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I'm using my Garmin 12XL that I've had for 3-4 years now. Still works like a charm so I have no need to replace it (unless I can stumble across one of thos III+ units for $99). It doesn't support uploaded map images, but that's not a necessary option anyway.

I use a Garmin GPS III and an Etrex... Jeremy, where could you even hook an external antenna to on the etrex? Garmin does not even make an external antenna for it...

wow, the emap is really 99$ and the etrex 69$ at www.officedepot.com insane. if you look at the specs @ garmin though, its obvious emap is really most appropriate for indoor use-apparently it can survive "misting" but not rain-so, its not really well suited for geocaching. and as mentioned, alot of people use the etrex/love it, but the lack of averaging can be somewhat annoying...but geez, these are cheap.. thanks for the heads up, maybe ill buy an etrex for a friend for the holidays... take care andy

Addendum : it appears that the $99 price for the Garmin III+ unit at Office Depot was a severe pricing mistake. On the website, the price is already at $289, and stores appear to be a day behind, so this deal will dry up on December 18... for those that were able to get the Garmin III+ at $99, congratulations! The eTrex and eMap prices are still the same - $69 and $99.

A heads-up on the Office Depot deal - the clearance sale has entered the final days, with prices for an eTrex hanging at $70 and prices for a Garmin III+ weighing in at a scant $99. Chances are, evey store you can find is sold out of the III+ units, but you can still find some eTrex units lying about. Match that eTrex with the in-store offer of $10 off a no-commitment AOL subscription (I signed up and cancelled the next day) and then use the coupon at this cryptic link : http://ofc.rsvp0.com/servlet/website/ResponseForm?hMJEzmhkLl.25VT--.25VTbgmLkgHs.25VT.26tHps for another $10 off. I got my eTrex for $54 after sales tax - I bet one of you can do better, esp. if you get them to lower prices for an open box or display unit. Good luck! Note to moderators : if it is not kosher to post coupon info in this forum, please change the URL to http://bensbargains.net, where you need to do a search for 'Office Depot'. The link is posted there with Office Depot's knowledge.

quote:Originally posted by chukhung:Does anybody have any ideas on what's the best way to make suggestions to Garmin for enhancements to the eTrex software? Is there a users group or some other forum that Garmin listens to when deciding which features they'll add to the eTrex? try doing a search on the sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup. (thru deja.com, e.g.) They were bundling up everyone's suggestions into a big list, which was then sent to Garmin. Strength in numbers...

I agree; the 2.10 software for the eTrex is definitely superior to what came with my unit out of the box (2.04, I think). Unfortunately, Garmin hasn't released any eTrex updates since October 4 when 2.10 came out. They've managed to post two updates to the eMap software in that time (grrr). I'm crossing my fingers that when the next eTrex update is released it'll include my suggestion. Thanks, C

I have both the Garmin III+ and the Garmin Topo CD-ROM, and I love them both. As for the street names, I think you have to buy another CD, but I rarely use it for finding anything but main roads and quick detours. The basic database is good enough for that.

I have the Garmin topo CD-ROM, and although it doesn't have foot trails, it does have Forest Service roads, old rail grades, and just about every thing else you need to get around in a 4x4. Ask yourself this: Do I really need foot trails in the GPS, when most trails that are big enough to be on a map are usually well blazed? Just a thought, as you will always have to pay more for more features. John

I tried that initially. They told me to write it up and send it as an email to sales@garmin.com. (Why "sales"?) Maybe Garmin is taking my idea seriously. I just haven't gotten any feedback. It would have been nice to know if a real human actually ever received my suggestion and considered it. Thanks, C

Try calling Garmin at 1-800-800-1020. Someone at that number could, at the very least, tell you who to talk to.

Does anybody have any ideas on what's the best way to make suggestions to Garmin for enhancements to the eTrex software? Is there a users group or some other forum that Garmin listens to when deciding which features they'll add to the eTrex? I had an idea that I thought would be pretty trivial to implement and would make the eTrex more useful. I tried emailing my suggestion to Garmin, but that seems to have ended up in the bit bucket. I got an autoresponse but haven't heard anything else since then (it's been two months now). Anybody know the email address of someone who works at Garmin software development? Thanks, C

Does anyone have any experience with the Garmin eMap GPS? I was looking at the GPS III+, but I was told it was good hardware, but lacked street naming, and address finding... Yikes! This led me to the eMap. How does it compare to the GPS 12? Which is best for GeoCaching? Also, is the "TOPO" map CD worth it?

quote:Originally posted by Ethan:I've read that it is possible to upload waypoints to my Garmin eTrex with the data cable, -Ethan Another program you can use to transfer data to your eTrex is PanTerra from http://www.topografix.com. It comes with over 1 million US waypoints, which will help you figure out what's close to your geocache. You can download PanTerra at http://www.topografix.com.

I've read that it is possible to upload waypoints to my Garmin eTrex with the data cable. Do I need Mapsource to do this? If so, will any version do? -Ethan

Well, I know that Garmin's web site (www.garmin.com) will show you a chart that compares the specs of all their units. I think the page where you can compare units is at www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.html. I'm sure that Magellan has something like that on their page too. Hope that helped a little.

Hello fellow Utahans, I have really enjoyed using my Garmin 12 since last June, and have hidden a some stashes here in Utah using it. But recently I put it side-by-side with a Garmin III+, and the base maps and screen resolution spoiled me. Now I'm thinking of an upgrade to the III+ or 12map. The battery life leaves a bit to be desired with the 12, I get 8-10 hours of power-up use. I haven't heard any real honest opinions about the battery life of the others. Does anyone have a III+ or 12map? Or, would you recommend something else? Let me know what kind of GPS you are using and likes/dislikes about it. Larry Nielson

If you're on road, Street Atlas is pretty good, although I suspect that support for Garmin is a little better than support for Magellan. They're all a kick. I had Street Atlas during a 5500 mile trip this spring and it pulled me out of a lot of nasty situations where I was just plain lost -- although following SA's routing suggestions was sometimes the reason I *was* lost. Any moving map with a GPS is just incredible. You travel with confidence and that gives you the power to go places you might otherwise not. I don't leave home without it. Although I seem to have wandered off from this topic.

If you're on road, Street Atlas is pretty good, although I suspect that support for Garmin is a little better than support for Magellan. They're all a kick. I had Street Atlas during a 5500 mile trip this spring and it pulled me out of a lot of nasty situations where I was just plain lost -- although following SA's routing suggestions was sometimes the reason I *was* lost. Any moving map with a GPS is just incredible. You travel with confidence and that gives you the power to go places you might otherwise not. I don't leave home without it. Although I seem to have wandered off from this topic.

I am Glenn, you may have seen me post as nz_etrex. I am hooked on Stash / Cache hunting and have logged my first find that was over 1000kms (625+ miles) from home on a recent trip to the South Island. Have been close to the Melbourne and Sydney caches too but didn't have time to check them out. If you are planning to place a cache or hunt for one and need any help please email me at gwatson@ihug.co.nz or post a message here and I will do my best to reply as quick as possible. I have a Garmin Etrex and love it. Suits my needs perfectly. If you have any stories or thoughts you would like to share then please posts these here too. Lets make the NZ page the one to visit !! Cheers nz_etrex

I don't use one, but I sure wish I had one. My last hunt landed me under light tree cover, and my GPS kept flip-flopping my bearing due to poor coverage. Has anyone tried one of those digital compasses or a GPS with built-in compass (like the Garmin eMap)? Do they work well?