Navman PiN 100 Portable GPS Pocket PC Navigation System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After seeing the terrible review at InfoSyncWorld, I became very worried that I was going to regret having just purchased the Navman PiN 100. There is very little in the way of reviews for this product so I will try to be as thorough as I can.

As a Pocket PC, I am completely satisfied with the Navman PiN 100. It is actually just a Mio DigiWalker (it even has the Mio DigiWalker logo on the back of it) so if you have seen reviews for that, then this is the same thing. It runs Windos Mobile 2003, has one expansion slot (an SDIO slot), and a suitably fast CPU and on-device storage & memory. I have used it as a Pocket PC for many things now and have not once felt the hardware specs to be lacking. Handwriting recognition is still awful but that is something to mention in a review of Windows Mobile 2003 operating system itself, not the Navman.

You WILL need a 256 or 512MB SD card to hold maps. The included 32MB card is basically worthless, I left it in the box and never used it. Many if not most states are over 30MB and that means you would not even be able to load them onto the card. I suggest getting one of those 256MB cards with wifi ability built-in, then you can kill two birds with one stone. Wifi is a neat thing to have.

As an in-car GPS solution, the Navman is hands-down absolutely the best value on the market. For under $500 (which is including the absolutely necessary additional purchase of a memory card) you get a Pocket PC, all necessary cables, an unobtrusive GPS receiver, a windshield mount, a car charger/adapter, and of course the Smart ST v2 GPS software. The Garmin iQue 3600 is its closest competitor -- I tried it too and decided the Navman PiN was both the better value and the superior product (bigger, brighter screen among many other things). Unfortunately the Navman PiN package feels exactly like what it is -- not one well-integrated product but a box of products sold as a bundle. When you open the box you are confronted with several envelopes, nearly a half dozen CD-ROMs, three different user manuals, and a confusing pile of cords and accessories. They burden you with actually loading the Smart ST v2 software on the Pocket PC, before you load it on your PC, register it and activate it, then install ActiveSync from another CD, and a bunch of other hassles like configuring the GPS COM port and baud rate -- TOO many hassles -- before you are finally ready to use the product. There was so much paperwork in the box that I spent several confused minutes wondering where the serial number was that the software wanted in order to install it. I would like to see the software pre-loaded on the handheld and all of the necessary stuff for your PC come on one single DVD ROM. I just plunked down 5 benjamins for a GPS toy, do you think I have not found myself a DVD drive for my computer yet? Get with the 21st century people.

Battery life is certainly better than the iQue 3600. It is at least 3 or 4 hours but I haven't done any real tests so I don't have an actual figure to give.

The GPS receiver takes some time to pick up satellites. Anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes on your first use, and 2 to 5 minutes from a cold start after that. It seems like definitely longer if you are moving. This is too long in my opinion, I don't know if other receivers are better, or not. As an in-car device I generally want to take it out of my pocket, put it on the dash, and have it ready to go. Instead I have to sort of sit there in the car for a few minutes or just wait until the first stoplight to check on where I am or where I am going.

The car charger is just that -- nothing to say about it. It gets the job done and is nice to have. The windshield mount is a suction cup mount and secures excellently to the windshield. I wish I could say the same for how well it secures the handheld. It barely does at all. It sort of just cradles it lightly. If you put your Navman in it without the utmost care, it is liable to fall right out. That is NOT good. I recommend angling it back some so that gravity holds it in a little. This seems to work for me. I would have rather it clipped in or snapped in, but no.

The rest of this review is going to sound pretty harsh because I don't really like the GPS software that the Navman PiN comes with (Smart ST v2 2.00.0036 SP2). It is promising, but fatally flawed. I want to say up front though, that I would not give up using this device just because I think the software sucks. I just deal with the frustrations and hope there will be an update to iron them out later.

First off, the map view. The map view is gorgeous, in full 16-bit color, with color coded roads to show your route, the current road you're on, roads that pass under/over your road, and little arrows indicating direction of traffic. Major and minor roads are different colors, and the roadnames are displayed very clearly and legibly. Geography like lakes and forest is marked with blue and green. The view switches to a 3D angled view whenever you are on a route to a destination, and rotates so that up is always your heading and you can see more in front of you than behind. The graphics are state-of-the-art for this market and nothing in its price range with the exception of TomTom Navigator can touch it. Your friends will be impressed.

The voice navigation is well-timed and intelligible, with the exception of "make a legal u-turn" which to most people sounds like "make illegal u-turn" (worth a few laughs). Voice only says when to turn and which direction, it doesn't say the street name or even highway number, which is too bad but that's typical for a PocketPC program.

The two big disasters of this software are its address input for destinations and routing, and the routing algorithm itself. These are the fatally flawed features which keep me from recommending this device to anyone who would get frustrated easily.

When inputting an address, you are allowed to select from your contacts (a Windows Mobile 2003 feature), however if you do this, you will 100% of the time be told that you have selected an invalid address. Sometimes this is because the map data is 18 months old and doesn't know this address exists, but most of the time it will accept the address if you re-enter it by hand. This is unacceptable. Also, when you start entering it by hand, it will suggest a drop down list of possible locations, and they will all seem pretty much like the same place. There is no way to tell if the address you are entering should be in Richmond VA, Richmond MCD VA, or one of several other entries for what is obviously the same place. Then you will enter a street, for instance Lotus Lane, but it will not be found because you didn't type Lotus La. This is asinine. Entering the address for a destination takes 5 mintues because of this nonsense, when it should take 5 seconds. And you will have to do this every time you enter the address, unless you pick destinations off of your "Recent" list. Once, I loaded a destination off of my contact list and ignored the "invalid address" warning and Smart ST2 routed me to some completely non-related location of the same town. From now on I make sure I do the address input in the way it wants it.

As for routing, it has a lot of quirks. I will describe some of the ones I have experienced. To put it blunty, it can recommend some DUMB routes -- I mean really out of your way sometimes. I use "quickest" navigation and "shortest distance" is even worse. Once it took me to what appeared to be a complete dead end, and the map said I could keep going -- not without a machete I couldn't. I drew an "avoid area" and the route put me back on the course I should have stayed on in the first place. Other times, it takes you pretty close to where you have to go and says you have reached your destination, but you could be anywhere from one to eight blocks away from where you need to be. This can be frustrating if you fight hard for a parking spot in the city and get out and realize you still have to walk 8 blocks. It might have to do with the way the software estimates street addresses. It uses ranges of addresses and estimation to guess where a particular street address is. Sometimes this works reasonably well and other times (when ranges are large) it doesn't work at all. You might be better off never giving it a street address. Instead only give it street intersections and take yourself from there. Autorouting works fairly well, but Smart ST2 is slow to route anything, and so it will display a question mark for a minute or two until it suggests a new route. Sometimes when you know better and have a better route in mind, it will stubbornly insist you make a u-turn at every cross street until finally re-routing and "seeing the light" of what route you had in mind. I have seen other PocketPC software be smarter and faster at re-routing.

So in conclusion, I highly recommend this product to geeks willing to deal with some quirks (and hope for fixes), but not to the general public who would probably be hopelessly frustrated by the routing and input problems, despite the pretty interface and good value.

P.S. my review of the software is of the version after you apply the currently available patch on Navman's site. Before I did this, all of the routing problems I mentioned above were like twice as bad, and I would have given two stars instead of three. When reading any poor reviews of the Navman PiN, try to check if they are using the software before or after the patch.

