Garmin eTrex 20 User Review

I just purchased a Garmin eTrex 20 handheld GPS (released in late September 2011) and I decided to do a quick user review of it.

This is my first GPS device, which means I can't do a relative comparison with other units. So, based on its own merits, here are my comments on the eTrex 20:

1. Build quality is solid, and when loaded with batteries it has a nice, reassuring heft to it. Dark grey areas are rubberized for wear resistance. USB connection is hidden under a rubber weather-resistant flap, and the micro-SD slot is protected inside the battery compartment, which are thoughtful design features.

2. The glassy LCD screen is tad reflective when viewed under direct sunlight.

3. Ability to decode both GPS and GLONASS satellite signals is a very useful feature. In the field, it takes less than a minute to get a position fix, and the precision is quite good, around 4 metres at best.

4. It works well inside vehicles too, I've tried it in buses and get practically instantaneous position and speed readings. It will definitely work as a car GPS, though that is not its intended function.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Garmin
• eTrex
• 10
• 20
• 30
• handheld
• GPS
• GLONASS
• receiver
• logger
• compass
• unit
• hiking
• camping
• geocaching
• geocache
• outdoor
• field
• test
• user
• review
• overview
• demo

[darmillionaire]

Thanks for the review, I have ordered an eTrex 20 after watching this, and reading a few more reviews online.

A bit unrelated question, what is the name and model of the camera you used to shoot this video? I like the quality, and how it captured the letters on the GPS screen so clearly.

[Xisla]

@darmillionaire You're welcome. I used a Nikon L5, good for macro shooting, but it's 4+ years old now and some of the buttons are becoming unreliable.

[gigahertz20]

@Xisla

The accuracy of the eTrek 20 looks like it's pretty bad at the end of the video. You are standing 20-30ft away when it beeps to tell you that you are there. I thought these were suppose to be accurate within 10ft of a marked waypoint.

[Xisla]

@gigahertz20 In this video it beeps 16m (52.5ft) away from the waypoint. When I'm standing about 2m away from the marker, it reads 4m, so the accuracy looks fine. The beeper usually sounds 10+ m in advance when walking, or 100+ m away when in a vehicle. There is a function to customise alarm settings, but I'm not sure about the details because I don't use it.

[supercooldude1953]

just wanted to say thank you for the info..really appreciate it, thanks

[Xisla]

@supercooldude1953 You're welcome, cheers.

[jmcerquera]

Este GPS es el que andaba buscando, muchas gracias por su video.

[sleepyduck]

@ebayaddict19 depends..for me 62s is more ruggedized feel it makes me confident..but i tink if u get this etrex. u will get the upper hand on satellites.. good for areas with much cover.. anyways i used 62s but annoyed when i go between buildings..