Garmin has released their new improved entry level handheld GPS line. This Garmin eTrex 10 review will fill you in on some of the new features. They maintain the rugged reliability of the eTrex GPS units but comes with some new bells and whistles.
For starters, the eTrex 10 handheld GPS gets a new user interface making it easier than ever to use. You can select from preconfigured profiles that will put the features you use the most right in front of you.
When you get your new eTrex 10 you’ll need to install batteries which is a snap. You just turn the lanyard clip a quarter turn and the battery compartment opens up. It takes 2 AA batteries and will give you up to 25 hours per charge. Even with the batteries the whole unit only weighs 5.5 ounces.
It Locates Satellites Fast
With your batteries installed you can now turn on the eTrex 10. It will automatically begin
acquiring satellite signals. You will know when it has located signals because the GPS bars will appear solid. It will automatically set the date and time based on your GPS position.
Now the whole process to acquire satellite signals will only take about 30 seconds or so. It will be even faster after the initial power up unless you move a large distance with it turned off. What makes it so fast? Well for starters the eTrex 10 utilizes Garmin’s Hot Fix Satellite prediction software. Basically it tells it where a satellite is likely to be so it isn’t scanning vacant areas. The next thing that helps speed it up is GLONASS.
Russian Technology?
If you’ve been keeping up on your GPS news you know that the Russians are fixing their network known as GLONASS. It is fully operational but a couple satellites shy of the 24 needed for continuous coverage. You may wonder why I’m bringing this up in a review of the Garmin eTrex 10. Well the eTrex 10 is the first consumer grade receiver that can track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. GLONASS reduces time to lock position is 20% faster and by having access to both means you will receive signals from double the number of satellites than with GPS alone.
Garmin also added worldwide base map. In my opinion the basemap is more for visual aesthetics as this is not a mapping GPS. It is a nice touch though. You can see the new basemap on its 2.2 inch monochrome display. The display is back-lit which will allow you to make it brighter to either see it in bright sunlight or help you see it in the dark.
List of features
- 5.5 oz
- 25 hour battery life
- IPX7 Waterproof rating
- 50 route memory
- 100 saved tracks with up to 10,000 points
- 1,000 user created waypoints
- Hunt/Fish Calendar
- Sun/Moon Info
- Tide Tables
Paperless Geocaching
In addition to these features you get Paperless Geocaching. The new and improved eTrex 10 now lets you go on geocache hunts without the paper. Save the environment while playing in the environment. This unit supports GPX files so you can download all of the details for your next geocache adventure. It will store and display key information such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and Do you want an entry level handheld GPS that does everything? Check out this Garmin eTrex 10 Review. It just might be what you are looking for.s. No need for paper or manually entering coordinates.
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Usually at this point in the eTrex 10 review I would tell you about what actual owners are saying about their GPS. The eTrex 10 has only recently went on sale though. As soon as more users start providing feedback I’ll update this Garmin eTrex 10 review with what they have to say about it. In the meantime, it’s only $119. Why don’t you try it out.
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Average Customer Rating: 
On Sale Now:$105.77
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