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Product Description:
Navman PIN 100 PORTABLE GPS POCKET PC NAVIGATION SYSTEM

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Suunto X9i Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS (Tan) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Should have ordered a Garmin etrex and a sunto vector.Amazon shipped me the wrong color watch...but I was in Iraq and needed a watch and didn't want to wait another 4 weeks to get one.Then it broke (the cover/bezel/frame) the third time I used it.

Pros:
1. Small (compared to other GPS watches)
2. Accurate (compared to military maps and GPS)
3. has MGRS
4. good quality charger/acessories/softwear
5. battery lasts a long time (w/o using GPS) before needing to be recharged

Cons:
1. because it's small, it has hard to use button combos
2. does not appear sturdy and it broke easily (but still works)
3. if I am moving at all, I can't get a fix.
4. Need a computer to take full advantage of features

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Product Description:
The ultimate tool for the cross-sports enthusiast who wants to plan his or her journey carefully, the Suunto X9i wrist-top GPS is compact (it's the world's smallest outdoor GPS), well-designed, and straightforward. The unit combines an advanced GPS system with a host of route functions, so you'll always know where you are and where to go next. The system is particularly useful when exploring unfamiliar terrain, such as during long hikes, camping excursions, or backroad cycling trips. Add in such features as an altimeter (ideal for climbers), barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and several training tools and you have a versatile, powerful device that's prepared for almost any outdoor scenario.
In addition to helping you plot routes, the X9i's GPS computer indicates the direction of an upcoming waypoint, calculates the remaining distance, and estimates the arrival time. Meanwhile, users who like to pace themselves while cycling or hiking will appreciate the "current speed" and "distance traveled" readings. And when you're ready to head home, simply activate the Find Home setting, which guides you back to the starting point or home position, or the Track Back function, which retraces a recorded route.
Safety always comes first when hiking in the wilderness, which is why the X9i comes with an altimeter to measure the altitude and vertical speed, a 3D digital compass, and a barometer that reads sea level pressure and absolute pressure. You can also program the alarm to sound you when you reach a specific altitude or warn you of upcoming storms. And should you find yourself stranded during inclement weather, the compass and altimeter will help guide you to safety.
The X9i excels as a training tool as well. The altimeter is great for climbers and hikers, while the stopwatch and advanced timing functions let you record lap and split times of runs and other activities. Users can then feed the recorded information into the specially designed Trek Manager PC software to analyze and plan their training (it even keeps a training diary). And those who want to gain a deeper understanding can create their own activity reports, complete with photos and text.
From a GPS perspective, Trek Manager helps users plan their routes on a digital map, print out customized maps, and download routes directly to the X9i. Other functions include the ability to edit and erase existing routes and create graphical altitude profiles so that route planning is fast, accurate, and simple.
Finally, all the features are built within a sporty tan wrist-top housing that functions as a regular watch when you're not exercising. Additional features include a USB charger and PC connector (for charging via a PC), an easy-to-use menu-based interface, and water-resistance to 100 feet. The X9i weights 0.17 pounds and is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
Suunto X9i, charger, PC interface cable, software CD, pocket guide, user's manual.

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GolfBuddy Plus GPS Rangefinder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was bit leary of purchasing this GPS because I could not find any reviews other than the ones on the Golf Buddy website.It was easy to download the data for my home course and get all set.Once I arrived at the golf course and turned the unit one, it took about 3 minutes to get 3 sats and a little longer to get 5, then automatically selected my course.We have three nines, so while I was at the club house parking lot, it listed the golf course and as I walked to the first nine, it automatically selected correct nine holes, hole number one.I was IMPRESSED.I checked the distance to the green against the GPS installed in one of my partner's golf cart and it was within 1 yard.AMAZING.I noticed a few holes where the accuracy was off by 5 yards or so, but all in all it was pretty much on the spot.As we finished the first nine and crossed over to the back nine, it correctly picked up the right course and hole.A few bunkers on the back nine were not listed, so I will have to add those later.To make changes to any of the data already downloaded though, I will have to validate the data points, upload to Golf Buddy website and then wait for them to publish a change to the course data.This is the main shortcoming of this device.With the Sonocaddie, you can make changes instantly if a marker is off.But then again, the Sonocaddie does not automatically select your course and change holes as you move around the golf course.You do not have to do anything at all to the Golf Buddy unless you want to check bunker or hazard carries.Turn it on, play golf. Oh, and the downloads are absolutely free... no membership required. Amazing device.

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Product Description:
The GolfBuddy is a portable GPS device designed for golfers. A golf caddie at the palm of your hands. The GolfBuddy automatically displays the distance remaining to the front, center and back of the green as you move. Put the latest in innovation and technology in your golf game.

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Skygolf sg4 gps digital skycaddie w/usb Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using my skycaddie for two seasons.Last month the plug would not screw into the unit and I couldn't charge it.I called tech support and they said that I could either send it back and they would replace it or apply scotch tape to hold the plug in.I opted to send it in.They received it 8/8/08 and as of today 9/5/08 I have not heard from the company.They say I just have to wait my turn.Bad support :sad: and bad design.The connection should not be a small screw that can strip easily.They should consider a re-design with a USB plug.I have found the unit helpful but on our course there are about 4 holes where the distances are 10-15 yards off and the unit occasionally freezes forcing me to reset it by opening the back and removing the battery.

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Product Description:
SkyGolf Sale! GPS SG4 SkyCaddie The SG4 automatically calculates the distance to up to 40 targets per hole, simultaneously, in less than a second. It features a large grayscale screen and is equipped with SkyGolf's powerful IntelliGreen technology to help you hit more greens and lower your score. SkyGolf SG4 GPS Digital SkyCaddies feature: High-resolution grayscale screen Patented IntelliGreen Technology graphically displays an eagle's view of the green from your line of approach* Instant distances to up to 40 targets per hole* Access to the world's largest course map library* Mark ball: Know the distance you hit each shot Auto course selection o Auto target advance* Auto hole advance Long-lasting rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery Weighs 5.4 oz Size: 4.7 x 2.2 x 1.3 *Available only through an annual membership plan from SkyGolf's website What's In The Box: SkyCaddie SG4 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (up to 14 hours) AC Battery Charger USB Cable Heavy-Duty Belt Clip User Guide Quick Start Guide Minimum System Requirements* PC with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista (32- or 64-bit) Mac OS 10.4.0 (Tiger) or greater with Intel or PowerPC processor 256 MB of RAM (512 MB of RAM recommended) 4 MB of available hard disk space 2X CD-ROM drive (optional) Available USB 1.1 or 2.0 port Internet access (High-speed Internet access recommended) Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (PC) Safari 2.0 or later (Mac) *Please Note: SkyPlayer membership is an annual subscription that gives you automatic software updates, theft deterrent, and online storage of your SkyCourses in your own personal SkyVault, as well as access to professionally-recorded courses. Three different levels of memberships available, based on how many courses you want to store and play- fee required. Over 26,000 worldwide courses. For Warranty Issues: At manufacturers request please contact SkyGolf tech support direct @ 1-888-376-9614. SkyGolf SkyCaddie...The Best Rangefinder On The Mark

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Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Garmin Forerunner 101 is exactly the same as the popular Forerunner 201, with a couple of small changes.Being the case, I won't review the actual product since everything that needs to be said about it's GPS features can be found in the reviews for the Forerunner 201.
The most notable difference with the 101 is that it uses 2 AAA batteries istead of being rechargeable like the 201. At first I thought this was a big detraction to buying it, but it's really not that bad.Battery life is decent, although not as high as with the 201, which gets up to 13 hours of use on a full charge. But if you're not a marathon runner and just run a few miles on your runs, this shouldn't matter much.The only hassle is having the batteries go dead during the middle of a run, which really sucks if you're into knowing exactly how far you've gone. You have to keep an eye on the battery life before going out. The batteries don't really effect the weigh or size of the product though.
The second major difference is that this unit does not interface with your PC.This also isn't too big of a problem because, currently, the Garmin software is really lacking.Hopefully they will improve on it with time, but the PC software is nowhere near as nice as it could be at this stage.You can view a graph of your altitude for your run, and graphs of your pace and speed, and that's about it.Otherwise the software is really crummy.You can't even zoom in on your map like you can with the actual unit.
If you're serious about running, I would highly suggest the Forerunner 201 over this product, mainly because the price difference is so negligible.You can find the 201 for only about $20 more than this model, and the extra money is well worth the rechargeability of the 201 and freedom from the batteries.But if you really can't afford the cost, you're not going to be hurting too much with the 101.

