Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator is a perfect portable GPS for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their navigational equipment (about $80 on Amazon).

About Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS will help you find your way even in the roughest terrain thanks to super-sensitive GPS receiver, which can find your location quickly and accurately and is able to keep its GPS position even in dense forests or deep canyons.

The ‘H” stands for “High Sensitivity” unit, which was released in 2007. Although older units look almost the same, but they lack this important navigational power. The highly sensitive chip has the processing power that can rival many of the more expensive units on the market.

The eTrex H design is durable and weather-proof, so you don’t need to worry about using it in the rain or even accidentally dropping in the water. It is lightweight and fitting easily in the palm of your hand.

The interface is intuitive and easy to use even with one hand. You’ll be able to read the display even in bright light or in a shade.

There are many additional handy features such as waypoints, compass, built-in clock, altitude, bearing and heading. You can customize the menus and displays to fit your needs.

This is a perfect starter unit for people who are looking for point-to-point navigation when hiking, camping, fishing or geocaching. However, it will not guide you down streets and does not show maps, so if you want road network navigation, you may have to look at something else.

Buy Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

 Warning: Read This Before You Buy

This unit does not accept Garmin maps. It will download waypoints, tracks, routes from the Garmin map programs, but will not accept the map.

The result is that all one sees is a waypoint on a gray screen, without reference to a street name, or other map feature like a lake. It’s almost like traveling in the dark, not seeing or knowing what surrounds you.

Without the ability to display maps, this unit is a TOY if one wants to use it to accurately navigate to NEW locations. Test your ability to self-determine what one true coordinate is beforehand. If you can do it, this is for you. If you can’t figure out coordinates from a map, then you’ll understand the problem and have your answer about this unit.

I use DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers, which use the same grids as Garmin (WGS 84) and can come to within about a block or two of true coordinates. Hiking, or in the woods, this can mean disaster. Are you 2 blocks to the left, or 2 blocks to the right of where you want to be? Are you 2 blocks too far, or are you 2 blocks too short. Point is that you may be 4 blocks left or right, or 4 blocks too far or too short of where you planned on going!

Without reference images, the waypoints are basically for ’survival’, and not navigating to a new destination as no new destination can be seen on the screen.

It is good for survival if lost in the woods or ocean and one needs help. You can call for rescue with the current coordinates. One can track back and one can also plug in coordinates to Go To, but the problem of it is, is: That one needs to use it in conjunction with a paper map, or other external map and plug in the coordinates BEFORE reaching it, to intentionally navigate to a new location.

This is good for geocaching when you can plug in the coordinates prior to going out. This is good for young children as an introductory training tool, BUT you will feel the need to upgrade immediately.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

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If you are looking to buy a handheld gps navigation system, read more about Handheld GPS systems and How to select the right GPS device for your needs?

If you are thinking about purchasing a GPS device, the first question you have to ask yourself is how you are going to use it. Are you going to be using it for directions and road navigation when driving, for sports, outdoor recreation, or boating?

GPS for hiking, geocaching, and other outdoor fun. If you’re into outdoor fun, you will probably want detailed topography maps on the screen of your GPS. Most GPS handheld devices come with basic maps that show cities and major highways. If you want more topographical detail, you’ll need a special mapping GPS receiver and a compatible software package (usually purchased separately).

If you don’t want detailed maps, you could opt for a basic GPS like the Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS. It doesn’t come with a PC cable, so you’ll have to manually enter waypoints using the tiny onscreen keyboard. If you choose eTrex Venture Handheld GPS (also from Garmin), which comes with a cable, you can just click on the map to set a waypoint and transfer it to your GPS.

GPS for road navigation. For automotive navigation, it’s good to have a GPS that can not only display maps, but will also give you directions. Popular brands include Garmin, Magellan and TomTom – these are all excellent choices. You will need to purchase some accessories, such as cigarette lighter adapter and windshield mounting suction cup.

GPS devices for sports. Portable GPS devices are used by bikers, runners, golfers, and other sports enthusiasts. They all need small lightweight devices that can be easily accessed when on the go. For example, Garmin provides some great devices, that are not just your typical GPS systems, that can be worn on your wrist, just as your watch and act as your personal trainer too. The Garmin Forerunner 101 Personal Training Device and Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer are especially popular. The Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Receiver Personal Training Device even provides a heart rate monitor! Golf enthusiasts have also discovered many uses for golf GPS systems to help them improve their game.

GPS units for boaters. If you’re are planning to use your GPS on a boat or a cayak, you’ll need a waterproof device. GPS fish finders can help you ensure success of your next fishing expedition.

GPS for aviation. You can use a portable GPS while flying gliders, hang gliders, and paragliders.

What you need to know GPS software and maps
Most GPS units come with a cable that connects them to your computer. This opens up a world of free maps, aerial photos and 3-D imagery. Learning to use a GPS is fairly straightforward; choosing which software to use is not. GPS Mapping – Make Your Own Maps guides that you can buy on Amazon, can help you with that. It covers all major brands of mapping software, it also explores sources of free software and maps, how to use aerial photos and satellite imagery, and how to view backcountry locations in 3-D. GPS Mapping reduces a reader’s learning curve and gets them mapping right away.

Read more on GPS Handheld Navigation blog. If you are a golfer, you may be interested to learn how golf GPS systems can help you improve your game. Also learn about gps based vehicle tracking system, cell phone GPS tracking, and gps vehicle tracking devices. Some of you may be interested how to catch a cheating spouse with GPS car tracking.