lead, required to connect to a PC.(I have not reached this stage yet due to the leads cost,circa £18!).
The accompanying CD Rom.(ie. Instruction Manual)is not as helpful as the PDF File you can download from Garmin.
I do, however, recommend this unit to any long distance walker considering its value for money.

Garmin eTrex /eMap Cigarette Lighter Adaptor

Garmin eTrex Handlebar Mount Bracket

Garmin Carabiner button clip

Garmin Large diameter rail mount adaptor (25-32mm)

Garmin PC interface cable (RS232 serial port connector) - not applicable to Geko 101

Garmin - Case for GPS

Garmin PC interface cable (RS232 serial port connector) - not applicable to Geko 101

GPS for Walkers: An Introduction to GPS and Digital Maps (Pathfinder)

USB to RS232 - USB Converter Cable

GPS the Easy Way (2nd Edition)

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator & More...