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Product Description:
The Forerunner 101 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data--all in one compact unit that straps to your wrist. It's a lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more.
101
201
301 1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport.
2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). Speed Pace Distance Calories burned Heart rate Sports profiles¹ Advanced workouts² PC interface
(serial)
(USB) Analyze workout data on PC Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75 Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours And because it is a high quality Garmin GPS device, you get many of the features GPS users have come to rely on, such as precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data. The Forerunner 101 is easy to use right out of the box and it delivers the benefits of GPS technology.
Although it lacks the rechargeable battery and PC connectivity features of the Forerunner 201, the 101 retains all of the other great features of the 201, at an even more affordable price. The Virtual Partner feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring your Virtual Partner's pace and workout distance. You'll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner's pace, so you can always see at a glance if you're keeping up or falling behind.
Almost as important as the training device itself are the accessories to integrate it with your active lifestyle. If you're into cycling, the best way to keep an eye on your GPS while you ride is with a bike mount bracket that straps to the handlebars of your bike, motorcycle, or whatever you're traveling with for easy viewing.
Other Forerunner 101 features:

Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
Lap history--such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace--can be stored for 5000 laps.
Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
Time and distance whistles can be set to sound when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.

Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.

History: Review training history by day or week.

Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.

Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."

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Bushnell 363500 Onix 350 GPS with sensors Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got the Onix350 during a wootoff for about $65. The hardware is excellent.The software is incredibly bad.The pros and cons are below:

Pros:

The GPS system is extremely sensitive and unlike the majority of GPS systems, can acquire satellite signals below deep forest canopies.I had read about this capability before I bought the unit, and choose it for that reason.I live in the middle of the woods and wanted a unit that would work while hiking in the heavily wooded areas near my home.In fact, the unit acquires signals inside my house which is surrounded by trees.I am writing this review in my living room, and the unit has acquired seven satellites with three in the green (strong signal).My garmin unit cannot acquire a single satellite when I am inside the house.I do not know whether this is due to the electronics or a good antennae, but it matters not ... this unit has superb signal acquisition.

The display is very good but not outstanding.It is plenty bright, but the resolution is only medium.But the color is excellent and the ability to overlay either topographic maps or aerial maps is a very nice feature.But you will have to pay for these maps, and you should count on adding at least another $20 to collect enough maps to make this unit useful (see below).

Cons:

The web software is terrible.The Bushnell web site is disorganized and seemingly designed to prevent the user from getting to where they want to be.For simply registering the product, you get four free downloads which is enough to get you around your neighborhood, and thats it.The maps are small in area coverage, and hard to download. You will need to use trial and error to get what you want, so only having four free downloads is a tease and an insult.

If you are running Vista, then I recommend you buy another GPS.The combination of Vista paranoia and the Bushnell web site makes it nearly impossible to download maps.There is no Mac support, so forget about that as well.But I was able to download maps using Windows XP, although the process was convoluted and tiresome.The instructions are obscure, and often incorrect.Downloading maps to the GPS is a three or four step process, involves multiple windows, great patience and adequate karma.You will be cussing out the software engineers who designed this junk well before you have achieved success.I am guessing the software development was farmed out to Siberian potato farmers without access to computers or heat.

Summary:

Great hardware, terrible software.Count on adding another $20 for map downloads.This will give you unlimited downloads for 90 days.I paid $30 for one year of "free" map downloads, but in retrospect, the extra $10 may have been a mistake.I will lose patience long before 90 days are up.Nevertheless, after you suffer the indignation of dealing with the obscure and obscenely incompetent map download system, you will have an excellent GPS that works well in the deep forest.I know of no other GPS with comparable signal acquisition capabilities.

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Product Description:
Combining satellite photography and navigational aids on a single screen, the Bushnell Onix 350 GPS navigator lets you plot your course by comparing your surroundings with the pictures in your palm. As a result, you can easily find your way back to the car whether you're hunting or hiking in the woods. The Onix 350 works by layering a satellite photo, topographical map, compass, and other navigational aids on the extra-large, 3.5-inch full-color LCD display. Because you see all the images and aids on the same screen, you eliminate all of the guesswork of GPS navigation. This means you don't have to worry about taking a wrong turn or making an "educated" guess that the tree patch on the left is supposed to be there. The Onix 350 also includes barometric pressure and temperature sensors, helping you predict changing weather conditions. In general, lower pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. And fishermen will love the unit's Solunar Edge technology, which provides sun and moon tables to determine optimal animal and fish activity times.
Other details include a SafeTrack battery conservation mode that helps the Onix 350 run for up to 30 hours; a user-friendly interface that provides easy access to all of the features and controls; a self-calibrating three-axis digital compass; an embedded 512 MB microSD card; and a rugged, waterproof rubber armor.
Specifications:

Receiver: SiRF Star III 20-channel GPS
Navigation type: TruView screen layering
Screen type: Full-color LCD
Display size: 3.5 inches
Display resolution: 320 x 240
Battery type: Lithium ion
Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Waterproof standard: IPX7
Dimensions: 3.1 by 7 by 0.55 inches (W x H x D)

About Bushnell
Bushnell has been the industry leader in high-performance sports optics for more than 50 years. The company's guiding principle is to provide the highest quality, most reliable, and most affordable sports optics products on the market. Bushnell product lines enhance the enjoyment of every outdoor pursuit, including nature study, hunting, fishing, birding, and stargazing. Indoors, the company's binoculars bring the audience closer to the action in fast-moving sports or the fine arts at theaters and concerts.

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Suunto X10M Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been researching this watch since the X9i(first model) .I guess I expected too much.The first watch that I had was sent back because the barometer went out as well as the face steaming up.All I exposed it to was a car wash and normal shower.Not what I expected for $400+ watch.Sent it back and got another one.Within a week the coating used on the black part of face is flaking off.I looked at every review and still ordered the watch.I love the look of the watch and make no mistake it is very cool.I wanted it to wear everyday because of the large face and it looks cool.I would just like to caution everyone else.It is not very durable, and this was a lot of money for me.I really thought because of the high price and the rugged look, I would not have to worry about it.That is not the case.I find myself constantly checking it after it gets wet to make sure it is not fogged up.I like the watch it just lacks some durability issues for everyday wear. If you are a gadget guy or girl you will like the watch, just be aware that it is not a timex and does not handle be bumped and beat around very well.I also forsee some issues with the seals, they do not fit well.If you are even remotely hard on watches, I would not purchase this watch if you are looking for an everyday watch.Hope this helps someone else.
2nd posting---
This is my second posting and I am on my 3rd X10mi.Like I have said before this watch is way cool, but lacks some real work. My 1st watch fogged up, my second one fell apart and the third one is being sent back in the morning, because the bezel keeps popping off.If you buy it from an authorized dealer you can keep sending them back (at least for 2 years) but what happens after that?Do not buy this watch.I went through these reviews and saw the same type of reviews as the one I am typing. I over looked them because I loved the watch and thought that won't happen to me they must have got a bad one or they are just picky.Trust me I am just an average Joe and this thing breaks like crazy!Beware!

