Garmin eTrex Legend H Handheld GPS: REVIEW

We first reviewed the Garmin eTrex Legend GPS in 2005 and were delighted to see that this classic workhorse is now available in an economic bundle that includes a PC cable, car power adapter, and Garmin MapSource U.S. Topo Map CD-ROM. Though it lacks some of the features we’ve come to expect in newer handhelds, such as a color screen or next-generation GPS chipset, the eTrex Legend remains a capable and proven workhorse in the Garmin family, and a beloved one at that (we still use ours), still used by many for a wide range of outdoor activities, including geocaching, despite its lack of any special geocaching features.

Ratings Summary Owner Reviews Our Rating: 4 Stars Economical Entry-Level Geocaching GPS

The Legend includes a World Base Map display and 8 MB of memory, allowing you to load detailed topo or city detail maps from Garmins MapSource series. Note that unless your computer has a serial interface, you’ll need to purchase a serial-USB adapter which can be found for less than 10 bucks (see Accessories below).

The built-in base map of the Americas displays city and interstate highway information for North, South, and Central America, as well as U.S. highway exits, points of interest along lakes, rivers, and coastlines. The Legend has a front-panel rocker switch for map panning. Though it doesn’t have a color display, its monochrome LCD has very readable resolution of 288 x 160 pixels. You’ll find the Legend to be a rugged companion — it’s waterproof and will handily survive submersion.

The Legend can store up to 500 user waypoints with user-selectable graphical icons, and includes a TracBack feature which reverses your track log and helps you navigate your way back home. The eTrex Legend has always been a competitively priced mid-level handheld GPS. As part of a bundle including the MapSource U.S. Topo Map, which itself sells for around 100 bucks, the Legend is a great value. [Review Date: 9 September 2005; Updated 19 June 2008 © 2008 Rated4Stars.com]

Key Features at a Glance Feature eTrex Legend Pre-Loaded/ Included Maps Worldwide base map only Next-Generation GPS Chip Set? Geocaching Mode? Card Slot? Electronic Compass? Barometric Altimeter? Waterproof? Floats? # Waypoints/ Favorites 500 # Routes 20 Track Log Capacity 2,048 points, 10 saved tracks Other Features: Bundle includes PC cable, car power adapter, Garmin MapSource U.S. Topo CD-ROM

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