- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver in a rugged waterproof case for peak performance in any environment
- Built-in basemap shows lakes, rivers, cities, roads coastlines, marine navigation aids and landmarks
- USB interface for faster map downloads; 24 MB of internal memory offers plenty of room for plenty of room for maps, waypoints, routes and saved tracks
- High-contrast, backlit 2.4-inch LCD display; four-way cursor for smooth, one hand operation
- Limited one-year warranty
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 great unit but lasts only 2-4 seasons |
| Review Date: September 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: R., Patrick Akers, Sacramento, CA USA |
This review applies to many of the Etrex's, not just the Legend. I do field work in the management of natural resources, and we've used a lot of GPS's. The Etrex's are very popular because they are small, easy to use, and cheap enough that people aren't afraid to carry them (vs a $4000 Trimble unit). The Legend in particular gives good bang for the buck because it's the least expensive model that displays very useful maps.
The only problem with the Etrex's (and many other GPS's) is that their lifespan is not all that long. We've had a number of units that go two to four field seasons and then start to break down. The most common failures are in the joystick and with the screen or start-up of the unit. The joystick often starts to lose the ability to move in one or more directions. You need the joystick to move through all the menus, so the problem effectively ruins your control of the unit. The other common problem is that the unit will refuse to start up, or it will start but the screen will have odd vertical lines and lose part of the display. Both problems generally get progressively worse until the unit is useless.
I don't know how much this applies to the newer color models, which seem a bit sleeker in their construction. But they cost a good deal more.
We use GPS's commonly but not constantly. A unit might get used once a week, but might then run all day. Field season generally lasts 6-8 months. |
Does not support same software as Etrex Legend
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| Review Date: August 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. Arthur, |
First, I am (was?) a huge Etrex Legend fan. The unit was small, cheap, and versatile.
I bought a Legend H as a replacement: same unit with USB connection and high sensitivity antenna, right?
Well, yes, except that they changed the Garmin protocol and stopped supporting NMEA.
That means you can't use your old Garmin software, nor all the 3rd party software out there (that worked with the Legend). It seems that Garmin wants to force you to buy their expensive maps.
...However, to make it worse, only a few of their new expensive North America map products work with the Legend H.
This sucks. Beware the Legend H if you plan on connecting your GPS to a computer for enhanced map data.... |
Quick aquisition, Great Price, Easy Use
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| Review Date: March 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Jamsteph, Kingston, Jamaica |
I just got the Garmin Legend H Handheld GPS Navigator because I didn't want to break the bank (I'm a student) and I want good features. It still is fairly new to me (less than a month at the time of this review). I didn't know beforehand there were games on this model, so that was a surprise.
Likes: The screen showed good in sunlight. I didn't really need to use the backlight, and therefore probably extending battery life. Fits nicely into my hand compared to an older GPS (different brand)I usually borrow from school. The weight is perfect even with batteries in it, no problem wearing it around my neck. Picked up satellites inside car as well (not the main purpose my buying it). Rocker (joystick looking bit) responds well, hope it holds up as the older model of this was known otherwise.
Dislikes: Haven't found any yet. Haven't figured out the games on this, may be a wastes of space and battery. (May add here if I do find dislikes). Slight issues with garmin website in installing USB driver (not sure if it was internet issue, but it also happened while I was updating MapSource)
Haven't given it a five out of five because haven't used it for my research project as yet. |
Good Basic Unit
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| Review Date: October 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: P. Smith, Boxborough, MA USA |
If you are looking for a top notch unit for a lot of serious use in the woods, then look elsewhere.
This is my fourth Garmin in 14 years. When my GPSMap76CS died I had a choice; give Garmin $110 for a refurb GPSMap or buy this new. I chose this unit. I'm a casual hiker & geocacher that didn't need a color display, compass or altimeter. They are good to have, but not necesary. I just need a unit that points me to the next cache or can get me out of the woods when the sun starts to sink a little low
So what's great about this unit? Value. What you get for the money is impressive. The receiver is very good. Even in heavy trees I can lock up 6+ satellites. It holds a lock even when it is hanging from my neck. No wrist strap, it comes with a comfortably long neck lanyard. It has lots of features, many of which I'll never use. It's unlikely you'll need more waypoints & routes than this unit has. Navigating through the screens takes a little getting used to, but is straightforward.
What's not so great? The display is good only in decent light. It's still visible, but in less than optimal conditions you'll need the backlight. Also, the buttons on the Legend H can be little hard to use quickly as they are covered with thick rubber. It's good protection, but it can slow you down when trying to do things quickly
For entering and finding a geocache, this unit is great. For marking a trailhead and landmarks to orient yourself while hiking, this unit great. But if you do these things a lot, you'll be better served by spending some more money and getting a unit with a better display.
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Value for money
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| Review Date: August 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Rasika, |
| Device is working perfectly and very accurate too. The only concern is Garmin should provide some software to photo geo-tagging with device. Also nice to have some software to directly upload to google maps and earth. |
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US $121.09