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Product Description:
Small and lightweight, the Suunto X10M wrist-top computer watch combines an altimeter, barometer, compass, and GPS navigator, making it a terrific companion for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The X10M--which builds on Suunto's decade of experience in creating cutting-edge outdoor devices--stands above most other wrist-top computers thanks to its improved, faster GPS fixes. Even under heavy foliage, you can use the X10M to plot your treks, navigate to a certain spot, or get back to your car, all while keeping your hands free to hold a hiking stick or water bottle. Once back at home, you can share your treks on Google Earth, or use the Suunto Trek Manager PC software to create new routes and plan new journeys.
The Suunto X10M also includes a built-in altimeter, which displays your current altitude and your vertical ascent and descent rate. Accurate to within 30,000 feet, the altimeter is an extremely valuable tool for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and wilderness travel. The altimeter contributes to your excursion in several ways. If you're standing on or near an obvious geographic feature, such as a ridge, trail, or creek, the altimeter can alert you to your current elevation and help you find your position on a topographic map. Similarly, if you plan on climbing a slope to a certain elevation and then traversing, the X10M can help you stay on course. And, of course, the X10M captures all your altitude information in its integrated logbook, making it easy to analyze your performance when creating a training routine.


The Suunto X10M watch includes an altimeter, barometer, compass, and GPS navigator.The X10M's barometer, meanwhile, measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing conditions--from sunny skies to hair-bending electrical storms. The barometer helps you decide whether to bring a soft shell or rain shell jacket when the skies look ominous, or even when to high-tail it back to the car. In general, low pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. If you've arrived at camp and notice the pressure starting to plunge, it's probably a good idea to secure the tent and crawl in. Likewise, if you're on a climb, it would be prudent to find shelter and retreat. Even at home, the X10M's barometer can look beyond office walls, skyscrapers, and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities.
And no outdoor watch is worth its salt without a digital compass, a great tool for keeping track of your direction while skiing, hiking, or exploring a new city. Simply point the top of the watch toward your intended destination and lock it in. Other features include an Activity Mode that records your speed, distance, and altitude information, along with any memory points you define along the way; a Track Back mode that guides you back the same way you came; a long-lasting battery; up to 50 routes, 25 tracks, and 500 waypoints; water-resistance up to 330 feet; and all the standard watch functions, including a 12/24-hour display, a stopwatch, a calendar clock, and three daily alarms. As with all Suunto wrist-top computers, the X10M carries a two-year warranty.
Specifications:

Altitude alarm: Yes
Vertical speed: Yes
Temperature compensation: Yes
User-removable logbook files: Yes
Resolution: 1 meter
Altitude range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
Logbook function: Yes
Stopwatch: Yes
Max number of split times in memory: 29
Automatic magnetic declination adjustment: Yes
Guided calibration: Yes
Heading in degrees: Yes
Declination setting: Yes
Cardinal directions: Yes
Bearing tracking: Yes
North-South indicator: North indicator
Distance measurement: Yes, via GPS
GPS resolution: 3 feet
Routes: 50
Speed: Yes
Tracks: 25
Waypoints: 500
Water resistance: 330 feet
Menu-based user interface: Yes
Display: Dot matrix
Backlight type: LED
Software: Suunto Trek Manager
Time: 12/24 hours
GPS time synchronization: Yes
Calendar clock: Yes
Dual time: Yes
Daily alarms: 3
Absolute barometric pressure: Yes
Weather memory: 7 days
Weather alarm: Yes
Trend graph: Yes
Temperature range: -5 to 140 degrees F
Sea level pressure: Yes
Battery power indicator: Yes
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Warranty: 2 years

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.
By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.
In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass--initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto's exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning of the company history.
Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world's biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.

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Garmin Dakota 20 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After losing a Garmin etrex vista hCX which I loved, I decided to go with the Dakota 20 (D20).I will be comparing the two in the review.

Maps and Storage:

The D20 comes loaded with a basemap, which has most major highways, but no streets.So for your purpose, you can choose City Navigator (required for auto navigation to work), or Topo 2008 (shows mountain countours & most lakes).Luckily, I had both Topo and City Nav on my computer.

Since the D20 comes with 850mb of internal memory, it's enough for self selected regions in Topo 2008 and/or Inland Lakes map, but not for City Nav.I put in a 4gb microSDHC card, which handled the 1.2gb .IMG file of the city navigator map.What might trouble some is that the D20 does not come with Mapsource(a great program for making custom maps, and upload trails and routes) or any kind of software.The hCX comes bundled with Mapsource. Although if you purchase the City Navigator, it comes with Mapsource.

When combining multiple maps onto the device, the D20 is much more convenient as you simply add the .IMG files (must have different file names) into the Garmin folder.D20 will automatically detect the maps and enable them.In the hCX, you had to merge all of the .IMG files into one or use seperate microSD cards, which was a toll. The D20 stores the saved tracks individually as .GPX files, whereas the hcx clumps all the trails into one file(named by date).

Auto Navigation:

I didn't find much info about Auto Navigation for the D20 before purchased, so I wasn't sure what to expect. After trying it a few times, it's definitely a step up from the hCX.There's an Automobile mode for navigation, where the map is tilted so you can see the turn coming from farther ahead.The directions text is noticeably smaller on the D20, which might be hard for some to read, but luckily you can adjust the text size of the directions.You can also customize what information you want to see (i.e-distance to destination, odometer, etc.). The D20 gives almost the same beep as the hCX when turns are approaching(no voice of course). The D20 navigation overall is more pleasing to the eye.

Battery Life:

The hCX wins on battery life 25 hrs vs 20 hours on the D20.There is a battery save mode on the D20 that definitely improves battery life.How it works is the screen will turn off in about 15 idle seconds to save power, and you simply touch the screen to see again. On D20's regular battery mode, I noticed the battery drains very quickly -definitely less than 20 hours.Recharcheable NiMH AA batteries are a must since you'll be going through them quickly.I use Sanyo Eneloop and Rayovac Hybrid.Be sure to change the Battery type under Setup>System to get the correct battery meter.

Visibility:

This has been the biggest complain by some, but I found the visibility/brightness on the D20 to be suitable for most types of lighting, including in the sun and in the dark.You can adjust the backlight (although brighter means less battery life).I'll admit it can be harder to see in certain angles of sunlight, but this hasn't been a problem during auto nav or regular use.The hCX is slightly brighter, but it's not a significant difference.

Accuracy:

During initial use, the satelites weren't detected on the D20.I had to walk outside before the Satelites could lock on. The D20 has three modes for Satellite: Normal, WAAS, and Demo.I've had the most accurate luck with WAAS as i'm assuming it's using the new satelite technology.On the D20 i've gotten accuracy as close as 10 ft, whereas on the hCX 20ft was usually the closest it would ever get.In general though, the satelite signal on the D20 is about the same as the hCX.

GPS Interface:

This is where the D20 far outshines the hCX.You navigate through all of the menus by touch.This is such a relief from using hCX's mini joystick and side buttons.What's nice about the D20 is you can move the map around by sliding your finger on it, whereas on the hCX joystick you have to sluggishly go at an angle.The D20 works much faster in operation. For example, it refreshes the maps considerably faster than the hCX.This equals less headaches when trying to pinpoint a location.

The layout on the D20 is very straight forward.The main menu contains all of the icons (Map, Where to, Track Manager, Setup, etc.) and you can scroll through all of the features by the arrows on the bottom corners. The hCX has a higher learning curve as you have to manipulate multiple buttons to get somewhere.

GPS Use:

I use the D20 for fitness activities: kayaking, jogging, cycling, and hiking. I can easily plot my map with distance and tracks(breadcrumb trails) onto websites that map .GPX files(Mapmyfitness, Motionbased).I use it too, of course, for auto navigation.The hCX is capable of doing all these things as well, but its not nearly as modern and simple as the D20.Resetting the track took me a few minutes to figure out, but it's simply Setup>Reset>Reset Trip Data.You have to use this command right before you go jogging, biking, rowing, etc. -otherwise your new track will mix in with the prior/current track. It'd be nice to have shortcuts on the D20, but no biggie.

Profiles and Customizing:

A nice feature on the D20 is the ability to create profiles.I have a profile for driving, and one for exercising.It keeps the settings and maps you want selected automatically saved into the profile (i.e- City Nav for auto, Topo for exercising).You can also rearrange or get rid of buttons in the main menu, specifically for each profile.This is extremely useful in having all the features you need in one or two screens.With the hCX, you can customize the features, although it is not nearly as simple to rearrange as the D20. The hCX does not have profiles.

Overall:

While it was quite unfortunate I dropped the hCX in the lake, the D20 has proven to be a suitable upgrade and replacement.The D20 and hCX both have their strengths and weaknesses, but i'm definitely enjoying the experience of the user friendly D20.I have yet to determine it's true ruggedness, but will post updates if anything else should be mentioned.

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Product Description:
Outdoor navigation meets touchscreen simplicity in Dakota 20. This rugged, palm-sized navigator combines touchscreen navigation, high-sensitivity GPS with HotFix satellite prediction, barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass and microSD card slot in one affordable, power-packed punch.


Touchscreen navigation, high-sensitivity GPS with HotFix satellite prediction, and a worldwide basemap. Click to enlarge.
(Click on image below to change view.)



2.6-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use interface.

Touchscreen navigation for the great outdoors.

Touch and Go
Dakota 20 makes outdoor navigation effortless with a tough, sunlight-readable, 2.6 inch color touchscreen display. The interface is easy to use, so you'll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. Both durable and waterproof, Dakota 20 is built to withstand the elements: bumps, dust, dirt and water are no match for this rugged navigator.
Get Your Bearings
Dakota 20 has a built-in 3-axis electronic compass, which 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, and you can even use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions. And with its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction, Dakota 20 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.
Find Fun
Get into paperless geocaching with Dakota 20 by quickly downloading up to 2,000 caches, with information such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description--no more paper print outs and manually entered coordinates. Visit our geocaching pages for more information.
Explore the Terrain
Dakota 20 comes with built-in worldwide basemap, so you can navigate anywhere with ease. Adding more maps is easy with Garmin's wide array of detailed topographic, marine and road maps, available on microSD card.
Share Wirelessly
With Dakota 20 you can share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Dakota, Foretrex, Oregon and Colorado users. Now you can send your favorite route or geocache location to a friend easily. Just touch "send" to transfer your information to similar devices.
What's in the Box
Dakota 20, Lanyard, USB cable, Owner's manual on disk, Quick start manual

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Garmin Approach G3 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just finished 1st round with my new G3.It took about 5 minutes for it to get a GPS signal the first time, but performed like a champ once it did.The scorecard feature is great and really easy to use.I stood on the red, 100 yard marker in the middle of the fairway on 3 holes and each time it read from 99 to 101.1% margin of error is better than I experienced with my old skycaddie. The touch screen was calibrated perfectly.I had no trouble with the cursor.Using rechargeable duracells, it shows about 60% power remaining after 18 holes.I'll carry an extra set of batteries just in case.This is replacing a skycaddie sg2.5 that had the screen go out after about 6 months.I won't miss paying for their yearly subscription either.As long as your favorite courses are available, I'd highly recommend!

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Product Description:
Garmin Approach G3 Touchscreen GPS Give your game a boost of confidence with Approach G3, a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf device packed with thousands of preloaded golf course maps. Approach uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact yardage to fairways, hazards and greens. Garmin Approach G3 Touchscreen GPS features: Small, light, rough and rugged Approach G3 is ideal if you prefer to walk the course Touchscreen allows you to tap anywhere on the hole map and get precise distances to bunkers, hazards, backs of greens Waterproof with a 2.6" sunlight readable display No need for subscriptions with over 12,000+ preloaded U.S. and Canadian courses Click here to view a list of golf courses included with the Approach G3 Allows you to preview a detailed, hole-by-hole coverage of the course Automatically updates and pinpoints your position so you'll know your yardage Allows you to zero in on the pin with Green View, giving you more accurate yardage Digital scorecard for up to four players Up to 15 hour battery life Takes two AA batteries (not included); NiMH or lithium recommended High-sensitivity GPS receiver Weighs 5.3 oz with batteries Fits perfectly in your pocket Scorecard review allows you to save and review scores on your computer Conforms to USGA/R&A rules Approach G3 GPS: Display: 160 x 240 pix Display type: Transflective color TFT touchscreen USB cable included Comes with quick start manual and belt clip Weight: 5.3 oz Size: 3.9"H x 2.2"W x 1.3"D Unlimited course capacity Minimum System Requirements* The device is pre-loaded Internet connection is required to communicate with the Garmin server and download applicable Unit Software updates 12,000+ Preloaded Course Maps And Growing!

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Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I felt compelled to write a review, because I am disturbed with what some other reviewers are publishing. This is the best watch of it's kind I have owned, and as long as a purchaser understands what it does, and it's limitations, I think they will be more than satisfied. It may be that this watch will not meet their needs, but it should not be a cause to deliver a poor rating.
I have owned the Forerunner 305, the 201, the Timex GPS and a Polar, so I have years of experience. Since I do triathlons, I was most looking forward to the waterproof controls, and 20 hour battery. The charger is a bit funky design, but for me it seems to work just fine. My battery has been lasting at least 16 hours--I haven't tested it further before recharging. One issue that I had with the 305 also, though: the watch should be TURNED OFF while you are charging. If not, as soon as you disconnect the charger, since the watch is ON, it will start "discharging" (as it does normally while it is on. I have been caught several times with a depleted battery on my 305 because of this quirk--I think the watches should be programmed to automatically turn themselves off when the charger is connected).
I have used the new watch swimming, biking and running and hiking, and I am pleased with the performance for each sport. One reviewer pointed out that there should be a "swim" mode--I agree, but I think Garmin may have avoided that mode because the GPS does not work well in the water. Several reviewers complained about that, however Garmin does write on their website AND in their manual that the GPS does not work well in the water (I don't know that I would blame that on Garmin--probably the technology is just not there yet--besides, GPS signals do not penetrate water.) In fact, I did NOT get an accurate GPS distance reading for open water swimming, but it did map my COURSE correctly, albeit with a lot of zig-zags (I know I can't swim in a straight line, but I am not THAT bad).
The biking portion works great. The Garmin matches pretty closely with the distance measured on my bike computer (I don't have the Garmin bike sensor--I want that and the quick-release mount for my next birthday). Of course it also tracks speed, altitude, heart rate, etc. (I used the heart monitor strap from my 305).
Running works well also, basically same as biking although I do set up the display screens differently.
Other, useful new features I have noticed:
1. The watch locks onto satellites more quickly than my 305
2. The watch vibrates, although I wonder how this affects battery life. For instance it vibrates every lap (if I set it) so I know I have completed an autolap without having to look at the watch.
3. The software is more refined (lots of small fixes. For instance the settings function lets me know what sport mode I am in--although I think this could still be made easier and less confusing. And the time zone can be put on automatic--I always wondered why they couldn't do this before--the watch knows where it is for gosh sakes. And there are extra custom screens if you want them--statistic hounds take note.)
4. Wireless data upload. Very nice! Their new "Garmin Connect" site is also pretty useful, and the data can be uploaded directly to the Internet.
5. The 310XT is not much smaller or lighter than the 305 (according to the specs), but it FEELS MUCH smaller and lighter.
6. There is a progress bar for the battery charging. I would like to be able to see how much time is LEFT in my battery--I wish Garmin would add this.

