Garmin eTrex H

The Garmin eTrex H is a GPS unit targeted for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget and comes with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that locks onto satellite signals for quick pick up and maintains accuracy. Designed in a yellow coloured form factor with an intuitive interface and a rugged exterior, the device is a lightweight handheld that fits in the palm of a hand or pocket. The device’s high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, locates position quickly and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover, deep canyons, deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees. The eTrex H can be operated with one hand using five buttons, which are located on either side of eTrex H within reach of fingers. It conforms with IPX7 waterproof standards, so it can take an accidental splash or dunk in the water and still continue to perform. The unit is powered by two AA batteries that provide up to 17 hours of operation. Users can store up to 500 waypoints in memory for retrieval by entering the point they want to go to, and eTrex H points them to their destination (no street or terrain maps). To get home, the unit features Garmin’s TrackBack® feature that allows users to reverse their track log and help them navigate back to their starting point.

Specifications
Dimensions
The Garmin eTrex H is a GPS device designed in a 4.4″ x 2.0″ x 1.2″ (11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm) / 5.3 oz (150 g) with two AA batteries (not included) form factor in yellow color.

Display
It features a 1.1″ x 2.1″ (2.8 x 5.4 cm) display with 64 x 128 pixels resolution and 4 level gray LCD.

Features
The Garmin eTrex H is an IPX7 waterproof (does not float) device which features a high-sensitivity receiver and serial interface. There is also an RoHS version available.

Maps & Memory
The Garmin eTrex H does not feature Basemap, preloaded maps, ability to add maps, built-in memory, and accepts data cards. It also does not include automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads), electronic compass, touchscreen, barometric altimeter, geocaching-friendly, camera or outdoor GPS games. Other features not included in the device are tide tables, area calculation, custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest), unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units) and picture viewer.

The unit however does feature 500 waypoints, favorites and locations. It also features up to 20 routes input; 10,000 points, 10 saved tracks tracklog; Hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information.

In the Box
The eTrex H comes with a wrist strap, owner’s manual and quick start guide.

Reviews

“this is a basic unit. If you are interested in additional features such as mapping, route tracking to an on-board map, calling your mother, etc…, look elsewhere. However, be warned, most users use those features for about 20 minutes (on average) before forgetting they exist.” – (Review Garming GPS, 2009)

“The Garmin eTrex H is Garmin’s newest entry-level handheld GPS, a worthy successor to the basic yellow Garmin eTrex. A great first GPS for the budget-minded geocacher or hiker, this classic has been updated with a high-sensitivity chipset for superior reception under canopy and in other difficult conditions.” – (GPS Track Log, 2008)