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GPS (hand held) Meter Reviews/ Recommendations...

This is just a start of the list we will eventually publish: it is the only two we have PERSONALLY tested.

If any of you users would like to contribute to this review list - it would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED! 

Send your review to mb@riganchorsolutions.com

OUR PICK!

Garmin Dakota 20
(010-00781-01) priced at approx. $339.95

The Garmin Dakota20 is a handheld GPS system to make outdoor navigation effortless with a tough, sunlight-readable, 2.6 inch color touchscreen display. Dakota 20 is featured with a built-in 3-axis electronic compass, high-sensitivity GPS with HotFix satellite prediction and barometric altimeter. The interface is easy to use, so you’ll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information.

The Dakota 20 is both durable and waterproof to withstand the elements: bumps, dust, dirt and water are no match for this rugged navigator. The device 20 comes with built-in worldwide basemap, so you can navigate anywhere with ease. The built-in 3-axis electronic compass shows your heading even when you’re standing still or not holding the device level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude.

Dakota 20 Features:
  • Handheld GPS Navigation
  • 2.6" 65k Color TFT Touchscreen Display
  • Sunlight-Readable (Anti-Glare)
  • 160 x 240 Pixels Display Resolution
  • HotFix Satellite Prediction
  • Preinstalled Worldwide Basemap
  • High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver
  • Wireless Unit-to-Unit Connectivity
    - Share Waypoints, Tracks, Routes & Geocaches w/ Other Dakota, Foretrex®, Oregon® & Colorado® Users
  • 3-axis Tilt Compensated Compass
  • Barometric Altimeter / Elevation Plot
  • Automatic Routing
    - Turn by Turn Routing on Roads
  • Geocaching-Friendly
    - Supports GPX Files From Geocaching.com
  • Hunt / Fish Calendar
  • Sun & Moon Information
  • Tide Tables
  • Area Calculation
  • Custom POIs
  • USB Interface
  • Waterproof to IPX7 standard
  • Built-in Memory: 850 MB
  • Micro SD Card Slot
  • Dimensions: 2.2" x 3.9" x 1.3"

Memory For:

  • 1000 Waypoints
  • 50 Routes
  • Track Log: 10,000 Points, 200 Saved Tracks
  • 2 AA Or 2 NiMH Batteries
  • 20 Hours Of Battery Life

Dakota 20 Includes

  • Lanyard
  • USB Cable
  • Owner's Manual on Disk
  • Quick Start Manual

Our review:

  • we found that the elevation was mostly/ very accurate (unlike the less expensive models).
  • very easy to use as it is "touch screen" and the display is much clearer then the cheaper models. Easier to see/ read in direct sunlight.
  • easy to "rename" way points - not really required but a handy feature if you're doing a lot of "mapping" at one  time.
  • liked the fact that you could hook up the included USB cable to a laptop (or any system) to transfer data (way points, etc.). We expect to take advantage of this feature, in the near future, for added features,  revisions/ versions of our "Rig Anchor Solutions" software.
  • liked the feature that gave instant compass readings - even while standing still (unlike the less expensive models) - needed to create a location "plat".
  • a dislike - could only retrieve the way points via the "edit feature" - what the heck's that all about? Easy enough once you get use to it but does involve a couple more "clicks";-(

Garmin Legend H Handheld GPS Navigator

priced at approx. $129.00

Manufacturer's Description (January 15, 2009)
The brightly-colored eTrex Legend H combines all of the intuitive, user-friendly features of the eTrex series with a full basemap of the Americas, the Atlantic or the Pacific and 24 megabytes (MB) of internal memory for storing optional maps. Put the great outdoors in the palm of your hand.

Put the great outdoors in the palm of your hand.

High-contrast, backlit 2.4-inch LCD display and 64 x 128 pixel resolution for clear map display. 

Simple, intuitive user interface. 

Pinpoint Your Location
The Legend H can receive position corrections from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), which makes its already-accurate positioning data even more reliable. In fact, when you turn on WAAS, you can increase the accuracy of Legend H's position reporting to within three meters. The device's high sensitivity means peak performance in any environment, from heavy foliage to deep canyons.

Add More Detail
The Legend H's basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, coastlines, and landmarks. It also comes preloaded with marine navigation aids. And, with 24 MB of memory, you can add even more map detail with data from Garmin's entire line of MapSource mapping products (add maps in a snap with the high-speed USB connection).

24 MB is also plenty of room for waypoints, routes and saved tracks. The Legend H's automatic track log saves up to 10 tracks for retracing your path, and stores 20 routes with up to 125 waypoints per route.

See More Detail
With a high-contrast, backlit 2.4-inch LCD display and 64 x 128 pixel resolution, you'll have no problem seeing your maps. The Legend H is compatible with mapping software including topographic maps, Bluechart and inland lake maps. It also includes built-in celestial tables for best times to hunt and fish.

Handheld Performer
The Legend H is engineered for comfortable, efficient handheld use. With its slim form factor, and weighing in at only 5.3 ounces with batteries, the Legend H is ready to go wherever you might take it. The four-way cursor provides smooth, one-hand operation, allowing you to move through menus and screens with ease. The rugged waterproof case (IPX7) gives you added protection against the elements, and a pair of AA batteries gets you up to 17 hours of use.

One-Year Warranty
The Legend H is backed by Garmin's one-year limited warranty for a little peace of mind while you're on the trail.

What's in the Box
eTrex Legend H, lanyard, English/French owner's manual, quick start guide, USB cable

Product Description

The Legend H will include a high sensitivity receiver and will also support USB interface enabling high speed map downloads. It also features 24 MB of internal memory which will enable free space for downloading new map data. Software will include Geocaching capabilities with a14 hour battery life.

Our Review

  • we found that the display was very hard to see/ read particularly in direct sun light
  • we found that the elevation readings were not all that accurate - could not be used to accurately determine elevation deviation between the well head and anchors. This fact may or may not be important to your type business.
  • a little more complicated to "rename" way points - not really required but a handy feature if you're doing a lot of "mapping" at one  time.
  • does not offer instant compass readings - you need to be moving to capture north needed to create a location "plat".
  • conclusion - good enough to get you by - but you'll find - you "get what you pay for"!