In summary, I think this is far and away the best GPS watch Garmin has made, and is especially appropriate for triathletes (despite the swimming issue). You DO need to become accustomed to using the watch. Although I do not think it is hard to use, you SHOULD read the manual. At least you do not have to keep RE-reading the manual like I do for some other gadgets. I do think this watch is way overpriced, but I am a gadget freak, and I'm sure the price will come down over time, like it did for the 305 (which is a great deal, now, btw, if you don't need a 20 hour battery-life and a waterproof stopwatch :)

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Product Description:
Finally, a GPS-enabled training device that isn't afraid of the water. The rugged Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete's indispensable training tool--a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate (optional), and goes from wrist to bike in seconds.
A GPS-enabled training device that isn't afraid of the water.
Track bike and run data and send it wirelessly to your computer. Click to enlarge.
Tracks distance, pace and heart rate. Click to enlarge.
Time Your Swim
The swim-proof Forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim. And its slim design and flexible wristband mean Forerunner is easy to wear in any conditions.
Transition Effortlessly
When you're ready to jump out of the water and onto the bike, Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. Forerunner 310XT categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process, so you can analyze your performance from start to finish.
Collect Workout Data
Forerunner 310XT tracks your position precisely with GPS satellite data and records distance, pace, heart rate (optional), power data (from ANT+-enabled third-party power meters) and more. High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix satellite prediction mean Forerunner acquires satellites quickly and tracks your movement even near tall buildings or under tree cover. And using innovative ANT+ wireless technology, Forerunner 310XT connects seamlessly to an optional heart rate monitor, foot pod and cadence sensor.
Heart Rate Monitor Bundle
This bundle includes the optional wireless heart rate monitor. Forerunner 310XT continuously tracks beats per minute and uses heart rate data in advanced calorie computation. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve fitness and monitor your level of exertion.
Run, Sync, Store and Share
Once you've logged the miles, innovative ANT+ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect or our optional Garmin Training Center software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner.
What's in the Box
Forerunner 310XT, USB ANT stick, AC charger, Charging clip, Owner's manual on disk, Quick start guide, Heart Rate Monitor

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Garmin Oregon 550 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After using the 550t for several weeks, I find the unit good but not perfect. It still has some issues, one of which I have been in touch with Garmin over. The main issue I have is it will periodically corrupt the track file and stop showing the tracks on the map or allowing for elevation plots on the tracks. The only way to clear it is to attach the unit to a computer and replace the track file with a new one from the computer.
The compass sometimes loses it's way and needs to be recalibrated.
I have not had an issue with the accuracy under tree cover, that some have reported, but I have had a few tracks that were not 100% accurate. Walking on known roads, it will be several 100 feet off in some cases. I am not sure if this is an issue with the preloaded Topo 2008 maps, or the unit's accuracy.
I love the camera and the tagging of each photo.
For a new unit, it is not bad, but it still shows a few rough edges.

Just an update - After comparing the tracks for accuracy, I found it was the 2008 Topo maps that were off. When superimposed over the City Navigator NT 2009 Street maps, the 550t was dead on. So the accuracy concerns I have are shifted from the 550t itself to the topo maps it comes loaded with.

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Product Description:
The navigator with the photographic memory--Oregon 550 combines rugged outdoor touchscreen navigation with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera. Add high-sensitivity GPS, barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass and microSD card slot. The result? A multipurpose device that will make your biggest adventures even more memorable.
Oregon 550 combines rugged outdoor touchscreen navigation with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera. Click to enlarge.


3.2 megapixel autofocus digital camera with 4x digital zoom. Click to enlarge.


Preloaded with a worldwide built-in basemap with shaded relief. Click to enlarge.


3-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable, color touchscreen display. Click to enlarge.


Take Pictures and Save Locations
Capture locations and memories with Oregon 550's 3.2 megapixel autofocus digital camera with 4x digital zoom. Each photo is automatically geotagged with the location of where it was taken, allowing you to navigate back to that exact spot in the future. Snap and view pictures in landscape or portrait orientation. With 850 MB of internal memory, you'll never miss a photo opportunity. To store online, simply connect Oregon 550 via USB and log into my.Garmin.com to upload and store your photos at Picasa, a popular online photo sharing community for friends and families around the world. For more storage, insert a microSD card; you can even view pictures from other devices on microSD with Oregon's picture viewer.


Touch and Go
Oregon 550 makes rugged navigation effortless with a tough, 3-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable, color touchscreen display. The interface is easy to use, so you'll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. Both durable and waterproof, Oregon 550 is built to withstand the elements. Bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water are no match for this rugged navigator.


Get Your Bearings
Oregon 550 has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows your heading even when you're standing still, without holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you can even use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions. And with its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix satellite prediction, Oregon 550 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.


Add Maps
Oregon 550 comes preloaded with a worldwide built-in basemap with shaded relief. Adding even more detail is easy: just insert a MapSource microSD card preloaded with detailed maps. Oregon can accept a variety of maps for any navigational need. Add detailed street maps to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Add select topographic maps to take advantage of Oregon's 3-D maps and elevation detail. Or add BlueChart g2 maps, which provide everything you need for a great day on the water, including depth contours, navaids and harbors.


Find Fun
Go paperless with Oregon 550 by quickly downloading information from Geocaching.com for up to 5000 caches, such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description. No more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs. Slim and lightweight, Oregon is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.


Share Wirelessly
With Oregon 550 you can share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly other Oregon and Colorado users. Now you can send your favorite route to a friend to enjoy or the location of a cache to find. Sharing data is easy. Just touch "send" to transfer your information to similar devices.


What's in the Box
Oregon 550, AA battery charger, 2 AA NiMH batteries, carabiner clip, USB cable, owner's manual on disk, and quick start manual

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Garmin Approach G5 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned a SkyCaddie SG3 for some time and, weary of its annual fees, glacial operating speed, and pedestrian display, I decided to go color. I purchased the Garmin Approach G5, but its display is very difficult to see in normal outdoor conditions. So I also purchased the Callaway uPro. I played an entire round on my home course, with all three GPS units mounted on the cart. My findings:

Build quality: All three units are rugged, with great fit-and-finish. The Garmin gets the nod, because it's waterproof. The Callaway is water-resistant, and you can purchase a watertight skin for an outrageous $24.99 to protect it further. The SkyCaddie is not recommended for use in the rain.

Size: The Callaway uPro is the smallest and thinnest, about the size of an LG Chocolate phone. The SG3 is similar height and width to the uPro, but much thicker and heavier. The biggest of all is the Garmin, the size of an iPhone and four times as thick. It's wide, heavy, and not good for the pocket.

Accuracy: The three units properly mapped my home course, agreeing on nearly all distances (within 6 yards of each other) and hazards.

