Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator Review

This is my primary Geocaching GPS.The high sensitivity chip has the same strong processing power, and thus signal sensitivity and position resolution, as any of the more expensive units.It gives me excellent accuracy in areas where my older GPS units just give up, even dense forest cover.The software that drives the unit is the same as the older Yellow model (see below) and has stood the test of time.
If you're only interested in point to point navigation (geocaching, trail tracks or just finding your way back to the car or the ski chalet), then this unit will do a great job for a no-regrets price.If you're looking for road network navigation, then this isn't for you.
Be aware that this is the 'H', for 'High Sensitivity' unit, introduced in 2007.It's appearance is almost identical to older Yellow Etrex units, the difference being "High Sensitivity" in red letters just above the screen.Although the older units do work and may still be found, their worth is significantly lessened by the availability of this unit.That's something to keep in mind when looking at used or "new old stock" units at other venues.
One thing that other reviews mention is true - straight out of the box it takes a long time (hours) to acquire it's almanac (a digital description of where satellites are in the sky which is transmitted periodically) and then it's satellite signals.Mine took at least 3 hours and had me thinking it was defective until it finally locked in.Don't despair, this is a one-time thing - once accomplished, start-up time is about 5 seconds.
See more reviews about: Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator