I recently had the opportunity to test-drive the Garmin eTrex Legend H GPS through a loan from the Calgary Public Library. The Legend H handheld GPS comes with a detailed basemap and 24 megabytes for additional map storage. First acquiring is a bit slow, as with most any GPS, but with subsequent use it acquires the satellite positioning much faster.
Accidentally got to test it for being waterproof on Parks 100 cache Tufa Waterfall, GC27C5P. It is. Whew. That’s one $120 replacement fee to the library I won’t have to make.
The best part about the Legend H is the ease of use. Although the Parks 100 caches were already programmed, it wasn’t too hard to turn on, find and select a cache and immediately start geocaching. Major roads and waterways are marked on a black and white map with the ‘as the crow flies’ route clearly defined with two parallel, heavy lines. However, the map detail isn’t very large and I found myself squinting at the screen even when magnified.
Once nearer to the cache site, switching over to the compass mode and then following the pointing arrow while keeping an eye on the metres left to go was very helpful. Having been used to doing the last steps as a measurement of latitude and longitude, it seemed a bit easier to follow an arrow although less precise. The arrow only points correctly when the cacher is in motion; otherwise it tries to guess where the cacher is headed.
The Legend H had no issues with tree or cloud coverage and came in clear during the whole usage period. The buttons were a bit stiff but also not easily bumped or reset.
Although not all features were able to be accessed on this unit because of some regulations about borrowing the GPS from the library, I found it to be a good experience overall and look forward to testing it out again in the future.
If interested in purchasing this model, GPS City has them listed for $129.95 currently.
Cache-to-Go: Pizza and Beer Event, GC29YVF at Ricky’s Restaurant in the North Hill Mall this Thursday, June 24th. This is a come and go event beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. I hope to meet you there!
Comments
I'm impressed that your libraries have these for loan
Thank you very much for your blog! I didn't even know that I could check out a GPS device from our local library. I just checked one out today and now I have this little GPS to play with. Our 9-year-old wants to try Geocaching but I am not ready to investment big money into something more sophisticated until I know he really wants to do it. I like the size of this Legend Hl; it's small enough for the boy to handle. But I don't like the screen color (or the lack of it) and its limited source for maps. Would you recommend something for our child, based on size, durability, and functionality? This GPS is currently $120 in MEC but I wouldn't mind spending somewhere between $200 and $250 to get a decent one that will fit our needs. I would also like to take it with us when we go hiking next summer.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!