GPS acquisition: The old-technology SG3 takes forever to acquire GPS, sometimes more than five minutes. Both the Garmin and the uPro acquire satellites almost instantly. The uPro has technology that, once it locks onto satellites, it really keeps them. After locking on, I took the unit indoors, and even put it in my pants pocket. It never had to re-acquire. Advantage: uPro.

Getting courses: The Garmin wins handily. All 10,000+ availablecourses come preloaded in its 1GB memory. No annual fees, no paid memberships. The Garmin Approach G5 offered every course I cared to search. Of course, your mileage may vary.

To make the most of your SkyCaddie, you need to pay for an annual membership on their website, and download courses individually. Some SkyCaddie memberships allow you to download as many courses as you want from all over the world...however, the unit's paltry memory will only hold a few at a time. The uPro also requires that you sign up on their website (no annual memberships, though). With the uPro, Basic Mode (an alphanumeric color screen that resembles that of a SkyCaddie) is free for unlimited courses. For Pro Mode (the nifty aerial photography view of each course) you pay for only the courses you wish to play, a la carte. Your first Pro Mode course is free.

Information: All units show distances to the front/middle/back of greens. The SG3 also shows hazards on the same screen, but it doesn't give you hazard carry distances, like the uPro does. The Garmin shows the entire hole, including hazards. But showing the entire hole means that the illustrations of hazards are tiny, as is the accompanying yardage text. Coupled with the Garmin's dim display, it's pretty useless. Curiously, the Garmin apparently doesn't consider trees to be obstacles, so they're not represented at all on the graphical display. The uPro (in Pro Mode) shows every tree and hazard - in fact, the entire hole, as photographed from satellite. It's like viewing my actual course (including my house!) from above. There's absolutely nothing like it.

On the home screen, both the SG3 and the uPro also give you the time of day, battery strength, and GPS signal strength. The Garmin gives you none of the above. You need to briefly press the power button to see the time. It also shows a battery icon, but that never moved during my round.

Battery: The Garmin and SG3 both take AA batteries, whether alkaline, NiMh rechargeable, or lithium ion. With any AA type, both units easily complete at least two rounds. The uPro uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Unlike SkyCaddie models that use internal lithium ion batteries, which are a real horror show to replace (SkyCaddie recommends you send the unit back), the Callaway uPro battery easily drops in. Callaway says it takes three hours to charge, but it didn't take me anywhere near that long. UPro battery life is 6-12 hours, depending on how bright you set the display's backlight. With my display settings (see Display, below), I easily completed a round with plenty to spare. As far as battery preferences go: For some, constantly recharging and changing out AAs is a grind. For others, recharging (and eventually, re-purchasing) internal lithium-ion batteries ($27 for the uPro) is just as bad, especially considering that the battery can leave you high and dry mid-round if you forget to charge it the night before. To each his own.

Display: The SG3 is monochrome, so it doesn't stand a chance. Its display is dim and boring, but it does give you a button on the side for a backlight. The screen sizes on the SG3 and uPro are nearly identical. The Garmin's touchscreen display is nearly iPhone-big, and drop-dead gorgeous...when you're at home. Take it outside, and it washes out to the point of uselessness. Worse yet, to save power, the display times out a few seconds after you touch it, making it even dimmer. You touch the screen to wake it up, but when you touch the screen, the unit thinks you want to measure a distance, so the measurement feature pops up. You need to hit the "Done" button to exit that. There's no way to increase the screen timeout or disable the screen dimming feature. Also, since the Garmin is a touchscreen, it's a massive fingerprint magnet, so it only looks pretty for the first hole. The uPro wins the display contest handily, with a bright and functional screen. You can play two ways: graphically (Pro Mode), showing the course via aerial photography, or with big, bright alphanumeric text (Basic Mode). Since golf courses have very low contrast (lots of green color and not much else), I defaulted to the Basic Mode for easy readability. For the aerial view, you can always hit the Pro Mode button on the side of the unit, as it's much more useful around the green. The uPro's default setting is to power-save the display after (I think) 45 seconds. Unlike the Garmin, which dims its display, the uPro goes blank until you hit a button, which is an enormous buzzkill.Fortunately, you can get around this. You can change to a longer timeout, or disable standby altogether. As the uPro has a very bright display, what I did was take the backlight down to 25% (from a default 70%), and disabled standby completely. I easily completed a round with plenty of battery life to spare this way. The uPro and the Garmin use a reflective LCD technology that actually makes the display brighter in direct sunlight. The uPro's version of this technology worked far better than the Garmin's. The only time the Garmin display looked remotely readable was when you aimed it directly at the sun.

Just for fun, I took along my iPod Touch 2G, to compare all the displays outdoors. I figured that the iPod's conventional LCD wouldn't compete with the reflective technology of the Garmin and the uPro. Wrong. The iPod destroyed both of them. It wasn't even close. So, if you have an iPhone (the iPod Touch won't do GPS), you may want to look into the golf GPS apps at the App Store. If you do decide to use an iPhone, just remember, it won't stand up to being dropped, kicked, and tossed around like these three ruggedized units, and it for sure ain't the least bit water-resistant.

Hole-to-Hole: The simpler SkyCaddie wins here. It automatically advances to the next hole. If there's any confusion (you're playing past the current hole, for example), it'll ask you if you want to move to the next hole. If you're starting on Number 10, for example, the SkyCaddie makes that selection easier as well, with a grid from which you can select holes via cursor. The Callaway Auto Hole Advance is kind of a drag. If you're anywhere near the green, Auto-Advance jumps to the next hole. You can't measure your 40-yard pitch to the current green. And when they say Auto, they mean Auto. In Auto-Advance mode, there's no way to back up to the current hole, or any previous hole, for that matter. The only way out is to go to either Manual Advance, or Manual Advance With Prompt (it asks you to press the center button to advance). Hitting a button on each hole is tedious. The Garmin Auto-Advances sequentially, but if you jump around (skipping a couple of holes to get around slow play), you need to touch the screen arrows for each hole advance.

Settings: The Garmin gives you almost nothing to customize, as it is both very intelligently designed and extremely automated. It would have been nice to be able to crank the screen brightness, or at least extend the timeout. Both the SG3 and the uPro give you a host of settings to mess with, including screen brightness (contrast only with the SG3), hole advance preferences, and much more.

Cost of ownership: The Garmin and uPro are color, so they're not cheap. If you want to compare apples to apples, you could go to the color SkyCaddie SG5, but be advised that the SG3, SG4, and SG5 are virtually identical in functionality, screen size - basically, EVERYTHING - so you're paying almost $150 more for color alone, which is the cost of a whole 20-inch color TV. (My SG3 is discontinued, so now I'm quoting price from the replacement SG4.) Couple that with the amazing wow factor of both the Garmin and the uPro, and the top-of-the-line color SkyCaddie SG5 is a terrible deal. To the SkyCaddie's cost of ownership, add their totally outrageous annual membership fees. SkyCaddie also charges ridiculous sums of money for stuff like plastic cart mounts and batteries. The Garmin wins here, hands-down, with all available courses preloaded into memory. No fees whatsoever! For accessories, RAM Mounts makes a rock-solid, relatively reasonably-priced cart mount for the Garmin. The uPro, while not requiring you to pay for a membership, makes you download each course...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Approach G5 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld

Product Description:
Give your game a boost of confidence with Garmin's Approach G5, a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf GPS packed with thousands of pre-loaded golf course maps. Approach uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact yardage to fairways, hazards, and greens.
Give your golf game a boost of confidence with the Approach G5.


Eliminate guesswork from your game by keeping score digitally, getting accurate yardage readings, and more. (Click images to enlarge.)


Built for Golfers
Weighing in at just 6.8 ounces with batteries and boasting a transflective color 3-inch touchscreen, the Approach is your featherweight fairway guide regardless of the lighting conditions. IPX7 waterproofing means that the device can withstand accidental immersion as well--but thankfully, you'll be avoiding water hazards, of course.


Eliminate the Guesswork
The Approach displays and updates your exact position on stunningly detailed, preloaded course maps throughout the United States. Click to see Garmin's current Approach G5 course listing. Approach's highly sensitive GPS receiver pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move, Approach automatically updates your position, so you'll always know your yardage. There's no subscription or setup fees, and Approach is compliant with USGA rules.


Touch Your Target
Need to measure distances for your next shot? Touch any point on the sunlight-readable display, and Approach shows the precise distance to that exact spot--fairway; hazard; landing area; or the front, middle, and back of the green.


Get on the Green
Zero in on the pin with Approach's Green View. Just tap the flag on the map to zoom in on the green--then you can drag the flag to position it where you see it, giving you more accurate yardage.


Keep Score Digitally
Approach doubles as a digital scorecard for your foursome. After the game, you can save and review the scores on your computer at home.


Add More Courses
Garmin is constantly adding more courses to their map data, as well as updating and improving their course maps for Approach G5. Download the latest courses from Garmin.com.


What's in the Box
Approach G5, belt clip, USB cable, quick start manual


NOTE: You can now update your Approach G5 with new stat tracking software that records putts per round, fairways hit and greens in regulation. It also tracks club distance averages and is still incredibly easy to use. Go to www.garmin.com/golf to receive this free software update for your Approach G5.

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Water Resistant Running GPS With USB ANT Stick (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been training with the Garmin 405 for a year now and love it. Given the mixed reviews here, I was apprehensive about getting it, but it really is a great training device.

Out of the box, it's quite good. After configuring it and just getting used to the way it works, it's much better. For example, mine is set to auto lap every kilometer and I mostly use a custom view with lap pace, heart rate and total distance. Interval Workouts are also very handy and easy to set up. The possibilities are endless.

The bezel takes some getting used to, but once you have configured the views, you simply leave it alone while running or tap with the middle of your finger (works better than the fingertip for whatever reason) to change views. You can lock the view by pushing both side buttons at the same time. This keeps it from switching views and beeping madly when wet or from bumping your shirt sleeve.

As I've progressed as a runner - first marathon in 2008, 3:52 at 41 years old - I've tried a variety of watches. First, a Timex Ironman, which I loved, but no Heart Monitor. Then a Timex Heart Monitor which I used with the Ironman (for the 100 lap memory). The Timex watches were stolen so next, a Nike Heart Monitor with the Nike+ Sports Band and Foot Pod, which looks cool but is not very accurate, even calibrated. Changes in speed, hills, etc. will affect the accuracy of any foot pod system. Once calibrated, it tended to be about 3-5% off.

Now, the Garmin 405. Likes:

1. Normal size - Unlike the 305, which I would not wear, the 405 is a regular watch. I wear it all the time.

2. Everything in one device - HR, pace, distance, elevation, laps.

3. Pace - I thought the whole GPS thing might be a bit too high-tech for a guy who loves the simplicity of running, but it is very, very nice to know your pace as you run. I use Hal Higdon's training plans, which call for all kinds of runs, with warm-ups, intervals, tempo intervals, pace segments, etc. The pace feature makes doing these workouts possible without having a coach at your side.

4. GPS frees you from mapping out your route. You just run until it shows your distance is done. The Garmin Connect site then shows your map. This doesn't sound so amazing, but it is very liberating. You just run wherever you want, explore your neighborhood, whatever. It transforms city running.

5. Auto laps. Great feature. Records all your details (time, HR, pace) for each lap automatically. You can review on the watch or on Garmin Connect.

6. The Garmin Connect website is very good and continually improving, with new features every couple of months.

7. The data seems pretty accurate, based on a track workout. In a recent 10K race, it recorded 10.2K, but some of that variation is certainly due to my weaving among the crowd. All GPS devices have a margin of error.

Dislikes:

1. Battery life - with GPS enabled, it needs a charge every couple of days to avoid the dreaded "low battery" warning in the middle of a workout.

2. The USB stick for wireless transfer. It works, but Nike does it better. The Nike+ pop-out USB stick is a much simpler way to transfer data to the computer and a much better way to keep from losing the USB part.

3. It can take a couple of minutes to find satellites and loses accuracy in bad weather. This is probably true of any GPS device.

4. You need the foot pod to record distance indoors. One more piece of gear (and not cheap). I didn't buy it. It would be great to be able to manually add the distance to a workout on Garmin Connect.

All in all, the Garmin 405 is an incredible training device. It is the best choice in the market. Nothing comes close to it. 5 stars.

I hope you find this helpful.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Forerunner 405 Water Resistant Running GPS With USB ANT Stick (Black)

Product Description:
With the Forerunner 405, Garmin has finally put thepower of GPS location-based date into a sleek sport watch that can be worn all day. Runners no longer have to choose between function and fashion. Garmin's ANT + Sport wireless platform that wirelessly sends your data to your computer and a touch bezel that lets you change screens with a simple tap (no more fumbling for buttons) run make this not just a leap forward in GPS-enabled fitness devices, but in training devices period. Forerunner 405 comes in two color options - black or green.

The Power Of Location-Based Data
Anyone who has used Garmin's Forerunner 205 or 305 already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, ran fastest (or most slowly), and lets you tailor your workouts to improve for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. It gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your run.





Forerunner 405 comes in two color options - black or green
Train with a virtual partner
Watch Results
Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved.


The high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you're tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it the ultimate year-round, all-weather training tool.


Forerunner 405 is available with or without a heart rate monitor (see the versions tab) to help you make the most out of your training. Versions with a digital heart rate monitor continuously track heart beats per minute. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run.


The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner. The Forerunner 405 makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner's pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge.


Run, Sync, Store and Share
One of Garmin's most ambitious decisions has been to approach fitness devices as a total platform with their "ANT + Sport" connectivity system. All of Garmin's new fitness devices, including the Forerunner 405, Edge 605 and 705 bike computers, and Forerunner 50 heart rate monitor watches, will interface wirelessly with any devices that are compatible wiht the "ANT + Sport" protocol, including devices from other manufacturers.


Once you've logged the miles, the ANT+Sport wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect or optional Garmin Training Center software. You can wirelessly send workouts from your computer to Forerunner, too.


Share Wirelessly
With Forerunner 405 you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Now you can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend's recorded course. Sharing data is easy. Just select "transfer" to send your information to nearby units.


Cross-Train
Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when a GPS signal is unavailable. This new design clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. You can also add a speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts.


Be Part of A Community
In 2007, Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users. With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing.


You can also upload to optional Garmin Training Center software for further analysis. Garmin Training Center stores large quanities of workout and ride data. Some of the things you can do are

Review your workout data, including pace/speed, distance, time, calories burned; and if available, heart rate, cadence and detailed elevation.
View a detailed graph of your workout data, plotted over time or distance.
View a map of your workout that shows the exact path you traveled.
Categorize your workout history according to type of activity.
Review previous workouts, which are saved by day and week.
Create customized workouts with specific goals and rest intervals. Then send them to your fitness device.*
Schedule workouts for a specific day with calendar.
Get custom workout templates designed by the experts at TrainingPeaks.com

What's In The Box
Forerunner 405, USB ANT stick, AC adapter, Charging clip, Owner's manual, Quick reference guide

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